Program Helps Kids Obtain A Second Chance

By |

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Programs, the Office of Justice Programs and the Department of Justice offer the Second Chance Act Juvenile Offender Reentry Program for Planning and Demonstration Projects. This program tries to help kids who’ve been in jail to successfully reintegrate into society as a law-abiding citizen. Due to the increasing number of kids who are released from jail, this project helps the transition between jail and the community.  The deadline for this grant is July 11, 2011 at 11:59 E.S.T.

Eligibility: Applicants are limited to states, territories, units of local governments and must adhere to all eligibility and funding requirements of the Second Chance Act.  

Traumatic Stress Grant

By |

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services announces a one-year grant to continue and expand grant activities funded under the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, Treatment and Service Adaption Centers, Category II and Community Treatment and Services Centers – Category III. This grant is to increase activity and services of the nation's child welfare system, juvenile justice/dependency court systems as well as to fund child mental health systems. The goal is to create a national network of grantees known as the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) that works to develop and promote effective trauma treatment, services and other resources, such as child-serving community service systems, for kids exposed to trauma. The deadline for this is June 3, 2011.  

Teen Killer for Mexican Drug Cartel Symbolizes a Generation Lost to Gangs

By |

The 14-year old boy accused of working as a hit man for a Mexican drug cartel has become the poster child for a generation of kids recruited by gangs around the world.  Edgar Jimenez Lugo, also known as “El Ponchis,” has allegedly confessed to participating in four murders involving torture and decapitation.   He told investigators that he was drugged and his life was threatened while he worked for the South Pacific Cartel, a criminal organization linked to 200 murders.  Time Magazine examines the worldwide impact of this story which has made headlines from Atlanta to Australia. The teenager is actually an American citizen, born in San Diego, arrested in Cuernavaca.  In the U.S. he might be tried as an adult, but under Mexican law he’s a juvenile and will likely get just three years in prison if convicted. People who work with children are disgusted by the case but not surprised. Sister Margaret Slowick, a member of the Sisters of St.