Youth Violence Reduction Partnership

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.

In 1998, the City of Philadelphia convened a workgroup to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the causes of youth homicides and to identify strategies to save the lives of youth. Philadelphia's Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP) program proposes continuation and expansion of its model in police districts with the highest violent crime in Philadelphia.

The target population is youth 15-24 years of age living in areas identified as "most likely to kill or be killed" based on a research-based set of criteria. Youth will receive intensive supervision, sanctions, support, and other services required by the YVRP model and provided by specially assigned police patrols, adult or juvenile probation officers, and specially trained street workers with reduced caseloads. Additional support includes educational remediation and employment preparation, development, and support. Goals and objectives include serving 175 youth partners in each area monthly, reducing youth homicide rates by at least 10% in the first year, and supporting at least 50% of involved youth in securing stable employment for at least 90 consecutive days. Data will be tracked through the Adult and Juvenile Probation offices, the Police Department, and partner agencies contracted for data analysis.

NCA/NCF