FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — The City of Fredericksburg and Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) released a consulting firm’s comprehensive report to the Steering Committee on Teenage Violence, offering insights into challenges facing local youth.
Drawing on feedback from focus groups, stakeholder interviews, a local survey, and data from multiple sources, the report outlines key findings and their implications for the community’s ongoing prevention and intervention efforts.
“The consulting firm’s assessment reinforced several observations we recognized,” said City of Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine. “While we have many great partners and people in place, we can still improve community partnerships, communication, and engagement to ensure our residents are fully aware of what’s available and at their disposal.”
The Fredericksburg Police Department (FPD) issued a request for proposal in May 2025 after securing a Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) grant in late 2024. City officials awarded the consulting firm the project in September 2025.
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“No single office alone can solve the problem of teen violence,” said City of Fredericksburg Sheriff Rashawn Cowles, chairman of the Steering Committee. “By coordinating resources and listening directly to families, we’re working together to build safer, more supportive environments for every young person in Fredericksburg.”
As the consulting firm developed its report, city leaders simultaneously advanced several early-intervention initiatives aimed at reaching young people, implementing or improving multiple programs throughout 2025 and 2026.
“Since hiring our recreation coordinator, we have more than doubled teen programming and participation, creating new opportunities for our children to stay active and engaged,” explained Jennifer Casarotti, director for Parks, Recreation & Events. Casarotti also said the recreation coordinator position, the only net-new city role funded in Fiscal Year 2026, enabled the department to expand mobile recreation programs (Rec2U) and strengthen partnerships.
“We mentored 47 volunteers whose leadership helped us increase our summer camp offerings from 71 sessions serving 608 campers to 99 sessions serving 1,223 campers. These programs provided teens with valuable workforce development, leadership, and career-readiness experiences,” she said.
Engagement efforts also extended to FCPS, where staff and administrators adopted programs designed to encourage kindness and prevent bullying among students.
“Thank you to our community, whose deep commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our young people continues to make a meaningful difference,” said FCPS Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts addressing this critical issue focused on preventing teen violence.”
The report outlines 13 recommendations organized into two tiers, along with a potential implementation roadmap to help reduce youth violence long-term.
“This gives us a clearer understanding of the challenges our young people are facing and reinforces why continued, proactive actions are so important,” said City of Fredericksburg Vice Mayor Charlie Frye Jr., who helped launch the Steering Committee. “Fredericksburg is committed to supporting our kids with meaningful programs and early-intervention efforts that keep them safe and connected. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to this report. As always, we remain focused on moving forward as one community.”
Catlett, who led the effort to establish the Steering Committee, underscored the importance of collaboration across every corner of the city. In total, the committee included more than 30 community stakeholders.
“We welcome the opportunity to work alongside city government, law enforcement partners, families, faith-based leaders, community organizers, and our neighbors to listen, learn, and strengthen the connections that help our young people feel supported and valued,” said Catlett. “When everyone works together for the benefit of our children, we strengthen the entire Fredericksburg community.”
The consulting firm will brief the report on Oct. 27, 2026, at a joint meeting of the City Council and FCPS School Board.
For more information on the City’s youth initiatives or the “Fredericksburg Youth Violence Prevention Plan” report, visit https://fredericksburgva.gov/1941/Community-Safety-Initiative.
