FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUGUST 15, 2001

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN (803) 896-8755

HODGES ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO ASSIST JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS STATEWIDE

COLUMBIA – Gov. Jim Hodges has announced six grants that will be awarded to local governments to help them address the issues of misconduct and crime by children. These grants will support innovative efforts to deal with juvenile offenders and at-risk youth at the community level. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs will administer the grants on behalf of the Governor’s Office.

The Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council played an instrumental role in the decision to fund these grants. The Advisory Council consists of state and local officials, as well as private citizens. One of the Council’s chief responsibilities is to recommend ways to improve juvenile justice services in South Carolina. Members believe prevention programs can play a strong part in keeping children out of the state’s court system. The grants will be used for delinquency prevention programs and programs aimed at developing alternatives to suspension from school and incarceration. These grants represent a portion of awards totaling $406,803 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The following received grants:

Beaufort County

Sheldon Township Community Support Project $66,558

City of Spartanburg

Strengthening Our Youth and Families $188,441

Lancaster County

Lancaster Families and School Together (F.A.S.T.) $14,720

Sumter County

Passport and Keys to Success $50,000

Anderson County

Juvenile Intervention Court $62,601

City of Spartanburg

Attendance by Choice (ABC) Program $24,483

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OJP/JB/108/01

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