City of New Haven Anti-Violence Initiative For Youth

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The City of New Haven will use the grant funds for the operation of the New Haven Family Alliance Street Outreach Worker Program. The program proposes to reduce juvenile delinquency and violent crime committed by children and adolescents by twenty percent in selected high crime areas by December 2013. The program will use targeted outreach; neighborhood-based conflict resolution and mediations; assistance in the development of increased self-efficacy and life-skills of youth at high-risk for delinquent behaviors and gun violence; and identification and response to the individual, family, and social factors that increase the probability of juvenile delinquency and violence during adolescence. The program will also focus on building a strong community coalition with residents, clergy, businesses, police, and service providers to promote safe and viable neighborhoods and initiate a public education campaign promoting non-violence and mentorship among high-risk youth.

NCA/NCF