January 14, 2000

To: Board of Health

From: Dr. Sheela V. Basrur, Medical Officer of Health

Subject: Children's Action Plan and Youth Violence Prevention Initiatives: Budget Implications for Public Health

Purpose:

This report outlines the financial implications for the Public Health 2000 operating budget of implementing the "Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999" and the "Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence".

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

An additional $2,621,000 will be required for the year 2000 Public Health operating budget, to fund the program enhancements identified in the "Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999" and in the "Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence". These initiatives cannot be implemented within the existing Public Health 2000 operating budget. The annualized impact would be $3,797.300. Public Health will seek Provincial cost-sharing which if successful will reduce the net cost for the City of Toronto. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report and concurs with the financial impact statement.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that:

(1) the Board of Health support the addition of $2,621,000 to the 2000 Public Health operating budget to fund the programs identified in the "Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999" and in the "Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence" and seek Provincial cost-sharing for the proposed initiatives; and

(2) this report be forwarded to the Policy and Finance Committee for their consideration and to the Budget Advisory Committee Administrator for the budget process pending file in accordance with the Financial Control Protocols adopted by Council.

Background:

The "Toronto Report Card on Children, 1999" and the Children and Youth Action Committee's "Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999" (CYAC Action Plan) were approved by Council at their meeting on November 23, 1999. Subsequently, City Council at its December 14, 1999 meeting, approved a report from the Children and Youth Action Committee on "Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence". These reports identified Public Health programs as key elements of the strategy to address the needs of Toronto's children and youth. City Council therefore requested the Medical Officer of Health to report on the budget requirements to implement these recommendations as part of the 2000 budget process (Clause No. 3 of Report No. 5 and clause No. 15 of Report No. 6).

Comments:

Program enhancements identified in the "Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999 and in the report on "Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence" were announced by the CYAC and adopted by City Council after the Board of Health had already approved the Public Health 2000 operating budget submission. Existing resources within Public Health are not sufficient to develop and/or implement these programs. This report, therefore, outlines the additional budget requirements for the programs identified by the CYAC to be considered in the 2000 operating budget process. The program descriptions and CYAC recommendations are attached in Appendix 1 ("Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999") and Appendix 2 ("Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence"). Public Health supports these recommendations and has the capacity to develop and implement them as long as the required resources are provided.

The specific recommendations and budget implications for Public Health for the 2000 operating budget along with the annualized impact of implementing these recommendations are as follows:

(1) Increase the number of women attending Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs by 10%, by expanding services in 18 sites and creating services in 9 new sites.

(2) To help give all our children a good start, increase awareness of the factors affecting the health of newborns through a multi-faceted communications campaign aimed at all women of childbearing age and their partners, using targeted information disseminated through physicians, health centres, workplaces and schools, as well as radio ads, subway, streetcar and bus shelter posters.

(979) City Council must reaffirm its commitment to healthy children and good nutrition by restoring its funding to cover 24% of the existing Child Nutrition Program. In addition, the City must expand the number of sites across the City to begin to respond to identified unmet needs.

(978) Establish the Peer Nutrition Worker Program to reach over 700 parents and 1,200 children often missed by traditional nutrition programs.

(980) Establish an Early Childhood Dental Decay Prevention Program.

Early childhood dental decay affects 7% of children aged 0 - 5 years. This program will be targetted to daycares and parenting groups with a large population of high risk children to identify and intervene with these affected children early.

(979) Add one staff person to help create 3 new mentoring programs including one program based in the private sector.

(978) Public Health should initiate a research program to develop a sound basis for addressing children's hearing and vision problems and report to the CYAC with recommendations regarding effective strategies to identify and support those children.

(977) Initiate a needs assessment and review of best practices to determine the appropriate program changes for integrating mental health programs into the delivery of Family Health. In addition the "Learning Through Play from Birth to Three Years" calendar and other parent education tools for promoting mental health among children, should be immediately updated.

It is important to note that the above costs do not include translation services which have been provided by City Clerk's in the past.

(978) Expand the delivery of "Rainbow Fun", a physical activity program for children, to all licensed child care programs thereby increasing the number of children involved by 15,000. In addition expand the program to include 40,000 more children through Parks and Recreation. Specific activities include expanded training of children's program workers and the development of a program model that is based on best practices and is appropriate to ethno-racially diverse communities.

