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Announcements

July 28, 2010
Competency & Capacity Building Virtual Summit: Evidence-based Practices and Strategies for Working with Vulnerable Populations

September 14, 15 & 16, 2010 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. EDT each day—Join us in a Virtual Summit to build our capacity to work with vulnerable populations in today's world. We will come together as experts and colleagues to learn more about key issues and research impacting our work, discuss effective practices and models, and identify ways to collaborate and continue the effort to advance our field and practice.

The Summit focus areas are:

• Growing Up Poor - Implications & Outcomes
• Economic Stress for Youth and Families
• Inclusive Programming – Reaching Out to the Whole Community
• Evidence-Based Strategies and Practices for Working With Vulnerable Populations

Registration is now open at: http://www.cyfernet.org/vs2010/registration/

For more information, visit our website: http://www.cyfernet.org/vs2010/

July 21, 2010
"Second Chances" Website Released

The National Reentry Resource Center, with support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, has launched the Making Second Chances Work conference website.  This conference was convened to share information about approaches in housing, employment, mental health and substance abuse treatment, community supervision, and other areas that support a person’s transition from a correctional facility to the community. http://www.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/making-second-chances-work

July 21, 2010
Improved Child Welfare Information Gateway Website Launched

Find tools and information quickly on the redesigned Child Welfare Information Gateway website. The new site offers easy navigation, access to popular content from the homepage, and new interactive features. Visit www.childwelfare.gov to see how easy it is to find the resources you need as a child welfare professional.

July 21, 2010
America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2010

Released by The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, the publication reports on child welfare indicators spanning seven domains: family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment and safety, behavior, education, and health. Visit http://childstats.gov/americaschildren/index.asp.

July 21, 2010
Public Comments Sought on Juvenile Justice Issue Areas

The Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Council) requests public comments related to four priority issue areas:  (1) Education and At-Risk Youth, (2) Juvenile Reentry and Transitions into Adulthood, (3) Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice and Related Systems, and (4) Tribal Youth and Juvenile Justice. Submit ideas related to Federal policies and practices that impact juvenile justice outcomes. Comments must be received by August 9, 2010. Learn more (PDF, 2 Pages).

July 14, 2010
New Federal Partnership Provides Support for Youth to Work in the Great Outdoors

Leaders from the U.S. Departments of Labor, Interior and Agriculture have announced the launch of a $20 million federal grant opportunity and implementation of an initiative designed to help disadvantaged youth prepare for jobs in the outdoors. Through a national grant competition, funds will be awarded to enable ex-offenders ages 18 to 24 to give back to their communities through service and conservation work, while simultaneously acquiring solid employment skills. The grant competition is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2010. To view the press release, visit: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20100865.htm.

July 14, 2010
New Resource for Transition-Age Youth: Youth Connections Community of Practice

On July 7, the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration launched the Youth Connections Community of Practice (CoP) on Workforce3 One.  This online community is a shared electronic space where youth practitioners can learn from one another, share successful approaches and models, advance youth workforce development efforts, and foster continued collaboration, problem solving and partnerships.  To join the Youth Connections CoP, visit: http://youth.workforce3one.org/page/home.

July 14, 2010
Funding Opportunity: Safe and Supportive Schools

The Department of Education is inviting applications for new awards for Safe and Supportive Schools grants.  Safe and Supportive Schools awards grants to State educational agencies (SEAs) to support statewide measurement of, and targeted programmatic interventions to improve, conditions for learning in order to help schools improve safety and reduce substance use. You can obtain an application package via the Internet, from the Education Publications Center (ED Pubs), or from the program office. To obtain a copy via the Internet, use the following address: http:// www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/index.html  Access the full federal register notice at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-16811.pdf (PDF, 7 Pages).

July 14, 2010
ONDCP Engages Teens in "Above the Influence"

The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has expanded Above the Influence (ATI) to focus on substances most abused by teens. It delivers prevention messaging at the national level as well as more targeted efforts at the local community level. To emphasize the renewed local focus, the Above the Influence Campaign is engaging youth in a national program called the Influence Project. Teens from across the country can log onto www.AbovetheInfluence.com/HeatMap and participate in the Influence Project contest by entering their ZIP code and top influences. Teens visiting the website also will have an opportunity to see and hear a media gallery of what other teens from their hometowns - and throughout the United States - are saying about the positive and negative influences in their lives and in their communities.  To learn more, visit www.AbovetheInfluence.com.

July 14, 2010
Funding Available for the Support of Pregnant and Parenting Teens and Women

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Public Health and Science today announced that it will begin accepting applications for the Pregnancy Assistance Fund. This competitive grant program will provide pregnant and parenting teens and women a seamless network of supportive services to help them complete high school or postsecondary degrees and gain access to health care, child care, family housing, and other critical support.  In addition, States can use the funds to combat violence against pregnant women.  This program will provide much needed financial assistance for states and communities across the country to provide supports for pregnant women and teens.  The application deadline is August 2, 2010.  For more information on this funding opportunity announcement, please visit http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/oah/prevention/grants/announcements/index.html.

