Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2022 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate $800,000 from the Federal and State Local Recovery Fund Pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Appropriated during the 2021 Special Session II of the General Assembly to the Department of Criminal Justice Services To Provide a One-Time Grant to the City of Hampton to Support an Employment Program for Court-Involved Youths and Adults
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
During the Special Session II of the 2021 Virginia General Assembly, the Department of Criminal Justice Services ("DCJS") was awarded $800,000 from revenues to be received from distributions of the Federal and State Local Recovery Fund pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide a one-time grant to the City of Hampton to support an employment program for court-involved youths and adults facing barriers to employment, expand services for those participating in or at risk of participating in gun violence, and provide counseling or mental health services for those exposed to violence.
Discussion:
Research has indicated there is a critical intersection between poverty, lack of family cohesion, individual opportunity, individual engagement, and youth violence. The Centers for Disease Control ("CDC") has identified several individual, family and community risk factors as it relates to youth violence. These risk factors argue for a comprehensive, wrap-around services approach that will address the needs of the individual, family and community as we attempt to combat the cycle of poverty, crime and violence in our community. CDC risk factors include such factors as history of violent victimization, low parental involvement, and diminished economic opportunities.
The awarded funds will be used to fund much needed support for the efforts of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Opportunities, and in family economic empowerment and resiliency efforts, all focused on breaking the cycle of pove...
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