This program requires collaboration between Parks and Recreation, Children's Services, community groups, and Public Health. The resource requirements listed above pertain only to Public Health.

(978) Develop internet-based youth violence prevention resources

(979) Develop an interactive, multimedia web-based youth violence prevention tool

(980) Expand the "Opening Doors" program which provides Grade 9 youth with personal and

social skills to prevent violence and drug use

A total of $2,621,000 must be added to the 2000 Public Health Operating Budget to implement the above recommendations. The annualized budget impact would be $3,797,300.

It is important to note that the transfer of the One on One Mentoring Program to Public Health was approved in July 22, 1999 by the Board of Health, as part of the implementation of the Report of the Task Force on Community Safety. Subsequently on October 20, 1999, the Board of Health approved the transfer and expansion of this program within the proposed 2000 Public Health operating budget.

Concerning the program to deal with school age children's vision and hearing problems, Public Health will initiate discussions with the Toronto District Health Council, the Canadian Hearing Society, the Optometrists Association of Ontario, local health services providers and other medical and health institutions to participate in a needs assessment and development of an action plan.

Conclusion:

Public Health plays a critical role in improving and maintaining the health of Toronto's children and youth. Implementing the recommendations contained within the"Children and Youth Action Committee Action Plan" and "Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence" requires investment for program development and delivery totalling $2,621,000 in 2000 (including $645,000 in one-time costs) and $3,797,300 on an annualized basis.

Contact:

Dr. Hazel Stewart

Regional Director, York/Etobicoke

Toronto Public Health

277 Victoria Street, 5^th Floor

Tel: 392-0442

Fax: 392-0713

Email: hstewart@toronto.ca

Dr. Sheela V. Basrur

Medical Officer of Health

List of Attachments:

Attachment No. 1 Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999

Attachment No. 2 Follow-up on Initiative Addressing Youth Violence

Attachment No. 1

Action Plan for the Children's Report Card 1999

(Toronto Public Health)

Expanded Access to Prenatal Nutrition Programs

Babies born with a birthweight of less than 2,500 grams are more likely to die in infancy, experience health or development problems, and require health care and other services.

The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) provides services to at-risk pregnant women including food and nutrition supplements, education, counseling and other supports. There are currently 21 CPNP sites in Toronto, which served 2,140 high needs pregnant women in 1998-99.

* The CYAC proposes to increase the number of women attending Canada Prenatal Nutrition Programs by 10%, by expanding services in 18 sites and creating services in 9 new sites.

Social Marketing Campaign on Pre-Pregnancy Health

While the highest rate of low-birthweight babies occurs in low-income communities, there are still a very large number of low birthweight babies born in other communities.

* To help give all our children a good start, the CYAC proposes increasing awareness of the factors affecting the health of newborns through a multi-faceted communications campaign aimed at all women of childbearing age and their partners, using targeted information disseminated through physicians, health centres, workplaces and schools, as well as radio ads, subway, streetcar and bus shelter posters.

Child Nutrition Programs

Children's ability to learn is closely linked to their level of nutrition. Inadequate nutrition may have long-term implications for intellectual and physical development. It is estimated that more than one third of Toronto children come to school with an inadequate breakfast. School-based nutrition programs have become a vital part of the children's services system.

The number of programs has grown rapidly, to the current level of 305 programs serving 53,000 children. New programs are being developed that will increase those numbers by almost 20% , with close to 360 programs, serving a total of 62,500 children. Despite this period of rapid expansion, the City's contribution of $1.3 million, which was approved when there were only 207 programs, has not grown. As a result, the municipal funding share has dropped from the 24% recommended in the partnership funding model to 17.8%.

Expansion of child nutrition programs to more sites in the city, operating year-round and including children/youth such as secondary school students and preschoolers, requires increased municipal funding to fulfill the original funding commitment.

* The CYAC proposes that Council reaffirm its commitment to healthy children and good nutrition by restoring its funding to cover 24% of the expanded Child Nutrition Program.

Peer Nutrition Worker Program

Our nutrition and parenting education programs often miss parents from non-English-speaking backgrounds. By using Parent Resource Centers and Community Centers, and ethno-specific media sources to reach parents and by encouraging referrals from the Community Action Programs for Children and Nobody's Perfect parenting programs, the City could deliver nutrition education programs to Toronto's ethnically and culturally diverse communities more effectively.

