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Using local data has informed institutions and the community at large, and changed our understanding of what the problem really looks like. It has also helped our institutions to realize how important it is to work together more effectively and strategically.
--Dianne Cleaver
Chairperson, Board of Directors
Project Neighborhood Inc., Fighting Back
Kansas, City
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The Fighting Back target area in Kansas City is comprised mostly of the city's downtown and the area known as the "urban core." It is home to approximately one-sixth of the city's total population. Kansas City is also home to Hallmark Cards, US Sprint, H& R Block, Hoechst Marion, Roussel Pharmaceuticals, and AMC Theaters.
The Fighting Back project in Kansas City began as an initiative of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation in 1990-1991. In 1992, the advisory board and the community moved to incorporate as a non-profit organization and assume total responsibility for the management of the project.
Move Up, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization.
Objectives:
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Reduction in alcohol and drug use and associated behavior problems among school-aged youth. |
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Reduction in alcohol and drug related crime among young adults, ages 17 - 24. |
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Reduction in alcohol and drug related crime among adults, ages 25 - 44. |
Strategy:
Move Up, Inc. has developed a system for identifying and referring substance abusers and their families through 6 points of entry or "gates." The gates are sources for information and referral to treatment and other support services. The Fighting Back strategy provides a forum for collaboration between the gates, the community, and other institutions. The collaboration facilitates strategic planning and action, cross-training, and systemic responses. The gates include:
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Truman Hospital Emergency Room - The emergency room staff has been trained to identify the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Affected clients and patients are referred for appropriate substance abuse services. |
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Kansas City Schools - The school system will train its faculty and staff, including truant officers, in identifying the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. They will establish a protocol for referring young people to treatment or appropriate services. |
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Drug Courts - Drug court participants are matched to appropriate treatment, including education services. Efforts are underway to identify sober housing sites for graduates. |
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Family Courts - Family members with substance abuse problems are identified through family court and referred to appropriate treatment and aftercare services. |
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Police - Police document incidences of substance abuse, and provide information about referral, when appropriate. Community groups and police work together to identify and reduce substance abuse related crimes. |
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Probation and Parole - Individuals in the criminal justice system are referred for appropriate support services including treatment, counseling, job training, placement and other elements of aftercare. |
Indicators:
School aged youth
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Rate of alcohol & drug suspensions in schools |
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Youth referred for assessment |
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Change in the number of youth graduated from treatment |
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Average number of days youth remain in treatment |
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School survey data |
Alcohol & drug related crime among 17 - 24 year olds
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Change in treatment utilization rate |
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Change in 3 day drop-out rate of persons in treatment |
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Change in graduation rate of persons in treatment |
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Change in rate of alcohol and drug related crime |
Alcohol & drug related crime among 25 - 44 year olds
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Change in treatment utilization rate |
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Change in drop out rate of persons in treatment |
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Change in graduation rate of persons in treatment |
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Change in rate of alcohol & drug related crime |
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