HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - CMTY SERVICES (2)NEW BUSINESS
DATE:
SUBJECT:
DEPARTMENT:
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
March 24, 1998
COMMUNITY SERVICE EARLY INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION
PROGRAMS FOR THE YOUTH OF SANTA CLARITA
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive and comment on the report outlining community service early intervention
and prevention programs for the youth of Santa Clarita.
BACKGROUND
The Community Services Division is dedicated to the development and implementation of
quality, value -based programs that encourage healthy lifestyles and celebrate the community's
diversity while enhancing community identity.
The Division's early intervention and prevention programs offer a multifaceted approach to
cultivate positive behavior and action from early childhood through adolescence. At the
elementary school level these include: The Primary Intervention Program, which enhances the
education experience and development of children facing minor social adjustment issues;
Character Counts, a character building program for youth and families; Natural Helpers, a
comprehensive self-esteem program that taps into the natural network existing at school; and
SANE, a program which utilizes Sheriffs Deputies to educate fourth through sixth grade
students about alcohol and drug prevention.
Programs highly effective in prevention and intervention for teens and at -risk youth include:
• Anti -Gang Task Force - utilizes volunteers, the Sheriffs Department, and City staff to
help kids stay out of gangs.
• Tattoo Removal Program - provides free tattoo removal in exchange for community
service and education.
• Heroes of the Week - recognizes individual teens who have overcome obstacles in their
lives and have been a positive influence on other teens.
• We Care for Youth - prepares young people for employment.
• Boxing and Wrestling - channels negative aggression into positive behavior.
• Student Partnership Program - provides ninth and tenth grade students an opportunity
for success through an alternative school environment.
• Summer Youth Employment Program - offers at -risk and disadvantaged youth an
opportunity to gain work experience.
• Parent Project - designed to help parents deal effectively with out -of -control adolescents.
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• Action - provides teens and parents with skills and support to successfully resolve
conflicts and improve mutual understanding and appreciation.
• Operation US - teaches elementary youth about the value of diversity and how to resolve
intergroup conflict, utilizing high school students as facilitators.
The William S. Hart Union High School District has a model Zero Tolerance policy on the use
of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, yet statistics show the use of drugs by our youth is increasing.
Every facet of our community has the. potential to address this growing problem. Schools, in
particular, can be valuable resources and provide us with the opportunity to leverage existing
resources in addition to Law Enforcement Block Grants and Citizens Options Funding we
currently receive.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Direct Community Services staff to explore use of existing resources to implement
programs and trainings to support the school districts and Sheriffs -Department in
addressing this issue.
2. Other direction as determined by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
None by this action.
ATTACHMENTS
Community Service Program Summaries
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Community Services Program Summaries
Action
Parent and teen support groups created to help individuals cope with the worry, pain, and
frustration associated with being a parent. ACTION groups gather to offer each other support and
practical solutions to problems. This program offers a safe place to talk, cry, laugh, and discuss
parenting issues with others who can offer practical solutions. Other services offered by this
program are individual and family therapy, emergency crisis services, and a 24-hour hotline.
* Anti -Gang Task Force
Community members and representatives from schools, law enforcement and civic organizations
work together to find and support programs which help kids to stay out of gangs.
Art Organization Development Scholarship Program
The City of Santa Clarita is offering matching scholarship funds to nonprofit Arts Organizations.
The scholarships are for the development of local arts organizations through participation in
Southern California arts workshops and conferences.
The Arts Alliance
To assess the cultural arts needs of the community, the City of Santa Clarita has called on the
collaboration of various art groups in the area. The Arts Alliance meets once a month at City Hall.
We are actively seeking arts' groups and individuals to participate in the process of planning.
Arts and Crafts Fair
A dazzling array of arts and crafts to catch the eye of anyone looking for something unique at the
Arts and Crafts Fair. Intricate and colorful details of handmade items, such as jewelry, pottery,
woodwork, ceramics, wedding and baby gifts, floral arrangements, and much more. The fairs are
held seasonally at local park sites.
Character Counts
Character Counts is a city wide effort to strengthen the youth and families of Santa Clarita through
character building. Founded on the "Six Pillars of Character," this program offers ideas and
activities to businesses, schools, and community groups seeking to incorporate character education
into their curricula.
