Department: Juvenile Probation
Department Head/Elected Official: Henry Gonzales
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant
Project ID (if applicable):OJJ-TOC_GY25
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable):N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by Juvenile Probation for approval to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Justice/Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for grant funds in the amount of $1,500,000, with no required match, for the FY 2025 Workforce Development Program-The Opportunity Center.
end
Background and Discussion:
Many justice involved young people are deprived of needed skill sets, few job prospects, and other challenges that lead to lower education outcomes and future criminality. The Opportunity Center, a former secured juvenile facility underwent a dramatic conversion and now provides justice involved youth with streamlined access to support services that decrease risk factors while offering a workforce development solution that can redirect youth from future criminal justice involvement and empower them to lead self and community transformation. With these grant funds, HCJPD proposes to expand programming and supports for justice involved youth.
Expected Impact:
HCJPD proposes to implement evidence-based programs, implementing MST-EA, adding vocational coaches, increase the hours of operation at The Opportunity Center, increase transportation to/from The Opportunity Center, increase the number of community-based organizations that serve as internship centers throughout Harris County, and increase the presence of the alumni community for support of the attending youth. With the addition of MST-EA and vocational coaches, studies reflect that emerging adults remain in a job or vocational program si...
Click here for full text