Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Mentoring Project

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley will enhance and expand one-to-one mentoring programs targeting populations that have been affected by the economic downturn. They will enhance the mentoring process by closely aligning the local organization with the best practices and cost-effective models developed by the national organization. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley provides one-to-one mentoring programs for vulnerable youth ages 5 through graduation. The mentoring framework is developed in partnership with the Big Brothers Big Sisters national organization to provide a quality, safe, and effective intervention resource to vulnerable children who are lacking consistent adult influences. Through consistent and positive mentoring relationships, the children gain important developmental assets and skills to avoid delinquent and destructive behavior.

NCA/NCF