Embedding prevention in state policy and practice

Criminal and juvenile justice policies traditionally have been aimed at addressing specific crimes through apprehension and enforcement. One consequence of these policies is that many states now spend more money each year on corrections than on education or health care. While law enforcement policies might achieve short-term societal benefits, long-term impact requires that states begin to emphasize preventing the diverse and complex causes of crime through sound prevention policies. The purpose of this project is to elevate and standardize prevention as the preferred state policy in reducing crime, violence and substance abuse in six states--Arizona, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky and Oregon. Key deliverables during this project period include baseline and year-end reports, in the form of case studies and cross-site analyses, of the work being done in each of the six states. These reports will be a component of the project's evaluation. This project will be considered successful if: (1) the six participating states have embedded prevention as the standard policy and practice to reduce crime, violence and drug abuse; (2) funding, administrative and program design changes reflect policy shifts towards prevention; and (3) a blueprint for similar efforts by other states has been developed. Through public policy, media, publications, training and technical assistance, the National Crime Prevention Council assists states in creating and acting on comprehensive strategic plans to prevent crime and violence in communities.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $420,340.00

Awarded on: 3/30/2001

Time frame: 4/1/2001 - 3/31/2002

Grant Number: 40444