On July 29, 2004, federal officials traveled to Sugar Land, TX, to join students, parents, teachers, school officials, and other community members in a “back-to-school” town hall meeting on the community’s problems with illegal drug use and disruptive rivalries among middle and high school youth. OJJDP Administrator J. Robert Flores and White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters participated in the meeting, which was sponsored by Sugar Land’s congressional representative, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Administrator Flores noted that although the number of violent crimes committed by youth is decreasing, the types of crimes are becoming more violent. Flores challenged the parents at the meeting to take an active interest in their children’s lives and prevent them from falling into criminal behavior such as gang activity. He said, “Children today are so disconnected. They are desperately looking to belong. The gang situation today is really about connection.”

Director Walters noted that fewer teens are using drugs but that experimentation is beginning at a younger age. He added, “Today, the short period from experimentation to dangerous behavior is decreasing.”

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Director John Walters, and OJJDP Administrator J. Robert Flores discuss youth issues with Sugar Land, TX, residents.