Youth Advisory Council

The Suffolk Youth Advisory Council meets monthly to discuss issues that directly affect the youth of Suffolk and offers recommendations to City leaders to help implement change. The SYAC plans activities and events for youth to participate in to raise awareness of issues faced by youth in Suffolk. Applications accepted in July and August.

Download application

For more information email syac@suffolkva.us or call 514-4503

Youth Engagement Services

This program is designed to train and engage youth in the benefits of community service; build a connection among young people and their community, and develop citizenship. Youth ages 11 - 17. Space is limited.

Download application -- Youth Engagement Services Flyer

For more information, contact Jennifer Branham at 514-4503.

Suffolk Initiative on Youth

Suffolk Initiative on Youth Crime Prevention Plan Update Suffolk City Council September 1, 2010

Background

• In 2006, the Suffolk City Council appointed a task force comprised of over 30 representatives including city agencies and departments, local law enforcement, youth service providers, business leaders, faith-based organizations, teachers, parents, and youth.
• As a result of City Council’s vision and guidance a comprehensive strategy and plan to address youth crime and violence was developed.
• The implementation of this plan has provided greater opportunities for our young people to learn, grow, and become productive members of the community.

Overview

• Based on the findings gathered in each phase of development of the plan, 12 strategic initiatives with corresponding action items were identified
• To date, 71% of these initiatives have been completed through collaborations and partnerships between city agencies and community partners

Accomplishments

2006-Present
Secured over $1million in prevention grants



Established the Suffolk Office on Youth

• Hired Youth Services Coordinator
• Increased opportunities for youth employment through the Suffolk Work Success Program
• Re-established the Suffolk Youth Advisory Council
• Held two Youth Symposiums
• Implemented the Youth Engagement Services and Counselors in Training Program



Continued to fund before and after school programs

• Operated a total of 11 program sites for over 1200 youth and teenagers before school, after school and during the summer.
• Enhanced transportation from schools to recreation centers for after school programs.
• Distributed over 36,000 meals through the USDA Summer Feeding Program.



Developed a mechanism to recognize successful youth

• Implemented the first Suffolk Youth Achievement Awards where 15 middle and high school students were honored for their accomplishments.
• Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority sponsors an annual scholar recognition ceremony for their students. This year over 200 youth were honored for their scholastic achievement during the past school year.



Implemented Youth Public Safety Academy

• Held annually, 2 days per week from 3:00 -7:00pm
• Emphasizes public service, positive relationships, mentoring
• Graduated close to 50 youth



Partnered with Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to implement Town Hall meetings

• Large-scale town hall meetings
• Kings Fork Middle School
• Northern Shores Elementary
• 135 civic league/community meetings held to discuss anti-gang solutions



Established a task force (SAN DIEGO MODEL)

• Suffolk Stakeholders:

• Suffolk Police Department
• Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
• Suffolk Public Schools
• Sheriff’s Department
• Probation and Parole
• Office on Youth
• Court Services
• Community Corrections
• Western Tidewater Regional Jail
• Community Services Board

• Meet monthly



Continue to evaluate and address truancy

• Police Department Truancy Enforcement
• Significant drop in “official” truancy numbers due to state definition change (from 5,000 to 200)
• Six offenses; school hearing; declaration
• New truancy effort led by Juvenile Court Chief Judge
• Suffolk Public Schools and Suffolk PD are participating

Additional Successes

• GREAT Program: middle schools; 2,600 students.
• CSI Camp: grades 6-8; careers in law enforcement; stresses teamwork and communication.
• Summer GREAT: ages 9-12; teaches GREAT principles at other agency programs.
• Fire Life Safety: assist Fire Department in teaching bicycle safety, canine demonstration.
• Discover Your Future: ages 11-15; assist Parks & Recreation in teaching conflict resolution.
• Commonwealth/SPD Gang Awareness Program: middle schools; 2,528 students; 18 programs.



Upcoming Initiatives

• Suffolk Protégé Mentoring Program
• Office on Youth Quarterly E-Newsletter
• Empowerment Conference 2011
• Evaluation and Update of the SIY Plan

For complete details of this Initiative, download the presentation below


• » Suffolk Initiative on Youth
  
  » Suffolk Initiative on Youth

An Empowered Approach to Prevent Youth Violence:

• » Final Appendices
• » Final Report