Boston’s violence prevention and intervention program has been revamped and renamed Street Outreach Advocacy and Response (SOAR) according to Mayor Martin Walsh.
Formally known as the Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF)
Streetwork Program, SOAR brings an evidence-based approach to reduce recidivism, intervene in violent activity, and create pathways for active gang involved youth and young adults in the city.
Under the direction of newly named Director Talia Riviera, SOAR Boston will work towards established goals.
She will use the best practices from violence prevention and intervention efforts and Boston-based data while working with City departments.
Apparently, the City has been working hard over the last year to rethink this program to be as efficient as possible, to help break the cycle of violence that exist in the City.
The Mayor is hopeful that this new model will be effective, giving way to better outcomes for youth throughout the city.