Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Township to Participate in the Township’s Youth Engagement Program
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Overview
Overview
Village staff have been working in collaboration with representatives from the Oak Park Township to reengage in an Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) between the Village and the Township for the purpose of participating in the Township’s Youth Engagement Program (“YEP”). The Youth Engagement Program offers a variety of free services to support the mental health and wellness of youth ages 6-18 and has strong programmatic alignment with the Village’s Alternative Response for Calls to Service pilot program.
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Anticipated Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
If approved, Village staff will evaluate the effectiveness of the program and make recommendations regarding the program for FY26.
Report
The current IGA is an agreement between ten taxing districts in Oak Park and River Forest who each pay a portion for services related to the prevention of youth involvement with gangs, drugs, and violence. The Oak Park Township is the primary district that manages this program which assists families and neighborhoods with case management and supports the communities of Oak Park and River Forest through staff training, inter-unit cooperation, and information sharing.
The Village previously participated in the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) for 20 years, ending participation 2019. Following the Village’s withdrawal from the program, the cost-sharing ratios and program design were redeveloped by the current Youth Director. The Village has not participated in the program since its revision. The annual cost for 2024-2025 is $14,829, with a prorated cost of $3,707.25 for the remainder of 2024. The cost for 2025-2026 is $15,333. The Village’s share of the full Oak Park-River Forest based program is 5%.
DEI Impact
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) furthers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by providing equitable access to support and resources for at-risk youth from diverse backgrounds. By addressing systemic issues like gang violence and drug use, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities, the program contributes to a more inclusive and supportive environment within the Village of Oak Park.
The program will leverage data to identify trends in youth involvement in gangs, drug use, and violence within the Oak Park and River Forest areas. Crime statistics, school reports, and community surveys may have been used to tailor the program to address the specific needs and challenges faced by these populations.
Alternatives
Staff Recommendation: The Board of Trustees could enter into the Intergovernmental Agreement for the YEP program at a prorated cost in 2024 and the full rate in 2025.
1. Alternative #1 - The Board may continue to review the program and not enter into an agreement in 2024.
2. Alternative #2: The Board can recommend staff continue to review the program and return with additional information at a later time.