Published: 09-05-08
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry awarded $3.9 million in grants to 72 programs dedicated to drug and violence prevention and development of student academic achievement. Funds are provided through the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Fund and are distributed by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division (CJD).
“Giving our students the opportunity to learn and grow in a protected environment is essential to the development and productivity of Texas youth” Perry said. “This funding will promote safe communities and schools by encouraging youth to make healthy life choices and helping those on a path of self destruction find their way back toward becoming good citizens.”
The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act supports programs dedicated to preventing and reducing violence in schools and communities and developing a drug-free environment for youth. These programs foster healthy and safe learning environments that support academic achievement including alternative education programs and intervention services for children with behavior or substance abuse problems. Funds also support counseling services for children who are victims of family violence or child abuse.
Each year Governor Perry’s Criminal Justice Division administers more that $113 million in both state and federal funds to support criminal justice juvenile justice and victim restoration efforts.
