Community Network Member: Philadelphia Safe and Sound

Philadelphia Safe and Sound (PSS) believes that it is the responsibility of every adult to become more involved in the lives of our region’s children and youth. Through shared resources, commitment and compassion, we can dramatically improve the health and safety, education, and overall development of our most precious resource – our children. PSS holds fast to these 5 simple truths:

• The future of our city and the vibrancy of our businesses are intertwined with the success of our children.
• Children have the right to live, play, and go to school in safety.
• Children need opportunities to broaden their knowledge base and achieve their full potential.
• Children need and deserve positive relationships with caring, committed adults.
• Partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities can assist in ensuring that children’s basic needs are met.

PSS's Top Issues

From a recent press release:

Nearly three-fourths of Philadelphia voters – all ages, parents and non-parents – believe afterschool programs play a critical role in keeping kids safe and reducing violence.
Those same voters are willing to reward mayoral candidates who agree with that idea, according to a new poll released by Philadelphia Safe and Sound (PSS) as part of its new campaign, Safe Kids, Sound Futures.

The campaign is asking the candidates to support Safe Kids, Sound Futures’ three issues:

• Increasing the number of high quality afterschool and youth development opportunities to ensure all children are safe and supervised during high-risk, non-school hours;
• Sustaining and expanding prevention programs proven to reduce youth violence and homicides; and
• Continuing to improve systems that serve children and make government accountable for measurable outcomes for kids and families.

Candidate Interviews

As part of the Safe Kids, Sound Futures campaign, Philadelphia Safe and Sound has been conducting interviews with each of the candidates for mayor to find out their plans on a number of children and youth-related issues.

They've asked candidates about their views on expanding afterschool programs, violence prevention programs and improving the effectiveness of services.

Click here for Chaka Fattah.

Click here for Tom Knox.

Click here for Michael Nutter.

Other candidates will be added when they become available.

Programs/Initiatives/Services provides by PSS for the community

Philadelphia Safe and Sound Network of Afterschool and Youth Development Programs

Philadelphia Safe and Sound is the city's largest manager of quality afterschool and youth development programs. Our programs have grown significantly over the past 6 years. Currently, PSS funds nearly 200 programs located in schools, recreation centers and other community-based sites. Each program uses one of three best practice models: The Afterschool Initiative, Beacon Programs and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

Youth Violence Reduction Partnership (YVRP)

The YVRP is a multi-agency initiative that endeavors to reduce the incidence of youth homicide, via intensive supervision and an array of support services for those youth ages 7-24 at the highest risk of killing or being killed. Alive at 25, the first report of the YVRP, details the first five years of this groundbreaking initiative.

Philadelphia ABC (Alliance for Better Child Care)

Philadelphia Alliance for Better Child Care (ABC) represents the joint interests of young children, families, child care providers, local businesses, and advocacy groups.

Events

April 13, 1-3pm

The 2007 Future Leaders’ Mayoral Forum

Philadelphia Safe and Sound is a partner in the Philadelphia Children's Commission effort to bring together a group of youth from across the city and help them flesh out their concerns and their proposed solutions. They will then present these ideas, and their questions, to the Mayoral Candidates at the Mayoral Youth Forum. More information here.

Additional Information

2006 Philadelphia Children's Budget

The Children’s Budget monitors federal, state and city governments’ resource allocations for services that prepare children for healthy and productive lives. It also guides city officials, policy makers, advocates and community and business leaders on strategic decision making related to funding critical programs and services for children.

Report Card 2006: The Well-Being of Children and Youth in Philadelphia

Each year, Philadelphia Safe and Sound produces this comprehensive assessment of the health, safety, and development of Philadelphia's children and youth. 

Community Report Cards
The Community Report Cards for Philadelphia neighborhoods analyze critical indicators (such as prenatal care, school drop out rates, juvenile arrests, and youth development opportunities) and highlight progress and challenges for children and youth. Maps pinpoint and display specific conditions with measurable impacts on the daily lives of children and youth in neighborhoods where they learn, play and grow.