Justice Department, AmeriCorps Partner to Support Juvenile-Justice Involved Youth Reentering Their Communities
The Office of Justice Programs’ Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention today announced that it is awarding a $2.5 million grant to AmeriCorps to fund service activities for second-chance youth. Working together, OJJDP and AmeriCorps are addressing the challenges that youth experience upon returning to their communities from juvenile residential or correctional facilities.
“The partnership between the Justice Department and AmeriCorps is rooted in the belief that together we will positively impact the lives of justice-involved youth by offering support, guidance and resources to help these young people overcome obstacles and successfully contribute to their communities,” said Amy L. Solomon, Assistant Attorney General for OJP.
Nearly 25,000 youth in the U.S. are held in residential placement. When they return to their families and communities, they often face barriers such as limited education and employment opportunities, which can heighten the risk for recidivism. OJJDP and AmeriCorps work together to enhance the welfare of our nation’s youth, broaden their opportunities and equip them with the tools needed to transition successfully back to their communities.
“We are proud to partner with AmeriCorps to expand services to justice-involved youth and engage them so they can make a real difference in their communities,” said Liz Ryan, OJJDP Administrator. “This partnership will not only improve outcomes for youth but will improve public safety.”
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, will use the funding to provide grants to community-based programs that will enhance and expand reentry services for youth, which includes engaging those youth as AmeriCorps members.
“I am thrilled to partner with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to ensure all youth have a fair and just opportunity to serve and be served,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “This partnership will provide us with opportunities, opportunities to connect with young people who risk falling through the cracks of our society, opportunities to welcome more people into AmeriCorps from different backgrounds and opportunities to bolster organizations with resources and know how to support second-chance youth.”
This partnership supports OJJDP’s priority of opening up opportunities for young people who come into contact with the justice system. It also furthers DOJ’s mission by supporting efforts to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth returning to their communities following confinement.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law.
More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency invests in grants for local nonprofit, community, tribal, and state organizations; places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.
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OFFICE: ojjdp.ojp.gov
CONTACT: OJP Media at [email protected]