Return House Transitional Living Program

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 Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys and Girls Club will use their Fiscal Year 2010 Congressionally Recommended award for their community-based reentry program named the Return House Transitional Living Program for 18-22 year old male offenders who are returning to Barre from jail. This 10-bed transitional home is staffed 24/7 and operated by the Washington County Youth Service Bureau/Boys and Girls Club in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Correction (VDOC). VDOC provides primary funding for the Return House and is its only referral source. Return House assesses offenders while they are in jail, serves 10 offenders in the residence at any one time, and supports offenders after they leave Return House. Participants are provided with housing, meals, life skills training, employment services, substance abuse and mental health counseling, leisure activities, and case management. The goals are to strengthen the capacity of the Return House to effectively help offenders build and maintain satisfying, law-abiding lives; operate the Return House at optimal effectiveness in order to reduce recidivism; and enhance quality of life for offenders.

NCA/NCF