ATLANTA — Atlanta’s police chief is encouraging families to keep children busy during spring break as the department works to keep juvenile crime rates down.

With most metro school systems out next week, Chief Darin Schierbaum says there are several city-run activities available for kids, including programs through Parks and Recreation and police athletic league camps.

“We encourage family members that are still looking for wholesome activities for their kids while on spring break next week in the city. Our Parks and Recreations, the Atlanta Police Department, our police athletic league youth camps still has openings,” Schierbaum said.

The chief says the department hopes to prevent crime and avoid teen takeover events by giving young people structured activities while they are out of school.

“We have spring break coming up next week, we have a number of camps, youth camps that are open and operating out of our Parks and Recreations center,” Schierbaum said.

He says juvenile crime has recently declined and keeping kids engaged is a key part of maintaining that trend.

“So if anyone would like to have their children join us next week during spring break, we encourage that. The drop in juvenile crime is noted and appreciated and we want to keep working on that,” he said.

Among the options is the Atlanta Police Athletic League, a program that brings together officers, community members and local organizations to provide a safe space for youth through sports and other activities. The program focuses on building confidence, encouraging academic success and promoting positive social skills.

Officials say the program is supported by public and private contributions and is designed to help young people develop skills and stay engaged in their communities.

Schierbaum says many of the available camps and programs still have open spots for the upcoming week.

WSB Radio’s Michelle Wright contributed to this story.