Alameda County Violence Prevention Initiative, Phase 2

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.

Alameda County will fund the Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI), which is a broad approach to county-wide violence prevention requiring significant and innovative collaboration across county agencies, cities, law enforcement agencies, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods. Previous funding identified the structural and strategic innovations necessary to better engage Alameda County decision-makers and stakeholders in a unified and cohesive countywide violence prevention effort. The FY 2009 award will begin to implement some of these innovations in neighborhoods demonstrating high levels of violence and strong potential for community collaboration. Funding will enable VPI to begin to implement youth development and reentry strategies in targeted neighborhoods, as well as strengthen coordination across county agencies, communities, and other public and community-based organizations.

These efforts will be implemented in partnership with local municipalities or through the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and county agencies in unincorporated areas. The neighborhoods will benefit from coordinated support from multiple county agencies and departments (coordinated as a Technical Advisory Team), working with local government and community-based organization partners. In addition to addressing the needs and concerns of the community at large, these neighborhood strategies will pay particular attention to the specific needs of youth and the formerly incarcerated. Grant funds will pay the salary and benefits of a Probation Neighborhood Liaison, a consultant for project management, and funding for neighborhood violence prevention strategies as determined by planning councils.

NCA/NCF