19D - EPIC ANNUAL REPORT - Laserfiche WebLink

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MAJOR FOCUS AREAS FOR 2008 In addition to conducting the assessment and based on the strategic planning process, the Commission believes the areas listed below should constitute its focus during 2008. While the Commission will be integrally involved in the conduct of a comprehensive assessment, it will also work on issues and projects that are vital to the wellness of the community. These include: • Develop a comprehensive Community Asset Map that will include content and location for government, private and non-government organization assets. • Engage the community, particularly parents, in youth-related problem solving efforts and initiatives. • Explore job and economic development opportunities and resources for youth and families. Determine what and where these opportunities exist and how EPIC can help connect these opportunities and resources with those in need. • Reduce the incidence of graffiti and associated costs. • Help improve police-community relations as they affect youth and gangs. • Help improve coordination efforts between the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Unified School District. • Organize and conduct a Santa Ana community-wide conference on youth and gangs with City Council approval and support. CRITERIA FOR PROGRAM EVALUATION AND LONG-TERM SUCCESS The Commission determined early on that in order to make sound recommendations for programs and initiatives, it had to adopt rigorous criteria for evaluating effectiveness and efficiency. Too often government and many non- government organizations have spent money on programs that were neither designed properly nor measured appropriately to determine their effectiveness. There are many examples in California of programs that misused grant funds or did not meet expectations for success. While remaining open to innovative and groundbreaking ideas, the Commission is determined to ensure that its recommendations reflect evidence-based initiatives and strategies to ensure that money is spent on programs that have a reasonable likelihood of success. The comprehensive assessment will include a review of research-based, proven solutions that have been used in similar communities to develop effective short, medium, and long-term strategies to prevent gang recruitment and gang violence. There are a number of publications and organizations that track and review the success EPIC Progress Report to City Council - 2008 Page 22 19D-23