George Pelacanos, DC crime novelist and former HBO’s The Wire writer, and Vincent Schiraldi, head of D.C.’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services appeared on the Kojo Nnamdi show on WAMU 88.5 fm DC radio today to discuss youth violence, its protrayal in the media, and some of the myths associated with the problem.

Schiraldi was convinced that more juveniles are committing crimes than are caught or documented, and that we should look at the causes rather than focus all attention on the punishment end. He indicated that good parenting is crucial to give kids the opportunity to succeed.

Pelacanos stressed the importance of male role models, and how the offenders he has visited in juvenile justice facilities have had this missing in their lives. Schiraldi mentioned the importance of opportunities, and how kids in rougher neighborhoods aren’t afforded the same ones.

A caller who came from broken home contested the guests, and said that despite his disadvantage background he had acheived in life and that we are making too many excuses for this generation’s juvenile offenders.

Pelacanos said that once a juvenile offender is locked up, rehabilitation needs to begin and that further punishment while incarcarated is counterproductive. He was impressed with what Schiraldi is doing to keep juveniles from becoming life-long wards of the criminal justice system.

Another caller had a great point – there are many successful rehabilitation stories that are never told. I’d say this is especially true in Baltimore City -Can you remember a story of a juvenile offender who had turned his life around?

I’m not one to focus on happy feel-good stories when there are glaring social problems affecting the city, but it sometimes can seem that there are more avenues for lamenting the failures of our young people than for celebrating their victories.

Listen to the segment here.