R2002-203 REGARDING PROJECT SUCCESS APPLICATION

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Neighborhood Services Department Memorandum # 02-33 October 30, 2002 TO: Honorable Mayor Howley and City Council FROM: Steve Garman, City Manager t�n� A. J. Krieger, Assistant City Manager Linda J. Love, Neighborhood Servic s D� ctor �/� � SUBJECT: Title V Delinquency Prevention Program Grant RECOMMENDATION: Project Success submitted a successful application for funding through the Title V Delinquency Prevention Program grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). The City of Decatur is the designated unit of local government in the grant application. The grant will provide up to $60,000 a year for a total of up to $180,000 over three years, with a maximum $20,000 for start up costs. Project Success will be required to provide approximately $30,000 annually in matching funds for the grant program. There has not, nor will there be in the future, any commitment of funds from the City of Decatur for this grant. Staff recommends approval of the resolution to enter into a grant agreement for the Title V grant, with Project Success named as the implementing agency, as well as an agreement with Project Success for the use of grant funds in accordance with DHS guidelines. A copy of the proposed project budget for the first eight months of the program is attached. BACKGROUND: Project Success, in cooperation with other agencies and organizations in Decatur, created the Truancy Roundtable and the Right Track Truancy Reduction Program, which has proven successful in reducing truancy and increasing attendance among middle school students. The Right Track program was expanded to include Decatur's three public middle schools this past year. Results show 61% of the 340 students referred to the program improved their attendance. The proposal in the grant application focuses on truancy prevention and further expansion of the Right Track program, adding a tutoring component for students who are referred for truancy, including a parenting education program and providing additional opportunities for parents to increase their involvement in their children's education. There will be increased emphasis on linking families to needed services and providing additional follow-up for referred students. POTENTIAL OBJECTIONS: City staff is not aware of any objections to this grant agreement. INPUT FROM OTHER SOURCES: Project Success staff, Illinois Department of Human Services staff, Juvenile Justice Commission