The Family Independence Agency (FIA) shall allocate through grants up to $13,000,000 in TANF funds for programming that provides kindergarten through ninth grade youth with a safe, engaging environment to motivate and inspire learning outside the traditional classroom setting. Funding is intended to offer quality before- and after-school programs that provide youth with programs that combine academic, enrichment, and recreation activities to guide learning and inspire children and youth in various activities. (Senate Budget Bill, No. 1044, section 657).

Each program shall include parental involvement and at least three of the following topics:

• Pregnancy prevention
• Non-medical services provided to address chemical abuse and dependency
• Gang violence prevention
• Academic assistance, must include assistance with reading and writing
• Preparation toward future self-sufficiency
• Leadership development
• Case management or mentoring
• Anger management

Population To Be Served

The target population is low-income, school-aged children that are in kindergarten through ninth grade. Services must be focused toward children whose family income is less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. A TANF form which documents TANF eligibility of the family must be filled out for each child participant.

Evaluation/Outcome

By August 30, 2002, the BA program expenditures shall be reviewed. The FIA will present a report on the BA program to the legislature. The final report shall include the number of participants, parental involvement, program outcomes, program barriers; as well as changes noted in the program participants in any of the following categories: