We All Have A Role To Play

Our History

The Youth Violence Prevention Network and county-wide strategic planning process was a project of the Santa Cruz County Criminal Justice Council. The task force formed in December 2012 and worked together for one year to complete a community assessment of assets and needs related to Youth Violence.

​As part of this process, the Network completed the first Santa Cruz County Status on Youth Violence report in December 2013. Representing input from over 200 stakeholders through two community summits and monthly task force meetings, the report presents local primary and secondary data on over 60 indicators that are known risk and protective factors for youth violence.

Our Mission 

An equitable, united, and safe county where all youth are engaged in family, school and community, have a sense of safety and well-being, feel they have a voice and are empowered to use it, and are able to access opportunities for successful transition into adulthood.

Endorsements & Adoptions to the Plan

Capitola City
​Children’s Network
County Office of Education Board of Trustees
Human Care Alliance
Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission
Latino Affairs Commission
Live Oak School District
Parks & Recreation Commission
San Lorenzo Valley School District
​Santa Cruz City
Santa Cruz City Schools
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors
Santa Cruz County Community Action Board
Santa Cruz County Criminal Justice Council
Santa Cruz NAACP
Santa Cruz Youth City Council
Scotts Valley City
Watsonville City
Watsonville Youth City Council

Methodology, Implementation, & Overview of Strategic Plan


​YVPT Documents & Reports:
Using a data-driven approach, with input from over 75 workgroup members, 60+ key informant interviews, and from family and youth focus groups, the YVPN completed a 3-5 year strategic plan to reduce youth violence in Santa Cruz County. In April 2015, Santa Cruz County began implementing Turning the Curve: Santa Cruz County’s Youth Violence Prevention Strategic Plan.

Goal: The 2015-2016 goal of the YVPN is to begin implementing the 3-5 year strategic plan to reduce youth violence in Santa Cruz County by addressing critical issues in the following focus areas. These focus areas were developed based on qualitative and quantitative data collection, input collected at community summits, and input from task force members. Ensure supported and functioning families  

  • Increase program and system effectiveness
  • Promote positive youth development ​
  • Foster safe and vibrant neighborhoods
  • Increase equity and reduce racial and ethnic disparities 
  •  Authentic community engagement