NCJ Number
166287
Date Published
1997
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the implementation of Texas' Community Youth Development (CYD) Project, which involves State allocations to 11 neighborhoods throughout the State to develop programs to alleviate family and community conditions that lead to juvenile crime.
Abstract
In 1995 the Texas Legislature allocated $10.5 million to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS) for the CYD Project. Broad guidelines were provided under the assumption that communities know best what approaches to follow and what programs to design to address delinquency in their localities. This review shows that TDPRS has been successful in allocating State funds to communities to develop CYD programs. The 11 communities have developed 167 programs supported by 103 service providers. The programs developed can be categorized into five areas: support, recreation, education, employment, and community service. Most CYD programs address the community as a whole, rather than targeting small groups for individual case management. Communities have outlined global outcomes for their programs rather than goals that are specific and measurable. There are no mechanisms in place to obtain information on all individuals participating in CYD programs. Registration data are collected for all individuals participating in CYD. The review recommends that the TDPRS committee overseeing the implementation of the project examine a number of issues. These include the need for communities to define more specific program goals; the need to have in place a mechanism to obtain information on all individuals participating; using a portion of funds for programs that target specific individuals rather than broad-based programs that target the community as a whole; the determination of specific selection criteria; and the need to conduct an outcome evaluation of the CYD Project. 10 figures and 2 tables