July 14, 2010
Regional Treatment Center Network for Tribal Youth

The Youth Regional Treatment Center Network provides inpatient substance abuse and alcohol treatment to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native youth. The primary responsibility of the Network is to help California tribal youth find healthy directions in life. The Network supports youth by offering inpatient care, as well as technical assistance, training, and consultation to the tribal alcohol program counselors. The tribal communities assist their youth by participating in the Network and by providing continuing care (aftercare) once the youth returns to the community. Click here for more information.

July 6, 2010
New Tobacco Regulations Issued – Help Get the Word Out!

New tobacco regulations limit the sale, distribution, and marketing of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to individuals younger than18 years of age; require larger and stronger health warning labels to appear on smokeless tobacco advertisements and on smokeless tobacco products manufactured on or after June 22, 2010; and prohibit the tobacco industry from manufacturing for sale or distribution any tobacco products for which the label, labeling, or advertising contains the descriptors "light," "low," or "mild" (or any similar descriptor).

CDC and FDA are seeking your support to help get the word out about these new, historic FDA tobacco regulations. You can support this effort by

• Posting a "Put Out the Myth" graphical button on your Web site. Visit the "Put Out the Myth" download page at http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/stateandcommunity/fda_regs/buttons/index.htm to obtain html code for a variety of button sizes.
  
  
• Following CDCTobaccoFree on Twitter www.twitter.com/CDCTobaccoFree and retweeting key messages related to the new FDA tobacco regulations.
  
  
• Becoming a fan of CDC's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cdc and posting "Put Out the Myth" status updates on your Facebook profiles.
  
  
• Telling others about our posting on CDC’s Everyday Health Widget.
  
  
• Viewing OSH's latest entry on CDC's MySpace page
  
  
• Following OSH on GovLoop at www.govloop.com/group/CDCTobaccoFree. A post on GovLoop announces the significance of June 22 and encourages readers to visit the online feature article. GovLoop is a social networking site for the government community. It currently serves about 30,000 members, including local, state, and federal government employees and contractors. Academics and students interested in government are also welcome to join.
  
  
• Subscribing to CDC's Smoking and Tobacco Use Main Feed at www.cdc.gov/tobacco/rss/index.htm to receive updates of new and recently changed content from CDC's Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site on your browser or desktop.
  
  
• Encouraging readers to send Health-e-Cards emphasizing the value of being tobacco free www2c.cdc.gov/ecards/index.asp?category=201.
  
  

Please also continue to access CDC's Smoking & Tobacco Use Web site www.cdc.gov/tobacco for helpful resources and the latest information.

July 6, 2010
Youth Connections Community of Practice Launched

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) at the U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled its latest Community of Practice on Workforce3 One--this one focusing on youth issues.  This online community is a place where youth practitioners can learn from one another, share successful approaches and models, and advance youth workforce development efforts.  The CoP platform is intended to foster continued collaboration and problem solving before and after trainings, conferences, and workshops. Here are just a few highlights of what can be found on the Youth CoP:

• Reinvesting in America's Youth: Lessons from the 2009 Recovery Act Summer Youth Employment Initiative
• Clearinghouse for Summer Employment
• What if a college education just isn't for everyone- Then what?
• Prisoner Reentry Toolkit for Faith Base and Community Organizations

To join the Youth Connections CoP, go to: http://youth.workforce3one.org/page/home

July 6, 2010
On the Job Toolkit Available

A new web-based toolkit has launched to help state and local workforce professionals expand and strengthen their on-the-job training (OJT) strategies.  OJT Toolkit documents allow local providers to quickly and efficiently implement OJT in their area. View the OJT Toolkit on Workforce3 One at: http://ojttoolkit.workforce3one.org

July 6, 2010
Take the Career Videos Challenge!

The Career Videos Challenge is an online crowdsourcing challenge which invites members of the public to produce short videos focusing on the daily activities, necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs), and career pathways of one of 15 identified high-wage and in-demand occupations.  The creators of the top video in each category will win a $1,000 cash prize.  The deadline for submissions is August 20, 2010.   For more information, go to the Challenge Web site.

July 6, 2010
OJJDP Fact Sheets Offer Information on Juveniles in Court

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has released four fact sheets providing data derived from the report "Juvenile Court Statistics 2006-2007."
Resources:

"Delinquency Cases in Juvenile Court, 2007"

"Delinquency Cases Waived to Criminal Court, 2007"

"Juvenile Delinquency Probation Caseload, 2007"

"Person Offense Cases in Juvenile Court, 2007"

Print copies of "Delinquency Cases in Juvenile Court, 2007" may be ordered here.

