Anti-Gang Initiative Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The City of Waukegan will implement a comprehensive gang prevention program for at-risk youth. They will combat the gang problem through partnerships with Waukegan Public School District #60, the Northern Illinois Council Against Substance Abuse (NICASA), the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, Family First Support Center of Lake County, and other support agencies. NICASA will employ their TRACK (Taking Responsibility and Accepting Choices through Knowledge) program and their Parenting Journey program, a parent education and support program. The Boys and Girls Club will enhance their Street SMART (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) program to help youth acquire the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence to resist gangs and violence. The Lake County Family YMCA will employ their Spirit, Mind, and Body program, which targets at-risk middle school-aged youth by providing a safe environment to participate in various recreational, curricular, and self-awareness activities that highlight the four core values of the YMCA. Family First will employ their GRIP (Gang Resistance Intervention and Prevention) program, which provides at-risk youth with the tools needed for resisting gang and other negative influences. The Waukegan Middle School Athletic Program, which will provide fall, winter, and spring sports, with after school practice, games, and academic support, will keep the youth involved in positive recreation during peak hours for delinquency. The Neighborhood Enforcement Team of the Waukegan Police Department's Gang Unit will conduct sweeps, gang investigations and surveillance, work with the Youth Anti-Gang Outreach Program, and conduct anti-gang community presentations.

NCA/NCF