Mission

To combat the epidemic of violence among Baltimore’s youth and support traditional public safety strategies using a combination of public health and human service models to reduce violence.

History

In 2002, despite reductions in violent crime due to police initiatives, Baltimore remained one of the most dangerous cities in the country. In acknowledging homicide, the leading cause of death for African-American males aged 15-35, as preventable, and therefore a public health issue, the Baltimore City Health Department established the Office of Youth Violence Prevention (OYVP) in late October 2002.

Current Programs

The Office of Youth Violence Prevention is dedicated to combating the epidemic of violence among our city’s young people through innovative public health programming and policy initiatives.  The office houses two programs exclusively within BCHD:  Operation Safe Kids and Safe Streets.  Programs operated in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office on Criminal Justice are the Juvenile Arrest Diversion Program and Juvenile Non-Fatal Shooting and Safehouse Relocation Project.  In addition, we work closely with community stakeholders, state and local agencies, and public health experts on both our own programs and on citywide anti-violence initiatives. 

Partnering Agencies

• Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development
• Maryland Department of Social Services
• Maryland Office of the Public Defender
• Baltimore City Police Department
• Baltimore City Public School System
• Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.
• Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems, Inc.
• Circuit Court for Baltimore City – Juvenile Division
• The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research
• The Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence
• Maryland Department Of Juvenile Services
• Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
• Mayor’s Office on Criminal Justice
• Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City