Preventing violence before it occurs: Recognizing a public health approach

Transcription

1 Preventing violence before it occurs: Recognizing a public health approach Annie Lyles, MSW Prevention Institute Tasha Akitobi, MPH - NACCHO April 15, 2010 STIPDA 2010 Joint Annual Meeting

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3 Making The Case How violence impacts the health and wellbeing of communities Violence is a leading cause of injury, disability and premature death. Violence is a significant disparity, disproportionately affecting young people and people of color. Violence increases the risk of other poor health outcomes.

4 What is Needed? A Comprehensive Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention A Public Health Approach to Violence: Is population-based Works to increase protective factors Attempts to reduce risks Has a focus on prevention

5 A Comprehensive Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention UNITY (Urban Networks to Increase Thriving Youth) through Violence Prevention A national initiative designed to strengthen and support cities in preventing violence before it occurs. Based on the principle that violence is preventable, UNITY provides a comprehensive and sustainable public health approach to violence prevention.

6 Who is UNITY? Lead Partners: Prevention Institute, Harvard School of Public Health, UCLA School of Public Health SCIPRC Supported by: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & The California Wellness Foundation National Consortium: Over 200 members from cities, national and state orgs, CBOs

7 UNITY Activities Assessment: What do cities need? 7 Peer Network: Connecting cities with each other Capacity Building: Training, tools, consultation City efforts: Highlighting what works Framing: Making the case for preventing violence Urban Agenda: Policies and resources to support urban areas

8 UNITY City Network 88 Seattle, WA Minneapolis, MN Boston, MA Oakland, CA Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA Denver, CO Tucson, AZ Chicago, IL St. Louis, MO Detroit, MI New Orleans, LA Newark, NJ Cleveland, OH Philadelphia, PA Nashville, TN Louisville, KY

9 UNITY Assessment An Assessment of Youth Violence Prevention Activities in USA Cities Telephone interviews with key city informants in 15 of the 45 largest U.S. cities. City Mayor Police Chief Public Health Director School Superintendent

10 UNITY Assessment An Assessment of Youth Violence Prevention Activities in USA Cities Findings: Youth violence is a serious issue for cities. Responses are not perceived to be highly effective or adequate Few reported using primary prevention to stop violence before it occurs. Informants lack a shared knowledge of existing youth violence prevention resources available in their city.

11 UNITY Assessment An Assessment of Youth Violence Prevention Activities in USA Cities Findings: Most cities cited a lack of comprehensive strategy. Law enforcement and criminal justice are the most prevalent strategy used in the cities. Public Health Departments are not generally included in city strategies. Cities with the greatest coordinated approach also had the lowest rates of youth violence.

12 The Prevention Continuum Up Front In The Thick Aftermath Approaches that take place BEFORE violence has occurred to prevent initial perpetration or victimization Immediate responses AFTER violence has occurred to deal with the consequences in the short-term Long-term responses AFTER violence to deal with the lasting consequences and treatment interventions

13 UNITY Cities Priority Strategies UP FRONT Positive early care and education Positive social and emotional development Parenting skills Conflict resolution Quality after school programming Youth leadership Social connections in neighborhoods Quality education Economic development

14 UNITY Cities Priority Strategies IN THE THICK AFTERMATH Mental health services Successful reentry Mentoring Mental health services Family support services Street outreach/interruption

15 UNITY RoadMap Who? Partnerships High-Level Leadership Collaboration & Staffing Community Engagement How? Strategy Strategic Plans Data & Evaluation Funding 15 What? Prevention Programs, Organizational Practices, & Policies Communication Training & Capacity Building

16 Preventing Violence Building momentum in cities nationwide BALLOT INITIATIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE REVENUE SOURCES Oakland MAKING THE ECONOMIC CASE Los Angeles San Diego USING THE MAYOR'S BULLY PULPIT Minneapolis FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGIES RESPONDING TO A CRISIS Cleveland INCORPORATING A YOUTH VOICE Nashville USING FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS New Orleans USING DATA Boston Philadelphia USING STATE MONEY

17 Blueprint for Action: Preventing Youth Violence In Minneapolis Connect all youth to trusted adults Intervene at the first sign of risk for violence Restore youth who have gone down the wrong path Unlearn the culture of violence

18 UNITY City Network Convening

19 TOOLS

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21 The Spectrum of Prevention Influencing Policy & Legislation Changing Organizational Practices Fostering Coalitions & Networks Educating Providers Promoting Community Education Strengthening Individual Knowledge & Skills

22 UNITY Roadmap A Web-Based Tool for Cities to Use

23 Provides a set of tools for city leaders to improve violence prevention strategies 138/127.html 23

24 Moving From Them To Us

25 Contact us: UNITY Prevention Institute 221 Oak Street Oakland, California phone: (510)