Jacksonville Journey: Take a Step Crime Prevention Initiative (TEAM-UP and Summer Camp Sites)

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.

Jacksonville City will use the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to support the Jacksonville Journey: Take a Step crime prevention initiative which seeks to reduce and/or prevent criminal activity among youth ages 5-18. The project is designed to keep juveniles occupied with structured after-school programs that foster positive youth development and act as a deterrent from crime in their neighborhoods. The specific population to be served is low-income students, ages 5-15, who receive free and/or reduced lunch in the local Duval County Public School system. Further, grant funds will be used to expand the Jacksonville Children's Commission Summer Camp program. The expansion will include: (a) adding 194.5 slots for the summer program, (b) hiring 33 part-time employees, and (c) retaining 41 part-time positions.

NCA/NCF