The Office of Youth Safety (OYS) was born from youth-led advocacy in Davidson County as a direct response to the rising threat of gun violence. Funded by Metro Council, enacted by Mayor Freddie O’Connell (Executive Order 53) in 2024, and officially activated in May 2025, OYS unites Metro systems, private resources, and community partners to create safe, nurturing environments for, and in co-governance with, Metro Youth from middle-school through age 24.
OYS weaves existing Metro systems and services, supplemented by private individuals, organizations, and resources to create and sustain safe viable community third spaces for our youth’s growth and flourishing as they progress from childhood to adulthood.
OYS work is designed to lower the incidence of and lessen the effects of youth violence. Definitions of youth violence include acts of interpersonal criminal and/or psychological harm indirectly experienced, directly experienced, or initiated by Metro Youth. OYS work includes intentional awareness and inclusion of community-based violence prevention, gun violence, anti-bullying, and domestic violence prevention theory and evidence-based practice to the extent permitted by law and budget.
While youth violence reduction is a key measure, true OYS success is evidenced by Metro Youth growing into adulthood with health, strength, and the moral courage to thrive in community and as individuals.
