143B-152.10. Family Resource Center Grant Program; creation; purpose; intent.

(a) There is created in the Department of Health and Human Services the Family Resource Center Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to implement family support programs that are research-based and have been evaluated for effectiveness that provide services to children from birth through 17 years of age and to their families that:

(1) Enhance the children's development and ability to attain academic and social success;

(1a) Prevent child abuse and neglect by implementing program models that have been evaluated and found to improve outcomes for children and families;

(2) Ensure a successful transition from early childhood education programs and child care to the public schools;

(3) Assist families in achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency; and

(4) Mobilize public and private community resources to help children and families in need.

(b) It is the intent of the General Assembly to encourage and support broad-based collaboration among public and private agencies and among people who reflect the racial and socioeconomic diversity in communities to develop initiatives that (i) improve outcomes for children by preventing child abuse and neglect, (ii) enhance and strengthen the ability of families to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of their children, (iii) enhance the ability of families to become advocates for and supporters of the children in their families, and (iv) enhance the ability of families to function as nurturing and effective family units.

(c) It is further the intent of the General Assembly that this program shall be targeted to those neighborhoods that have disproportionately high levels of (i) children who would be less likely to attain educational or social success, (ii) families with low incomes, and (iii) crime and juvenile delinquency.