Bentley awards grant to rehabilitate young sex offenders | News

MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $408,170 grant to continue a Department of Youth Services program that holds juvenile sex offenders accountable while seeking to change their behavior.

The department’s Continuum of Care program holds juveniles responsible for their actions and teaches them the consequences of their behaviors through individual counseling. The program is available in 15 counties including Autauga, Bibb, Elmore, Hale, Jefferson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Montgomery, Morgan, Pickens, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega and Tuscaloosa.

“Youthful offenders in this program have an opportunity that may not be available later in life—a chance to turn away from a life of crime,” Bentley said. “I commend the program staff for their commitment to helping these juveniles turn their lives around before it’s too late.”

The community-based program is for nonviolent offenders who are ordered to participate as an alternative to juvenile detention. Offenders who have been released from detention also participate in the program when they return to their homes. Juveniles ages 10-12 identified by courts or community agencies as displaying at-risk behavior may also be ordered to participate in the program.

There are five therapists and five case managers on staff who work with the youths, their families and probation officers.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice. Matching funds of $45,352 will supplement the grant.

Bentley informed J. Walter Wood, Department of Youth Services executive director, that the grant had been approved.

Information from Governor's news release