Youth crimes and violence are【C1】_____out of the headlines. We are all shocked【C2】__another young person is【C3】__on our streets. And each of these personal tragedies【C4】__wider social problems that we are a long way from solving. For a college community, nothing is【C5】_____terrible than the death of a student. And every grieving family or devastated friend is an urgent plea for us to do something. We need to avoid simplistic or knee-jerk responses.

This complex problem can’t be【C6】_____to a single cause and won’t be【C7】__with a single solution. Contributory【C8】__include poverty and inequality; drugs; knife-carrying; the【C9】_____of guns; mental health issues; and the lack of constructive alternatives.

So what can be done? There are no quick【C10】_____. This is a national problem that requires action at every 【C11】__of society. Young people need to be at the heart of any response, and colleges can help to【C12】__them. For example, the Student Commission on Knife Crime in London has【C13】__an impressive manifesto for change. Adults need to be【C14】__in young people’s lives. We cannot give【C15】__anyone. Those drawn into criminality or violence are also victims. They need support to【C16】__a way out and start making a positive contribution. We must also【C17】__in young people. Over the past decade, public spending on youth provision has been【C18】__cut. With more resources, we could show young people that they are a precious and valued part of society,【C19】__a problem to be managed. Colleges and schools have a role to play in a coordinated multi-agency response—one that is long-term and【C20】_____.

【C15】