A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

"Salinas Safe Schools/Healthy Students Coalition"
Salinas, California

Salinas is the largest city in Monterey County, with 130,000 residents. Sixty percent of the labor force for this agricultural economy are residents of Salinas. Some Salinas neighborhoods have a per capita income as low as $5,519. Seasonal farm work contributes to the unemployment rate. Sixty-eight percent of Salinas school children qualify for free/reduced cost meals, and 47% of students in all districts are classified as Limited English Proficiency.

Additional partners to the coalition include the Alisal Union School District, known for its Delinquency Prevention Project and three Healthy Start after-school programs; the Santa Rita Union School District and The Salinas City Elementary School District, both licensed PeaceBuilders; the Monterey County Probation, Juvenile Division; the City of Salinas; Salinas Adult School; Salinas Public Library; Soluciones; Second Chance Youth; Sun Street Centers; and Sunrise House.

The proposed strategy includes: 1) increased outreach to schools by law enforcement and probation; 2) enhanced curricula; 3) increased street outreach on gang awareness and drug abuse prevention; 4) expanded professional counseling services; 5) expanded in-home parent education and counseling for families; 6) a program called "Cumadres/Compadres;" and 7) increased literacy and technology training. The coalition will institute changes such as the hiring of six new elementary school counselors to conduct individual, group, and family therapy; as well as social skills development for students K-6. Outcomes of improved social and academic functioning, reductions in disruptive and violent behavior, and decreased number of school disciplinary actions will be recorded. A citywide plan for youth provider in-service training on violence prevention will be created. The plan calls for increased street outreach on gang awareness and drug abuse prevention. Educational reform efforts will include skill building after-school programs, literacy programs, and the creation of a Healthy Kids Web site. The coalition also proposes computer training for families and the use of libraries as family resources. Other components of the plan include the development of student/parent Safe School Action Teams who, along with police, will inspect sites and advocate for changes; and the strengthening of partnerships between law enforcement, probation, and schools.

The evaluation plan will be overseen by the California State University at Monterey Bay?s Institute of Community Collaborative Services and a consultant who will lead the evaluation team from Philliber Research Associates.

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