YouthStat Phase II

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 Trenton will use their FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to fund a YouthStat Violence and Gang Prevention program. YouthStat is a unique and innovative program that creates synergies through open communication between all agencies of government and community organizations working with children. YouthStat conducts a weekly process to examine criminally adjudicated youth offenders in the greater Trenton area. The goal is to identify children who are headed to the next level of gangs, guns, and drugs with jail or death as the end result. The primary goal is to enhance services that build resiliency for YouthStat identified participants thereby decreasing risky behaviors and inhibiting the escalation of delinquent and criminal activity.

NCA/NCF