Washington, DC – Rhode Island’s congressional delegation today announced $785,360 in federal funds for various state agencies through the Department of Justice (DOJ). The money will go towards programs designed to keep Rhode Island’s children safe by working to reduce Internet crimes, underage drinking, and juvenile delinquency.
“This funding will help local law enforcement improve the lives and safety of our children,” said U.S. Senators Reed and Whitehouse and Congressmen Langevin and Cicilline. “It is critical that we protect Rhode Island’s youth from Internet crimes and have a proper system in place to help prevent underage drinking and juvenile delinquency.”
The funds, given by the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, will be divided into the following categories:
$224,606 is designated to support the Rhode Island State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. ICAC provides forensic, preventative, and investigative assistance to parents and law enforcement across the state.
$300,000 is designated to the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Development Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH), and Hospitals for the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) Program. The program seeks to assist local law enforcement in preventing underage drinking and raising public awareness of its consequences.
$260,754 has been designated to the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) Program, which uses accountability to improve and strengthen the juvenile justice system in an effort to decrease delinquency. The funding will be used to hire judges, probation officers, and court-appointed defenders, and support programs that foster successful re-entry.
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