DeKalb County launches $250,000 youth violence prevention effort after Stone Mountain killings, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/dekalb-county-launches-250000-youth-violence-prevention-effort-after-stone-mountain-killings/)

Following a tragic shooting in Stone Mountain that left two boys dead, DeKalb County leaders announced a $250,000 initiative aimed at curbing youth violence by teaching students emotional regulation, decision-making, and conflict management.

The initiative follows the deaths of 11-year-old Jamarion Rolay and 12-year-old Jaki Clark, who were shot and killed in Stone Mountain. Two women, ages 19 and 37, were also injured in the incident. Police arrested 18-year-old Julian Ellis in connection with the crime, charging him with two counts of felony murder and six counts of aggravated assault. DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Patrick emphasized that no disagreement justifies gun violence, especially when it costs the lives of children.

• Core Curriculum: The newly introduced initiative, titled Education to Empowerment, features a 12-week in-school curriculum designed for students in grades 6 through 12. It emphasizes conflict resolution, behavior regulation, emotional intelligence, and leadership.

• Timeline: While announced shortly after the shooting, county officials stated the program had been in development for about a year.

• Targeting: The DeKalb County Human Services department will evaluate youth and crime data to focus the program primarily on schools facing higher incidents of crime and violence.

• Broader Reach: In addition to classroom instruction, the effort will incorporate school assemblies, town hall meetings, parent engagement programs, and dedicated support for families impacted by violence.

The county is also collaborating with local organizations already engaged with youth. Among them is Be Someone, founded by Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, a former state trooper who uses chess to teach students how to pause, think ahead, and evaluate the consequences of their actions before acting on impulse.

County leadership stressed that curbing youth violence cannot rely solely on police enforcement, but requires active coordination among schools, local government, families, and community mentors.