Familias Seguras/Secure Families is a family-centered violence prevention collaboration to address the root causes of violence in Santa Maria. Providing wraparound services to the most vulnerable youth and families of Santa Maria will put them on a path to a healthier, more stable future and impact the community in a positive way by reducing violence. The program focuses on early intervention with fifth- and sixth-grade students in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, continuing to work with them and their families through eighth grade.

CommUnify is leading this effort in partnership with other organizations, including Family Service Agency/Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District, the University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, the county Social Services Department, the Santa Maria Police Department, the City of Santa Maria, and the county Probation Department.

Services to families include:

• Intensive case management
• Whole-household consultations
• Culturally competent youth development
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Comprehensive services and referrals

South Coast Youth Safety Partnership

The mission of the South Coast Youth Safety Partnership (SCYSP) is to expand the mobilization and alignment of community resources to improve the safety and quality of life for our youth, their families, and the community. Our vision is to have safe and caring communities that provide opportunities for youth to fulfill their educational, employment, and personal potential. SCYSP believes that gang-related challenges in our community are best addressed locally and collectively.

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Program goals include:

• Preventing young people from joining gangs
• Helping local youth get out of gangs
• Reducing gang activity in our area

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Visit the South Coast Youth Safety Partnership website for more information.