Budget Amendment ID: FY2023-S4-528

EHS 528

Dual Generation Supports for High-Risk Young Parents

Messrs. DiDomenico and Gomez, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Brady 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 the department's young parent program; provided, that the grants shall be targeted at young parents experiencing acute trauma, multiple systems involvement, mental health challenges, 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 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 the highest numbers of pregnant and parenting teens; provided further, that grants shall be no less than $250,000; provided further, that not less than $1,000,000 shall be earmarked for Roca Inc. and not less than $500,000 shall be earmarked for Family Services of the Merrimack Valley; and provided further, that no later than March 31, 2023, 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 DTA’s Employment Services Program (4401-1000); and, (v) relevant demographic information to be determined”.