July 6, 2010
Latest Issue of Justice Resource Update Features OJP's Evidence-Based Approaches

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has released the June 2010 issue of its Justice Resource Update e-newsletter. The latest issue features a closed-caption video in which Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson describes the integration of evidence-based approaches into OJP's activities.  The issue also includes a call for peer reviewers, advance notice of upcoming reports from OJP's Bureau of Justice Statistics, and an announcement of state and local criminal justice grants from OJP's Bureau of Justice Assistance, among other matters.  To access the latest issue of Justice Resource Update, go to www.ncjrs.gov/OJPnewsletter/june2010/juvjust.htm.

July 6, 2010
Report Provides Data and Trends in Juvenile Court Cases

The National Center for Juvenile Justice has published "Juvenile Court Statistics, 2006-2007," which was developed with funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the U.S. Department of Justice.  The report profiles the nearly 1.7 million delinquency cases handled each year by U.S. courts with juvenile jurisdiction in 2006 and 2007. It also describes trends in delinquency cases processed by juvenile courts between 1985 and 2007 and status offense cases handled between 1995 and 2007.  "Juvenile Court Statistics 2006-2007" is available online at ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/ojstatbb/publications/StatBBAbstract.asp?BibID=252137.

July 6, 2010
Funding Announcement: Demonstration Programs to Transition Students with Intellectual Disabilities into Higher Education

The purpose of this program is to support model demonstration programs that promote the successful transition of students with intellectual disabilities into higher education and to enable institutions of higher education (IHEs) (or consortia of institutions of higher education), to create or expand high quality inclusive model comprehensive transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities.  To learn more about this funding announcement, go to http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-15927.pdf.  The Application packet is available through https://e-grants.ed.gov.

June 28, 2010
Federal Funding Opportunity - Educational Facilities Clearinghouse Grant

The U.S. Department of Education’s, Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools Announces the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Educational Facilities Clearinghouse Grant Competition. The Educational Facilities Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse) will provide technical assistance and training on the planning, design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of public nursery and pre-kindergarten, kindergarten-throughgrade-12, and higher education facilities. The Clearinghouse will also develop resources and assemble best practices on issues related to ensuring safe, healthy, and high-performance public education facilities, including on procedures for identifying hazards and conducting vulnerability assessments. Deadline:  July 30, 2010.   For Further Information, contact: Sara Strizzi, U.S. Department of Education, 550 12th Street, SW., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20202–6450. Telephone: (303) 346–0924 or by e-mail: sara.strizzi@ed.gov. For a complete copy of the Grant Application, please go to: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/edfacclearinghouse/index.html

June 24, 2010
HHS Announces Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS') Administration for Children and Families is accepting applications for its Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program.

The program supports the creation and maintenance of one-on-one mentoring relationships between children of incarcerated parents and caring, supportive adults, through a network of public and private community entities, in areas with substantial numbers of children of incarcerated parents.

The application deadline is July 30, 2010.

June 24, 2010
Afterschool Investments Project resources available

The Afterschool Investments Project (AIP), a service of the Child Care Bureau, provides technical assistance to Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) grantees and other state and local leaders to support afterschool efforts.  AIP is pleased to announce the following new resources are now available on the project website.

June 24, 2010
HHS' SAMHSA and partners raise awareness on teen suicide: Helping teens through tough times

Tools for Teens: Why ReachOut.com?-- “Walk into any American high school classroom and the odds are that two of the young people before you will have attempted suicide over the past 12 months,” said Jack Heath, president of the Inspire USA Foundation. “Through our collaboration with SAMHSA and the Ad Council, the We Can Help Us campaign can bring a message of hope to literally millions of young Americans having a tough time.”

ReachOut.com integrates youth-generated, expert-reviewed information and real-life stories with opportunities to connect with others in a supportive, safe environment.

Each page on ReachOut.com includes a prominent call-out to SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a resource for individuals who are in crisis and need immediate help and support. 

June 24, 2010
Children's Bureau Discretionary Grants: Initiative to Reduce Long-Term Foster Care Available

The following funding opportunity announcement (FOA) has been published:  HHS-2010-ACF-ACYF-CT-0022, Initiative to Reduce Long-Term Foster Care. Information on applying for Children’s Bureau Discretionary Grants is available on the Children’s Bureau’s Web site. If you have questions, please call the Children’s Bureau Operations Center at 1-866-796-1591.

June 24, 2010
Hunger Free Community Grant now available

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the US Department of Agriculture is announcing the opportunity for public and not-for-profit organizations to submit applications for a Hunger-Free Communities grant competition. Two models of grants will be funded: 1) assessment and planning grants and 2) implementation grants. Click here for more information.

June 1, 2010
Maximizing the Self-Sufficiency of Youth with Disabilities in the One-Stop Career Center System.

The U.S. Department of Labor has posted a Promising Practices Brief on the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) on Workforce3One.  Minnesota and Colorado are highlighted in the brief.  To view the brief, visit: http://disabiityworkforce3one.org.

