CHICAGO — At least 276 children aged 16 and younger have been shot across Chicago between January 2021 and early 2022, according to a CBS analysis of police data. The tragic number includes 43 children under the age of 13, underscoring a violent crisis that continues to impact some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
The data, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows that some neighborhoods are far more affected than others, with Black and Latino communities bearing the brunt.
Neighborhoods Most Impacted by Gun Violence
Among all areas in the city, Englewood ranked the highest for child shooting victims, with 35 young people shot. It was followed by:
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Garfield Park – 24 victims
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North Lawndale – 21 victims
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Little Village – 13 victims
The report from CBS Chicago emphasized that Little Village—a largely Latino neighborhood—continues to grieve recent tragedies like the murder of 8-year-old Melissa Ortega, who was shot at 26th Street and Pulaski Road.
Community Leaders Demand Mental Health Resources
“This won’t be the last time you come out here,” said Chella Garcia of the Little Village Community Council, after Ortega’s death. Garcia, herself a parent, described the daily fear of walking outside with her daughter.
“We live in a traumatized community. Everyone has PTSD,” she said, calling for more mental health clinics in areas affected by ongoing violence.
Experts like Dr. Maryann Mason of Northwestern University agree. Her research identified a direct correlation between violence spikes and state budget cuts in 2016, which slashed funding for school activities and youth programs — services known to help prevent violence.
Researchers Say Stress Plays a Major Role
Dr. Mason’s study found that chronic stress is a key factor contributing to both victimization and violent behavior. Without positive outlets like structured after-school programs, many youth are left to navigate trauma alone.
“Stress is actually a risk factor for violence perpetuation and victimization,” Mason explained. “A lot of these programs alleviate that.”
The University of Chicago Crime Lab also found a continued upward trend in youth shootings — trends that may have been worsened by the pandemic.
The Urgent Call to Break the Cycle
Community advocates warn that without sustained investments in mental health and youth development, Chicago neighborhoods will continue to suffer.
“The call is to break the cycle,” Garcia said. “So more communities don’t reach a breaking point.”
How is your neighborhood addressing youth safety? Share your experience or opinion at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
