FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005
Contact: Jane Norris
(202) 401-9215
HHS Awards $41M to States for Child Abuse Prevention
WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced $41 million in funding to 50 states, the District of Columbia and the American territories for community-based child abuse prevention programs. The funding, for fiscal year 2005, marks an increase of 28 percent for community-based child prevention programs over the previous fiscal year.
“Through these grants, the Bush Administration is helping states and community-based groups ensure that every child is free from harm,” said HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt. “This increased funding will help lower instances of child maltreatment, abuse and neglect.”
Community-based child abuse and prevention grants are provided to agencies designated by the governor of each state. Funds are used to enhance community-based efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. They also foster the development of child abuse prevention services through state and community-based partnerships and public information activities focusing on the healthy and positive development of families.
“These grants will support President Bush’s ongoing efforts to make every home a safe and healthy environment for children,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. “They will help support healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood and strengthen positive child and youth development in families throughout the nation.”
This formula grant program involve a 70 percent allocation of funds based on the population of children in the state plus 30 percent allocated proportionately among the states based on the amount of funds leveraged by the state from private, state or other non-federal sources. This formula gives states the incentive to appropriate more state funding towards prevention efforts since it provides them with the ability to significantly increase their final grant award based on the amount of their claim.
For a complete list of the community-based child abuse prevention awards, view www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2005/cbcap_fy2005.htm.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at www.hhs.gov/news