June 1, 2010
New: Empowerment Evaluation Approach for Violence Prevention Organizations

CDC has published Evaluation for Improvement: A Seven-step Empowerment Evaluation Approach for Violence Prevention Organizations. This manual is designed to help violence prevention organizations hire an empowerment evaluator who will assist them in building their evaluation capacity through a learn-by-doing process of evaluating their own strategies. It is for state and local leaders and staff members of organizations, coalitions, government agencies, and/or partnerships working to prevent sexual violence, intimate partner violence, youth violence, suicide, and/or child maltreatment.

The manual discusses seven steps an organization might take to hire an empowerment evaluator from preparing for the hiring process to assessing and sustaining the evaluation. Resources, worksheets, and sample documents are included to make the hiring process easier. The manual also includes “Field Notes,” documenting the experiences and lessons learned from CDC’s DELTA and EMPOWER grantees in hiring empowerment evaluators.

June 1, 2010
ED Newsletter on Program Sustainability Now Available

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools announces a new issue of The Challenge Newsletter around the subject of Program Sustainability.  In this issue, you will learn about program sustainability in challenging economic times; insights on sustainability from grantees; lessons learned; and more.  To read the full newsletter, please go to: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/resources.html

June 1, 2010
New Campaign to Help Tweens Find Truth-in-Advertising

The Federal Trade Commission has launched a new campaign which aims to educate tweens (kids ages 8 to 12) about advertising so they can become more discerning consumers of information. The goal of the campaign is to boost advertising literacy by raising awareness of advertising and marketing messages; teaching critical thinking skills that will allow tweens to better analyze and interpret advertisements; and demonstrating the benefits of being an informed consumer.  The campaign involves tweens, their parents, and their educators. It is based on Admongo.gov (go to: http://www.admongo.gov), which teaches core ad literacy concepts through game play. Other elements of the campaign include in-school curricula (go to: http://www.admongo.gov/curriculum.aspx) that are tied to state standards of learning; sample ads that can be used at home and in the classroom; and teacher training videos.

May 24, 2010
OJJDP Publishes FY 2010 Program Plan

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has published its Final Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (PDF, 8 pages) in the May 20, 2010, Federal Register. The Final Plan describes discretionary program activities that OJJDP intends to carry out during the current fiscal year.

The Plan's development was guided by priorities of the Department of Justice set forth by the Attorney General and took into account the 150 submissions received in response to OJJDP's request for comments on its Proposed Plan, published in the Federal Register last December.

OJJDP's Final Plan for FY 2010 is available online at ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/funding/FY10OJJDPFinalPlan.pdf (PDF, 8 pages).

May 24, 2010
Net Cetera: A Guide to Chat with Kids

On Guard Online (http://www.OnGuardOnline.gov) recently released Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online, a guide for parents, teachers and other mentors with practical tips to help kids navigate the online world safely. Net Cetera covers a variety of topics – from cyber bullying to file-sharing – as well as where to go for more information and issues to raise with kids about living their lives online. Read it at www.onguardonline.gov/netcetera and in Spanish at www.alertaenlinea.gov/netcetera . OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. To order copies to share with schools and community go to: http://bulkorder.ftc.gov.

May 24, 2010
Child Obesity Task Force Action Plan Released

First Lady Michelle Obama recently announced the release of the action plan from the Interagency Childhood Obesity Task Force. Titled Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity within a Generation, the plan is available at: http://www.letsmove.gov/taskforce_childhoodobesityrpt.html. This report provides a national road map that will help solve the epidemic of childhood obesity in a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight. The action plan focuses and expands on how communities can work together to:

• Create a healthy start on life for our children, from pregnancy through early childhood;
• Empower parents and caregivers to make healthy choices for their families;
• Serve healthier food in schools;
• Ensure access to healthy, affordable food; and
• Increase opportunities for physical activity.

For more information go to the Let's Move! website at: www.letsmove.gov.

May 19, 2010
Bulletin Describes Results of Youth Survey on Conditions of Confinement

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has published "Conditions of Confinement: Findings From the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement."  The third in a publication series derived from findings from the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement, this OJJDP bulletin describes the characteristics of the facilities in which youth are confined and the programs that serve them.  Print copies may be ordered at www.ncjrs.gov/App/ShoppingCart/ShopCart.aspx?item=NCJ+227729.  For an overview of the series, see "Introduction to the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement" at ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=240090.

May 19, 2010
New 2010 National Drug Control Strategy Released

On May 11, President Obama and Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Director Kerlikowske released the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy, which serves as a blueprint for the new, balanced, and collaborative approach to reducing drug use and its consequences.  Prepared by ONDCP, the Strategy establishes goals for reducing drug use and its consequences through a balanced policy of prevention, treatment, enforcement, and international cooperation. To access the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy online visit: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/strategy/index.html.

