Muslim Youth Crime Prevention

Brief Description

The Muslim Youth Crime Prevention program addresses the root causes behind the increasing rates of crime and incarceration among the Muslim community. It integrates re-entry and support programming for Muslim youth at risk of reoffending, focusing on culturally, spiritually, and linguistically tailored approaches. This unique model provides critical support, including counseling, training, and financial empowerment for formerly incarcerated individuals, enabling them to reintegrate successfully and avoid reoffending. Additionally, the program offers comprehensive mental health services and support groups tailored to the Muslim community. A cornerstone of their efforts is the Green Room Youth Program, which serves as a social support and integration initiative. This program helps youth navigate Islamophobia and social isolation while fostering community connections in a judgment-free environment. By addressing these challenges, the Green Room reduces the likelihood of gang involvement and other criminal activities by making youth feel valued and integrated.

Goals

The main objectives of the Muslim Youth Crime Prevention Program are to:

• Address root causes of crime and incarceration among the Muslim community
• Support youth in navigating Islamophobia and social isolation while fostering community connections
• Reduce recidivism among Muslim youth

Clientele

The Muslim Youth Crime Prevention program serves Muslim youth at risk of committing crime and youth who have had contacts with the criminal justice system.

Core Components

Limited information on this topic.

Implementation Information

Some of the critical elements for the implementation of this program or initiative include the following:

• Organizational requirements: Limited information on this topic.
• Partnerships: Edmonton Police Service, City of Edmonton, The Africa Centre, REACH Edmonton
• Training and technical assistance: Limited information on this topic.
• Risk assessment tools: Limited information on this topic.
• Materials & resources: Limited information on this topic.

International Endorsements

The most recognized classification systems of evidence-based crime prevention programs have classified this program or initiative as follows:

• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development: Not applicable.
• Crime Solutions/OJJDP Model Program Guide: Not applicable.
• SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices: Not applicable.
• Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy: Not applicable.

Gathering Canadian Knowledge

Canadian Implementation Sites

The Muslim Youth Crime Prevention program is operated by the Islamic Family & Social Services Association in the Edmonton area.

Main Findings from Canadian Outcome Evaluation Studies

No information available.

Cost Information

No information available.

References

There is no Canadian reference available at this time.

For more information on this program, contact:

Website:

https://www.islamicfamily.ca/

Ali Daoud Smith, Prison Programming, Re-entry Support and Research Manager

alis@islamicfamily.ca