Preventing Child Maltreatment Among Parents with Intellectual Disabilities Project

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 Fiscal Year 2009 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Georgia State University Research Foundation will reduce juvenile delinquency by preventing child maltreatment, which is a known risk factor for future delinquency and interaction with the justice system. Parents with intellectual disabilities, a group that is overrepresented in child welfare caseloads and for whom little specific training has been developed, will be targeted with these funds. The Georgia State University Research Foundation will adapt and evaluate the Parent-Infant Interaction module of the SafeCare Parenting Program. This is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to reduce recidivism and prevent maltreatment.

NCA/NCF