Program Helps Kids Obtain A Second Chance

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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.  

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Ga.

Keeping Teens Summer Safe, a Resource Guide from the CDC

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Extra time behind the wheel, long days at the lake and added exposure to the sun are just a few of the hazards kids and teens face as summer officially grabs hold. Unfortunately not everyone gets the summer months off. Parents are left to pick up the slack and still put in their 40 hours each week to pay the bills. So how do you keep your kids safe and the boss happy at the same time? The Centers for Disease Control has made available a wealth of resources for parents asking themselves that very question.

Michelle Barclay and Patricia Buonodono On Danielle’s Story

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*Danielle was born HIV positive. Her mother, while constantly in and out of jail, abused alcohol while pregnant with her. Her father couldn’t manage to care for her, often forgetting to give her the HIV medications she needed to survive. She was a year old when she entered foster care. Her father had finally given up, dropping her off at an AIDS clinic, saying he couldn’t handle it any more.

Grant Works to Prevent Kids’ Exposure to Violence

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The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is offering a grant for the Defending Childhood Technical Assistance program. This project provides support to prevent and reduce the effects of kid’s exposure to violence. The deadline for this grant is July 11, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T.

 

New Jersey Sexting Bill Stresses Education Over Prosecution for Teens

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A bill moving through the New Jersey Legislature would force kids caught sending sexually explicit photographs and videos through their cell phone to attend an intense education program rather than face prosecution.  The measure, A-1561, passed the Assembly 78-to-0 in March and now moves to the state Senate for final approval. “Sexting,” as the practice is known popularly, has recently been in the news thanks to U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) who was caught sending lewd photos of himself to female constituents.  As JJIE.org reported recently, Weiner will likely face fewer consequences than many teens found sexting, who may face child pornography charges. “Teens need to understand the ramifications of their actions, but they shouldn’t necessarily be treated as criminals,” Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden), a co-sponsor, told NewJerseyNewsroom.com. The education program would teach participants about the possible legal and social consequences of sexting.  Juveniles who successfully complete the education program would not face trial. A second co-sponsor, Assemblywoman Celeste Riley (D-Cumberland), said the measure would help kids who make a mistake not “pay for it in court.”

 

Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy Offers Grant to Encourage Reading

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The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is offering a grant to support reading skills. Some of the requirements for this grant include,  literacy instructions for kids pre-K to the third grade, intergenerational literacy and literacy for adults. No grant request should exceed $65,000. The deadline for this grant is September 9, 2011.  

Grant Hopes to Cut the Number of Kids Who Cut Class

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The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention offers the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Truancy Prevention and Intervention program. This program provides development, training and resources that focus on kids who cut class and other issues. The focus is to try to prevent kids from dropping out of school. The deadline for this is July 11, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. E.S.T.

 

 

 

 

Benjamin Chambers Interviews Karen Pittman on Why Helping Teens Beat the Odds is Not Enough

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Isn't it great when you see a young person beat the odds? You know what I mean -- you'll read a story or see a video about a teen who struggled with drugs, alcohol, and crime, and somehow overcame all of that (and probably more) ... and it just makes you feel fantastic, doesn't it? Well, it should. But Karen Pittman, CEO and Founder of the Forum for Youth Investment, has an even more inspiring idea, which she shared in an interview at the Reclaiming Futures Leadership Institute held in Miami in May:

 

 

You can also see Karen's full presentation at the Reclaiming Futures Leadership Institute here.