In partnership, Santa Fe County Youth Services Division and the City of Santa Fe’s Youth and Family Services Division are prioritizing youth most directly associated with violence. We are centering our efforts on the historical and systemic issues behind violence, including poverty, economic injustice, and racism. We aim to provide youth with the necessary services and resources to succeed while moving away from violence.

The City and County has witnessed a notable decline in youth crime since 2000; however, following the challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, there has been a concerning rise in violent crime among youth. To address this critical issue, we propose a program aimed at educating, navigating, and employing high-risk youth to establish a sustainable framework for reducing youth gun and gang/group violence.

The pilot program will focus on three key objectives:

  1. Reaching High-Risk Youth: The initiative will effectively engage youth who are most vulnerable to violent victimization or perpetration.
  2. Enhancing Protective Factors: Participants will be immersed in a supportive environment that fosters protective factors to diminish their risk for violence.
  3. Building Community Capacity: The program will empower participants to become community support workers, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to ongoing community violence prevention efforts.

This comprehensive approach aims to create lasting change by transforming high-risk individuals into responsible leaders and advocates for peace within the community.

Chanelle Delgado, Youth Services Administrative Program Manager
(505) 992-9875
cdelgado@santafecountynm.gov

Elias Rodriguez, Youth Service Coordinator
505-995-9576
erodriguez@santafecountynm.gov