Philly Youth Solutions: Building New Opportunities for Youth Engagement in Violence Reduction

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 Saint Joseph's University will use this award to support its Institute for Violence Research and Prevention (IVRP). The goal of the IVRP project, titled Philly Youth Solutions: Building New Opportunities for Youth Engagement in Violence Reduction, is to reduce crime and violence in Philadelphia. The funds will be used to fully fund three positions and partially fund one position within the IVRP. The funds will also be used to pay 80 interview/respondents presently working within the criminal justice system. The funds will also support a number of public events including a symposium, a vigil, a youth summit and a website.

NCA/NCF