A program of this kind could improve food selection, purchasing and preparation skills among parents of 0 to 6 year old children; provide income and social supports to families participating in the program; and build leadership skills among women in the community. Estimates indicate that the program could involve 480 group sessions per year, serving a total of about 720 parents and involving over 1,200 young children.

* The CYAC proposes the establishment of the Peer Nutrition Worker Program to reach over 700 parents and 1,200 children often missed by traditional nutrition programs.

Early Childhood Dental Decay Prevention Program

Early Childhood Dental Caries affect infants and toddlers and result in very extensive and painful dental decay. One study has found that 8.6% of Toronto children are affected by caries by the age of four. The Department of Public Health is in a position to develop a multi-year program of education and counseling to help prevent caries in young children. Much of the research and developmental work for the program could take place in 2000-01-04

* The CYAC proposes the establishment of an Early Childhood Dental Decay Prevention Program.

Expansion of Children At-Risk Mentoring Program

The One-on-One Mentoring Program was established in 1992 to provide mentoring for at-risk children in inner city schools. Research has shown that positive role models can provide an effective way to counter the risk factors children are exposed to. Expanding the program throughout the city requires a Public Health staff position. The position would support additional youth-related programs. The staff person would recruit new mentors and develop orientation and training materials as well as supporting the work of current mentors, increasing the number of mentor-child pairs from 40 to 65.

* The CYAC supports the addition of one staff person to help create 3 new mentoring programs, including one program based in the private sector.

School Age Children' Vision and Hearing

Optimal vision and hearing are important to children's long term development, and health outcomes. In the past, the Department of Public Health conducted vision and hearing screening in schools. This practice was discontinued as a result of budgetary pressures. However a recent study showed some children are disproportionately affected by vision and hearing problems. The City needs to develop evidence-based strategies to ensure that health outcomes are maximized.

* The CYAC proposes that the Department of Public Health initiate a research program to develop a sound basis for addressing children's hearing and vision problems, and report to the CYAC with recommendations regarding effective strategies to identify and support those children.

Children's Mental Health

The Ontario Child Health Study indicated that almost 15% of children aged 4 - 12 have one or more mental health problems. Public Health has been providing programs and services that promote children's mental health. The Family Health Program promotes the health of children, youth and families. Enhanced children's mental health promotion programs could be integrated in the delivery of Family Health to provide more effective service.

To achieve this the City needs to establish the appropriate program, based on a sound needs assessment and a "best practices" review. The City could, in the interim, take an initial step by updating key educational materials such as the "Learning Through Play From Birth to Three Years" calendar.

* The CYAC proposes the initiation of a needs assessment and review of best practices to determine the appropriate program changes for integrating mental health programs into the delivery of Family Health.

The CYAC also proposes the immediate updating of the "Learning Through Play From Birth to Three Years" calendar and other parent-education tools for promoting mental health among children.

Improve Children's Physical Activity

Sixty percent of Canadian children do not meet average fitness standards and childhood obesity has doubled since 1980. Physical inactivity is a key factor in a range of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and Type II diabetes. The Rainbow Fun program is a partnership between Public Health, Children's Services, Parks and Recreation, and community groups. It has already increased physical activity for thousands of children in child care and recreation programs.

* The CYAC proposes expanding the delivery of Rainbow Fun to all licensed child care program (increasing the number of children involved by 15,000) and to 40,000 more children through Parks and Recreation. Specific activities include expanded training of children's program workers and the development of a program model that is based on best practices and is appropriate to ethno-racially diverse communities.

November 26, 1999

To: Children and Youth Action Committee

From: Councillor Olivia Chow

Subject: Follow-up on Initiatives Addressing Youth Violence

Purpose:

To identify specific City initiatives that address the issue of youth violence and propose that the recommendations for funding these initiatives are directed to the appropriate Departments for inclusion in the 2000 budget process.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Appropriate Departments will identify financial implications through the 2000 budget process.

