Melissa Roberto

Capstone Project: Utilizing Early Intervention and Restorative Practices to Prevent youth Violence: Connecticut’s largest cities have felt the devastating impacts of youth gun violence. In Bridgeport alone, there have been over 100 shooting victims to date. Young people in Bridgeport have been caught with firearms and high-capacity magazines. Juveniles have used guns in the commission of serious crimes, including murder, robberies, and assaults. The negative impact of gun violence has a tremendous negative impact on the community where it occurs. Neighborhoods feel unsafe, and this extends into the school environment. As a state, we need to do more to identify and prevent youth from becoming perpetrators or possible victims of gun violence.