PURPOSE

Staff is requesting City Council authorization to fund the continuation of Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommended Youth Programs.  The programs include the Peace Colors Middle School Grant Program, the Teens In Action Media Communication Team video productions, and the Middle School Counseling Program.  Staff requests authorization to appropriate $100,000 from the previously established Youth Programs Holding Account to fund the programs as proposed by the Mayor�s Youth Task Force.

BACKGROUND

In March 2001, at the direction of the City Council and the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD) Board of Education, City and BUSD staff conducted a survey of all Burbank middle school and high school youth. At the conclusion of the survey, students were asked to describe the three most significant issues facing youth. Focus group discussions followed with the goal of further defining these issues and initiating the solution development process.  In October of 2001, a cross section of 200 students from middle and high schools gathered for a full day Youth Solution Summit to discuss and develop potential solutions to the many youth issues identified during the survey and focus group process.  The results have been documented in the 2001 Youth Solution Summit Report.

During the fiscal year 2002-2003 budget process, the City Council directed staff to set aside $500,000 of one-time funding in a Non-Departmental Holding Account (Youth Services) to be utilized for teen services and programming.  With direction from the City Council, BUSD�s Board of Education, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force, the Youth Board and the Teens In Action teams, staff continues to implement programs reflecting the solutions developed by youth.  There is currently $100,800 remaining in this account.

Peace Colors Middle School Grant Program

In July of 2002, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommended and the BUSD Board of Education approved the implementation of the Peace Colors Program at each Burbank middle school.

The emphasis of the Peace Colors Program includes promoting activities which will prevent violence and help students learn techniques and strategies for anger management, conflict resolution and respect. It is the purpose of the Middle School Grant Program to assist in the funding and implementation of the Peace Colors Program and related recommendations from the Youth Solutions Summit Report.  The most significant issues identified by the middle school students were drugs and alcohol, violence and safety, and peer pressure.  Students and administrators worked together to develop programs to address the issues.  While some of these programs were unique to an individual campus, others were common and joint programs.  

In November 2002, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force reviewed the Middle School Grant Program proposals and recommended that each of the middle schools be awarded $50,000. The City Council approved this recommendation and $150,000 was allocated to the Middle School Grant Program. During the Spring semester of the 2002-2003 school year, each of the middle schools began a limited initiation of activities and programs that addressed the needs on its own campus as they related to the goals of the program. A broader implementation of the Middle School Grant Program began in September 2003.

There are three general areas/goals in which the schools have addressed and categorized their programs:

1)       To address safety, verbal altercations, fights & bullying on campus.

      Examples of programs implemented included increased adult supervision at

      lunch and after school to reduce altercations and provide a sense of security to

      students on campus, lunchtime activities to engage students in positive

      interactions with each other and to foster self-esteem, and after school

      activities to provide positive activities and which fostered friendly competition

      between schools.

2)       To provide learning and remedial opportunities to include the needs of �at-risk� students which will enhance connectedness to schools and build self-esteem through academic success.

      Examples of implementation included after school Homework Clubs and

      tutoring as well as after school Power Clinics to provide remedial assistance in

      academic areas such as reading, writing, and math.

3) To promote the schools� emphasis on anti-bullying, non-violence and tolerance.

            Examples of implementation included eighth grade trips to the Museum

            Tolerance and assemblies to reinforce the idea of tolerance, cultural

            appreciation and anti-bullying. Written materials were provided for students,

            parents, and   classrooms on such topics as dealing with anti-bullying, violence,

            attitude, managing anger, and coping with divorce. In addition, teachers and

            staff were trained in non-violence concepts and curriculum.

In February 2004, the principals reported to the Mayor�s Youth task Force that the funding has made a positive impact on their campuses.  They have lead to improved calmness on campus, increased student self-esteem, improved test scores, increased student involvement in activities, and created student bodies more connected with their schools and peers.

On March 16, 2004, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommended funding to continue the programs through the Spring 2004 semester, and in response to students� requests, programs were enhanced with an even greater focus on anti-bullying and non-violence issues on all three campuses.  At that time, City Council appropriated additional one-time funding in the amount of $75,000 ($25,000 for each middle school).  The total appropriated funding to date for the Peace Colors Middle School Grant Program is $225,000.

Teens In Action Media Communications Team

The Youth Solution Summit process identified an overwhelming need for Youth Communication and Media in Burbank. At the recommendation of the Mayor�s Youth Task Force, staff began facilitating youth-directed 120-day teams focused on implementing the solutions developed during the Youth Solution Summit. These teams became known as Teens In Action. The first Teens In Action team focused on Media and Communication. This team developed a video documentary of the entire Youth Solution Summit process which aired on 2002 on Channel 6. In January of 2003, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommended, and the City Council approved, the allocation of $64,200 from the Youth Programs Holding Account to fund a pilot series of five television episodes. This appropriation allowed for the purchase of cameras and equipment, supplies, and contracted services.  Staff from the Park, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Public Information Office partnered to facilitate the team.