Recommendations:

It is recommended:

(1) CYAC recommend to Budget Advisory Committee that funding for Youth Violence Prevention initiatives identified in this report be included in the Parks and Recreation, Library and Public Health 2000 budget submissions;

(2) this report be forwarded to the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, Medical Officer of Health, and the General Manager of Toronto Public Library with a request to report to the Budget Committee through their respective standing committee and/or board, and to the Chief of Police to report to the

Police Services Board on the implementation details, including budget requirements as part of the 2000 budget process; and

(3) the appropriate City Officials be authorized and directed to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

In March 1999, responding to the issue of youth gang violence in schools, the City adopted recommendations from the Mayor's Youth Violence in Schools report. Although the majority of the recommendations were directed to the school boards and the police, the report identified a number of program areas where the City plays a significant role in serving youth.

The Youth sub-committee and Youth Cabinet held focus groups throughout the summer. The focus groups were intended to look at young people's perception of youth violence and get their ideas for solutions to this issue. It was recognized that the issue of youth violence is a complex one and in order to get some reasonable solutions, a wide range of stakeholders need to be consulted. The groups looked at violence occurring in schools, how police might be integrated in schools, barriers to programs and services and suggestions on alternative justice models to address youth violence. The Youth Committee will be considering the specific recommendations from the focus groups in the new year.

In addition to the focus groups, the Youth Committee requested Departments to identify specific initiatives that would support youth violence prevention.

The recent death of a young man as a result of youth violence against youth highlights the need to move quickly and provide the appropriate resources and initiatives to reduce violence in our communities.

This report identifies some immediate actions that this City can take to address this issue. It is anticipated that additional, long-term programs will come forward to various standing committees in the future in the context of departmental service planning. However, this report includes "quick-start" programs that can be implemented now.

Comments:

Recognising the need for an immediate response to the issues of youth violence, city departments have worked together to propose the following programs to ameliorate the problem. These programs have been selected with regard to their costs, locations, effectiveness and ability to implement quickly.

1. Public Health Programs

1.1 Internet-based Youth Violence Prevention Resources

Background:

· CIC is a source of accurate up to date information about services in Toronto

· Lack of easily accessible and reliable violence prevention information

· Lack of current and relevant best practices inventory

· Current service levels are stressed by organizational change and budget pressures

Focus:

· Internet-based resource for youth, parents and service providers

· Electronic source that features current best practices relating to youth violence prevention

· Partnership between Community Information Centre of Metropolitan Toronto and Toronto Public Health

Expectations of Success:

· Demand for and current use of StreetWise is overwhelming

· Increasing level of traffic visiting City's website (6 mil. Hits per month)

· Increasing reliance on the Internet as a widely accessible source of information

· Highlighting community-based best practices based on client electronic request

Recommended Location:

· Under the current TPH website

· Links to community partners

Estimated Cost:

· Database/site development, disseminate best practice and launch $15,000

1.1 Interactive, Multimedia Web-based Youth Violence Prevention Tool

Background:

· TPH is responsible to deliver violence prevention initiatives

· Lack of easily accessible and reliable violence prevention information

· Difficulty in developing and delivering youth appropriate violence prevention material

· Current service levels are stressed by organizational and budget changes

· Increasing use of the Internet by youth

Focus:

· Internet resource for students and educators

· Interactive, multimedia web-based youth violence prevention tool

· Electronic sources for youth violence prevention curriculum

· Partnership between MarketLink, Centre for Addictions and Mental Health and Toronto Public Health

Expectations of Success:

· Demand for, and current use of electronic teaching tools in the classroom (see examples http://www.cpia.ca/StaticContent/StaticPages/peanut/index.html)

· Increasing level of traffic visiting TPH's website (number of hits)

· Increasing reliance on the internet as a widely accessible source of information

Recommended Location:

· Under the current TPH website

· Links to community partners

Estimated Cost:

· Total $35,000

2.1 Public Health School-based Violence Prevention Program with Proposed Police One on One Mentoring

Background:

· TPH currently involved in programs with children and youth at-risk in schools: the One on One Mentoring Program, Ambassador Program and "Opening Doors"

· TPH consolidating these programs to focus on violence prevention under "Safetywise"

· One on One Mentoring and Ambassador are available within the former City of Toronto

· Currently, 8 high schools in Toronto have the "Opening Doors" program

· TPH working towards making these programs available city-wide

· Police services investigating the possibility of placing police officers in the community in a mentoring role to promote positive relations between police and youth

Focus:

· A Multi-aged violence prevention program for children and youth at-risk in schools:

· One on One Mentoring provides children aged 5 to 12 extra guidance and support that can prevent drug use, gang membership, negative school behaviour, violence and crime.

