Youth Violence Reduction Partnership

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP's) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), furthers the Department's mission by assisting state and local jurisdictions in improving the criminal justice system and assisting communities in preventing drug abuse and crime. In fiscal year 2007, the Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program will focus on funding local, regional, and national efforts within six major categories: 1) targeting violent crime; 2) preventing crime and drug abuse; 3) enhancing local law enforcement; 4) enhancing local courts; 5) enhancing local corrections and offender reentry; and 6) facilitating justice information sharing. All categories combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime.

The City of Philadelphia Managing Director's Office will utilize Category II Preventing Crime and Drug Abuse funds to expand its Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP) model in an additional police district for a total of six districts. The YVRP model has been operational since 1999 and was evaluated as effective in reducing youth homicides. The target population is youth (ages 15-24) living in the selected police district. Youth will receive intensive supervision, sanctions, support, and other services required by the YVRP model. These services will be provided by specially assigned police patrols, adult or juvenile probation officers, and specially trained 'streetworkers.' Additional support includes educational remediation and employment preparation, development, and support.

The following goals and objectives will be accomplished: 1) serve 200 youth partners each month in the selected district; 2) reduce youth homicide rates in the selected district during the first twelve months of operation; and 3) secure employment for a minimum of 90 consecutive days for at least 75 of the involved youth in the selected district. Data will be tracked through the city's adult and juvenile probation offices, police department, and partner agencies contracted for data analysis. Federal funds will cover personnel salaries and overtime, general office supplies, contracts (data collection and analysis), and vehicle leases.

CA/NCF