The Teens In Action Media Communication Team continues to work in increments with a goal to produce one video per team.  The teams, composed of middle school and high school students, are involved in the planning, background investigation of the topic, interviewing, camerawork, and editing.

Video productions to date:

�        Show #1   �Teens In Action Presents�.Discrimination� aired beginning May 2003.  It received a 1^st Place Western Access Video Excellence Award (WAVE).

�        Show #2    �Teens In Action presents�.The Truth About Drugs and Alcohol� aired beginning November 2003.  It received the 2^nd Place Award from the States of California and Nevada National Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors and received a nomination for a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award in the category of Public, Municipal and Operator Produced Cable.

�        Show #3   �Teens In Action reveals�What You Might Not know About Depression and Suicide� aired beginning April 2004.

�        Show #4        �Sex:  What You Don�t Know Could Hurt You�Presented by Teens In Action� aired beginning September 2004.

Show # 5, the final budgeted show in the pilot series, is currently in the planning stages and the subject matter will deal with violence as it relates to teen relationships, school bullying and hazing.

The shows, by teens for teens, have proven to be valuable resources for teens as well as parents, teachers and the community.  The public and private schools in Burbank have worked cooperatively with staff to allow use of the video to assist in soliciting input, via focus groups and classes, which the team uses to improve upon future productions. Staff is working to develop teacher guidelines to accompany the videos for use in the classrooms.  The completed videos are available for public check-out at the Central Library. 

The total appropriated funding to date for the Teens In Action Media Communication Team video productions is $64,200.         

Teens In Action Police Youth Relations Team

The Police Youth Relations team was also formed to further define and implement solutions from the 2001 Youth Solution Summit final report. This team, comprised of middle school and high school youth, works in cooperation with the Burbank Police Department, to improve the relationship between police and youth.

Objectives of the team include the opportunity for positive interaction between police officers and youth, outreach to other students, and provision of positive impacts to the community through projects.

At its June 24, 2003 meeting, based on a recommendation from the Mayor�s Youth Task Force, City Council approved an appropriation of $30,000 for facilitators and $25,000 in supplies for the Teens In Action Police Youth Relations Team.

The Police Youth Relations Team works in quarterly increments and is project driven.  Each team is involved with the production of a Teen Streat Beat Show with a topic pertaining to teens and law enforcement, planning and participation in specific special or community events, and participation in the development of campus forums and a Police Rewards Program. Community events at which the team has had a presence or participated include Red Ribbon Day, Easter Eggsplosion, Police/Fire Day, Civitan Day, and the Ponytail Softball Jamboree.  The Police Rewards Program will be launched this fall.  The team is providing the school resource officers and motor officers with items to reward teens for doing something good.

The team was responsible for the development, coordination, planning and conducting of two major special events for the community.  The Ball-B-Q was held in January 2004.  Six months of planning culminated in a basketball game between youth and police officers, sponsorships, including donated supplies, food and prizes, as well as fun activities for all ages. The donation of proceeds was given to the Burbank Explorer Post to assist teens in their pursuit of a career in law enforcement.

The second special event was the planning of a National Night Out event in coordination with the Police Department.  National Night Out For Community Unity was held on August 3, 2004 at Johnny Carson Park.  The Police Youth Relations team had the primary role to provide free food, entertainment, activities and coordinate community agency booths.  The team�s efforts resulted in extensive in-kind donations of food, prizes or services for the approximately 1500 attendees. 

Professional facilitators for the four teams from August 2003 through September 2004 have been provided by We Care For Youth, a local non-profit organization dedicated to youth. City staff support has been provided from the Police Department, the Public Information Office, and the Park, Recreation, and Community Services Department.

The total appropriated funding to date for the Teens In Action Police Youth Relations Team is $55,000.

Middle School Counseling Program

One of the overwhelming needs expressed by youth in our community throughout the Youth solution Summit process was for more accessible and affordable counseling opportunities.  To develop a strategic plan of action for initiating a youth counseling program, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force created the Youth Counseling Subcommittee which included representatives from the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, the City of Burbank, the City Council and the BUSD.

The guidelines for developing a successful counseling program responsive to the needs of youth were found in the 2001 Youth Solution Summit Report.  Although the summit focused on the nine topics of depression, school violence, domestic violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, racism, police youth relations, and peer pressure, a common idea expressed in the workshops for consideration in developing solutions was the need for more availability of counseling services.  The youth envisioned counseling taking place in three locations; the schools, a community teen center, and in the comfort of their homes via television.

In response, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force and the Youth Counseling Subcommittee recommended that, initially, counseling opportunities be provided at BUSD middle schools.  While the need for counseling services spans all ages of youth, the subcommittee recognized that based on the parameters of time, money and feasibility, the program needed to be focused on a specific age group to be successful.

