Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2010, $550,000)
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 city of Detroit will use the grant funds to support the Workforce Development Department's parolees, technical parolee violators, and ex-offenders project (PTPVEP). The city is home to Michigan's largest concentration of former prisoners. Detroit receives nearly 30 percent of all prisoners released by the Michigan Department of Corrections each year. Many of these individuals have significant barriers that prevent them from making a successful transition from prison to work. Various research studies have revealed that former prisoners who are employed have a lower risk of returning to prison. As a result, this project will serve former prisoners who are on parole or who have returned to the city because they have maxed out their sentences. The PTPVEP will include career coaching, individual counseling, and group counseling, all of which provide effective strategies for increasing employment and reducing recidivism among former prisoners. The project will be implemented over a two-year period and will provide employment and focused case management services for 300 participants, group counseling for 180 participants, individual counseling for 75 participants, vocational training for 40 participants, and placement in unsubsidized employment for 140 participants. Progress will be measured by the recidivism rate as well as the number of participants who retain their unsubsidized employment for at least six months following placement. The project will also provide support services and in-kind career development and training services. The PTPVEP will help former prisoners find and retain employment, reduce recidivism, and help the city of Detroit and its Workforce Development Department enhance their efforts to deliver vital, effective employment and training services to former prisoners. In addition, the project will assist the city of Detroit with reducing crime and providing safe neighborhoods for its residents and local businesses.
NCA/NCF