City of Trenton YouthStat Violence and Gang Prevention for At Risk and Justice Involved 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 Trenton, New Jersey, is the recipient of a FY 2010 congressionally mandated award in the amount of $310,000 for its YouthStat Violence and Gang Prevention Program. YouthStat creates synergies through communication between government and community organizations working with children. The objective is to identify children who are at risk of being incarcerated due to involvement with gangs, guns, and drugs. The goal is to match youth with the appropriate intervention programs, monitor the service providers, and create a positive trajectory. The grant funding will support the customized wraparound services needed to build resiliencies in YouthStat participants to prevent the escalation of negative and at-risk behaviors.

NCA/NCF