Youth Services
The Virginia Beach Police Department created the Youth Services Unit in January 2023 to better serve our city’s youth population.
The Virginia Beach Police Department created the Youth Services Unit in January 2023 to better serve our city’s youth population.
The Youth Services Unit oversees all youth-related programs and outreach efforts, including the School Resource Officer Program and other school programs, mentorship and outreach initiatives, internships, and employment opportunities.
The VBPD Youth Services Unit is hosting a free Parent and Youth Resource Expo on Nov. 16, 2024 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Training Academy. The expo is for parents and kids of all ages and will give attendees access to a wide range of information of resources, services, and information.
Free classes, scenarios, and demonstrations are available. Food truck vendors will be on site.
Learn More & RegisterVBPD works closely with faculty and staff from Virginia Beach’s Public Schools.
Mentoring young people and fostering positive relationships with youths is a critical mission of the Youth Services Unit.
The Youth Services Unit offers multiple internship and part-time employment opportunities to eligible youths.
The Youth Services Unit offers multiple camps in the summer to give young people chances to interact directly with police officers in positive environments.
The juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate and educate juveniles, helping them learn from their experience and avoid future contact with the justice system. This is accomplished by addressing the offense committed, needs of the juvenile, and treatment options. The desires of the victim are also taken into consideration by the Court Services Unit and Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judges. Since secured detention is intended for the most serious offenders, there are alternatives to detention, including diversion options.
If a juvenile enters the juvenile justice system through police contact, a decision is made whether to counsel and release the juvenile or to make an arrest. If a parent or citizen is making the complaint, they will need to go to Juvenile Intake to complete the required paperwork. The Court Services Unit makes the decision, in collaboration with the complainant and victim, whether to take informal action, file a petition, or take no action at all. Once a petition has been filed, an intake officer assesses if the juvenile should be detained or released to his or her parent(s)/guardian(s). The decision is based on several factors, including the offense committed, the juvenile’s criminal record and use of weapons.
When a report is filed with the Virginia Beach Police Department, the paperwork is forwarded to the Virginia Beach Court Services Unit for processing. Cases can be handled in several ways. Victims can choose from the following options:
The VBPD Victim Advocate can be contacted by calling (757) 385-4101. Additionally, victims can view a list of various resources on the Commonwealth’s Attorney website.
A child in need of services or supervision (CHINS) may qualify for a CHINS petition if they meet the criteria outlined in the Virginia State Code. Examples of CHINS issues include curfew violations, truancy and running away. Please note that a CHINS petition is not automatically issued if a child runs away several times, as other are criteria required.
For additional information, call the Virginia Beach Court Services Unit at (757) 385-4361 or visit their website.
Parents and guardians are strongly discouraged from attempting to obtain a CHINS petition without first calling the Virginia Beach Court Services Unit at the phone number listed above.
Nearly 1,300 children die from shootings each year and firearm-related injuries have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for children and teens. Adolescents are at a higher risk for suicide when there is a gun in the home since impulses and emotions can cloud their judgment. Younger children are fast and curious, and even a young child can pull the trigger on a firearm.
Parents should teach their children about firearms and answer any questions they may have. Younger children may not understand that gun use and violence seen on television and in video games are not real, so parents should discuss that topic with their children.
In the event a child finds a firearm, teach them to:
Firearm owners need to ensure their firearms are unloaded and secured in a safe or gun box and the key is hidden. The safe combination and/or location of the key should be changed frequently. Additionally, ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm. Children will climb and search, so storing a firearm in a drawer or on a high shelf is not safe or effective.
If a safe or gun box is not an option, a cable gun lock is a great alternative. Firearm owners can obtain cable gun locks, free of charge, from any Virginia Beach Police precinct. Additionally, free gun locks are available from VBPD display tables at many community events.
Parents may also want to consider using existing parental settings or installing a parental app on their child’s cell phone to restrict access to certain content and limit with whom their child communicates. Teens need to understand the potential risks and legal consequences associated with sharing obscene photographs and/or videos of themselves or others.
The City of Virginia Beach is surrounded by water and full of fun activities for children of all ages. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death while enjoying these activities, parents should discuss the following safety tips with their children:
YCAT is a community coalition that promotes healthy living through awareness and education. The group meets monthly and focuses on various topics, including substance abuse, mental health, suicide awareness/prevention, and gun safety. They can be contacted by calling (757) 385-0803.