June 7, 2021: Brian Stockton, CEO Of Next Level ✓ Solved

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June 7 2021 Brian Stockton, Chief Executive Officer Next Level

On behalf of Next Level Coaching Services, I write to express my enthusiastic support of the Collaborative Solutions for Communities (CSC) who is submitting a response to the Children Exposed to Violence and Comprehensive YV Prevention Request for Applications (RFA). In the community, CSC is known for its results-based approach and innovative programming. CSC has over two decades of experience in positive family preservation and stabilization, and youth development programming.

Over the past 18 years, CSC's service programs have expanded to include workforce development and comprehensive wraparound services for returning citizens. The organization has a demonstrated history of successful collaborative efforts across the District that have been transformative to District neighborhoods. CSC has successfully developed partnerships with multiple government agencies, businesses, and community agencies, including Next Level Coaching Services. These relationships strategically position CSC to offer comprehensive services and tactical case management, as well as specialized services that incarcerated individuals and reentering citizens need.

Serving incarcerated adults and returning citizens is not new to CSC. CSC has been offering the Community Corrections (recently renamed Success in Reentry) program at DC DOC for the past four years. In addition, CSC has been offering workforce development programs and support services to facilitate job retention for reentering citizens for the past 18 years. In the Success in Reentry program, CSC supports recently released women understand the importance of making amends with their children and families and help them set realistic goals to change their life trajectory.

CSC also makes referrals to community partners to ensure the delivery of wraparound services to the women. Through this initiative, CSC will further enhance their work through advocacy and support to deliver highly integrated and proven effective services to incarcerated and reentering citizens. I fully support their application to provide services that address the needs of incarcerated adults who will soon be released from incarceration.

Paper For Above Instructions

Youth Violence in Washington D.C.

Youth violence is a pressing issue in Washington D.C., where many young individuals face the consequences of violence either as victims or perpetrators. The District of Columbia presents a unique landscape where over 70 million Americans under the age of 18 are counted as juveniles. Recent statistics revealed a significant increase in youth arrests, particularly in areas like Southeast and Northeast D.C., highlighting a concerning trend in violent crimes among the youngest demographics (Urban Institute, 2015).

This paper explores the dynamics of youth violence in Washington D.C., analyzing causes, impacts, and potential interventions necessary to mitigate these issues. It asserts that rather than distancing from these youths, communities should embrace them through support and rehabilitation. Various factors contribute to youth involvement in violence, including socioeconomic status, educational opportunities, and familial instability, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to address these challenges.

Gaps in Services for Youths Exposed to Violence in Washington

The District of Columbia boasts an array of rehabilitative services aimed at decreasing recidivism and empowering youth. However, existing programs often fall short in addressing the nuanced needs of young individuals grappling with behavioral issues stemming from violent environments. Research has consistently linked high levels of youth violence to low educational attainment and socioeconomic difficulties (DC.gov, n.d.). Black youth, in particular, face elevated rates of violence due to their high-concentration areas of crime.

Community initiatives targeted at high-risk youth often struggle with funding, limiting the scope and effectiveness of available services (Urban Institute, 2015). Policymakers must act to augment funding and support collaborative efforts between health, community, and school services, fostering a comprehensive framework for early intervention and violence prevention (Frankford, 2007).

Youth at Risk Programs in Washington D.C.

One notable initiative is the Covenant of Peace, an anti-violence program that engages youth from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) to take a proactive stance against violence. The program includes intensive focus groups aimed at addressing the roots of violent behavior, encouraging committed youth to sign a Covenant pledging to abstain from violence (DC.gov, n.d.). Similarly, the Youth Services Center (YSC) provides essential services for youths aged 6-18, emphasizing supervision and counseling to support their reintegration into society.

Despite these efforts, there remains a pressing need for programs tailored to meet the specific needs of young people exposed to violence. Such interventions should be developmentally appropriate, providing young individuals with opportunities to build relationships and acquire skills necessary for their future (Roth & Brooks-Gunn, 2016).

Ideal Program to Serve Youths Exposed to Violence

Programs designed for youths exposed to violence should encapsulate principles of positive developmental settings. Essential components include psychological safety, supportive relationships, opportunities for skill-building, and the promotion of positive social norms (Yohalem & Wilson-Ahlstrom, 2010). Such a program should directly engage youths to foster skills and provide a support system that encourages healthy development rather than further entrenchment in violence.

It is vital that the programs available for high-risk youth in D.C. are adaptable enough to respond to individual needs while providing an environment conducive to growth. This can be achieved through initiatives that incorporate family and community involvement, effectively countering the societal issues that contribute to the cycle of violence.

Conclusion

The prevalence of youth exposure to violence in Washington D.C. is a complex issue that demands immediate attention. Youths from low-income families, especially those identifying as Black or Indigenous, remain at overwhelming risk. Current programs and initiatives are critical yet insufficient, necessitating increased funding and support from policymakers to broaden interventions and enhance resources for at-risk youth (DC.gov, n.d.). By fostering comprehensive responses that merge community efforts, educational support, and psychological guidance, society can reclaim youth engaged in violence and steer them toward more positive futures.

References

• DC.gov. (n.d.). Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.
• Frankford, E. R. (2007). Changing service systems for high-risk youth using state-level strategies. American Journal of Public Health, 97(4).
• Roth, L. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (2016). Evaluating youth development programs: Progress and promise. Applied Developmental Science, 20(3).
• Urban Institute. (2015). Meeting the needs of D.C. youth. Washington, DC.
• Yohalem, N., & Wilson-Ahlstrom, A. (2010). Inside the black box: Assessing and improving quality in youth programs. American Journal of Community Psychology, 45.

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