City of OKC

Recommendation No. 25:

OKCPD should ensure current Youth Outreach Programs are funded and remain a department priority, and public information effort.

Ensure that current Youth Outreach Programs are funded, remain a department priority, and part of a public information effort.

Project Status: 80% Implemented

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Project Details from Consultant Report

In our discussions with community, there was little understanding of current efforts by the department to engage Youth. At the same time, the department is making extensive efforts to reach to Youth, including the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) program, formerly the Truancy Unit, that seeks more holistic solutions for kids struggling in school and the Family Awareness and Community Teamwork (FACT) program that targets gang violence.

We conclude there is a disconnect and OKCPD should increase awareness through an information campaign, continued engagement, and by ensuring the programs are funded and staffed so that the experience in the field matches the commitment on paper.