Strong institutions: Police, Schools, Churches Fact we’re fed up with status quo legislative clout Intentional community-based policing History of innovation Beautiful schools Public transit History Accountability process for connecting resources and collecting data Build capital better Neighborhood-focused opportunities to engage GAPS AND INSUFFICIENCIES Job creation Parental engagement and training Early intervention for youth Youth activities Sharing resources and collaboration Excessive politics Information and education, health education Financial literacy Ways to reduce access to guns Holistic family supportive services Bias toward authoritarian response Poor relationships, cliques, bad communication Lack of vision for youth Lack of cohesion between neighborhoods Poor understanding of cultural diversity Racism and segregation Blight, trash, poor environment Mistrust Lack of forgiveness Generational gaps Lack of valuing all opinions/ideas, esp. youth Elitism/classism Trauma-informed teaching Effective re-entry programs Poor dissemination of information and research Don’t address the impact of violence before violence occurs Engagement of people needing services Poor engagement of county and surrounding towns THREATS AND CHALLENGES Accountability, tracking (we’re cutting jobs in sectors regularly cited to be most important by citizens, like parks and libraries) info, relinquish resources to the people who need them, more action, less talk Make sure residents get a % of jobs coming into town, especially in construction We focus too much on tertiary prevention, need focus on primary Individuals need to know how to interact with politicians, need advocacy training and group presence Need to meet people where they are with honesty and a holistic approach Need to report on more than just the bad news Lack of regard for parents; when parents are hard to engage, they’re ignored or worked around VALUES DEVELOPED BY THE GROUP
the number illegal guns on the of Implement or expand gun programs New Haven Policy Department City of Against Gun Violence Livable Cities Initiative (LCI) Neighborhood Management Teams New Health Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) US Attorney General Veterans advocacy organizations Additional events of locations for gun buy-back # of guns recovered Schedule of buyback events Census of guns bought back Jan 1, 2015 for new gun programs to be initiated Implements intensive stops for traffic violations in areas of high gun violence # of illegal guns recovered Log of illegal guns recovered Garner Police and Community support for traffic stops for guns by Dec 1, 2014. Fewer potential hiding places for illegal guns in derelict houses and untended yards/parks # of derelict houses cleared Yards/parks cleaned up LCI Records LCI targets derelict houses and untended parks in areas of high gun violence by Oct 1, 2014. movement guns in the City Continue to track the origin of guns used in crimes # of guns used in crimes whose origin is known New Haven Police Department and ATF records Ongoing Identify and move to block sources of legal guns entering the illegal market (e.g.- Veterans with legal licenses selling for cash) # of guns traced back to original legal owner New Haven Police Department and ATF records Ongoing 2) Restore services for prisoner re-entry and transition, establishing sufficient pre-release and continuing services (DOMAIN: Law enforcement and corrections) Current Efforts: My Brother’s Keeper Easter Re-entry Program Project More Fresh Start Re-Entry Roundtable Transition Clinic The Group was interested in seeing pre-release re-entry services re-established for individuals who will be exiting the corrections system and general society. The Group was careful to recommend that re-entry services start early, as early as the first day an individual is
incarcerated, to support successful reintegration in society. Services mentioned by the Group included educational services, job training, identification of job opportunities, identification of housing and living arrangements, and more. The purpose of any re-entry program, the Group felt, was to provide a support system that would help people exiting the corrections system to rebuild their lives and reputations in general society and resist falling back into the habits and networks that lead to the individuals being in the corrections system. OBJECTIVES ACTIONS KEY PERSONS/ MOBILIZING ORGANIZATIONS INDICATORS (OUTCOMES) MEASURES and DATA SOURCE(S) TIMETABLE Basic life skills training offered to 100% of inmates while in prison (i.e., life skills, decision making, parenting cooking, reading, writing, healthy relationships, financial literacy and management) Encourage the use of work-path training and suggest the library as a potential collaborator Show how trainees are successful and can be role models Peer-to-peer counseling (e.g., Emerge) Dedicated location to house available services Community Services Administration City of Open Doors coalition (i.e., Columbus House) Family Street outreach Worker Program Emerge- Dan Jasino Easter Project More Department of Corrections Clear “path off the bus” (i.e., what to do after being released) for persons the community Formerly incarcerated individuals self-report that health, quality of life, employment, and basic needs requirements are met Increase literacy and numeracy rates Decreased violence among persons with a history of incarceration Increased employment among persons including in start-ups and small businesses Reductions in Recidivism Re-entry coordinator in place by Dec. 2014 Build on existing leadership skills to facilitate job and society readiness, and develop advocacy skills Persons re-entering report knowing where to turn for resources Life skills trainings to 100% of inmates by Jan 1, 2016 Higher percentage of persons re-entering available resources 1
