Parent Education and Health Support 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 Covenant House of Florida will utilize its FY 2010 Congressionally Recommended award in the amount of $200,000 to provide supportive housing (safe place to sleep, food, etc.) to a minimum of 100 homeless youth who are pregnant and/or parenting, as well as their infants/toddlers. Staff will assess needs and strengths; develop case plans; and offer specialized support services (case management, health care, education, life skills instruction, employment assistance, therapy, parenting education, discharge planning, and aftercare). The overriding goal is to assist this low income youth population to become gainfully employed and productive members of the community; thereby enhancing their lives, shaping their futures; and ultimately breaking the chain of victimization, crime, homelessness, and poverty.

NCA/NCF