Expansion of Extended-Hour Programming for Youth as Wilmington City Curfew Center Returns this Summer

WILMINGTON – The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) will be providing additional funding so that positive opportunities for youth will be available at selected community centers in Wilmington for the summer. In addition, DSCYF will provide funding to the city of Wilmington to reinstate last summer’s successful curfew center program. The curfew initiative, which will begin the week of June 18 at the Walnut Street YMCA, uses a community-based model of services to offer family and teen programming (parenting classes, teens-at-risk instruction, etc.) as alternatives to street gangs, or involvement with drugs and guns.

“We can all work together to keep our children safe,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Parents have a responsibility and the state can assist by making sure programs are available for young people that keep them engaged and off the streets.  This is especially true during the summer months when they have more free time and less constant supervision.”

“The goal is to prevent youth in the City of Wilmington from engaging in risky or unsafe behavior,” said Vivian Rapposelli, secretary of the Delaware Children’s Department. “We are helping to provide places for young people to spend their time engaged in healthy and fun activities.  We are ready to help keep the city streets safer for the entire community.”

The State is providing $300,000 in total support. The curfew center program will receive $100,000 and $200,000 will go toward the extended-hours program to support 10 centers including: Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center, West End Neighborhood House, Latin American Community Center, Kingswood Community Center, Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club, Police Athletic League of Wilmington, Walnut Street YMCA, Girls, Inc.’s Dennison Branch, Neighborhood House and Hicks Anderson Community Center. The Delaware Criminal Justice Council intends to provide additional support for this initiative and Delaware Girls Initiative, part of the Delaware Center for Justice, is providing funds for the Youth at Art program at community centers.

Extended hours at the 10 designated centers will begin next week and will remain in effect through August. Families should check with each center for the evenings that hours will be extended, as the days will vary from center to center.

“Last year, this initiative proved to be very effective in keeping youth engaged in positive activities,” Rep. Helene Keeley said. “These centers are vital partners in the community, and they play an important role in shaping our children’s lives. The diverse programming at each center gives the kids new opportunities and experiences that enrich their summers and keep them active.”

Funding for the curfew program means Wilmington’s curfew laws will be enforced during the summer months, and youth who are found in violation of city curfew, along with their families, will be connected with the Walnut Street YMCA to participate in services aimed at engaging them in activities that keep them safe and off city streets after hours. For children aged 13-17, the curfew is in effect from 10 p.m.- 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, and Midnight-6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. For youth 12 and under, curfew times are 9 p.m.- 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights, and 10 p.m.-6 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights.

“We are pleased to work again with the state and the Walnut Street YMCA to implement this important initiative,” said Wilmington Police Chief Michael Szczerba.  “This program provides alternatives and much needed positive referrals for curfew violators and their families.”

As a result of the curfew center program last year, nearly 200 youth were brought in for a first-time warning. Of those, about 10 received a second-time summons, showing a 95% success rate in keeping kids off the City streets at night. Similarly, there were positive outcomes through the extended-hour programming. Participating centers reported an average of 30 to 80 youth participating each night the programming was offered.

The Children’s Department provides services to children who have been abused, neglected, are dependent, have mental health or substance problems, and/or have been adjudicated delinquent by the Courts. For more information, please visit www.kids.delaware.gov.

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