On January 13, 2004, based on guidelines developed for implementation of a no cost program on Burbank middle school campuses, the Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommended and the City Council approved an appropriation of $50,000 for the Family Service Agency of Burbank to provide counseling services. Upon approval of the program by the Board of Education and with the cooperation of school administration and staff, a program on the three middle school campuses was implemented.   The Family Services Agency provided middle school youth with accessible, affordable counseling through the remainder of the spring 2004 semester and through summer school.

The total appropriated funding to date for the Middle School Counseling Program is $50,000.  

ANALYSIS

The program components and highlights as described in this report were  funded through one time expenditures from the $500,000 holding account set aside during the FY 2002-2003 budget process. A total balance of $100,800 remains in this account. The Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommends continuance of services in these programs and the expenditure of $100,000 from the balance of the holding account.

Peace Colors Middle School Grant Program        $30,000

It is recommended that the City continue the strong partnership with the BUSD. Through constant feedback and communication regarding the Peace Colors Middle School Grant Program, it was determined that this program has made a positive impact.  The appropriation will provide continuance of programming elements through the fall 2004-2005 semester. If approved, each school will receive $10,000 each. BUSD administration has been informed of the recommendation.  If approved, school principals will identify specific priority activities for funding. Without these funds, the existing program will not be extended. 

The value of this program has not gone unnoticed in the community. Committed to the youth of Burbank and its interest in the anti-bullying components of the program, the Noon Kiwanis generously donated $15,000 for the 2004-2005 school year PeaceColors Program.

Teens In Action Media Communication Team      $20,000

Four episodes of the Teen Television Show pilot series have been completed.  Feedback from focus groups upon completion of the episodes indicate that youth feel that the show is beneficial to addressing youth issues and should be continued and expanded to include other issues identified from the Youth Solution Summit, and suggestions made by Burbank youth. The existing program received funding in the amount of $64,200 to produce a total of five pilot episodes with the fifth to air fall 2004.  Without additional funding, this program will not expand to include more episodes. Costs per show run approximately $10,000 per show.  A request is made for funding for two additional shows with anticipated completion dates of late winter and late spring of 2005.  Proposed subject matter includes eating disorders and gangs.

Middle School Counseling   $50,000

Phase I of the Middle School Counseling Program from March 2004 to August 2004 included the following components:  program design and development; identification, assessment and service to individual high-risk students; introduction of the program to student leadership and parents; and addressing issues related to safe and confidential access to services.  The Family Service Agency of Burbank was the service provider working in cooperation with the BUSD and the City of Burbank.  These three partners, with the Mayor�s Youth Task Force, desire to continue and enhance this counseling program at the three middle school sites.

Directly, seventy-eight students were positively impacted by the counseling services. Indirectly, other students on campus, school personnel, parents, and family members also benefit from the services provided. It is the goal of the program to increase the number of students served and enhance the program components through the provision of access to additional counselors.  To accomplish this objective, the Family Service Agency is dedicated to seeking and identifying additional funding sources.

City Council appropriated $50,000 for initiation of the program at its January 13, 2004 meeting. A small balance remains to begin the program in the fall semester of the 2004-2005 school year. It is the Mayor�s Youth Task Force recommendation to appropriate an additional $50,000 from the unappropriated Non-Departmental Holding Account (Youth Services) to continue counseling services by the Family Service Agency of Burbank through the first semester, ending January 28, 2005.

Teens In Action Police Youth Relations 

(No additional funding is necessary to continue programs and services.)

It is the Mayor�s Youth Task Force Recommendation to continue the Teens In Action Police Youth Relations Team with its primary goal to improve the relationship between police and youth in Burbank, resulting in a safer community. At its June 24, 2003 meeting, City Council appropriated a total of $55,000 to provide for facilitators and materials for the team.  Due to the successful sponsorship efforts of their programs by the team, there are unused funds that are sufficient to fund continuation of the team through March 2005. The Teens In Action Police Youth Relations Team proposes to continue the Teen Street Beat live television show, conduct another community Ball-B-Q to include a basketball game between youth and police, provide campus discussion forums, and provide a police rewards program. At this time no additional funding is requested.

FISCAL IMPACT

During the Fiscal Year 2002-2003 budget process, City Council directed staff to establish a holding account and one-time appropriation of $500,000 for the development and implementation of youth oriented projects. This recommendation will expend $100,000 from the remaining $100,800 available in the General Fund Non-Departmental Holding Account (Youth Services) 001.ND000.62970. 

RECOMMENDATION

It is the recommendation of staff and the Mayor�s Youth Task Force that the City Council approve the one-time expenditure of $100,000 from the Non-Departmental Holding Account to appropriate $50,000 to the Middle School Counseling Program (001.PR31F.62135.1002), $30,000 to the Peace Colors Middle School Grant Program (001.PR31F.62656.1001), and $20,000 for the Teens In Action Media Communication Team video productions (001.CM02A.62110).

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