Cumberland County Response to Trauma

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 Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, through the existing Cumberland County Positive Youth Development Coalition (CCPYDC), a multi-disciplinary coalition, will implement the Cumberland County Response to Trauma (CCRT) project. CCRT will be a county-wide initiative to develop therapeutic and non-therapeutic supports for children exposed to violence.

Through CCPYDC, CCRT will address the three solicitation goals by 1) establishing a law enforcement led protocol, called YTIP, to reduce trauma and victimization; 2) reduce the incidence of juvenile violence through the Stationhouse Adjustment diversion program; and 3) increase protective factors through Life Skills Clubs, C5 Youth Employment/Job Readiness, and Play Streets prevention programs.

By identifying and addressing service gaps/barriers and creating a comprehensive network of services for children exposed to violence, they will build county-wide capacity to support vulnerable children and reduce juvenile crime. CCRT proposes hiring YTIP & Trauma Prevention Coordinators to organize, expand, and design the therapeutic and non-therapeutic services, including youth mental health services. CCRT will engage a research institute for data collection, monitoring & evaluation. No funds will be used for evaluation. CA/NCF