Chicago Area Project

What is CAP?

The Chicago Area Project was created in the 1930s by the sociologist Clifford R. Shaw to address the problems of juvenile delinquency in some of the poorest communities in Chicago. The values and philosophy of CAP are centered around improving the quality of neighborhood life with special focus on solving problems faced by young people and their families.

Through its many affiliate programs, CAP provides direct services to diverse communities throughout Cook County. Through its community based affiliate organizations and special projects, the CAP staff collectively provides human and financial resources to its affiliates to promote leadership in youth, their parents and their entire community.

CAP's Mission

The Chicago Area Project (CAP is a private, not-for-profit organization with a distinguished history and demonstrable track record of over sixty years of work in delinquency prevention and service in disadvantaged urban neighborhoods. The original mission of CAP has not changed since its inception:To work toward the prevention and eradication of juvenile delinquency through the development and support of affiliated local community self-help efforts, in communities where the need is greatest.

CAP's Philosophy

Chicago Area Project's philosophy is to improve the quality of neighborhood life with a special focus on solving problems faced by young people and their families. The agency believes that residents must be empowered through the development of community organizations so that they can act together to improve neighborhood conditions, hold institutions serving the community accountable, reduce anti-social behavior by young people, protect them from inappropriate institutionalization, and provide them with positive models for personal development.

CAP's Goals

The goals of Chicago Area Project are to develop special projects and establish locally controlled organizations that implement the directives put forth in Cap's mission and philosophy. Projects and affiliates are mandated to positively impact areas in the Chicago vicinity with high rates of juvenile delinquency or other symptoms of social disorganization.

CAP's Objectives

The objectives for Chicago Area Project projects and affiliated organizations include the following:

To develop local leadership broadly representative of the communities that are being served.
To conduct an annual community survey to assess needs and develop an action plan with a clear set of goals and objectives.
To improve the climate for the positive development of young people by achieving such improvements as increases in educational achievement levels and vocational skills.

To develop young people's leadership skills by involving them in youth initiated community improvement activities or in cooperative projects with adults.
To set measurable goals and show progress in improving undesirable conditions.
To demonstrate an ability to raise funds, manage staff, and be accountable financially and programmatically.
To promote and inform the community about all programs.
To develop a referral/resource network with other agencies and institutions.
To develop and maintain all contractual record keeping documents as required.

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