LOS ANGELES : Council Unanimously OKs Funding for Hope in Youth
Despite criticisms by the city’s Community Development Department, the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted 12-0 to approve a new $1.8-million 10-month contract for Hope in Youth, the controversial anti-gang program backed by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony and by Mayor Richard Riordan.
The new contract, which the council immediately sent to Riordan for his signature, would expire Nov. 30. The program was first funded by the city in October, 1993.
The development officials released a status report Tuesday that censured the program for failing to provide documented proof of its effectiveness after 16 months of operation and for encouraging a few youths to engage in political activities.
In light of a critical report, the council told Hope in Youth officials to provide objective data documenting the progress of the young people enrolled in its programs, to target only at-risk youths and their parents and to avoid any political activity.
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