April 27, 2010
HHS Report Notes Decrease in Child Maltreatment

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families has published "Child Maltreatment 2008." The report, the latest in an annual series issued each April in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, indicates that 2008 saw the lowest child victimization rate in five years. An estimated 772,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect, a rate of 10.3 per 1,000 children, with almost a third of the victims less than four years old. "Child Maltreatment 2008" is available online at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm08/.

April 27, 2010
ED Report Shares Postsecondary Enrollment and Graduation Info

This report presents findings from the 2009 data collection of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System from the National Center for Education Statistics within the Institute of Education Sciences. Approximately 57 percent of full-time, first-time bachelor's or equivalent degree-seekers in 2002 attending 4-year institutions completed a bachelor's or equivalent degree at the institution where they began their studies within 6 years. In fall 2008, Title IV institutions in the United States enrolled a total of 19.6 million graduate and undergraduate students; 62 percent were enrolled in 4-year institutions, 36 percent were enrolled in 2-year institutions, and 2 percent were enrolled in less-than-2-year institutions. To view the full report please visit http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2010152.

April 27, 2010
Suicide Prevention Resources Added to SAMHSA Program Directory

The National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices has added Reconnecting Youth: A Peer Group Approach to Building Life Skills (RY) to its searchable online registry of interventions. This school-based prevention program for students aged 14-19 years teaches skills to build resiliency against risk factors and control early signs of substance abuse and emotional distress. RY targets youth who demonstrate poor school achievement and high potential for school dropout. Eligible students may show signs of multiple problem behaviors, such as substance abuse, aggression, depression, or suicidal ideation. For more information, go to http://nrepp.samhsa.gov/programfulldetails.asp?PROGRAM_ID=202.

April 27, 2010
CDC Report Links Physical Activity and Academic Performance

CDC's Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) recently released a new report, The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance. The report indicates that school-based physical activity may help improve students' grades and test scores and positively affect other factors that influence academic achievement. The report also concludes that adding time during the school day for physical activity does not appear to take away from academic performance. This Executive Summary for this report and the complete report is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/index.htm#3.

April 20, 2010
Presentation Proposals Sought for Joint Meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has issued a call for presentations for the upcoming 2010 Joint Meeting on Adolescent Treatment Effectiveness (JMATE). Cosponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and other SAMHSA partners, JMATE seeks to enhance adolescent substance abuse treatment and recovery by providing a forum for the exchange of information among researchers, practitioners, youth and their families, policymakers, and community members. The theme of the 2010 JMATE, which will be held December 14-16, 2010, in Baltimore, MD, is "Synergy Envisioned-Action Inspired." The deadline for submitting presentation proposals is June 4, 2010. View further information about submitting a presentation abstract.

April 20, 2010
Grants 101 Website Helps Applicants for Justice Grants

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has launched a Grants 101 Web page to assist applicants in navigating the challenges of a highly competitive application and grant award process. This page offers several resources, which are particularly useful for new applicants. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has posted a number of current solicitations on OJJDP's Funding Opportunities Web page. Additional funding opportunities from other OJP components may be found on OJP's Open Solicitations Web page.

April 13, 2010
OJJDP Bulletin Examines Causes and Correlates of Girls' Delinquency

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has published "Causes and Correlates of Girls' Delinquency." Part of OJJDP's Girls Study Group series, the bulletin summarizes the research team's review of social science literature on factors impacting girls' delinquency and notes their policy and program implications. The bulletin identifies factors correlated with girls' delinquency.

For further information and resources on girls' delinquency, visit OJJDP's Girls' Delinquency Web portal.

April 13, 2010
DOJ Launches Comprehensive Web Site for Tribal Communities

The Department of Justice's Tribal Justice and Safety Web site is a one-stop shop for tribal communities, to help further improve public safety. The site features an easy to navigate format and access to the latest announcements, press releases, speeches and information regarding Department of Justice initiatives in tribal communities. It also provides comprehensive resources available through the Office of Tribal Justice and the Department's grant-making divisions: the Office of Justice Programs, Community Oriented Policing Services and the Office on Violence Against Women.

Access to the Department's Combined Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) is also available on the Web site. Last month, the Department announced the creation of CTAS, a newly streamlined grant program for federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities, governments and consortiums to apply for Fiscal Year 2010 funding opportunities.

