The City Of El Paso, Texas - www.elpasotexas.gov

SECTION

Youth Initiative Program (YIP), initiated in June of 1995.

FUNCTION

The Youth Initiative Program brings together law enforcement and the community in collaboration to address the problems that affect youth through prevention and early intervention efforts.

OBJECTIVES

Mobilize law enforcement agencies, public and private agencies and citizens through partnership in action.

• Provide seamless access to timely, accurate, and relevant services information.
• Improve communication between YIP members.
• Education, information and referral services for youth and family.
• Coordination of information sharing/reduce duplication of efforts

STRATEGIES

Underage Drinking Initiative – grant funded by the Criminal Justice Division to combat underage drinking through awareness, prevention, and enforcement.
Multi-Agency Referral System – grant funded by the U.S. Department of Justice; school- based collaborative case management currently implemented in 142 schools in the El Paso, Ysleta, and Socorro Independent School Districts.
Juvenile Justice Coalition – grant funded by the Department of Labor/Upper Rio Grande Workforce Commission; education and employment for at-risk youth. Monthly networking newsletter. Monthly forum and networking meeting.

• School-based Multi-Agency Referral System (MARS) currently implemented in all schools in the El Paso, Ysleta, and Socorro Independent School Districts.
• Free training, education and community assistance.
• Membership of 179 organizations.
• Publication of Helpline Directory of Youth Services and referrals www.elpasoyouth.com.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE

www.elpasoyouth.com (Paso Del Norte Health Foundation)
www.oag.state.tx.us (Office of the Attorney General State of Texas)