Representatives from YouthHaven felt that including parents and caregivers in work with youth was an important element of developing programs to help youth, families and communities prevent and respond to gun violence. They cited the important role parents and caregivers play in their children’s lives, but also noted that parents may not always be equipped to help their children avoid and respond to violence. Therefore, better understanding of what parents, caregivers, and communities do have and what they need will yield better programs for families and youth. on Next Page) 6) Support social cohesion and leaders in neighborhoods (DOMAIN: Family) (continued) OBJECTIVES ACTIONS KEY PERSONS/ MOBILIZING ORGANIZATIONS INDICATORS (OUTCOMES) MEASURES and DATA SOURCE(S) TIMETABLE Increase opportunities for families to create relationships and trust within communities Map relationships in communities and ‘actions of between people Support and expand the community resiliency model Parenting partners/mentor parents- use engaged parents to reach out to other parents and foster additional involvement (e.g. Gang of Dads) Mothers For Justice MOMs Partnership Community Foundation for Greater United Way Social and Learning Adventures Through Educations (SLATE) Non-profits around the table- when working with clients/constituents, have then bring a friend to the events Community for Research and Education (CARE) Increased participation of neighborhood residents in neighborhood activities/Management Teams CARE and DataHaven community survey results Attendance records at Management Team meetings Oct 1, 2015 Identify activities aimed at youth that engage parents as well Map of social connections within a community or neighborhood or city Results of Community Resilience Surveys Jan 2015 Better understand existing resources in neighborhoods List of parental and youth-engaged activities Use of Youth Map Sept 2015
Conduct a short survey of all parent groups to understand how the City and organizations can support them Mayor’s office and others should work through existing community groups when planning any community building initiatives City-wide mentoring collaborative should involve adults mentoring other adults City-wide Parent Leadership team Newhallville and Resilience Teams Neighborhood Schools Family Greater Help Neighborhood District Managers Board of Alders School System State Legislators Peace Day Make meetings and sessions more available to the community needing services Increased number of community members from different neighborhoods involved in city meetings to improve the city and nonprofit sponsored Increases in number participating in Meeting notes, and community member feedback on involvement, service demand for non-profits and the City Jun 1, 2015
Believe In Me Empowerment Corporation Youth, young adults, families Entire city BIMEC is dedicated to improving the lives of youth, young adults and their families. Fill in gaps of services in the New Haven community, provide hope through counseling and encouragement and opportunities. Direct and indirect programming, including housing, life skills, and counseling services. Block Watches Males, females, all ages Entire city Community involvement in safety and peacekeeping, Organized block watches that provides eyes and ears about activities in the area. BOOST School-age children Entire city Address social, emotional and physical needs of students; physical health and wellness, social, emotional and behavioral health, family support and engagement, student engagement/academic enrichment Boys & Girls Club Males, females, 5-12 years old, 13-18 years old Entire city To inspire and enable people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens After school/summer
Child Policing Program Male, female, 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old, 26-35 years old, 36+ years old Entire city The Policing Program (CD-CP) is a model collaboration of mental health, law enforcement, juvenile justice, education, judicial and social service professionals who work to heal the wounds that traumatic exposure to violence inflicts on children and families. CD-CP had its inception in 1991, when the Child Study Center began its partnership with the City of New Haven and the new Haven Department of Police Service. Training Police officers, mental health providers, and other professional in response to traumatic events including violence, domestic violence, and more. Regular of Police and clinicians, including with Police. team that includes counselors and clinicians in the event of child and family trauma from