Fattah Announces Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program Grant

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Philadelphia as a recipient of an award from the Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program (JRAP). The national grant program teams up with Public Housing Agencies and nonprofit legal organizations to better provide legal and support services to juveniles rehabilitating and reintegrating into their communities. Philadelphia will receive $100,000 from JRAP, to be matched at $25,000 from the Community Legal Services of Philadelphia.

The grant will build upon the Philadelphia Housing Authority's (PHA) second chance initiative by providing services by facilitating essential goals such as education, housing, and employment for juveniles re-entering society. The program offers services such as expunging juvenile and adult criminal records, alleviating associated legal fees, and educating the broader community on the process of reintegration. Ultimately these services will provide youths who face immense barriers to reintegration with a second chance at success.

"This funding will not just provide youth with the opportunity to succeed, but will also enhance public safety and bring our community closer, " said Congressman Chaka Fattah. "This award is an imperative step toward better providing for juveniles in the justice system. Justice reinvestment has always been one of my highest priorities, and I am pleased to see progress in that direction. I know that more needs to be done to make sure no one gets left behind from lack of resource or opportunity. In the House, I have introduced two bills—America's Focus Act and the REDEEM Act—that would go further to expand and add on to services like these. Nonetheless, I am grateful to see this grant bring new hope to the youth in Philadelphia who need it."

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

Related Links

http://www.fattah.house.gov