Community Crime Prevention and Juvenile Justice Initiatives

Weed and Seed

Weed & Seed programs involve police and prosecutors working together to “weed out” violent crime and “seed” in social services and economic revitalization projects in high-crime neighborhoods. Community-oriented police efforts build relationships between community members and law enforcement officials to address public safety issues.

Social service programs funded by Weed & Seed focus on reducing youth involvement in violence and gang-related activities by supporting and providing positive alternatives. They serve low-income youth ages 11-19 who live or go to school in southeast and southwest Seattle, and have a history of truancy, delinquent behavior or substance abuse.

Program staff members work with the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, probation officers and other juvenile justice organizations to improve communication and coordination with police.

The Seattle Weed & Seed Steering Committee, made up of local law enforcement representatives, social service providers and community residents, oversees Weed & Seed strategies. The Seattle Neighborhood Group provides day-to-day management and support for the steering committee and its work groups.

The programs are funded through and monitored by the Seattle Human Services Department. Funding awards are determined through a competitive process based on federal timelines, and are approved by the Seattle Weed & Seed Steering Committee. Continued funding during funding cycles depends upon program performance and funding availability. The 2006 and 2007 commitment of City of Seattle General Funds is $95,000 per year.

Southeast Weed & Seed Agency Partners

• Atlantic Street Center
• Center for Career Alternatives
• SafeFutures Youth Center – Southeast Program
• YMCA of Greater Seattle

Southwest Weed & Seed Agency Partners

• Community School Partners of Highline
• King County Parks and Recreation Division – White Center Teen Park
• SafeFutures – New Start Program

Information

For more information about Seattle Weed & Seed programs and its partner programs, visit the Seattle Neighborhood Group web site or call 206-684-0114. For more information about the federal management of Weed & Seed, visit the Office of Justice Programs Weed & Seed web site.

For more general information about this program and other Seattle Human Services-funded youth programs, call 206-386-1026 or e-mail youthservices@seattle.gov.