Allentown Gang Prevention Initiative.

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The City of Allentown, in partnership with the Division of Community Health of Lehigh Valley Health Network and various community-based prevention partners, will use their 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards funds to implement the Allentown Gang Prevention Initiative. The goal of the Allentown Gang Prevention Initiative is to prevent juvenile delinquency and gang involvement among Allentown youth. The Allentown Gang Prevention Initiative will enhance multi-faceted strategies, promising and evidence-based programs for prevention, early intervention, and strengthening partnerships between organizations working to prevent and reduce youth involvement in gangs. The project will serve, at minimum, 135 at-risk youth in Allentown.

NCA/NCF