Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia’s Participation in and Appropriation of the 2017 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Title II Grant Program through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
When the Safe and Clean project was initially launched, a major focus was placed on physical attributes that could make a neighborhood unsafe. Law enforcement and codes inspectors worked to address concerns related to blight and unsafe living conditions. A curfew for minors was also established and the Department of Social Services began the work of finding permanent housing for families that were utilizing motels for long term living arrangements. All of these efforts have been helpful in reducing crime but it became evident that a sustainable, comprehensive program was needed to address behavior-specific challenges encountered by school-aged youth.
Discussion:
In the past prevention programming has been offered to students by an outside facilitator. Depending on an outside organization is not sustainable in the long term because of the related expenses. Criminal Justice Services will fund training and materials for existing City staff to facilitate the Botvin Life Skills Curriculum for school-aged youth. The Botvin Life Skills Curriculum is a proven program that has been shown to reduce juvenile delinquency and support substance abuse prevention. The curriculum has been recognized for prevention excellence by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; the U. S. Department of Education; the American Psychological Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
City staff will work to engage the 300+ school-aged young people (in grades 3-12) who participate in programs offered by Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services in this life skills curriculum. This grant does not require a local match and there will be no cost to participants.
Impact:
$5,775.00
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve...
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