April 13, 2010
CDC Hosts Parent Portal for Healthy, Safe Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched Parent Portal, an encyclopedic website with links to information from all areas of CDC. The portal is a source for credible, accurate information in helping parents raise healthy kids and provide a safe home and community. Some of the many sections hold information about child abuse prevention, autism signs, body piercing, school violence, and information on the effects of childhood stress. Quick links go to developmental milestones and safety in the home, among other subjects. Users can subscribe to receive email updates and RSS feeds. Podcasts are also accessible. Visit the portal on the CDC site: www.cdc.gov/parents

April 13, 2010
OJJDP Bulletin Reports on Youth in Custody's Needs and Services

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has published "Youth's Needs and Services: Findings From the Survey of Youth in Residential Placement." The Survey of Youth in Residential Placement is the first national study to gather information on youth in custody by surveying detained offenders. The second in a series, the bulletin reports on the survey's findings on youth in custody's needs and the services they receive. Print copies may be ordered at www.ncjrs.gov/App/ShoppingCart/ShopCart.aspx?item=NCJ+227728.

April 7, 2010
New Toolkit Helps Federal Grant Applicants

U.S. Department of Labor Announces Online Tool for Grant Applicants. The U.S. Department of Labor launched an online suite of resources for grant applicants. Created by the department's Employment and Training Administration, the new site introduces potential grantees to ETA grants and provides examples to guide applicants through the process of applying. Included on the site are an Annotated Sample Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA); an interactive, self-paced tutorial on the ETA grant-making process; and a compilation of resources to help prospective applicants develop competitive grant applications. To view the tool, visit: http://www.workforce3one.org/page/grants_toolkit.

April 7, 2010
Fact Sheet on Gangs and Gang Violence

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has released "Highlights of the 2008 National Youth Gang Survey." The fact sheet draws on findings from OJJDP's annual National Youth Gang Survey to provide data on gangs, gang members, and gang-related crime and violence. In 2008, approximately 774,000 gang members and 27,900 gangs were active in some 3,300 jurisdictions across the United States, estimates that remain virtually unchanged from 2007. Print copies may be ordered online at www.ncjrs.gov/App/ShoppingCart/ShopCart.aspx?item=NCJ+229249. To access additional gang-related information and resources, visit the National Gang Center's Web site at www.nationalgangcenter.gov.

March 29, 2010
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Funds Available to States to Improve Participation in Summer Food Service Programs

In an effort to address childhood hunger and its impact on child development, health and learning, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), are notifying states that Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) can be used to assist families through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).

Through this unprecedented collaboration, ACF and FNS are joining forces to help communities provide children with adequate, nutritious meals during the summer. The notice sent to States includes an explanation of how resources under the TANF Emergency Fund provided by the Recovery Act can be used to cover portions of costs associated with running a summer food service site that are not otherwise reimbursed. States can seek 80 percent reimbursement through the Fund for a range of expenditures including the cost of compensation for staff support to provide supervision and programming at summer feeding sites, transportation services to transport food and/or children to feeding sites, recreational activities to attract more youth to program locations and meal preparation costs that are not otherwise reimbursed under the SFSP.

"During these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever to work together across federal, state, and local offices to support children in need. We look forward to these Recovery Act dollars supporting children this summer since the lack of nutrition for children during summer recess can lead to long term concerns such as illness and other health issues throughout the school year," said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Carmen R. Nazario. "HHS and USDA are working diligently to help ensure that TANF funds are available to states to expand participation in the SFSP and ensure that children return to school healthy and ready to learn."

"One of our priorities for reauthorization of Child Nutrition Programs is strengthening the SFSP so that children aren't left out just because school is out. Increasing access to more nutrient-rich foods for our Nation's disadvantaged children is no simple task," said USDA Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon. "It requires government agencies, the private sector, non-profits and local communities to collaborate to ensure children get the proper nutrition that will help end childhood hunger."

The Summer Food Service Program was created to ensure that children in lower-income areas can continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. SFSP encourages communities to provide complete, wholesome meals for children that are served in safe, supervised locations where children can enjoy activities and playing with other children.

For more information and guidance on the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund please visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/. For more information about the SFSP please visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/summer/.

March 22, 2010
Evidence-Based Practice Knowledge Informing Transformation Toolkit Launched

SAMHSA has recently published the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Knowledge Informing Transformation (KIT) tookit. The materials provide innovative, engaging, and effective learning tools that help shape mental health services toward recovery. The first-generation EBP KIT topics include:

• Assertive Community Treatment
• Co-Occurring Disorders: Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment
• Supported Employment
• Family Psychoeducation
• Illness Management and Recovery

March 18, 2010
Fact Sheet Reviews Trends in Girls' Delinquency

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has published "Girls' Delinquency," a fact sheet reviewing trends in girls' delinquency and describing research conducted by OJJDP's Girls Study Group. The fact sheet also reports on OJJDP programs and publications that address girls' delinquency. "Girls' Delinquency" (NCJ 228414) is available at http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=250433. Print copies may be ordered online at www.ncjrs.gov/App/ShoppingCart/ShopCart.aspx?item=NCJ+228414&repro=0. For further information about girls' delinquency, visit OJJDP's Girls' Delinquency page at ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/programs/girlsdelinquency.html.

