Nebraska Advocacy Services, Scottsbluff, NE Center for Disability Rights, Law and Advocacy

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.

This grant funding will allow the Nebraska Advocacy Services to improve the system of services for individuals with disabilities by creating a long-term, cross-disability resource for effective advocacy for people in Western Nebraska who require assistance in securing their rights. Specifically, funds will allow the program to serve more children with disabilities that are suspended or expelled from school and are in the juvenile justice system or are at risk of being involved with juvenile delinquency.

NCA/NCF