Mexico has experienced significant increases in crime and violence in recent years, adversely affecting the country’s security and economic growth, with an especially detrimental effect on youth. Much of the crime and violence is driven by criminal organizations battling to fill the vacuum left by the deterioration of large cartels. Violence and rapid urbanization, particularly in Mexico’s northern border cities, have contributed to increased crime rates, recruitment of youth into criminal organizations, and threaten the security and well-being of citizens.