INDIANAPOLIS – City officials and community partners recentl announced the launch of the Youth Violence Reduction Initiative (YVRI). This effort leverages the successful model of the Mayor’s Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS) and applies it toward the safety and wellbeing of our city’s young people.
The City partnered with NICJR in 2021 to assess the state of violence in the city, leading to the launch of the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy in 2022. Indianapolis has seen a more than 62% reduction in criminal homicides and 48% reduction in nonfatal shooting incidents year to date since 2021. That strategy — which focused on 18- to 35-year-olds — now expands to those 17 and younger with the Youth Violence Reduction Initiative.
YVRI is a targeted, partnership-driven effort focused on youth who are most at risk of becoming involved in violence. It connects young people with mentoring, life coaching, therapy, and family support with an aim to reduce violence, improve school engagement, and strengthen connections to positive influences in their lives. The initiative entered a pilot phase in 2025. Within the first two weeks of the pilot, connections were made with 18 of the 25 individuals identified. Since the start of the pilot, IMPD has referred 39 young people to the program, with nearly 60% of youth agreeing to services with community partners.
Services offered include school reengagement and credit recovery, youth mentoring, individual and family therapy services, housing supports, parent engagement, and more. Along with VOICES, community partners including New B.O.Y., Inner Beauty, and Vantage Point, who work with youth as part of the program.
The Connection Center is another key piece of this effort. It is designed to be activated during key weekends and events when more youth are expected downtown, ensuring there is a proactive plan in place to support young people in real time. IMPD, in partnership with OPHS and several community organizations, will once again activate the Connection Center during Final Four weekend. If a juvenile is found in violation of curfew, the Connection Center will provide a safe and supportive space where they can be connected with trusted partners offering resources, food, and support services.