Book excerpt: After 14 years of decline, cities across the nation are reporting spikes in crime rates, which many law enforcement officials attribute to decreased federal spending on crime prevention and more juveniles becoming involved in violent crimes. This report highlights the "after-school" gap: 20-25 hours per week that children are out of school while most parents are at work, noting that teens who do not participate in after-school programs are nearly three time more likely than participants to skip classes at school, use drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, and to engage in sexual activity. After-school programs: (1) provide a safe haven that keeps kids away from violence; (2) provide alternatives to gangs and street life, allowing kids to develop new skills and interact positively with peers; (3) offer youth hope and opportunities, offsetting the sense of nihilism that can cause youth to turn to crime; and (4) Contribute to economic opportunity by providing academic support and job skills. Comments of law enforcement officials from cities in California, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma and Virginia are highlighted. The report concludes that it may be too soon to determine whether the recent spike in youth crime is the start of a rising trend, but the nation must declare youth crime unacceptable and demand more support for children and youth. Investing in quality after-school programs for communities where more than 14 million children and youth have no safe place to go after school that offers the enrichment or recreational activities they need to succeed is necessary to prevent young people from committing and/or becoming victims of crime. (Contains 24 endnotes.).