Bridges Toward Responsible Adulthood (BTRA) 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 Starr Commonwealth will implement the Bridges Toward Responsible Adulthood (BTRA) program. The purpose of BTRA is to prevent and combat the juvenile delinquency of at-risk youth who are aging out of foster care, the mental health system, and the juvenile justice system. The overarching goal of BTRA is to help youth make a successful transition to adulthood and to become productive citizens in the metro Detroit community. BTRA provides a menu of services for youth transitioning to life on their own, with a focus on education and job preparedness, life skills training, and stable housing. Through counseling and tutoring, BTRA's strength-based approach will help to reduce the risk of recidivism among these youth, improve each youth's academic capabilities, and prepare them for further education or job training.

NCA/NCF