Services for Children Who Witness Domestic Violence

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 Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) will support the Services for Children Who Witness Domestic Violence Project. The RICADV will use funds to support personnel and contractual expenses for providing domestic violence intervention and prevention services at six domestic violence shelters. This project will strengthen the capacity of six domestic violence agencies to meet the needs of children and families experiencing domestic violence by improving their programming and targeting children who witness domestic violence. The Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center will add a staff member to work with mothers that are at risk for entering the Department of Children and Families system. Sojourner House will add a staff person to expand their children's services in northern Rhode Island. The Women's Center will add programs for children in their shelter facility. The Women's Resource Center of Newport and Bristol Counties will expand their children's prevention programs in the school systems in their area. The Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County will add staff to strengthen their children's services and the EBC Center will expand their children's services.

NCA/NCF