WHEREAS
,
Philadelphia is a vibrant metropolitan area that strives to create an environment to raise safe and healthy children; and
WHEREAS
,
Both City Council and the Kenney Administration desire to advance an environment that is increasingly favorable to the success of out of school time initiatives; and
WHEREAS
,
Nationally, for every child in an after-school time program two more would be interested in joining if the programs had space and funding for them; and
WHEREAS
,
The hours of 2pm to 6pm are the prime time of juvenile crime in Pennsylvania according the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reporting data; and
WHEREAS
,
Studies have found that in programs across the country out of school time programs increase day of school attendance, raise graduation rates and reduce criminal participation; and
WHEREAS
,
The Administration, through the newly formed Children and Youth Cabinet, is committed to deliver greater coordination and research-based outcomes; and
WHEREAS
,
Identifying areas demanding ongoing improvements in service provision and delivery - can yield more data, evidence and insight, thereby helping to ensure positive comprehensive results for all Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That City Council’s Committee on Children & Youth is authorized to hold hearings regarding out of school time programs and funding to improve the safety and contribute to positive life outcomes for Philadelphia’s young people.
End