Enhancement of Youth-Related Programs

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local governments, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The city of Stamford will use fiscal year 2009 JAG funds in the amount of $87,494 to cover overtime and salary costs for police officers and consultants for youth-related programs. The city of Stamford will collaborate with the Domus Foundation and Revolution Fitness, Inc. to enhance the Youth Boxing/Mentoring Program. This crime prevention/mentoring after-school program is designed as a healthy and positive alternative to gang and criminal activity for at-risk youth ages 12-18 years. The program redirects behavior away from gangs and towards activities that build self-esteem, discipline, and confidence. The city of Stamford will collaborate with the Boys & Girls Club to implement a pilot Police/Youth Mentoring Program. This proactive mentoring/crime prevention program is targeted towards young children and designed as a complement to the youth development strategy employed by the Boys & Girls Club. In addition, the city of Stamford, in collaboration with local clergy and the Stamford Partnership, will implement a value-based initiative designed as a positive alternative to criminal activity for youth and young adults. With this funding opportunity, the collaboration will address the need to strengthen the prisoner re-entry program in Stamford. The program will identify re-entry strategies utilized in other towns for adaptation in Stamford. The collaboration will bring in trainers to educate community partners and prepare training materials in best practices. All of these programs will enhance the comprehensive strategy to assist at-risk youth and reduce youth violence.

NCA/NCF