Initiative launched to prevent youth violence

Links: New Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Website Funding Opportunities Mini Community Matching Grants Community Matching Grants What's New Safe Youth, Safe Community - A Progress Report 2011 Neighborhood Matching Fund Project Events Art Contest Winners More About the Initiative Resources (forms, reports, press releases) Job Openings Neighborhood Networks Investment Areas: Aggression Replacement Training (A.R.T.) Case Management Employment Extended Hours Program (EHP) Mentoring Neighborhood Matching Fund School Emphasis Officers Sustaining Projects

The City of Seattle's 2009-2010 budget included a new, multi-million dollar Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative to dramatically change how the city deals with youth violence.

In proposing this new Initiative, former Mayor Nickels stated, "We will not stand for this violence; this has to stop. The time has come for the city and the community to fundamentally change our overall strategy on preventing youth violence. I am asking neighbors, families, schools, churches, service workers and community members to come together and join our efforts."

In 2008, five teenagers were shot to death in Seattle.  Earlier in the year, former Mayor Nickels brought together community leaders, principals, members of the faith community and others to develop a new approach to preventing youth and gang-related violence.

The Initiative is underway and focuses on about 800 young people a year who are at highest risk of perpetuating violence or becoming victims.

Read more about the Initiative here.