FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17, 2002

CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, 803-896-8755

 

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

 

COLUMBIA – Gov. Jim Hodges has announced two grants that will be awarded to local governments to 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.

 

“These programs are part of our commitment to South Carolina’s communities and to the youth who live in those communities,” Hodges said.

 

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 funding will be used for delinquency prevention programs. These grants represent a portion of awards totaling $351,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The remaining funds will be awarded in the following year.

 

The following received grants:

 

Hampton County

            Reach Our Students                                                                                          $31,604

 

Chester County

            Chester Police Department Junior Police Academy                                            $32,582

 

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