Purposes

The purpose of the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program, established in 2003, is to make competitive grants to applicants serving urban, suburban, rural, or tribal populations with substantial numbers of children of incarcerated parents and to support the establishment and operation of mentoring programs using a network of public and private entities.

How Funds May Be Used

Projects funded under this program must link children with mentors, incorporate the elements of Positive Youth Development, and develop a plan for the child's family. A project must serve the children of prisoners in areas with a comparative severity of need for mentoring services.

Eligibility

Those eligible to apply for funding under this grant competition include faith and community-based organizations, tribal governments or consortia, and State or local governments where substantial numbers of children of prisoners live. Applicants must apply to establish new programs or to expand existing programs utilizing a network of public and private community entities. Collaboration among eligible entities is strongly encouraged..

Sponsoring Bureau: Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, Families and Youth Services Bureau

Fiscal Year 2004 Grants: Information about funding levels and grant competitions in Fiscal Year 2004 is expected to be available in early 2004.

An excellent way to learn more about this program is to read the Fiscal Year 2003 program announcement.

FY 2003 Program Announcement: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/mentoring-rfp.htm

Amount of competition FY 2003: $9,500,000

Size of award FY 2003: $100,000 to $1,000,000

Contact information: Linda V. Barnett, 202-205-8102, or Sylvia Johnson, 202-401-4524

© Jan. 21, 2004