Senator Barbara Mikulski Fights for Funding to Expand Delinquency and Prevention Services for At-Risk Youth in Maryland

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Services to be available in a total of 10 Maryland jurisdictions

May 28, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) announced today she is fighting to put $1 million in federal checkbook to expand delinquency and intervention services for at-risk youth to a total of 10 Maryland jurisdictions, including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Calvert, Charles, Dorchester, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s counties, as well as Baltimore City.

“During these difficult economic times, more Marylanders than ever are in need of help and support services,” Senator Mikulski said. AThese programs give our young people positive alternatives to drugs and violence, and are important resources for youth who have nowhere else to turn. They will provide excellent support for at-risk youth in our communities who need a helping hand.

The funds will support the youth delinquency and intervention work of the Maryland Association of Youth Services Bureaus. Established in the early 1970s, Youth Service Bureaus provide delinquency intervention and prevention services to at-risk youths and families. The Bureaus serve thousands of young people through counseling, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, substance abuse assessment and referral, and community-based educational services, but they are still unable to meet the demand for delinquency prevention services.

The funding Senator Mikulski is requesting will help the Bureaus expand and meet increased demand for these services. This expansion will strengthen and increase the availability of prevention and diversion services to young people statewide. Funds will expand existing direct services to keep youths engaged in school, reduce substance abuse, reduce violence, and solidify family support.

Senator Mikulski, chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, requested the funds be included in the fiscal year 2010 CJS Appropriations bill. In the next step of the federal funding process, the full Appropriations Committee will review her request. If approved, it must then be passed by both the House and the Senate before being sent to the President to be signed into law. Once these steps are completed, the funds will become available in Maryland.

Source: Senator Barbara A. Mikulski