Contra Costa Violence Prevention Program

Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) is applying for the “Office of Justice Programs Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative'' under category 2. CCHS is requesting $1,500,000 to plan and implement their proposed Violence Prevention Program (VPP). The CCHS VPP will reduce violent crime in Contra Costa County by providing populations with high risk of perpetrating or being victim to violence and in high need of social support with services that are informed by evidence-based practices, social determinants of health, and equity principles as drivers of positive social change. The program intends to serve all of Contra Costa County with a particular emphasis on East and West County; these subregions are disproportionately impacted by violence, poverty and health disparities. The VPP will utilize three core evidence-based strategies that promote positive social and physical conditions, enhance community resources, bolster economic opportunities, and advance racial equity: Strategy 1) Provide robust social-emotional learning programs for at-risk youth; Strategy 2) Increase workforce development opportunities and career paths; and Strategy 3) Improve the physical environment, neighborhood appearance, and community engagement in local assets. These strategies aim to achieve the following outcomes: decrease violence-related injury, re-injury, death, and trauma; improve physical and mental/behavioral health, health equity, and perceptions of safety; and build strong partnerships and community relationships To successfully achieve program goals, objectives, and deliverables on time and within budget, CCHS will employ the following phased approach to the scope of work: Phase 1) Develop a working group/planning team; Phase 2) Assess where and why violent crime is happening, as well as community assets, barriers, needs; 3) Develop a strategic plan for violence reduction; 4) Implement VPP / Conduct action research to test strategies; 5) Develop a final report with sustainability plan; and 6) Share program learnings with the field. The program will be informed by a Violence Prevention Task Force inclusive of diverse stakeholders that will meet monthly. CCHS intends to sub-grant  $75,000 in program year one to the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR), who will serve as a research and planning partner for the first 12 months of the program.