violence. Many more specific activities. Children of incarcerated parents/ violence prevention mentoring program Male, female, years old, 13-18 years old Dixwell/Newhall and other areas throughout the city Self-awareness, critical thinking Groups, role play, books that the children can relate to Citizen's Police Academy Males, females, 18 and older Entire city The Goal is to Bridge the information Gap between the Community and the Police Department. The Citizens Academy is an 8-10 week course designed to enlighten you about the New Haven Police Department and the communities it serves. Community Mediation, Inc. Male, female, all ages Statewide To create more peaceful communities through facilitation, mediation and communication training Training; mediation and facilitation services all hours
Community Resiliency Teams Males, females, all ages Newhallville, West River Create more social cohesion in the community as a violence prevention strategy Community Management Males, females, all ages Each of 10 City Districts Community Management help residents have a voice in neighborhood improvement and revitalization efforts and are an important link to the police and to other city and social service agencies. A CMT consists of residents and businesses within the district who have organized to serve as forum for problem solving and information exchange centering around neighborhood issues that are of the most concern to the group. Family Intervention Program Male, female, 13-18 years old Entire city The Family Intervention Program was developed in response to the increasing violence perpetrated by and on New youth population and is designed to intervene with at-risk adolescents using a combination of supervision and social services. It is a joint venture of the Yale Child Study Center and the New Haven Department of Police Service and an outgrowth of the Child Policing Program. A neighborhood police officer and a FIP staff member meet with at-risk youth and families to explain their concern about youth’s behavior and the police plans to monitor and closely supervise. Also presented with opportunity for services offered through the FIP that are designed to assist in development of pro-social behaviors. Close collaboration with family, school, police, and other involved agencies results in a more structured and supportive environment for the youth where the risk of involvement in violence, as a victim or perpetrator, is reduced.
Frontline Souljas 5-12 old, 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old, 26-35 years old, 36+ years old New Improve economic conditions for residents of New Haven and provide alternatives to violence for young people Basketball; attempting to create small business opportunities The Gang Resistance Education and Training Program (GREAT) Males, females, school-aged Entire city The program is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. GREAT focuses on providing life skills to students to help them avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems. The GREAT Program offers a continuum of components for students and their families. Gun Injury and Violence Network Monitoring and Response Program (proposed) At-risk youth and adults, their family and friend networks New Haven More efficiently and quickly mobilize coordinated efforts to address gun violence Network-based monitoring, navigation of network relationships after a shooting event, identify responses from existing programs and options, Guns down, up Male, 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old No To reduce violence in New Basketball games, community events,
Homicide Survivors Group Males, females, all ages City-wide, targeted to family and friends of homicide victims Survivors of Homicide, Inc. was founded in 1983 by a group of families trying to cope with the murder of a family member or someone close to them. They met to support each other, and share information about criminal justice system. As time went on, membership grew and the mission expanded. They are outspoken advocates for all victims of violent crime, for fair compensation to victims, and for public policy and understanding that reduces the senseless violence sweeping our communities. These include support group meetings, planning and business meetings to further our advocacy and educational goals, a member newsletter, and personal advocacy and support throughout the judicial process and beyond. Ice the Beef 5-12 years old, 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old New To break the cycle of anger in our community by bringing family, friends, and enemies together through motivational speaking, crisis interventions, mentoring programs, and community activities During and after school activities
