Okla. Stat. tit. 10, § 10-601.62

A. The Legislature recognizes that the economic cost of crime

to the state and communities within this state continues to drain

existing resources, and the cost to victims, both economic and

psychological, is traumatic and tragic.

1. Recognizing that many adults in the criminal justice system

were once delinquents in the juvenile justice system, the

Legislature also recognizes that the most effective crime and

delinquency prevention programs are programs that not only provide

Oklahoma Statutes - Title 10. Children Page 159

children and youth with positive activities, opportunities and

successes, but also meet local community needs and have substantial

community involvement and support.

2. It is the belief of the Legislature that the best investment

of scarce resources available to combat crime is to counteract the

negative social and economic factors that contribute to criminal and

delinquent behavior by engaging children and youth, at an early age,

in such positive programs and opportunities at the local school and

local community level.

B. Therefore, for the purpose of reducing the likelihood of

later involvement in criminal or delinquent activities, the intent

of the Legislature in enacting the Community Youth Development Act

is to provide for school, school-related and after-school programs

for children and youth and their families who live in at-risk school

districts, neighborhoods and communities.