Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy

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 Los Angeles, through the Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development (GRYD), will use the grant to establish an educational and professional training academy and certification process for Community Intervention Workers within the city. This training academy will be called the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy (LAVITA) and will provide Community Intervention Workers with a formal education and training in five areas of competency related to gang and violence intervention work, including direct practice, personal development, concrete tasks, broader policy, and applied theory. It also is the goal of LAVITA to provide a program where Community Intervention Workers can develop professionally and establish working and professional relationships with other intervention workers, academics, local government professionals, and law enforcement professionals. These workers will engage with gang members, law enforcement, community members, parents, and other community stakeholders to mediate and diffuse gang-related tensions and conflicts, promote peace-building between gangs, refer individual gang members for intervention services (such as counseling and job training), and respond to incidents, as well as the aftermath, of gang violence.

NCA/NCF