|
|||||
NewsPennsylvania Governor Rendell Awards $1.6 Million to Help Families, Reduce Juvenile CrimeHARRISBURG, Pa., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said four agencies that work to strengthen families and reduce the rate of recidivism among juvenile offenders will receive $1.6 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to continue their successful treatment programs."Today we are awarding funding that will help us strengthen families and help us effectively deal with troubled youth," the Governor said. "Programs that help young offenders escape the crime cycle and start anew are critical. We know that investing a dollar in sound prevention and intervention programs saves taxpayers many more dollars in incarceration and treatment costs. "By investing in programs that help juvenile offenders, we are investing in Pennsylvania's future." The money will be used to implement "Blueprints for Violence Prevention" programs, such as Multisystemic Therapy and Functional Therapy, which have been proven to be effective at reducing the crime cycle, adolescent aggression, delinquency and substance abuse. The programs also address antisocial behavior and enhance communication and family interaction. Adelphoi Inc. in Warren County will receive $400,000 for Multisystemic Therapy, targeting juveniles who have had at least one referral to juvenile court for delinquent offenses. Referrals will come from the county's juvenile probation, children and youth services, and mental health/mental retardation agencies. Cen-Clear Child Services Inc. in Centre County will receive $399,554 to implement Functional Family Therapy. The agency will work with Clearfield County Juvenile Probation to identify juvenile offenders who have had at least one referral to juvenile court for delinquency offenses. An estimated 60 youths will be served in the first year and an additional 80 youths will participate in the second year. North Penn Comprehensive Health Services Inc. in Lycoming, Tioga and Clinton counties will receive $399,821 to fund a project with the probation departments in the three counties to identify 50 at-risk male and female offenders between the ages of 10 and 18 who have had at least one referral to juvenile court for delinquency offenses. The program will serve 60 youths in the second year. Valley Youth House in Northampton County will receive $398,148 to provide Functional Family Therapy to 244 first-time juvenile offenders and their families. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is dedicated to preventing and reducing crime in Pennsylvania and responding to the needs of victims. For more information, visit http://www.pccd.state.pa.us. The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us. CONTACT: Kate Philips of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116, or Alison Delsite Everett of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, +1-717-705-0888, Ext. 3002. |
   |
||||
© 2008 Evidence-Based Associates