Thursday, December 17^th

The Transition from Cell to Society

In an effort to smooth prisoners’ reentry into society and reduce their risk of being locked up again, a group called Hour Children is planning to provide mentors for dozens of women who are about to be released.

Starting in early 2010, some 30 volunteers will be paired with female prisoners who are serving the final four to eight months of their sentences. The mentoring sessions will continue for a year after the prisoners' release. Read More

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Youth Employment Program Receives Federal Money to Aid Would-Be Workers in PA

The Summer Youth Employment Program, funded in Pennsylvania through $43.5 million in federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act money, helped 9,200 disadvantaged youths get first jobs last summer. Program directors hope to help just as many next summer.

They shared what they have learned at the Youth Services Academy this week run by PA Partners at the Grantville Holiday Inn. The two-day conference is designed for professionals in workplace development. Read More

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Study: Teens Most Frequent Gang Victims and Offenders

A ten year study released by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety finds that law enforcement is noticing more and more gang related crime, and those affected most are teenagers.

According to date collected between 1998 and 2007 the highest rate of victimization was for 15 to 16 years olds, followed by 17 to 19 year olds.

The same pattern continued for offenders of gang crime. The highest offender rate was among 15 to 16 year olds and it was 37% higher than among the next group 17 to 19 year olds.

"There is no absolutely safe place away from gang activity," says Sgt Trevor Shelor a crime prevention specialist with the City of Charleston Police Department. Read More

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LA Training Academy to Certify Gang Interventionists

The Los Angeles City Council today approved a one-year, $200,000 contract with the Advancement Project to run the proposed Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy.

The city pays about $26 million a year for gang intervention agencies to mediate ceasefires, and for gang prevention agencies to offer activities meant to lure youth away from gangs.

However, their services are not streamlined, with varying levels of success and little oversight from the city.

"It's very important for all of us gentlemen to get the education needed to move forward and do this work," Max Mestes, a gang interventionist, told the council. Read More

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