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Ottawa Youth Gang Prevention Initiative OYGPI A Community-Driven Process

Why Gangs? Why 2007?. Growing interest among youth service providersNeed for accurate informationSporadic local media coverageSome communities asking for recognition of the problem

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Ottawa Youth Gang Prevention Initiative OYGPI A Community-Driven Process

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    1. Ottawa Youth Gang Prevention Initiative (OYGPI) A Community-Driven Process Mike Justinich Crime Prevention Ottawa Gord Boyd Youth Services Bureau

    2. Why Gangs? Why 2007? Growing interest among youth service providers Need for accurate information Sporadic local media coverage Some communities asking for recognition of the problem & help National attention from West & Toronto

    3. History Part I Youth and Gangs I Conference for Service Providers (February 2007) Ends with a call for “next steps” Youth Services Bureau & Crime Prevention Ottawa discussions First Youth Gangs Working Group meeting (May 2007 )

    4. Relationships & Research First meetings an opportunity to build relationships and knowledge among members Some diversity in opinion & philosophy Decision to accept plurality of definitions and approaches and a commitment to work together Call for research “snapshot” of youth gangs and prevention programming in Ottawa Michael Chettleburgh engaged late Fall 2007

    5. History Part II Report release and Public Forum Feb. 11, 2008 Extensive media Prep & coverage (On message!) Not a crisis, great time to focus on prevention Recommends: defining hotspots, expand membership, create a strategy, increase awareness etc. Session with working group to discuss recommendations

    7. OYGPI Stakeholders Crime Prevention Ottawa Ottawa Police Services Youth Services Bureau Ottawa Community Housing E. Fry John Howard United Way Youville Centre Children’s Aid Society Boys and Girls Club Parks and Recreation RCMP School Boards Ministry Children & Youth Services Corrections Canada Justice Canada Community Houses Others . . . . .

    8. Education/Awareness Youth and Gangs II Conference (May 2008) 165 participants Public Forum (October 22, 2008) 115 participants Youth Gangs: From Prevention to Intervention Conference (October 23, 2008) 270 participants Upcoming – Community Engagement Strategy for Priority Areas

    9. Data Identify and build consensus on priority areas Chettleburgh again selected Fall 2008 Assets / Needs for 6 identified priority areas Upcoming - Social History Project

    10. Terms of Reference / Membership Developed Terms of Reference Thanks to CSGV for sharing! Evaluate membership list for gaps Ongoing strategic engagement & recruitment

    11. Funding Engage MCYS, Justice on an on-going basis Positive relationship with OCDSB results in grant for research and education Position OYGPI positively in preparation for asset & needs analysis

    14. Challenges Diverse stakeholders and opinions Process takes time . . . . . “lulls” in action No full-time, dedicated resources nor core funding CPO ˝ time staff, logistic, strategic and some monetary support Gangs “invisible” to much of the population

    15. Lessons learned Relationships matter Allow time for discussion Coordination role key Neutral organizing body an asset Look for an early win Be inclusive Consult, consult and consult

    16. Thank you Questions? Mike Justinich Crime Prevention Ottawa Michael.Justinich@ottawa.ca

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