City Budget
The Nutter administration must now find a replacement organization by the end of June. Philadelphia Safe and Sound has been embroiled in controversy since Mayor Michael Nutter took office in January.
By Susan Phillips
 Listen Now [1 minute 27 seconds]
WHYY News, April 24, 2008
Philadelphia Safe and Sound has been embroiled in controversy since Mayor Michael Nutter took office in January.
But the decision by the board to dissolve the organization came as a surprise to the Nutter administration, which now has until June 30th to find a replacement structure to manage about 100 city contracts for children's services.
Philadelphia Safe and Sound does not provide direct services but instead is the fiscal manager for other non-profits that deliver afterschool, anti-truancy and anti-violence programs.
Board chair Ernie Jones is worried that the June deadline does not provide enough time for a smooth transition.
"I've been around long enough to know that it takes a lot to get systems in place and to do a lot of the stuff needed to administer $50 million in contracts," said Jones. "It's not an easy task."
Mayor Nutter promises that there will be no disruption to the afterschool and anti-violence services for children.
"I had planned a long time ago that I would make sure these services would go out to bid," said Nutter. "This decision does come as a bit of a surprise but there a lot of twists and turns in life and we'll just deal with it."
A report issued by the Department of Public Welfare last week criticized Philadelphia Safe and Sound for poor financial controls, high staffing costs and ineffective programming.
Jones called the report unfair. He said that the negative publicity, combined with the impression that their contract would not be renewed led to the decision to disband.
Additional Information
WHYY News: Large city contracted to Safe and Sound prompted scrutiny
Inquirer Editorial: Safe and Sound - Over and Out
Inquirer: Safe and Sound closing causes scramble
Daily News: City wonders? What should replace Safe and Sound?
Daily News Editorial: Current system is neither safe nor sound
Inquirer: Youth agency decides to close
Daily News: Safe and Sound votes to disband itself
Inquirer: City youth program with ties to Street to fold
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