The Aurora City Council and city management recognize that youth violence is a public health crisis that requires a comprehensive response; the Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Program addresses this issue.
The program aims to strategically develop and implement a hybrid model specific to the city of Aurora, based on local and national best practices and evidence-based approaches. This program is youth and community informed and inclusive of a collaborative approach with partner agencies from various disciplines to leverage resources to address the current needs of the Aurora community through prevention and intervention efforts.
To develop the program’s overarching framework and a strategic plan, our team will build off a formal compact entered with the City and County of Denver in the Fall of 2020. Both cities recognize that violence does not end or begin at municipal boundaries and will seek to develop a regional approach to reducing violent behavior. Public awareness efforts to increase knowledge and access to available resources and community-led activities will be funded and supported to help serve communities disproportionately affected by youth violence. The program will also seek to support those youth and families most likely to be at risk of being involved in or adversely impacted by violence.
Mission
The mission of the Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Program is to enhance public safety to reduce the impact of youth violence in Aurora communities. We do this through a comprehensive and proactive public health approach inclusive of youth, community partners, partner agencies, and city leaders by addressing key risk factors.
Reports
- Community Voice & Perspective Report, Jan. 2020
Provides a high-level overview of key findings around youth violence garnered through focus groups and one-on-one interviews with youth, parents, and other community stakeholders across the city of Aurora.
Program Partners