Transcript CMI Program Overview

CREDIBLE MESSENGER INITIATIVE
DEFINITION
Credible Messenger Mentoring for youth
in the juvenile justice system is a
transformative process through which
individuals from similar backgrounds,
including men and women who were
themselves justice-involved, engage youth
in structured and intentional relationships
that help them change their attitudes,
beliefs and actions.
7.2 B.
PHILOSOPHY
Benefits for
Community
Benefits for
Mentors
Benefits for
Youth &
Families
Enhanced community capacity
Restorative Justice
Safer Stronger DC
Professional Development
Employability
Personal growth
Effectively meet needs
Improved life outcomes
Prepared to succeed
PARTNERSHIPS
Listen to
Youth &
Families
Identify
Community
Leaders
Agency &
Community
Collaboration
WHO CREDIBLE MESSENGERS MENTOR
Credible Messengers are needed for youth who fit the
following profile:
 Involved in the justice system
 Disconnected from positive supports
 Beyond the reach of traditional social services
 Resistant to Change
 Crew-involved
 High-risk
 Involved in violence
 In need of additional support
Who is a CREDIBLE MESSENGER?
Credible Messengers are able to connect with the atrisk population of youth because they:
 Come from the same communities
 Have successfully transformed from their experience
 Demonstrate integrity and transformation
 Are skilled, trained or interested in mentoring young
people from diverse backgrounds
 May have been involved in the justice system
SCREENING AND SELECTION
Hiring Credible Messengers requires evaluating an individual's
experience, skills and strengths. Selection may include:
 Background check
 Recommendations from community insiders
 Evidence of impact on young people
 Ability to work in teams and a teachable spirit
 Evidence of positive and pro-social peers and mentors
 Current and past involvement with at-risk or justice involved
youth
 Capacity to serve diverse population
TRAINING
Credible Messengers will go through pre-service training in
the following areas:
 Basics of Mentoring
 Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions
 Restorative Justice & Peacemaking Circles
 Group Facilitation & Curriculum Development
 Boundaries, Professionalism & Self Care
 Crisis Intervention
 Cultural Competency
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
 Youth and mentor outcomes will be tracked throughout the
initiative. Youth outcomes will be entered into DYRS
database. Outcomes include:
Youth & Parent Outcomes
Mentor Outcomes
Education-related goals
Training hours/completions
Work-related milestones
Retention
Youth Engagement with
services
Promotion
Individual Success Plan goals
Engagement with mentees
Rearrests
Certifications
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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Transformative Mentors Hired to Work with Youth
Family Engagement Specialists Hired to Work with Families
Restorative Justice/Covenant of Peace Curriculum
Economic opportunities and capacity building for community
organizations
 Safe Spaces in Neighborhoods with Positive Youth
Development Activities
TIMELINES
Grant making Activity
Date
Pre-Proposal Conferences
Weeks of July 19 & July 28
Request for Proposals Due
Friday, August 5 (by 4:00 pm)
Proposal Review Period
Week of August 15
Proposed Site Visits
Week of August 22
Announcement of Awards
Week of August 29 (Tentatively)
Release of Grant Awards
Week of September 5 (Tentatively)
PHASES
 Phase 1:
 Selection of 3 “Phase 1” Credible Messenger Service Providers
 August 2016-September 2016 budget (not to exceed $45,133)
 Training of Phase 1 staff
 Phase 2:
 Refer youth to Phase 1 selected service providers
 Selection of 3 “Phase 2” Credible Messenger Service Providers
 October 2016-Septmeber 2017 budget (not to exceed $317,492)
 Training of Phase 2 staff
 Refer youth to Phase 2 selected service providers
WE ARE WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE
QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
SAFER STRONGER DC Focus Areas
507
702
Langston
Woodland
Carver Terrace
Buena Vista
Rosedale
Hillsdale
602
Fort Stanton
Deanwood
705
Lincoln Heights
Congress Park
604
706
Benning Park
Washington Highlands
Benning Terrace