March 18, 2010
Strengthening Families and Communities Resource Guide

Order your free copies of Strengthening Families and Communities: 2010 Resource Guide today! The guide highlights strategies to strengthen families by promoting key protective factors that prevent child abuse and neglect. It also includes tip sheets in both English and Spanish to share with parents. The Resource Guide is produced annually by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention, with input from national organizations, Federal partners, and parents. The guide can be downloaded or ordered at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/res_guide_2010. For more details, go to: www.childwelfare.gov/preventing.

March 18, 2010
Connecting With Your Teen: A Parent Tipsheet

Teens are becoming more independent, but they still need their parents' love, support, and guidance. This tip sheet helps parents understand typical teen behavior. It offers suggestions for how parents can use simple, everyday activities to reinforce their connection with their teens and show they care.

March 12, 2010
Runaway/Homeless Youth and Dating Violence Toolkit

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence recently launched an online toolkit for runaway and homeless youth service providers interested in addressing teen dating violence (TDV) and to help TDV service providers include runaway and homeless youth. Runaway and homeless youth often fall through the cracks of our dating violence prevention efforts, but they are an extremely vulnerable group. This Toolkit was developed by and for advocates in the runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and domestic and sexual assault (DV/SA) fields to help programs better address relationship violence with runaway and homeless youth. The Toolkit organizes information, resources, tips and tools drawn from the lessons learned by collaborative projects funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which brought together domestic violence programs and runaway and homeless youth agencies to address relationship violence among street youth. To access the toolkit go to http://www.nrcdv.org/rhydvtoolkit/.

SAMHSA and Ad Council to Launch Mental Health Campaign for the African American Community

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in collaboration with the Ad Council and the Stay Strong Foundation, announced the launch of a national campaign designed to raise awareness of mental health problems among young adults in the African American community. The new public service announcements were unveiled at a Black History Month event at Howard University on February 24 to coincide with the first annual HBCU National Mental Health Awareness Day.

Mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are widespread in the U.S. and often misunderstood. According to SAMHSA, among adults, the prevalence of serious mental illness is highest in the 18 to 25 age group, yet this age group is also the least likely to receive services or counseling. In 2008, 6.0 percent of African Americans ages 18-25 had serious mental illness in the past year. Overall, only 58.7 percent of Americans with serious mental illness received care within the past 12 months and the percentage of African Americans receiving services is only 44.8 percent.

"Raising understanding and attention to these issues within the African American community will provide greater opportunities for those needing help to receive effective mental health services," said Kathryn A. Power, Director of SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services.

Created pro bono by Grey Worldwide through the Ad Council, the campaign aims to promote acceptance of mental health problems within the African American community by encouraging, educating and inspiring young adults to step up and talk openly about mental health problems. The television, radio, print and Web ads feature real personal stories of African Americans dealing with mental health problems, and they aim to engage those in the community to support young adults who need help. The PSAs direct audiences to visit a new website, www.storiesthatheal.samhsa.gov, where they can learn more about mental health problems and how to get involved.

"According to our research and the leading mental health experts, young adults with mental health problems are more likely to seek help if social acceptance is broadened and they receive support and services early on," said Peggy Conlon, president & CEO of the Ad Council.

Terrie M. Williams, MSW, co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation, collaborated on the development of the Web videos and PSA materials and serves as a campaign spokesperson. The Stay Strong Foundation works to support, educate and inspire African American youth through a series of programs and events that are designed to raise awareness of teen issues, promote the personal well-being of young people and enhance their educational and professional development.

"It is the work of the Stay Strong Foundation and my personal mission to educate everyone, and in particular the African American community, about depression and its impact on our communities," said Williams. "Every day so many of us wear the "mask" of wellness that hides our pain from the world. Now is the time to identify and name our pain—minus the myths and the stigmas—and seek the help so many of us need."

SAMHSA's Campaign for Mental Health Recovery partners include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute of Mental Health, state mental health agencies, leading researchers on stigma and a broad coalition of stakeholders, including organizations that represent provider organizations and consumer and family member groups. The Campaign held a series of regional meetings to develop a grassroots network to support the Campaign and provide assistance with anti-stigma efforts to states and local communities.

A resource guide entitled, "Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative," is also a part of the campaign and is based on the evaluation and lessons learned from the Elimination of Barriers Initiative. The guide provides information on how to mount a statewide anti-stigma campaign, examples of outreach materials, reports on the best practices for stigma reduction, and lists important resources for technical assistance. Copies of the guide can be downloaded at http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/ken/pdf/SMA06-4176/Developing_a_Stigma_Reduction.pdf (PDF, 108 pages)or by calling SAMHSA's Health Information Network at 1-877-SAMHSA7. SAMHSA also maintains a national technical assistance center called the ADS Center (Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity, and Social Inclusion) to help States, communities, and individuals get the necessary information and resources to counter misperceptions, prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. For more information, visit www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov.

