Cases like the tragedy that took place in Ribeirão Pires, São Paulo, with brothers Igor, 12, and João Victor, 13, may astound any good citizen. In this case, it is astonishing also the fact that these children were for a time under the tutelage of the State, but ended up returning to a potentially threatening home, when the worst happened. But, let's say that these boys had not been fatally attacked: what would have happened? Having worked with young law-breakers, I have been able to follow-up the violence that permeates their lives. I've heard numberless reports of domestic, sexual, and psychological violence and tortures in their homes, on the street or in the several institutions where most of them have been and that have contributed to their becoming lawbreakers. In such places, the exception was the youngster who had never been the object of some kind of violence. It is easy to find that public facilities do not offer the young what is required to become citizens. The state should allow that responsible, honest organizations go ahead with this job, with the State bearing the costs and running inspections in order to prevent that the money is not embezzled or misused. It should allow that social, psychological, pedagogical and medical care, as well sports and culture, be part of their daily lives, with the necessary materials and tools for the full development of their activities. All and any investment earmarked to the young brings about a whole gamut of benefits to society. * Cinthia Carvalho, Social Worker to the IHF - Heirs to the Future Institute
* Article published on 9/13/2008 in Jornal do Estadão, São Paulo