2025 Award "Best Practice in Citizen Participation"

Since its implementation in 2004, the Rede Cidadã program aims to reduce crime by providing preventive services to children and adolescents at risk and in vulnerable social situations. We are a coordination unit under the Department of Public Security of the State of Mato Grosso.

We manage primary, secondary, and tertiary criminal prevention through a specific methodology.

Our target audience consists of children and adolescents from 8 (eight) to 18 (eighteen) years of age. However, as a criminal prevention program, indirectly, other individuals benefit from the Rede Cidadã program through Social Support and other offered projects.

Our team is made up of professionals from the Public Security Forces, Educators, Pedagogues, Psychologists, Social Workers, Technicians, and Analysts.

Our methodology consists of:

Providing care for children and adolescents referred by partner organizations such as: State, Municipal, Private/Philanthropic Schools, the Guardianship Council, the Judiciary, the Public Prosecutor's Office, Foster Homes, the Municipal Social Assistance Reference Center - CRAS, Specialized Police Stations, or through spontaneous demand, and others.

Initially, the Psychosocial Team conducts an intake interview, collecting personal data, risk factors, health problems, etc. These details aim to determine whether the individual is part of our target group. After that, the family is received by the Educational Team, where they will be enrolled in available activities.

The Educational Team involves children/adolescents in activities and tracks their school life. A study is done to develop and manage actions focused on improving motor skills, teamwork, self-esteem, job-searching, and the development of talents and abilities.

As the child/adolescent participates in activities, the difficulties identified during the intake are addressed by the Multidisciplinary Team, which may conduct home visits and make referrals to the Promotion, Protection, and Care Network.

Rede Cidadã brings together the sectors of Public Security, Education, Health, and Leisure into one program that promotes these essential practices for the future of society.

• www.redecidada.mt.gov.br  (External link)