This survey is being used to gather community feedback and perspectives to help inform the development of a proposed Office of Neighborhood & Youth Safety (ONYS) in Charleston County. The vision for ONYS is to create a more coordinated, community-centered approach to violence prevention, youth support, and neighborhood safety by strengthening collaboration between residents, schools, public agencies, nonprofits, mental health providers, and other community partners.

This effort is being led by the Charleston County Juvenile Justice Innovation Network (JJIN) Task Force, a cross-sector group working to identify long-term solutions to youth violence and system fragmentation across the county. Feedback collected through this survey and related listening sessions will help shape the priorities, structure, and recommendations included in a formal proposal to Charleston County Council. Your voice, lived experiences, and ideas are an important part of this process.

Questions regarding the purpose or procedures of the research should be directed to Jerome Smalls at smallsj@charleston-sc.gov.

1.When you think about youth violence or neighborhood safety in your community, what do you believe people in power are still missing or misunderstanding?

2.If Charleston County created an Office of Neighborhood & Youth Safety, what would you need to see from it for you to believe it’s actually helping — not just another government initiative?

3.What are the biggest barriers preventing young people in this community from feeling safe, supported, and connected to opportunity?

4.Where do you feel systems are failing to work together right now — whether that’s schools, law enforcement, nonprofits, mental health services, courts, or community groups?

5.What role should community members themselves play in shaping solutions to violence and neighborhood safety?

6.What is your current residential zip code?

7.Are you interested in providing your contact information for further follow-up?

Yes

No