Student Clinical Practice and Training Project

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The University of South Carolina (USC) School of Law plans to utilize grant funds to enhance its law clinics. Specifically, the grant will enhance the practical training of law students to effectively handle cases involving juveniles and cases involving disabled veterans.

Children who enter the court system either through abuse and neglect cases or juvenile justice cases are at risk of re-entering the legal system later. A better trained bar will enhance the capacity of courts to handle matters involving children and will better ensure that appropriate services are sought for children when they first enter the system, thus addressing the underlying problems more effectively and reducing the incidence of future additional contact with the court system.

Veterans' disability law is a unique regulatory practice that is deceptively difficult and constantly changing. ensure veterans receive fair and effective legal representation and the benefits to which they are entitled. Receiving the appropriate VA benefits authorized by law makes a significant difference in the life of a veteran, such as a veteran who suffers from a mental health disorder or closed brain injury, who would otherwise be homeless and more vulnerable to victimization.

NCA/NCF