Citizens' Option for Public Sa)ety Grant
State grant for public safety programs. Increased focus on youth through the development of a
Youth Intervention Team, responsible for all youth related crime investigations and crime
prevention efforts. Funds personnel, a Youth Probation Officer,.Deputy Sheriff Investigator,
Deputy Sheriff Generalist, and a Station Clerk.
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City Emergency Management
The City's Emergency Management is to ensure the effective management of response forces and
resources in preparing for and responding to emergency situations. Responsibilities include
making sure the city staff has the tools needed to effectively coordinate any disaster operation;
supplies, communications, and procedures. Additionally responsibilities include planning the
training for staff who report to the City Emergency Management in their specific functional areas.
Cb Emergency Plan
The City Emergency Plan manuals are the management and procedural documentation under which
emergency efforts are coordinated. Responsibilities include the periodic maintaining and updating
of this document. Other areas pertaining to the City's overall emergency plan, include staff
emergency preparation, education, and training. This plan also includes the training, preparation
and evacuation process of all City buildings.
Client Services Committee
Represents the City on Child and Family Development Center's Client Services Committee.
The Color of Fear
Several Human Relation Forum members are trained to facilitate this powerful video by
Lee Mun Wah. The video shows people of many ethnicities and backgrounds discussing issues
such as racism and stereotyping. This highly charged video clearly shows how these issues affect
us all. The Forum members use this video for cultural awareness trainings throughout the
community.
Co -Sponsorship Program
The co-sponsorship program is a vehicle through which the City provides funding and in-kind
assistance for one to three day special events and activities that benefit Santa Clarita residents.
Community Center
The Community Center, servicing primarily Newhall, caters to a wide variety of residents ranging
from young children to older adults. We provide recreational, educational and wellness
programming to the community. The Community Center also serves as a facility to host
community projects and meetings.
Community Council
Represents the City at regular Community Council meetings.
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
Community Emergency Response Training is a FEMA certified course, designed to instruct
nonemergency response individuals essential lifesaving functions while waiting for professional
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response to emergency/disaster situation. This is a 18 -hour program completed in six consecutive
weeks. Topics taught include Fire Suppression, Disaster Medical Operations, Light Search and
Rescue, Team Organization and Management. This program is done with the cooperation of the
Los Angeles County Fire Department and the City.
* _Community Services Grant Program .
The City's Community Services Grant Program is designed to assist community-based, nonprofit
organizations to provide social/human services to City residents. Grants are awarded to fund
one-time projects and program enhancements, pilot programs, capital expenditures and special
supplies. The grant awards are one-time grants with a maximum award amount of $5,000.
Applicants need not be 501(c)(3) but fiscal agents must be.
Crossing Guards
Provides supervision training and payment to 26 crossing guards serving elementary schools
throughout the City.
Developing Capable People
Developing Capable People provides school staff the necessary tools to deal effectively with
young people, by turning control over to them and giving them the power over their own lives.
Topics covered include improving self-discipline, judgement; responsibility, and making social
and lifestyle changes affecting home and school.
Emergency Preparedness Expo
Held annually in April, during Californias Emergency Preparedness month. The event provides
residents a chance to meet and talk to emergency response personnel from Fire, Sheriff
Departments and the CHP, as well as Urban Search and Rescue. Over 20 vendors are typically
present to provide specialty provisions and equipment. Sponsored by the City's SECURE program,
the volunteer trainers are on hand to encourage folks to take the free classes the City provides and
to give demonstrations throughout the day.
Emergency Preparedness is 4 U
A staff preparedness program that provides every staff member with a personal backpack to be
kept under their desks. Staff is instructed on the basic preparedness steps they must take for their
families and then for themselves at work. Included in the program is a confidential personal
information form that is kept in the City Emergency Management as needed following a disaster,
or to assist relaying appropriate information to family members.
Gang Alternative and Prevention Program
The Gang Alternative and Prevention Program concentrates on predelinquent elementary and
junior high school youth who are identified as at -risk for serious gang and drug involvement.
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Program services include counseling, tutoring, parent education, bicultural/ bilingual services,
recreational and cultural activities, and utilization of prevention resources provided by public,
private and religious organizations.
Gang Education
This grant -funded program provides a Sheriff's Deputy to present a three-day gang education
program to all seventh -grade students in Santa Clarita. This program is presented in conjunction
with the Teen Issues/Health classes in all the junior high schools in the William S. Hart Union
School District.
