Anyone who comes to the hospital for treatment of violent injuries is eligible for participation in the Out of the Crossfire program.  It is entirely voluntary and free of charge. 

The Out of the Crossfire violence intervention program begins with the Intervention Specialist, who coordinates support for the program client and family.  This support can come from a variety of community resources, including job skill development and placement providers, probation and parole officers, school teachers, administrators and counselors, hospital staff, and other social services professionals. These resources combine to form a network of "wrap-around" help.

The Intervention Specialist also links the client and family members with local resources to meet basic needs and promote healthy, non-violent lifestyles. These resources include:

Support is available for as long as the client feels it is necessary, generally ranging from six months to one year. Program personnel are in contact with the client at least once a week.

Successful participants will have continued their educations, received mental health and/or substance abuse counseling, received job training, secured part-time or full-time employment, and found relief from crisis situations. These crisis situations may include the need for housing, food, transportation, legal assistance, and health care.

Out of the Crossfire is also developing a Mentor Program, which allows program clients to meet one-on-one with an adult survivor of gunshot wound violence who has managed to break free from the cycle of violence. This program focuses on helping clients develop needed skills in accepting responsibility (legal, fiscal or social) and resolving conflicts peacefully.

The program also offers a Life Skills Class and support group to help clients secure employment and discuss the challenges of transitioning from trauma patient to productive life. The group meets every Wednesday at 3:00 PM in the University Hospital cafeteria, Rooms C & D.

The general measures of program success include a decline in penetrating violence, decreased recidivism, and increased employment among discharged patients.  The specific measures are seen in one client at a time.

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