Title
Funding for Fishing for Success Juvenile Crime Prevention Program
Explanation
Fishing for Success is a juvenile crime prevention program, designed for at-risk juveniles between the ages of 10 to 17 who are linked with professionals and law enforcement deputies and officers who help mentor them through the difficult teen-age years. It is designed to reduce truancy and drop out rates of young teenagers from school. As a non-aggressive activity, the juveniles learn patience, build self-esteem and learn to trust and rely on each other. They learn to trust and respect law enforcement while also learning about the laws of our community. A juvenile who successfully completes the one year program may return as a juvenile mentor to help teach the at-risk juveniles what they have learned. Currently, the University of Florida, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, School Board of Alachua County, Gainesville Police Department, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Bassmasters of Gator Country, Alachua County TRIAD, Department of Juvenile Justice and HRS are providing support, assistance and/or funding for this program.
The requested funding ($2,500) will help provide for the purchase of fingerlings (baby fish) to be stocked in ponds established by the Department of Fisheries and Aquatics Sciences specifically for participants of this program to raise. The additional $3,000 will be used to purchase rods, reels, life jackets and other supplies. The program is designed to accommodate 60 juveniles per year.
Fiscal Note
This $5,500 funding request is currently available in the Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund account. All the items purchased represent one time expenses and do not represent a continuing financial commitment to the program.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the appropriation of $5,500 from the Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund, and the...
Click here for full text