(a) There is hereby created within the Rhode Island justice commission, a pilot program known as the "after school alternative program" (ASAP). The establishment of the pilot program pursuant to this section shall be contingent upon the availability and receipt of federal and/or private funding for this purpose. The goal of the pilot program shall be to reduce gang activity and drug-related crime in and near the targeted schools, businesses, and community sites. This shall be accomplished by coordinating the efforts of community-based organizations, public schools, law enforcement officials, parents, and business leaders in participating communities to prevent the illicit activities of current and potential gang members and drug users by making alternative activities available. These activities may be provided at school or community sites, and may include:
(1) Recreational, arts, crafts, computer or academic tutorial programs.
(2) Job counseling and training, with the participation of community business representatives.
(3) Presentations by law enforcement officials, and informal get-togethers.
(4) Group and individual (as needed) drug and/or gang counseling.
(5) Community awareness presentations.
(b) A Rhode Island community may elect to participate in the pilot project established pursuant to subsection (a) by establishing an ASAP program. The community may be any designated area that contains up to two (2) public high schools and feeder schools, as well as active business enterprises and a viable local community-based organization.
(c) The community shall submit its program to the gang violence prevention advisory committee for review. The committee upon receipt of all programs from applying communities shall select one project to receive funding. The project selected shall receive funding for one calendar year from the date of selection. All rules and regulations for application, review and award shall be promulgated by the committee.
(d) This section shall remain operative only until June 30, 2000 and is repealed on that date unless a later enacted statute extends that date.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 125, § 3; P.L. 1999, ch. 31, art. 11, § 2.