DELINQUENCY PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

The New Mexico Police Athletic League (PAL) proposes to expand their statewide prevention program to additional sites and increase self-sufficiency and sustainability in a number of current sites. The purpose of the NMPAL program is to reduce negative behaviors and promote healthy behavioral patterns among New Mexico's youth by providing recreational, educational, and cultural activities that unite youth with law enforcement officers, educators, and other positive adult role models. This is a year round program that includes after-school programs and reaches over 12,000 youth statewide. The aim of the project is to build self-esteem and resiliency in youth, and to provide positive alternatives to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use, delinquency and violence, gang activity, and other negative behaviors. NMPAL programs and activities are also expected to build trust and respect between police and youth, and to improve police community relations. The target population is at-risk youth, children from low-income families, children with incarcerated family members, and Native American youth. Participants range in age from 6-18. Youth are referred to the program through the schools, law enforcement, parents and other resources.

NCA/NCF