On Monday, June 9, 2024, the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Police Department launched the Youth Care Program, which aims to disrupt the cycle of crime among young offenders through proactive measures. This initiative falls under Mayor Ken Welch’s strategic Neighborhood Health and Safety Pillar For Progress.
Collaborating closely with the City’s Community Impact and Safety Liaison, Lisa Wheeler-Bowman, the St. Petersburg Police Department will extend tailored support and resources to young individuals and their families following non-violent felony offenses.
Upon the arrest of a juvenile for offenses like auto theft, grand theft, or felony criminal mischief, The Community Impact and Safety Liaison will be notified. The Liaison will then initiate contact with the offender’s family to evaluate the home environment and determine steps to cultivate stability and support.
Offenders will receive customized care, including counseling and educational programs designed to meet their unique needs. Families will benefit from comprehensive services, including family therapy, financial aid, and community support, to ensure a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
The primary objective of the Youth Care Program is to steer at-risk youth towards a trajectory of reduced re-offense rates and foster their growth into successful adults. This initiative is not a mere diversion; it holds youths accountable in court while offering them a chance to participate voluntarily in the program for their betterment.
About Neighborhood Health & Safety Pillar For Progress:
Mayor Welch aims to create safer and healthier environments by investing in communities most impacted by poverty, inequity, and crime. Improving availability and accessibility to wholesome foods, health care, and social services while reducing crime, gun violence and fear will provide more secure neighborhoods where our citizens will have the opportunity to thrive.
More information can be found at: https://police.stpete.org/youthCareProgram/index.html#gsc.tab=0
