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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: August 28, 2000 �� Item No.: C- 1 epartm nt p oval: Man r Ap roval: AgendaSection: Consent Item Description: Approval for JAIBG (Mentoring Program)to implement a successful youth mentoring program that offers the choice of positive reinforcement to the community's troubled youth BACKGROUND The Roseville Police Department had long recognized the worth of a youth mentoring program in the Roseville community but department funds were tightly budgeted. And even though the program was considered a significant initiative, there were never enough funds to support a mentoring program. With funds available through JAIBG, the Roseville Police Department has been able to implement a successful youth mentoring program that offers the choice of positive reinforcement to the community's troubled youth. Police officer mentoring is used as an intervention/prevention strategy to keep youth out of juvenile court, and the Roseville Police Departments one year youth mentoring program has had a noticeable impact on the community's at-risk youth. The program has allowed opportunities for after school activities between at-risk juveniles and police officers who have volunteered time and effort to participate in the mentoring program. Shared activities have been engineered to build a positive relationship between law enforcement officials, other adults and the juveniles. Group and individual activities have been varied, informative, and successful. PROPOSEDACTION The youth mentoring program gives the youth a positive look at law enforcement by involving officers as youth mentors. Demonstrations and talks given by officers have and continue to be effective. The program has been well received and the Roseville Police Department plans to continue and expand the current program. Our plan is to attract more mentors (not just police officers but members of the community as well) and interest additional at-risk youth. A director, Kirsten Dawson, has been retained with JAIBG funds to administer our youth mentoring program. With monies available from this JAIBG allocation, the program will also be expanded to include more field trips, arrange for special speakers, and explore new forms of recreational and community projects that include the mentors and the juveniles. The department is excited about continuing the parent support group program this next year. The department plans to conduct the group meetings through the services of a contracted, licensed psychologist, Dena Bohn, and involvement by the Family Violence Network. FINANCIALIMPLICATIONS The total funds allocated for the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JAIBG) period April 1, 2000, to September 30, 2001are $11,000. The Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES) provides the Roseville Police Department $9,900 for JAIBG, with the City of Roseville being responsible for one-tenth ($1,100) of the total allocated funds ($11,000). The city match of$1,100 will be disbursed from police department alcohol forfeiture funds.