This position paper was prepared by the New Futures Collaborative, a group of community leaders concerned with improving outcomes for at-risk youth and families in the Dayton (Ohio) community. It is evident that for some individuals, there has been a value shift and devaluation of human life. A small but growing number of youth are committing violent offenses, and a significant number are witnessing violence and drug transactions on a daily basis. The past decade has seen dramatic increases in both single-parent families and the number of children living in poverty. Recommendations of New Futures are grouped into the following categories: (1) parental accountability and support; (2) safety and security; (3) youth guidance and development; (4) school renewal; (5) user friendly health and human services; (6) youth employability and out-of-school youth; and (7) safe and supervised recreation. These recommendations involve developing a system of accountability and support for youth and families, with special efforts for single parents and for preventing teen pregnancy. Using community policing, conflict management training, and effective law enforcement to create safe communities is a necessity. A supportive adult role model for each child and youth must be a goal. (SLD)