Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation in and Appropriation of the 2016 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 Initiative was 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 established and the Hampton Department of Social Services also began to work to find permanent housing for families that were utilizing motels for long-term living arrangements. All of these efforts have been helpful with reducing crime but it became evident that a comprehensive and sustainable plan requires investing in existing staff to implement evidenced-based programming for youth who are already participating in programs offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
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. Grant funds are necessary to support prevention programming efforts. In the past, external prevention programs were either provided in a youth development program package or were cost prohibitive for participants. This grant enables the City to train existing staff to facilitate Botvin Life Skills Training with young people who participate in Parks and Recreation programs. The Safe and Clean project expansion will address ACJJ Priority Area three; Reducing behavioral health issues of at-risk youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system by addressing substance abuse. The proposed project seeks to reduce these risk factors by increasing participation for youth in promising programs that address substance abuse.
Impact:
This addition to our Safe...
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