Explanation
This ordinance will authorize the Director of the Office of Violence Prevention to enter into a not-for-profit service agreement with Community for New Direction, Incorporated in the amount of $500,000.00 to support the Violence Intervention Program over the next year. Funding would be used for year-round violence-prevention interventions, including safe passage support that combine proactive outreach, consistent engagement, and strategic interventions. Flexibility is key, as emergencies or shifting priorities may arise, but this structure enables a balanced, sustainable approach to supporting at-risk youth throughout the summer. These are specific services to the public which the existing staff in the Office of Violence Prevention cannot provide.
Community for New Direction (CND) will provide Safe Passage services to support student safety during critical school dismissal periods. Safe Passage involves trained Violence Intervention Specialists being physically present at identified schools during dismissal to monitor student transitions from school grounds into the surrounding community. Interventionists will proactively engage students to promote conflict de-escalation, discourage fighting, and encourage positive decision-making. Staff will also position themselves along identified routes and areas of concern to ensure students are safely navigating away from the school and avoiding potentially unsafe environments. CND will prioritize Safe Passage coverage during high-risk transition periods, including the days leading up to and immediately following extended school breaks, specifically Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, and Spring Break. Additional Safe Passage services will be deployed as needed, based on school or community safety concerns, incident trends, or at the request of the Office of Violence Prevention. Through this strategy, CND aims to reduce incidents of youth violence, increase adult visibility and support, and create a safer environm...
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