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2005 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1500 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Tata
COY-Healthy Marriage & Stable Families Initiative Grants (language only)

Item 360 #2h

Item 360 #2h

Health And Human Resources
Social Services, Department of

Language
Page 349, after line 24, insert:
"G.  The Virginia Department of Social Services shall continue funding for the Healthy Marriage and Stable Families Initiative grants which provide community-based family preservation and supportive services designed to strengthen marriages and stabilize families.  Such grant activities will address training needs, parenting programs, youth programs, programs for newlyweds, community marriage initiatives, and healthy relationship promotion.  Such funds shall be allocated from the federal Safe and Stable Families program or other appropriate Department funds.  A report on these activities shall be submitted by November 30, 2005, to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees as well as to the Chairman of the Virginia Commission on Youth."


Explanation
(This amendment directs the Department of Social Services to continue community grants to organizations that provide community-based family preservation and supportive services designed to strengthen marriages and stabilize families. Federal law encourages, under the Welfare Reform Act, the enactment of state policies and practices that promote the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. In fiscal year 2004, the Department provided $300,000 in grants to organizations seeking to achieve these goals. The grant cycle commenced in October of 2003 and ended September of 2004. Participants included community and faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. The grant was to promote innovative approaches to locally identified needs. Projects included activities such as classes, seminars, workshops, inventories, conferences, support groups, and preventive counseling designed for use before, after, or at any stage in a marriage. Project topics included the following: (1) training to form and sustain a stable family and healthy marriage, (2) parenting programs, (3) youth programs, (4) education in healthy relationships, (5) newlywed programs, and (6) community marriage initiatives. This is a recommendation of the Virginia Commission on Youth.)