According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two of the top three leading causes of death in adolescents ages 15 to 19 were homicide and suicide in 2021.

That’s a sobering and upsetting thought considering the causes could potentially be preventable.

State and local leaders want to help young people avoid tragic fates. Government leaders and representatives of community agencies met in Utica on Wednesday to discuss concerns across the state and nation over the well-being of children.

“Just trying to be proactive about what we have going on in our community right now with some of the youth violence that we're seeing, trying to find some answers and solutions to assist and help youth and families in trying to prevent that type of activity," said Oneida County Youth Bureau Director Kevin Green.

Experts said bad choices on the streets and in schools can quickly end up in court.

Family Court Judge Randy Caldwell has been a judge for 17 years, and said he's noticed a change.

“We're seeing a tremendous number of cases increase. Recently, it's been loaded firearm cases on the streets where the kids are brought into the youth part. That's obviously concerning," Caldwell said.

Caldwell and Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon arranged the conference, the 13th of its kind, to again get leaders talking about ways to keep children on a positive path.

“I think we all agree there's problems, but let's look at what are the solutions. And that's what this group can provide for us," Buttenschon said.

Green said kids today are influenced by a handful of circumstances ranging from mental health struggles to poverty to easy accessibility of weapons.

“When these types of things arise, it does make you feel a little bit, it hurts, right? I mean, that's, let's be truthful, it hurts," he said. "So when we go to these things, it's very important that I attend these things. It's very important that I get involved in these types of situations because it is a critical piece to trying to find solutions to what is going on.”

Caldwell also said more needs to be done to help kids stay in school, and parents need to be more engaged in their kids’ lives. Buttenschon said the meetings have previously inspired legislation she’s introduced.