Calling on the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to support the Youth PROMISE Act of 2009.

WHEREAS, Senators Bob Casey and Olympia Snowe have introduced the federal Youth PROMISE Act (Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and Education); and

WHEREAS, Communities will create PROMISE Coordinating Councils which will create neighborhood specific strategies involving education, job training, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and family therapeutic interventions; and

WHEREAS, These Councils will aim to assist young people who are at risk or who are involved in criminal activities or the justice system; and

WHEREAS, A national research center for Proven Juvenile Justice Practices will be created to collect and distribute information about successful programs and practices so results can be duplicated in other communities; and

WHEREAS, The Youth PROMISE Act provides funding to create enforcement practices that are youth oriented and community based; and

WHEREAS, The Youth PROMISE Act has already been endorsed by hundreds of national and state organizations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia calls on all members of Pennsylvania's Congressional Delegation to co-sponsor the Youth PROMISE Act of 2009.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to all members of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation.

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