Increase in homicides. What is root cause?

An increase in homicides in Chicago from 2011 to 2012 was the focus of a feature in today's Chicago Tribune. I've written about such stories often in the past, in an effort to mobilize more support for the growth of volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs in high poverty neighborhoods.

However, every time I read of a shooting, I wonder how connecting a mentor in the life of kids in that neighborhood can have a direct impact on the current level of violence.
It causes me to ask, "what is the root cause" of this violence?

So I've begin to look for web sites which talk about "root cause analysis". I've listed a few below. I encourage you to add your own.

Global Problems - Root Cause map

Trying to Define Both the Problem and the Solution - Analysis

2008-2009 Financial Mess - Cause Map

Root Cause Failure Analysis - click here

I'll add a link to this blog article in the library I've been creating. Each of these nodes points to web sites with in-depth information that people can learn from, building their own understanding of the root causes of poverty and urban violence, along with possible long-term solutions.

You can find this map at this link.

April 3, 2020 update - here's a paper describing a root cause analysis (RCA) using concept mapping tools. click here