Juvenile court gets grant to target gang activity

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County Juvenile Court received a $600,000 federal grant to keep kids in school and out of court, officials announced this morning.

It is one of only four juvenile courts in the nation to receive the grant.

This $600,000 total grant from the U.S. Department of Justice is for three years and is to target gang activity.

Judge Theresa Dellick said that a moderate- to high anti-gang program will be started at Mahoning County High School, which enrolls predominantly Youngstown school students with behavioral issues.

At Austintown, Struthers and Boardman schools, a low to moderate risk anti-gang program will be initiated through the grant. “We prefer not to have kids at our front door, but at your front door for an education,” Judge Dellick told superintendents this morning.

Court and school officials said there is a rising problem of gang affiliation with girls.