Additional public service efforts designed to reach Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans will also be launched this spring. To view the ads, please visit www.adcouncil.org. The PSAs will air in advertising time that will be entirely donated by the media.

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator Enhanced

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has updated the National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Programs. The publication includes an inventory of more than 11,000 substance abuse treatment programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 U.S. Territories. The directory includes public and private facilities which are licensed, certified, or otherwise approved by substance abuse agencies in each state. The directory complements SAMHSA's online Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator. For further assistance, contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention

On February 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with Liz Claiborne Inc. released a new online training, Dating Matters: Understanding Teen Dating Violence Prevention. The training is designed to help educators, youth-serving organizations, and others working with teens understand the risk factors and warning signs associated with teen dating violence. The 60-minute course also will highlight the importance of promoting healthy relationships.

Participants will find themselves in a virtual school setting, navigating the training course through hallways, classrooms, and interactions with students. A teacher's whiteboard will present information in a user-friendly way and provide navigation, help, and interactive resources for use throughout the course.

For more information, go to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control's webpage at www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention. If you have questions about Dating Matters, please contact DatingMatters@cdc.gov.

New Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety

The Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Center for Education Statistics have published "Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2009." The report draws on federally funded studies to provide detailed statistical information on the nature of crime in schools and school environments and responses to violence and crime at school.

A Comprehensive Approach to Teen Driver Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed a four-tier strategy to prevent vehicle-related deaths and injuries among teen drivers: increasing seat belt use, implementing graduated drivers licensing, reducing teens' access to alcohol, and promoting parental responsibility.

National Public Health Strategy to Prevent Youth Violence

Young people are both the victims and perpetrators of violence, with homicide being the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24. An average of 16 young people are murdered each day, and in 2007 more than 668,000 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained from violence. But youth violence can be prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is developing a National Public Health Strategy to Prevent Youth Violence (PDF, 2 pages), aimed at reducing the perpetration of violence by youth ages 10 to 24. This approach includes evidence-informed programs, practices, and policies.

New Website Promotes Green Jobs

Within the Department of Labor, the Employment and Training Administration has launched a "Shades of Green" website for the YouthBuild community. YouthBuild helps young workers develop job skills and give back to their communities. The Shades of Green website offers a comprehensive guide to green building practices and possibilities for YouthBuild programs, clear presentations of the comparative benefits and challenges of available methods and materials, and honest reports from the field where real groups have successfully incorporated these powerful ideas.

Guideposts for Success for Youth with Mental Health Needs

Guideposts for Success for Youth with Mental Health Needs, a website supported by a grant from the Office of Disability Employment Policy within the Department of Labor, provides a comprehensive framework that identifies what all youth, including youth with disabilities, need to succeed during the critical transition years. This website is particularly helpful for youth service practitioners serving youth with mental health needs.

Website Helps Federal Staff Design Comprehensive Community Initiatives

cciToolsforFeds is a web-based resource for Federal staff who work with Comprehensive Community Initiatives (CCIs), also known as Community Change Initiatives. Through cciToolsforFeds helps federal staff decide what Federal partners you need to involve in a CCI project; select a way to coordinate funding from multiple agencies; determine each partner's contribution to the project; choose a structure for governing, managing and collaborating among agencies; and plan for sustaining the partnership. The website also provides assistance in writing solicitations, planning budgets, selecting and orienting CCI project sites, developing and funding technical assistance and evaluations.

Understanding Teen Use of Technology

The Parents: The AntiDrug website offers a crash course in the most popular communication tools used by teens today – such as social networking sites and cell phones – as well as guidance and advice to help parents monitor their teen's activities on these devices to keep them safe.

New Report from the National Survey of Adoptive Parents

Adoption USA presents findings from the first nationally representative survey of adoptive parents in the United States. Several agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services collaborated to produce this chartbook based on the 2007 National Survey of Adoptive Parents. Highlights of findings related to youth ages 12 to 17 years include, 1) Most parents of adopted youth (77 percent) describe their relationships with their children as good or better than they ever expected; 2) Compared to parents of all youth, parents of adopted youth are less likely to report their children are usually or always engaged in school; and 3) adopted youth are more likely than the general population of youth to have health and behavioral issues.

A National Report on Children's Exposure to Violence

The Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention published a report based on the National Survey of Children's Exposure to Violence. Children's Exposure to Violence: A Comprehensive National Survey includes data on both past-year and lifetime exposure to violence across a number of categories, including physical assault, bullying, sexual victimization, child maltreatment, dating violence, and witnessed and indirect victimization.

New National Teen Drug Study Reports Improvement and Offers Warning Signs for the Future

Findings from the 2009 Monitoring the Future study reveal that alcohol use among adolescents has continued its gradual decline. While cigarette smoking continues at its lowest levels in history, smokeless tobacco use increased among 10th graders. Marijuana use has increased slightly over the last two years.

 

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