Boys and Girls Clubs in Public Housing, Final Research Report

• NCJ Number: 173043
• Author(s): C E Pope; R Lovell; T S Bynum; J R Greene; W H Feyerherm
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 87 pages
• Grant Number(s): 92-DD-CX-K038
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored

Annotation

This report presents findings and recommendations from the evaluation of variations of Weed and Seed programs implemented in 15 cities by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, with attention to the provision of crime and drug prevention programs in public housing.

Abstract

The evaluations focused on levels of program implementation, collection of data to provide inferences about program activities and stated objectives, summation of findings across sites, analysis of the "goodness of fit" of particular program efforts to particular environments, and identification of program development potential. The overall goal of operation Weed and Seed is to form partnerships between law enforcement (Federal, State, and local) and local communities, so as to interdict the cycle of drugs, violence, and crime often found in deteriorating areas of major cities. The first step is to weed out violent offenders in targeted high-crime neighborhoods; the second step is to seed high-crime neighborhoods with multifaceted community- based programs that provide alternatives to crime and prevent the resurgence of drug use and violence. One such alternative is to build upon the resources often provided by local Boys and Girls Clubs. With over 1,200 local clubs operating in every major metropolitan area, Boys and Girls Clubs of America are an ideal partner and complement to Weed and Seed efforts. Clubs typically provide recreational programming for youth as well as other services such as tutorial programs, field trips, craft programs, and mentoring positive enhancements. The Bureau of Justice Assistance funded Affiliate Boys and Girls Clubs through the national organization to conduct demonstration projects (educational enhancement programs, comprehensive programs of medical screening and services) and to establish new club units in public housing. Eventually 22 projects were undertaken. Based on evaluation findings, 11 recommendations are offered. They pertain to long-term objectives, project goals, implementation and needs assessment, special-emphasis programming, coordination of activities, residents' input, medical service, caution in the use of incentives in educational enhancement programs, continuous education and staff training, and accurate and continuous record-keeping. 13 references