"Teen Night" in Baltimore City

The Department of Recreation and Parks (DRP) proposes to help reduce the high levels of delinquent behavior and victimization of teens in Baltimore City which occur after the school day ends. DRP will implement a three-pronged citywide program at 46 recreation centers for 2,300 teens ages 13-17. Program components will increase the availability of services and teen participation in crime and victim prevention programs: (1) A Teen Initiative Committee will assist program planning and influence policies that most impact teens; (2) Teen Build focuses on life skills and avocations by offering entrepreneurship training for teens that express business interests; (3) Teen Night will offer a myriad of social activities of interest to teenagers in safe, nurturing atmospheres and provide workshops on how to avoid criminals, criminal activity and victimization. To reduce rates of juvenile crime and victimization, all of the programs will focus on personal growth, leadership skills, communication skills, healthy behaviors and social competencies. A Project Coordinator will work with staffs and gather data to establish baseline numbers of youth who have committed crimes or been victims of crime in each general location. The initial baseline data compared to end results of the program will indicate program effectiveness. NCA/NCF