Working with High Risk Youth in an Urban Setting

• In Event: At-Risk Youth in the Community and Juveniles in the Justice System

Abstract

360 Community is UCAN's bold new solution to the violence crisis plaguing Chicago's communities. 360 Community is a community-based program that works with youth (ages 12-24) and their families to recognize the impact of violence and trauma in order to create safety and healing for youth in Chicago neighborhoods. Through this implementation, UCAN seeks to empower youth, build resilience and hope, and enable youth to reach their full potential. The goal of the 360 Community is to support youth so they feel safe while working to succeed in their future endeavors. This is accomplished through a multipronged approach that: reduces youth participation in crime and violence; assists youth and their families in addressing and processing complex issues related to trauma; strengthens community involvement through the support and collaboration of residents and community leaders to decrease youth violence; and coordinates electronic referrals to local service providers. Preliminary results for 360 Community demonstrate that: 87% report a high level of connection with a caring adult; there was a 68% decrease in arrests; 75% of program participants have made progress towards their goals; there was a 35% increase in participants attending school regularly; there was a 70% increase in engagement with other community programs and efforts; and 25% of participants are now enrolled in mental health services.

Authors

• Norman Livingston Kerr, UCAN

• Nacole Milbrook, UCAN