Building the Capacity of CVI Organizations: Results from a Strategic Needs Assessment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• In Event: From Theory to Action: Advancing Research and Practice in Community Violence Intervention (CVI)

Abstract

The levels of gun violence in Philadelphia, PA, have prompted numerous community-based and governmental agency Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs. Although much has been learned of best practices, few CVIs have markedly decreased community gun violence. One contributing factor is that CVIs compete for scarce resources and/or are unaware of additional resources, thus limiting needed collaboration to improve programming. In a current project, we are assessing the needs of CVIs addressing gun violence with a case management model. From the needs assessment, we will develop an online Resource Center. Based on interviews with stakeholders and a needs assessment survey with CVI agencies, the paper is organized into three areas. First, we describe the characteristics of the surveyed CVI agencies. Second, we highlight overlapping and divergent needs in their programming: including short and long-term, differences between legal minors and adults. Third, we discuss the implications of the findings on needs for the building the online resource center.

Authors

• Franklin Steven Moreno, Temple University

• Caterina Roman, Temple University