TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT:

Children's Village Staff

Jody Overall, Manager~

October 1, 2010

Children's Village Second Chance JuvenileReentry Project Grant Award

INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM

I CHILDREN'S VILLAGE DIVISION I

I am excited to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Village Division hasbeen awarded a $6S6d27 Second Chance Juvenile Reentry Project grant from the United States Department ofJustice, Office of Justice Programs.

We know returning youth to the community without support systems strong enough to assist them inmaintaining all they have learned in residential treatment programs is problematic. Returning youth to theenvironment they failed in without a comprehensive plan for support and accountability is too often futile. Thesuccess of the youth we are returning home and to the community is dependant upon the development andimplementation of-a reintegration process that allows them to build upon the strengths and life skills theylearned in residential treatment programs. This Second Chance grant will provide funding specifically for thispurpose.

One hundred Children's Village youth, along with youth from Crossroads for Youth, between the ages of nand17will participate in this project. The project will be eligible for an additional two years of funding based on goalachievement and the continued availability of federal funds. The primary purpose and goal of the project is toreduce recidivism among the targeted population by 50 percent over 5 years while increasing positive outcomesfor the youth and their families. Services that will help close the gap between successful residential programcompletion and success in the community include a needs assessment for the entire family, family counseling,substance abuse treatment, job skills training for parents and youth, employment assistance, transportationassistance, individualized case management, etc. Planning for a successful return home will begin immediatelyupon admission to a Children's Village or Crossroads for Youth residential treatment program and will includeinput from the youth, their family, the court, and community based service providers.

Our partners in this grant initiative include the Department of Human Services; Oakland County Circuit Court,Family Division; Crossroads for Youth; a contracted service provider, and the Michigan Council on Crime andDelinquency; as well as key public and private stakeholders who will comprise the Reentry Project Taskforce.The premise of the project is an exit upon entry philosophy with a three part strategy including Getting Ready (inresidential treatment program); Going Home (3-6 months prior to release), and Staying Home (begins uponreturn to the community).

The enthusiasm for this initiative I know is widespread. I do not believe it is possible for invested Children'sVillage staff to not feel frustrated when significant gains made by kids (and families) in residential treatmentbegin to unravel after their release and return home. Together this grant funding will allow us and our partnersto ensure the good work achieved at Children's Village and Crossroads will continue beyond our campus and willleave our kids and their families is a better position to capitalize on their strengths and achievements.