PAATH to Success Enhancement

The purpose of this program is to enhance the capacity of organizations to respond to the needs of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE)/domestic sex trafficking (DST). There are two categories of funding available under this solicitation. Category 1 funding is designated for Mentoring Project Sites. Under this initiative, project sites develop or enhance mentoring service models and mentor training based on best practices to focus on the needs of youth who are at risk or are victims of CSE/DST; develop or update strategies to recruit and maintain mentors to serve under identified and underserved populations; begin or enhance efforts to identify and enroll youth who are in need of services; and provide needed services to these youth. Grantees work with OJJDP's training and technical assistance provider to develop or enhance mentoring service models and mentor training based on best practices. This program is authorized pursuant to the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2017, Pub. L. No. 115-31.

The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg proposes to implement a trauma-informed mentoring program, PAATH to Success, for all populations of child victims and at-risk youth aged 12-17. Focus of this project is on hot spot areas in three regions within PAATH15, including counties of: 1) Dauphin, Perry, York, and Cumberland; 2) Adams and Franklin; and 3) Lycoming. The YWCA will provide program services in region 1 and partner with current PAATH15 agencies in areas 2 and 3. The YWCA and PAATH15 partners will utilize current victim services to screen children and make referrals to this project. The Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness will provide street outreach and refer homeless youth. Existing school partnerships will be used to identify youth at risk of CSE/DST, The YWCA will screen for youth at risk of CSE/DST within its following programs: supervised visitation center, legal center, housing & homelessness services. The YWCA will also recruit two classes of mentors/mentees in each region. Training and ongoing support will be provided along with life skills/social competency classes. Victim support services will be provided to address trauma from victimization. The goal of the program is to reduce risk factors and risk-taking behaviors and increase positive social supports and social capital. Project objectives include: recruiting child victims and youth at risk of CSE/DST for mentorship; recruiting mentors; providing pre-mentorship training and support; providing life skills/social competencies; providing victim services; providing referrals to mental health/substance abuse services; providing referrals/access to social capital. Outputs include: 10 victims and 80 at-risk youth will be recruited; 80 mentors will be recruited; 80 mentors will be trained; 65 mentees will attend life skills/social competency classes; 50 mentees will receive victim services; up 90 mentees will be referred for services. CA/NCF