Community Advancement for Peace (CAPP)
Hospital-Based Violence Prevention for At-Risk Youth
Background
Communities throughout the world are investigating various approaches to reduce violence. Given that Jamaica’s homicide rate is among the highest globally, the need for evidence-based interventions is especially critical.
In 2004–8, VPA initiated the Child Abuse Mitigation Project (CAMP Bustamante) at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. In 2017, a similar intervention — CAMP Cornwall — was initiated at Cornwall Regional Hospital. CAPP is the latest evolution: a 24-month project at the Kingston Public Hospital targeting high-risk youth aged 10–29 in Whitfield Town and Trench Town.
The CAPP Approach
The CAPP model employs dedicated Social Workers who screen children and youth for levels of risk of abuse, violence, repeat violence or reprisals, identified through the Jamaica Injury Surveillance System (JISS).
CAPP collaborates with the Peace Management Initiative (PMI) and the MultiCare Youth Foundation (MCYF). Remedial interventions for medium- and high-risk youth include:
- Life skills and psychosocial activities
- Literacy and numeracy support
- Parenting and family strengthening
- Counselling for intimate partner violence
- Skills training and community cohesion activities such as sports
For Further Information
Dr. Deanna Ashley: deannaashley1@gmail.com | (876) 574-5722
Colleen Wint-Bond: colleenwintbondvpa@gmail.com | (876) 370-3628