Budget Amendment ID: FY2021-S4-210

EHS 210

Dual Generation Supports for High Risk Young Parents

Mr. DiDomenico, Ms. DiZoglio, Messrs. O'Connor, Velis and Crighton moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting after item 4401-1000 the following item:  

"xxxx-xxxx For a grant program to be administered by the department of transitional assistance for two generation programs to support economic mobility among high-risk young parents between 14 and 24 years of age, inclusive, who are eligible for assistance under department of transitional assistance young parent program; provided, that the grants shall be targeted at young parents experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health, domestic violence and/or abuse; provided further, that grant funding shall be utilized to increase parenting and life skills, housing stability, self-sufficiency, and build cognitive and behavioral skills through intensive case management and wraparound supports; provided further that not less than $750,000 be allocated to Roca, Inc, for the purposes of operating their high-risk young parent program in their Chelsea and Springfield locations; provided further, that the department of transitional assistance shall distribute grant funds through a competitive grant program; provided further, that grants shall be awarded to applicants that (i) are community-based nonprofit programs; (ii) have demonstrated experience working with high-risk young parents and partnering with local administering agencies; and (iii) seek additional federal, state, or private funds to ensure the effective continuation of services and local partnerships; provided further, that the department shall collect robust data from contracted agencies to better understand this special population, their risk factors, and services provided; provided further, that no more than 10 grants shall be awarded; provided further, that grants shall be awarded to communities with high numbers of pregnant and parenting teens; provided further, that grants shall be no less than $250,000 and no more than $500,000; and provided further, that no later than March 31, 2021, the department shall submit a report to the house and senate committees on ways and means on the (i) total number of program participants; (ii) educational attainment for program participants; (iii) employment status including employment history, for program participants; (iv) number of program participants receiving assistance under (insert line item); and, (v) relevant demographic information to be determined………………………$2,500,000"