Building Local Continuums of Care to Support Youth Success - Bluefield, WV

The City of Bluefield, WV / Bluefield Police Dept. will conduct a planning and assessment process to develop a continuum of care with a focus on positive youth development, prevention, diversion, and treatment services for youth in Mercer County, West Virginia. The target population is youth between the ages of 4-18 with a special priority of the Black population in Bluefield. This includes planning and assessing promising and evidence-based prevention and intervention services over an 18-month timeline that will inform the development of a community-based continuum of care for youth at risk of becoming or already involved in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, within the continuum of care plan, economic impact strategies will be outlined to provide cost savings to be reinvested in the community.

One Continuum Coordinator (1.0 FTE) will engage community stakeholders including parents and youth; members of the Black community; local and statewide child-serving agencies and child welfare agencies; government entities; public housing; higher education; faith-based organizations; and local businesses.

The expected outcome is a continuum of care plan that aligns with OJJDP’s priorities that will: Treat Children as Children; Serve Children at Home, With Their Families, in Their Communities; and Open Up Opportunities for System-Involved Youth.