Rockland County's Partnership for Safe and Healthy Youth- Expansion - Youth Exposed to Violence

This program aligns with the Department’s priorities to combat victimization and reduce violent crime. Funding under the Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence program can be used to develop support services for children exposed to violence in their homes, schools, and communities; and to develop, enhance, and implement violent crime reduction strategies that focus on violent juvenile offenders. This program development and resource allocation decision by interested applicants should be based on currently available resources to the jurisdiction and gaps in services. This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. 11171-11172; Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. No. 116-93; 133 Stat. 2317, 2410.

The Rockland Board of Cooperative Educational Services (RBOCES) applied on behalf of the Partnership for Safe and Healthy Youth (PSHY), a formal system-of-care, multidisciplinary team of stakeholders that includes RBOCES; the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office; Rockland County Departments of Social Services, Mental Health, and Probation; and Spring Valley Police Department. The project will address the growing need in the county for supportive services for youth ages 4–17 who are exposed to violence and their family. A total of 300 youth and 240 families will be served over 36 months.

PSHY enhances the effectiveness of all public agencies working in support of safe and healthy youth through a communitywide system to identify those in need of services and to coordinate the services provided to maximize their effectiveness. PSHY goals are to reduce the incidence of violence through the accountability efforts of juvenile offenders; respond to the victimization of youth as a result of violence; and increase protective factors to prevent juvenile violence, delinquency, and victimization. PSHY will address the goals and objectives of this program by expanding infrastructure in three key areas to build and increase crucial support services for youth exposed to violence: (1) change community norms about violence by engaging additional agencies and providers; (2) provide supportive services by partnering with youth exposed to violence to achieve safety and permanency, independent living skills, and social competencies; building self-esteem and empowerment, and providing educational stability that supports successful academic and career progression; and (3) engage families in the planning and implementation of a service plan and improving familial relationships and support networks. CA/NCF