· Ambassador Program provides youth aged 13 to 14 with peer education related to violence prevention; it also is a school re-entry program for youth aged 16 to 21 involved with the child welfare system, juvenile system and shelter system to develop resilience and reduce violence, anti-social behaviour and drug use.

· "Opening Doors" provides youth aged 15 with personal and social skills to prevent violence and drug use.

· Involving more police officers in violence prevention programs and the community as a whole.

Expectations of Success:

· Three evidence-based programs being consolidated to create a new multi-faceted and comprehensive approach to violence prevention in schools.

Recommended Location:

· 8 additional school sites in Scarborough, East York, Toronto, York, North York and Etobicoke

Estimated Cost:

Staff resources & program costs:

- outreach, training, program development

and implementation for youth, students and parents $150,000.00

- co-ordination of One on One $92,490.00*

* Council approved initiative subject to 2000 Budget approval

2. Parks and Recreation Programs

1.1 Youth Worker Program

Background:

· Parks and Recreation has successfully implemented youth workers in very few communities to date.

· Youth workers have successfully increased access to existing facilities for youth

· Youth are engaged in the constructive use of leisure time

Focus:

· Encourage youth participation in recreation opportunities

· Allowing potential at-risk youth an active role in running programs

Expectations of Success:

· Very successful model in the Malvern community where more than 200 youth are active after school and in the evenings

Recommended Locations:

· North District - Flemingdon and O'Connor Community Centres

· East District - Mid Scarborough Community Centre

· West District - Runnymede High School/Rockcliffe Middle School

· South District - St. Jamestown/Rose Avenue Community Centre

· Central District - John Innes Community Centre

Estimated Cost:

· $45,000 per year per youth worker per location

1.1 Police Youth Basketball

Background:

· Awareness of many successful short-term programs of the same type

· Lacking long term constructive programs to encourage positive youth police relationships

· Aware of the possibility of using sports programs as media for life-skills workshops as well as regular league play

Focus:

· Expanding the existing seasonal youth police basketball league into an all year program through additional sponsorship

Expectations of Success:

· A prior partnership between Parks and Recreation, and the Toronto Police Department; which offered a successful youth basketball league for youth aged 13 to 15 years, as well as life-skills workshops

Recommended Location:

· North District - Flemingdon Community Centre is the proposed new site for expansion of the Police Youth Basketball program in the year 2000. This expansion site has the support of the unit commander in 54 Division.

Estimated Cost:

· $5,000 for uniforms, trophies, T-shirts and supplies

· $1,700 for part time staff

1.1 TTC Youth Outreach Project

Background:

· Successful program at the Kennedy Subway Station and in various stations across the Bloor Street subway

· Youth outreach worker provides information and referral service to youth and other customers about community programs and services

· Worker and TTC security work together to head off problems during peak hours

· Worker provides non traditional counselling to youth regarding employment, housing, health and recreation

Focus:

· Work with youth to engage them in positive use of service

· Educate youth on services they may require

· Engage youth in constructive use of time

· Develop Life and Job Skills for youth

Expectations of Success:

· Enable riders to use TTC service in a safer fashion

· Vandalism will decrease

· Altercations between users will decrease

· Youth will become more productive and educated when using TTC

· Develop key life skills and work experience

Estimated Cost:

· Two programs at a cost of $45,000 per location for the school year for 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday

Recommended Locations:

· One program in East District - Warden, Victoria Park and Main Stations

· Second program in West District - Kipling, Islington, Royal York Stations

1.1 Mall-based Youth Resource Centres

Background:

· Two programs at Dufferin Mall and Scarborough Town Centre have proven the success of these non traditional youth programs

· Youth gain access to education, employment, housing, fundraising, leadership training, mentoring, tutoring resources through the partnerships between Parks and Recreation, community agencies, local government and local businesses

Focus:

· Provide an opportunity for cross-cultural experiences

· Develop more female programs

· Reduce vandalism, violence and gang activity by offering choices

· Provide a role model that will engage youth in positive alternatives

· Developing and implementing peer mentoring programs

Expectations of Success:

