While we often hear stories about the worst cases of violence, the number of kids being charged with gun crimes in Mahoning county has actually dropped dramatically.

The decrease, 75% in one year, was announced during Youngstown's first Youth Gun Violence Summit at the public library.

Community leaders, police and those who work directly with at-risk youth discussed what is working and how to keep up the progress.

Judge Theresa Dellick wants people to know that real progress against youth gun violence is happening.

"There are some misconceptions[and] we want to clear them up," the judge said, adding "Across our sister counties and the big six across the state of Ohio, [Mahoning County is] down 75% in admissions to the department of youth services, which is another word for juvenile state prison. Other counties are up 70%, 94%. But our community has always worked together for the past 20 some years and that helps. We need to continue doing that,".

During the summit, videos created by Mahoning Valley teens portrayed powerful images of families torn apart by gun violence. The videos were produced in partnership with Operation Keepsake, a nonprofit dedicated to working with young people to help them make better choices.

Those choices begin in the home, but they don not end there.

Judge Dellick said in her court they focus on recognizing trauma and discussing ways to overcome it.

Others, like Guy Burney, the director of Community Initiative to Reduce Violence, said another crucial component is giving kids something to do.

Burney points to the RESPECT basketball league and the Boys and Girls Club as constructive activities for kids.

Community leaders are hoping to create more of those opportunities.