Graf -ti Abatement Program - Pride Committee
Dedicated community volunteers supervise court referred community service workers on
Saturdays, removing graffiti in Santa Clarita. Community members call a hotline to report
locations which are marked by graffiti. The city also offers a reward for information leading to the
arrest and conviction of graffiti offenders.
Hero's of the Week Recognition
Local youth are selected by the Anti -Gang Task Force and spotlighted in The Signal newspaper.
This communicates in a year-end reception help at City Hall, where all the youth were recognized
in the newspaper, are honored by local dignitaries and businesses.
Homeless Teen Resource Center
"Homeless" teens have been identified as a group of youth needing extra resources and support
in Santa Clarita. Consequently, a Homeless Teen Resource Center is being considered, and a one-
year study has been funded and is soon to be underway. This study is expected to be completed
in the Fall, 1998, after which time a decision will be made regarding the introduction of a Resource
Center will be made.
* S.C.V. Human Relations Forum
The Forum was founded in 1994, in response to several hate crimes that. occurred in Santa Clarita.
It is made up of volunteers from the community and funded by the City. The Forum works to
encourage, assist and empower the people of Santa Clarita to end racism and discrimination.
* Human Relations Response Plan and Mutual Assistance Agreement
Collaborative effort with the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations to develop
a coordinated, consistent comprehensive response hate crimes through the implementation of a
protocol to follow in the event of a hate crime or inter -group conflict.
* Human Relations Poster and Essay Contest
Every fall, Santa Clarita Valley youth participate in a contest which allows them to creatively
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express how they feel about human relations issues. A past theme the children wrote and drew
about was "Everyone Matters in Santa Clarita."
* Human Relations Hot Line
Designed to provide an avenue for community members to report hate related incidents, to enable
us to identify target areas to address, and to serve as an information source for the community to
obtain information about current Human Relations Forum activities and programs.
A Living History,
The Living History theater performance is a new and exciting project, pairing local senior citizens
with playwrights and actors to develop stories based on the seniors lives. The project was
designed to breakdown stereotypes and capture history before it is gone. The rewarding aspect of
this venture is the range and emotional quality that comes out of telling.stories of real people who
live in our community.
Local law Enforcement Block Grant #1
Funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to provide local jurisdictions with opportunities
to reduce crime and improve public safety through the implementation of diverse strategies ranging
from addressing the issue of violent juvenile crime to establishing crime prevention programs
involving cooperation between community residents and law enforcement personnel.
• Park/Paseo/Trial Bike Patrol
• Truancy Sweeps
• Alcohol Stings
• DUI Checkpoints
Local Law Erlforcement Block Grant #2
This funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides local jurisdictions with opportunities
to reduce crime and improve public safety. This grant covers equipment, training, and operational
expenses related to the Community Interaction Team. This team focuses on implementing a
community oriented policing program in the Newhall community.
Mayor's Committee on the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
A community-based job promotions group for the disabled.
Mayor's Conference on Youth and Family
This annual project, hosted by the Mayor, brings together community groups and individuals to
identify and address issues facing the youth and families of Santa Clarita. Past conferences have
addressed such topics as "self-care children," and "individual responsibility and accountability for
making a difference."
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* S.C. Mosaic
A multi -cultural exhibit held at the Valenica Library to celebrate October as Cultural Diversity
Month. Included in the mosaic are artifacts loaned to the committee by community members,
storytelling based on different regions in the world, and performances and workshops exposing
participants to the arts of different cultures.
* Natural Helpers
Natural Helpers is a comprehensive self-esteem and peer -helping -peer program that taps into the
natural network already existing in a school. The Natural Helpers are selected anonymously by
their peers. This program trains students to take care of themselves, by learning to set boundaries,
report serious problems to school adults, and help their peers.
OCIP
The City of Santa Clarita received funding from the Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP)
on behalf of a community collaboration developed to address youth crime prevention programs.
Successful community collaborations, such as the Youth Master Plan enable the whole community
to work together to effectively address youth issues and provide youth with the necessary tools
to be productive citizens. It is through collaborative efforts led by the OCJP Prevention Policy
Board and the Youth Master Plan that the community is able to provide youth crime prevention
programs funded through a three-year grant from OCJP.