· Youth will have a positive place to hang out

· Youth will develop key relationships in their communities

· Youth input and leadership development

· Mutual respect between the Mall and youth

Estimated Cost:

· Five programs at a cost of $45,000 per mall youth outreach worker

Recommended Locations:

· South District - Gerrard Square

· West District - Woodbine Mall

· Central District - Eaton Centre

· North District - Sheridan Mall

· East District - Morningside Mall

5.1 Late-Night Youth Drop-Ins

Background:

· Three locations in Scarborough have successfully operated late night youth recreation opportunities

· Youth 16 years and older have access to structured and non structured activities until midnight

· Local Councillor Duguid and police are supportive of expanding the late-night hours until 2 am in the existing three Scarborough locations

· Additional expansion to other areas within the City is recommended

Focus:

· Offer a safe supervised program for youth

· Programs offer a variety of options for youth that include: social, physical creative and educational activities

· Expanding regular hours of operation to meet the needs of youth

Expectations of Success:

· Older youth in the centres are reluctant to leave the centre when traditional programs end at 9 or 10 p.m.

Estimated Cost:

$16,000 per location for full time and part time staff wages for 40 weeks of program, 2 nights per week, additional 3 hours per night.

Recommended Locations:

· South District - Regent Park Community Centre

- Masaryk Cowan Community Centre

- Trinity/Bob Abate Community Centre

- Wallace Emerson Community Cente

- Joseph J. Picinnini Community Centre

· Central District - John Innes Community Centre

· North District - Chalkfarm Community Centre

- Driftwood Community Centre (Summer Only)/Flemingdon Community Centre (Fall, Winter & Spring)

- Antibes Community Centre

· East District - Mid Scarborough Community Centre

- Malvern Community Centre

- L'Amoreaux Community Centre

· West District - Yet to be determined

2. Library Programs

2.1 Young Voices - Speaking Out in Toronto

Background:

· A publication based on the model of Young Voices and Young Voices from the Street.

· Publication features the voices of youth found in schools and on the street.

· Youth will be hired to create the publication, featuring stories, poems and essays

· The Board of Education, Parks and Recreation and all other agencies serving youth in the

City will be involved in encouraging youth to write for this publication.

· The publication will empower youth to have their voices heard on a variety of topics.

· A major Canadian publisher will be approached to work with the library on this project in order to make this book available nationally.

Focus:

· Empowering youth through creative writing

· Offering options for youth to positively express their concerns

Expectation of Success:

· Developing youth life and leadership skills

· Highlighting positive youth voice

· Collaborating with several agencies and businesses to provide a quality publication

produces by the City of Toronto

Estimated Costs:

· Library Staff to Supervise Project, Youth Workers, Editor and Designers $15,000

· Publication (a bigger publication than previous publications) $15,000

3.2 Violence and Youth - a comprehensive bibliography and collection

Background:

· Prepare a comprehensive collection and bibliography of current material on Youth and

youth violence.

· Materials will be available throughout the public libraries in the City of Toronto.

· Collections will include books (teen novels) periodicals, and videos

· Bibliography will include items from websites

Focus:

· Develop youth research skills

· Provides resources at a local level to help youth with violence issues

Expectations of Success:

· Bibliography and collection will be useful for teens doing research, and those interested in youth violence.

· Quick reference or index on Youth Violence issues and successful programs

Estimated Costs:

· Library Staff to develop the resource lists

· Design Staff and production of the bibliography $10,000

· Materials for the collection $30,000

4. Budget Summary

Public Health $ 292,490

Parks and Recreation

- Full time and part time staff and program costs $ 947,000

Libraries $ 70,000

$1,309,490

Conclusions:

The City of Toronto has a significant role to play in addressing the issue of youth violence. The Youth Committee and Youth Cabinet have been exploring actions the City can take in this regard. It is critical that the City act now. This report identifies a number of "quick start" programs with a proven track record of success. It is recommended that these initiatives be implemented as quickly as possible. The Children and Youth Action Committee encourages Council to support these initiatives and provide the funding for them in the 2000 budget process.

Contact:

Councillor Olivia Chow, Youth Advocate, 392-4044

Councillor Olivia Chow