Interdisciplinary Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Certificate Male, female, 18-25 years old, 26-35 years old, 36+ years old Greater New Haven Area To provide community college students with the knowledge, skills and documentation in applying peaceful action in their communities and workplace to end violence and sustain a culture of peace. 15 academic credit program including courses in peace and conflict studies, ethics, mediation and service learning Juvenile Review Boards Male, female, years old, 13-18 years old All Neighborhoods To divert first time offender youth (misdemeanor charges) from the formal juvenile justice system. Incorporating the philosophy of Balanced and Restorative Justice which focuses on accountability, competency development and public safety which entails the youth repairing the harm and building on their individual passions and strengths through positive youth development. Judicial- New Adult Probation Male, female, 18-25 years old, 26-35 years old New Haven; South Hamden and West Haven Risk reduction/ lower recidivism Assessment and evidence based programming. New Youthful Offender Unit starting for male offenders 18-24 My Brother's Keeper Male, female, 18-25 years old New Haven Connect with disengaged youth Match mentors with youth
Office of the US Attorney- 5K Motion Film Male, female, years old, 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old urban areas in CT To promote understanding of the seriousness of aiding and abetting criminal activities and the federal penalties associated with certain crimes if defendants do not cooperate as well as females‘ role in violent crime helping their boyfriends Holding screenings with the film followed by panels with ex-offenders and law enforcement Police Activities League (PAL) Male, female, years old, 13-18 years old Entire city The PAL program provides educational and athletic programs for children throughout the city, as well as sponsoring different activities. PAL responds to the needs of youth in many neighborhoods, through after school, weekend and special summer events. Activities including athletics (e.g., volleyball, basketball, football, etc.), essay contests, chess clubs, and more are made available at schools and through local organizations to engage youth in productive activities. Police Explorers Program Males, females, 14-21 years old Entire city Provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. This program guides the explorers to understand meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities. Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. community organizations initiate an explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community.
Project Longevity Male, female, 18-25 years old, 26-35 and above, New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford Project Longevity will send a powerful message to those who would commit violent crimes targeting their fellow citizens that such acts will not be tolerated and that help is available for all those who wish to break the cycle of violence and gang activity “Call-in,” a face-to-face meeting where partners engage group members and deliver certain key messages S.P.O.R.T. Academy Male, female, years old, 36+ years old Dixwell Avenue Area at the moment To produce thinkers, leaders, and decision makers 101, 101 School Resource Officer Program Males, females, school-aged Entire city The Police Department continues its attempt to have officers engage the city youth population in a positive way. Program allows both home and school to be aware of any situation that may impact the health and safety of students, as well as the monitoring of those who show signs of at-risk or delinquent behavior. This interaction provides a valuable resource to keep our children out of trouble during their school years and keeping their focus on education and commitment to family and community. SROs consist of twelve uniformed officers that are assigned to middle and high schools in New Haven and respond to any disruption. SROs participate in handgun violence prevention, conflict resolution, and mediation. They counsel both parents and students and are neighborhood liaisons.
Youth Male, female, years old, 13-18 years old Westville Manor, West Hills, Newhallville To provide opportunities for young people to develop a positive sense of self and connection and commitment to others. Out-of-School programs that incorporate positive youth development, environmental exploration, non-violent communication and mindfulness. Squash Haven 5-12 years old, 13-18 years old New Haven Through intensive tuition-free academic and squash sessions at Yale University, Squash Haven supports New Haven youth to achieve school success, physical fitness, athletic excellence, and access to compelling academic and summer opportunities. school/summer Street Outreach Workers Program 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old, 26-35 years old City wide outreach and engagement Reduce youth gun violence Neighborhood specific outreach, engagement, violence interruptions and mediations Violence Prevention Reading Group Yale Students No. Geographic focus is based on student interest. To become knowledgeable about research on violence prevention and to assist students to develop violence prevention projects Non-credit weekly meetings WLM Ministries Male, female, 13-18 years old, 18-25 years old, 26-35 years old, 36+ years old Entire city Transformed Life equipped with Vision Plan Vision/Life Coaching and Navigational Support Youth cabinet Male, female, 13-18 old Entire city Youth are given the opportunity to engage City leaders and learn about the processes of City government Cabinet participation for a select of youth