TOWARD A LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO VIOLENCE PREVENTION:

THE ALAMEDA COUNTY BLUEPRINT

Alameda County, California can be a wonderful place to live. It is an energetic, diverse, creative community. Like many other counties in the state and nation, especially those with large urban, low-income populations, Alameda County faces serious violence problems. Violence is complex, and as such, requires a comprehensive solution. Toward a Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention: The Alameda County Blueprint, adopted by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in July 2005, is a comprehensive violence prevention plan designed to reduce all forms of violence affecting county communities and families. The violence prevention Blueprint initiative began in 2003, spearheaded by Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, with support from public and private funders, cities, school districts, county agencies, law enforcement, faith based groups, businesses, and community based organizations.

In the assessment phase, the need for unified leadership, increased accountability, a venue for coordination and greater understanding of effective violence prevention were identified as key areas of focus. Since 2003, the initiative developed the Blueprint, convened a Leadership Council, chaired by the heads of the County Probation Department and Health Department, and identified six immediate priority areas for action: 1) implement a violence prevention curriculum in schools; 2) build and strengthen reentry programs for ex-felons; 3) implement comprehensive and targeted services in 5 neighborhoods with high rates of violence; 4) engage the business sector as stakeholders in prevention; 5) compile and analyze data to determine needs and best practices; and, 6) develop funds and other resources. Subcommittees have been established to address these six focus areas. A Violence Prevention Coordinator, hired by the Alameda County Probation Department will work closely with the Leadership Council to oversee subcommittee actions and coordinate violence prevention efforts for the county.

A Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention: The Alameda County Blueprint: Approved by Board of Supervisors July 2005 (PDF)

A Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention: The Alameda County Blueprint -- Overview: An overview of the Blueprint. July 2005 (PDF)

The Blueprint was developed through a three-phase process.

Phase I: Defining the Problem

As part of phase I, Prevention Institute conducted research into best practices, and models for Alameda County, and administered interviews with county officials and community members to gain knowledge of what was currently being done within the county regarding violence prevention, as well as areas where gaps in services existed. This information was synthesized in a preliminary report, Toward a Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention in Alameda County: Background and Preliminary Recommendations. The report highlights four major findings and delineates ten recommendations.

A diverse Advisory Board was brought together to provide overall vision and guidance throughout the blueprint development process. A core group is shaping the solutions and structure for the county. Prevention Institute is facilitating the process, conducting research, and writing the blueprint. The project is being carried out under the leadership of Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley.

Phase I materials:

Toward a Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention in Alameda County: Background and Preliminary Recommendations: This report, which was informed through interviews with county officials and community representatives, highlights four major findings and delineates ten recommendations for preventing violence within Alameda County.

Toward a Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention in Alameda County: Background and Preliminary Recommendations -- Synopsis: Executive summary of the full report.

Preliminary report cover letter: A letter from Supervisor Miley introducing the report, and explaining the Alameda County violence prevention project.

Advisory Board meeting synthesis notes: September 18, 2003

Phase II: Blueprint Development (October 2003-December 2004)

The blueprint development process includes developing solutions that address the recommendations delineated in phase I. These solutions will include attention to both what must be done and how things should be done. For example, as training needs are delineated for different audiences, there will also be a focus on how the training will be accomplished (e.g., through annual conferences, interdepartmental workshops, etc.).

Phase II meeting plan: Defines the structure for advisory board and core group meetings during phase II.

Core Group meeting agenda: October 30, 2003

Core Group meeting synthesis: October 30, 2003

Core Group meeting synthesis: December 18, 2003

Advisory Board meeting synthesis: January 15, 2004

Public Protection Committee hearing: February 9, 2004 (slide presentation; PDF)

Core Group meeting synthesis: March 4, 2004

Core Group meeting synthesis: April 15, 2004 (PDF)

Advisory Board update on progress to date: May 7, 2004 (PDF)

Advisory Board meeting presentation: May 20, 2004 (PDF)

Advisory Board meeting synthesis: May 20, 2004 (PDF)

Core Group meeting synthesis: June 30, 2004 (PDF)

A Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention: The Alameda County Blueprint: July 2005 (PDF)
This Blueprint was developed by a diverse group of stakeholders from across the county representing city and county elected officials, county departments and agencies, city program staff and police chiefs, legislators, community based organizations, and youth. Participants met regularly over the course of nine months to discuss structure and content issues and reviewed materials in between. Further, their work was informed by interviews and focus groups with additional elected officials, law enforcement, youth, community-based and grassroots organizations, agency and department staff and leadership, and others. Finally, the Blueprint was informed by research and practitioner wisdom from around the country.

A Lifetime Commitment to Violence Prevention: The Alameda County Blueprint -- Overview: An overview of the Blueprint. July 2005 (PDF)

Business Sector Action Checklist (color): September 2004 (PDF)

Business Sector Action Checklist (black and white): September 2004 (PDF)
Once the Blueprint recommendations have been finalized, multiple sectors will be engaged in developing action plans to implement them. As an example of the kinds of activities a sector could undertake, Prevention Institute developed a sample action checklist for the business sector. This checklist includes examples at each level of the Spectrum of Prevention to highlight the need for comprehensive participation in the solution.

Phase III: Action Planning and Implementation (2005)

In January 2005, Phase III began with the formation of an initial Leadership Council, which is the coordinating body for violence prevention efforts in Alameda County.  The Leadership Council is chaired by the Alameda County Public Health Director and the Alameda County Chief of Probation.  The Leadership Council developed a shared vision, mission statement, and established priorities for the county based on the Blueprint.

Leadership Council meeting synthesis: January 25, 2005 (PDF)

Leadership Council meeting synthesis: February 22, 2005 (PDF)

Leadership Council meeting synthesis: March 25, 2005 (PDF)

Leadership Council meeting synthesis: April 22, 2005 (PDF)

Leadership Council meeting synthesis: May 23, 2005 (PDF)

The Alameda County Violence Prevention Blueprint was adopted by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on July 12 2005.

Board of Supervisors meeting: July 12, 2005 (Slide Presentation; PDF)

Press release: Alameda County adopts Violence Prevention Blueprint (PDF)

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