FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AG
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1997                           (202) 616-2777
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888


             STATEMENT BY ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO
       ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERS WHO MENTOR CHILDREN


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno today
emphasized the importance of volunteers who mentor children and
touted a new Justice Department publication that discusses how
successful mentoring programs can be used to keep children out of
trouble.

     "As many of you know the President will be hosting a summit
on America's future at the end of this month in Philadelphia. 
The focus on the value of service can demonstrate how Americans
who take the time and the energy to volunteer, can make such a
difference in the lives of others.  I'm looking forward to
attending and hearing what so many people in America are doing. 

     "Volunteerism isn't just good citizenship, it can help
police in reducing the level of crime; it can help rebuild
communities.  And that's why I wanted to take a minute to talk to
about a new publication from the Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention.  It shows how effective volunteer
mentoring programs can be in keeping young people away from a
life of violence, drugs, and crime.  

     "All across America when adult volunteers take the time to
be with a child, they are improving a life and the lives of
generations to come.  Every child who has mentor has a better a
chance at absorbing mainstream values; learning about how to live
a responsible life and staying on the right path.  Quite simply,
mentoring is one of the most promising solutions available and it
can help prevent the crimes of tomorrow.  

     "I also want to mention how proud I am of the men and women
of the Justice Department who are making substantial contributions 
to their communities, in so very many different ways.  The
Department has adopted 68 schools across the country, and it has
an active program to encourage the agencies' many attorneys to
get in involved in pro bono legal work.  I hope this summit and
publications like these will help encourage more Americans to
take the time to make a difference -- one child at a time.  

     "Just coincidentally yesterday, I had a chance to talk with
a young woman who I had mentored back in Miami.  She is grown,
has a child, is going back to school and is looking forward to
the day that she can go to law school.  It's not only service,
it's not only good citizenship, it also gives you some friends
for life."

     Reporters can obtain a copy of the publication, entitled
"Mentoring -- A Proven Delinquency Prevention Strategy," at the
Office of Congressional and Public Affairs of the Office of
Justice Programs at 202-307-0703.
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