The Bayview Safe Haven is a holistic, youth development program that provides educational, recreational, health, and social services to “at-risk” and “high-risk” youth, ages 10-18. Established in June of 1997, the Bayview Safe Haven Program is an initiative that was developed as one of six programs, implemented throughout the City of San Francisco, as part of its Juvenile Justice Local Action Plan. In June of 2000, the program came under the management and direction of the Hunters Point Family. While much of the original concept and programming for the Bayview Safe Haven remained the same, the scope, services, and types of youth to be served was expanded. The program continues to serve youth that are already involved juvenile justice system; however, there is a concentrated effort to serve youth before they become involved in the system and/or provide viable alternatives to decrease recidivism.
Bayview Safe Haven utilizes a comprehensive strategy to redirect youth who are at risk of succumbing to the pitfalls of inner-city poverty, into avenues that will develop and enhance their resilient qualities. The strategy includes mentoring, support services, social activities, and other time honored youth development approaches; however, the most important element of our approach is that we “see” the children and insist that they begin to see themselves. We help our youth to see a brighter future and direct them to the appropriate road to get there. This strategy made the Bayview Safe Haven a national model for youth development, based on documented youth outcomes.
“Participants (of HPF’s Bayview Safe Haven program) decreased school suspensions, recidivism, the seriousness of delinquent behavior and further involvement with the juvenile justice system.”[1]
According to a report from Law Enforcement, entitled, “Prime Time for Juvenile Crime Or Youth Enrichment and Achievement.” A Research Brief by FIGHTCRIME: INVEST IN KIDS:
“The Bayview Safe Haven after-school program in San Francisco matched participants with similar non-participants. For the youths with prior histories of arrest, participants were half as likely as non- participants to be rearrested within six months after joining the program. Not all after-school programs will produce these results. Quality matters. Turning children away from involvement in crime will take programs with quality designs and adequate numbers of caring, well-trained staff.”
Bayview Safe Haven serves a core of 50 youth and their families. Approximately 65% of Bayview Safe Haven participants are male and 35% are female, ages 12-21.
[1] American Youth Policy Forum. Learning Around the Clock: Benefits of Expanded Learning Opportunities for Older Youth. March 2009
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