Operation US
High school students develop and facilitate presentations to elementary school youth about the
value of diversity and help them find positive ways to resolve inter -group conflict. The
presentations involve games, skits, videos and small and large group discussions.
Parent Education
Parent Education includes the Parent Project, Pride in Parenting, and Parent Academies. The
Parent Project is a program designed to help parents deal effectively with out -of -control
adolescents. Pride in Parenting encourages parents in Santa Clarita to take advantage of parenting
classes and resources available through an automated telephone database. It also includes an
incentive program which offers parenting rewards. Parent Academies are half day seminars
addressing various topics related to parenting and families.
PhoneFriend
This program offers children and youth in Santa Clarita an opportunity to talk with an adult while
their parents are away from the home each day. Staffed by volunteers, this phone line will offer
homework help, safety tips, and a friendly voice to children who are in need of adult contact.
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The Power of One
This event was held to encourage individuals to recognize `The Power of One" in the life of a
youth and how one person can make difference. It was designed to call people to action and effect
positive changes in the lives of our youth.
Pride in Parenting
This multi -faceted program provides encouragement and support for Santa Clarita parents. Under
the umbrella of Pride in Parenting, Parent Academies offered several times a year provide parent
education at no cost to local parents. The "License to Parent" program rewards parents for their
efforts to improve their parenting skills. A "Parent Resource and Referral" phone line helps
connect parents with available resources in the community. Parenting newsletters and a speaker's
bureau offer additional support and education to Santa Clarita parents.
Pride Week
Every year since 1991, for one week in early April, the community works together to clean up
Santa Clarita. Various community groups, clubs and organizations volunteer their time and work
to clean up various areas in Santa Clarita such as parks, schools and streets. The week culminates
on Saturday with an all day free trash disposal at various sites throughout the City. The many
sponsors of the event help to make this important day possible.
Primary Intervention Program
The Primary Intervention Program enhances the education, experience and personal development
of children who may be facing minor social adjustment issues. This program has been designed
to intervene with young at -risk children who are not in need of professional treatment. These
children typically exhibit mild to moderate school adjustment difficulties.
Reading Workshop
This workshop is provided for 9th grade students who are reading at an elementary school level.
The program provides personal tutoring and interaction to help students improve their reading
performance to increase self-esteem and reduce the possibility of school drop out.
S.C.V. Resource Center
When fully operational, the Santa Clarita Valley Resource Center will mobilize people and
resources to deliver creative solutions to community problems. The Resource Center will aid in
development of volunteers, develop partnerships for project development, mobilize agencies,
personal and resources to meet community needs, serve as a marketing resource and as a clearing
house for information in facilities, equipment and donated items to nonprofit organizations.
SECURE
This free program educates and trains the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley on how to be
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prepared for emergencies for a minimum of 72 hours. Special emphasis is on earthquake
preparedness. The program's trainers are volunteers. SECURE focuses on residents, businesses,
and child care facilities. Participants have a two hour training session with a trainer. The
SECURE Preparedness Guideline booklet is given out along with other support handouts. There
is also a library of videos available to use at the trainings.
Senior SECURE
This program is an extension of SECURE. Senior SECURE focuses on the special needs of the
Senior community, in addition to individuals with disabilities. The program operates in two
distinct ways:
1) Trainings are done on a one on one basis through the Peer Counseling program of the
S.C.V. Senior Center. The peer counseling approach reaches those individuals who are
homebound.
2) In the alternative approach, the senior population is trained either at the Senior Center, in
a seminar format, or at a residential retirement facility or community. Trainers have
specific videos to address the needs of this population. Additionally, a Senior SECURE
handbook is distributed as part of the program.
* Share the World
The City of Santa Clarita has teamed up with Performing Tree and Young Audiences to bring
Share the World to elementary schools in the Santa Clarita Valley. Share the World has been
designed to give schools a unique arts opportunity at a fifty percent (50%) price break. Share the
World program is a wonderful opportunity to promote cultural diversity through assemblies and
workshops in music, dance, theater, visual, and literary arts. Performing Tree has a very large
repertoire of performances to choose from, and a reputation for providing quality cultural arts
programming to Southern California schools.
