Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $150,000)
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 Volunteers of America of Kentucky will use Fiscal Year 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards funds to continue the Kentucky Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IVTP). This program is designed to help veterans being released from state penal custody to successfully reintegrate into their community of choice by meeting immediate needs, such as housing, clothing emergency food, and facilitating placement into employment or job training. The program services include: case management to help the veteran execute an Individual Service Strategy developed through assessment, supportive services to stabilize him or her during the first few weeks post-release, referrals and access to a broad range of employment-focused services, and housing placement. The IVTP serves any veteran who was discharged with anything other than a "Bad Conduct" or a "Dishonorable Discharge" and who is within nine months of release from incarceration from a state penal institution. The program will provide 72 assessments and 45 program enrollments. It is anticipated that 85 percent of the veterans served in the program will have an increase in income and will remain in stable housing. This reintegration back into the community will reduce the likelihood of criminal activity and the outcome will be a seven percent rate of recidivism for program participants.
NCA/NCF