Next Step Program
Support for Young Adult Victims of Violence
Next Step is a hospital-based violence intervention program that connects youth and young adult victims of violent injury to resources and support. The goals of the Next Step program are to:
- Reduce re-injury and re-hospitalization for youth who are victims of violent injuries.
- Support positive development and holistic healing for youth and families affected by violence.
- Help interrupt the cycle of community violence.
A Next Step Youth Development Specialist works with youth and young adults 12-28 years old who are in the hospital because they are the victim of a stabbing or gunshot.
Next Step staff provides immediate bedside support and intervention for participants and their families and support systems.
Next Step staff meets daily in the hospital with participants who want further support in changing their lives and stopping the cycle of violence.
Participants then receive individual support once they are back in the community.
Support may include:
- job training and employment
- finding a safe place to live
- basic needs including food, transportation, clothing, hygiene, and parenting items
- accessing crime victim resources, including information about victim rights and financial assistance for crime victims
- accessing resources to manage trauma
- help with graduating from high school, getting a GED, and/or enrolling in post-secondary education
- help with post-discharge medical care
- enrolling in positive activities (sports teams, music programs, etc.)
- connecting to resources for physical, mental, and chemical health and wellbeing
- resolving legal issues
- other services as needed
Next Step is a partnership between Hennepin Healthcare, North Memorial, and the City of Minneapolis, with additional support from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety – Office of Justice Programs.