New and innovative ideas for funding youth programs
One New Idea: Two
Percent to Prevent
Policy makers across America are taking a second look at their
criminal justice budgets. With increased jail and police money sought in
every new round of funding, any slim hope of diverting more money to
schools, family programs, and drug treatment seems lost. But with Two
Percent to Prevent, a slice of jail and police money automatically goes
to fund pro-active programs for youth. In a rough estimate based on
fiscal year 2001, two percent of Arkansas' criminal justice budget (not
counting county and city funding) would yield over $5 million for youth
programs and signal a much needed reversal in public policy.
Another New Idea:
Asset Seizure/Forfeiture Reform.
In Arkansas, forfeited assets of
between $1.5 and $3 million per year could go a long way in helping fund
pro-active programs for youth, like anger management or tutoring. For
kids who end up with substance abuse problems, forfeited assets could
help pay for better quality treatment programs, available on demand,
affordable for any family, programs that would include good nutrition
and top-notch counseling and other people-building services.
A Good Approach: Tax
Revenues Dedication
A Little Rock group, New Futures for Youth, has been successful in
gaining the support of city taxpayers for specific programs. Data had
shown that certain neighborhoods and certain types of behaviors could be
impacted with community centers and work-based projects. With a
dedicated portion of the tax revenue stream, New Futures for Youth was
able to staff community centers in key areas. Crime and other
undesirable behavior decreased dramatically in direct proportion to
these efforts. For more information on these programs, contact New
Futures Executive Director Don Crary at 501-374-1011, or write to 400 W.
Markham, Suite 702, Little Rock AR 72201.