Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a Not-for-Profit Services Contract with The Ohio State University, through the College of Social Work, (OSU-CoSW) for the MBSR program and to pay for expenses from PO293529 ($27,968.00).
Ordinance 1435-2021, passed by City Council on June 14, 2021, authorized the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with OSU-CoSW for the MBSR program in amount up to $27,968.00. The agreement was executed with an agreement end date of December 31, 2022 (PO293529). Because of issues related to COVID, the program was not implemented as planned. The OSU-CoSW would like implement the program in 2023 and the Department of Development requests using the existing purchase order to pay for the program.
The Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program is geared towards justice-involved Black girls and their parents and caregivers. In light of the tragic death of Ma'Khia Bryant in 2021, there is a need to provide specific, targeted support for criminal justice system-involved and at-risk Black girls. These girls are experiencing more stress due to the coronavirus and its effect on their mothers (parents/caregivers), with 57% noting that their mental health was worse due to the virus and its affects. In partnership with the Columbus City Council (CCC) and Franklin County Juvenile Court (FCJC), FCJC staff will refer interested parent/caregiver-dyads to the OSU program. This intervention will help reduce stress among all participants and promote restoration and healing that will reduce the potential for law-breaking behavior.
The targeted constituents include court-involved Black girls aged 14-17 who are also disproportionality affected by PTSD, with 70% of girls with histories of sexual or physical abuse as well as their parents/caregivers. The parent/caregiver-child dyads will undergo a stress reduction intervention, i.e., Mindfulnes...
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