A Framework for: What Can and Should Society Do?,

Researchers strive to better understand the critical periods of brain development. Findings generate clearer descriptions of what the critical periods are and suggest that stress, aggression, and violent behavior affect the development process. But the question remains as to what can and should society do to nurture children through these periods and to support their continued growth and development. Operation Peace in Philadelphia, an urban community-based, violence prevention/reduction initiative using the principals of public health, represents a framework for generating fresh attitudes and innovative support systems that will nurture children through the critical periods of brain development and beyond. This framework enhances understanding of the complexities of societal issues such as violent behavior and uncovers and offers communal solutions. It is a link between research and its practical application—what society can do. Societyʹs challenge echoes Operation Peaceʹs challenge to use the combined strengths of scientific knowledge, multidisciplinary skills, sustained commitment, cultural vitality, community support, and political will to enable youth to achieve their potential, via full and active lives.