Spanish SECURE
This other extension of the SECURE program addresses the Spanish speaking population of the
Santa Clarita Valley. Currently the program's community outreach is done out of the City's
Community Center. The program utilizes a picture card method of training. The picture cards
depict basic components of emergency preparedness - before, during and after an earthquake.
Some trainers are bilingual, while others speak only Spanish.
* Stand for Children
This annual event is sponsored nationally by the Children's Defense Fund and is celebrated locally
through awareness and information campaigns. The program asserts that every member of a
community must take steps to assure that.no child goes hungry, or is victimized by crime, and that
everyone must work to improve the quality of life for children.
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* Student Partnership Program
Is a partnership between the City, the William S. Hart Union School District, and the Los Angeles
Office of Education. This program offers students an alternative learning environment when they
have been unsuccessful in the traditional setting. They may have struggled due to problems at
home, substance abuse or other issues. The students set both educational and personal goals for
themselves and have support staff to help them achieve these goals. Students in the program work
at community sites, which helps them to attain important communication and interpersonal skills.
The ultimate goal of the program is to have the students return to the traditional setting and be
successful.
Substance Abuse Narcotics Education
Substance Abuse Narcotics Education is a drug and alcohol education and prevention program.
It is currently funded by the City of Santa Clarita for all 4-6 grade students. This program will be
incorporated into the seventh grade as a pilot program to complement the existing Here's Looking
at You 2000 curriculum.
Summer Concerts: Concerts in the Parks
The City of Santa Clarita has created a tradition of quality concerts for the community to enjoy.
Enjoy a different style of music every Sunday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. during the months of July and
August. The concerts are free and open to the public.
Summer Youth Employment
The Summer Youth Employment Program provides young adults who are economically or
educationally disadvantaged an opportunity to gain work experience through a guided mentorship
program. Youth are strategically placed at different agencies for an average of 200 hours
throughout the summer to learn various skills in a nurturing environment.
* Sl(pport Network for Victims of Hate Crimes
The network involves Forum members, the Interfaith Council and people from local businesses
and organizations. When a hate crime occurs, members of the network write letters offering
support and encouragement to the victim.
* Tattoo Removal Program
Teens who are willing to make positive changes in their lives, have their tattoos removed by local
Dermatologist, Dr. Bernard Raskin. Teens agree to complete 16 hours of community service, and
participate in some form of further education, in return for this free service.
* S.C. V. Tobacco Control Coalition
Represents City at regular meetings. Coalition formed with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial
Hospital, The American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association to provide tobacco
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control services. Funding from the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services for a
Tobacco Control Services Program used to implement a community outreach and education
project.
1) To provide information to the community regarding the risks of Environmental Tobacco
Smoke in order to facilitate behavioral change in relation to smoking cessation and
reducing exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke.
To provide business owners with skills and information to comply with local, state and
federal tobacco control laws that reduce exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke in the
workplace.
2)
Volunteer Coordination
City programs including Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival (200 volunteers), Teen volunteering,
River Rally, Arbor day, Neighborhood Leaf Out, Graffiti, Amateur Radio Club and DCS
Emergency Radio Communications groups. Works with SECURE volunteers.
Volunteer Fair
In cooperation with the S.C.V. Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO, the Volunteer Fair gives
nonprofit groups a chance to recruit volunteers and educate the community on the services and
programs.
We Care or Youth
We Care for Youth is a program which prepares our young people for life in the work place.
Taught by volunteer instructors, the focus of the program is to instill confidence and pride in our
youth, and give them the tools which they will need in order to become productive members of
society.
Youth Alliance
The Youth Alliance is a community -driven organization aiming to address the needs and build on
the strengths of Santa Clarita's youth. Besides meeting monthly to discuss pertinent issues, this
group actively participates in youth -oriented programs, such as the Youth Summit and the Mayor's
Conference for Youth and Family.
Youth Mappine
Youth Mapping allows the youth of Santa Clarita to identify resources available in the community
which are valuable to children and teens. The Boys' and Girls' Club has worked in conjunction
with
the City to survey our community resources, and collected information will be made available to
all youth.
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* Youth Summit
This annual program gathers junior -high and high-school aged teens from throughout the Santa
Clarita Valley into a one -day event designed to strengthen the youth. Previous Summit themes
have included "What's right with Santa Clarita," and "Forging Our Future through Character."
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