Department of Justice Announces $1.2 Million in Grants to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation

/PRNewswire/ -- The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has announced the award of four grants totaling $1.2 million to support the development of strategies that protect children from commercial and sexual exploitation. These grants are part of the Department's national strategy to prevent and interdict child exploitation announced by Attorney General Eric Holder.

"Protecting our youth remains a priority with the Justice Department," said Laurie Robinson, Assistant Attorney General, OJP. "We are determined to have strategies in place that prevent, and if necessary, rescue and help children recover from exploitation. These grants will provide the resources necessary to reach the children and hold the perpetrators accountable."

OJP's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will administer the awards, which will support selected Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces by making available improved training and coordination activities, help in developing policies and procedures to identify child victims, assistance in the investigation and prosecution of adult perpetrators and the identification and adoption of best practices for compassionate victim intervention. This grant program is authorized under the Providing Resources, Officers, and Technology to Eradicate Cyber Threats to Our Children Act of 2008, (P.L. 110-401, 42 USC 17601, et seq.) ("the PROTECT Act"). Eligible applicants under the competitive solicitation were the existing 61 ICAC Task Forces and affiliate law enforcement agencies.

Recipients include:
-- County of Alameda, Oakland, CA ($300,000)
-- Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Decatur, GA ($300,000)
-- City of Boston, MA ($300,000)
-- Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Chicago, IL ($299,999)

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State Birding Contest Draws Flock of Young Birders

Georgia’s 24-hour Youth Birding Competition had a record crowd of children and teens looking and listening statewide for birds common and rare this weekend.

The results: more than 200 species seen or heard, more than $1,200 raised for conservation and about 140 young birders ages 4 to 18 better versed in the state’s diverse bird life. The turnout marked a new high for the annual competition, in its fourth year. The 2008 event fielded 126 participants.

Coordinator Tim Keyes, a Georgia Wildlife Resources Division biologist, said it is encouraging to see the growth, as well as the return of some teams for their fourth year. “From all the feedback I’ve heard, the kids had a great time out there,” Keyes said Sunday night.

The 2009 search started at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and ended with 34 teams bearing names like the Blairsville Birdbrains and Vomiting Vultures turning in their checklists by 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield.

Homeschool Hummers, a middle school team from Suwanee, led with 147 birds, the first time a middle school team has won the overall competition.

Division leaders also included:

** High school, Blazin’ Bluebirds from Macon (134 species).

** Elementary, Birds of a Feather from LaGrange (73 species).

** Pre-elementary, Love Bugs from McDonough (57 species).

Top teams in fundraising, a voluntary part of the competition:

** Birds of a Feather from LaGrange raised $500.

** Country Cuckoos from Bainbridge ($330).

** The Brown Thrashers from Decatur ($320).

The money goes to conservation groups chosen by the teams.

Winners of a new birding journal category were:

** High school, Levi Adkins from Bainbridge.

** Middle school, Stennes Austinson, Bainbridge.

** Elementary, Ben Hays, LaGrange.

** Pre-elementary, Brian Hays, LaGrange.

And the leading rookie teams:

** High school, G’Nats Too from Rome.

** Middle school, GS Night Owls from Monticello.

** Elementary, Red Wings from Loganville.

** Pre-elementary, Blairsville Birdbrains II from Blairsville.

The return of a youth birding T-shirt art contest, started last year, drew 89 entries. An osprey painting by 11th-grader Jess Milner of Darlington Upper School in Rome took top honors, which included being printed on 2009 Youth Birding Competition T-shirts. Milner also received a $100 gift card to Michaels. The three other division winners each received a $50 gift card for supplies at the arts and crafts outlet.

Coincidentally, another Darlington Upper School artist won the 2008 contest.

“I’m excited to see so many young people inspired to draw and paint birds,” said art contest coordinator Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center.

She also said the T-shirt Art contest will return in 2010. “We’ll need good artwork again next year!”

The 2010 Youth Birding Competition will be held the last weekend in April.

This year’s contest was the second straight for 10-year-old Ahmad Gaither of The Brown Thrashers. Fellow team member James Cobb, 9, of Decatur was enjoying his first time. It was an education.

“At first, I didn’t know anything about the birds,” Cobb said. Now, he does. “The best bird I’ve seen so far was a great blue heron,” he added, grinning.

Awards for birding teams varied from binoculars to field guides donated by event supporters such as Eagle Optics, Atlanta Audubon Society, Georgia Ornithological Society, Identiflyer, Softscribe and The Environmental Resources Network.

The competition ended with a banquet Sunday evening at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. An animal program by wildlife center intern Kristi Doebler featured raptors such as a barred owl and red-tailed hawk.

Keyes and expert birder Giff Beaton served as judges. Keyes started the competition in 2006 with help from The Environmental Resources Network and a heart for engaging upcoming generations in birding and wildlife conservation. TERN is an advocate of the Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section and a consistent supporter of the birding event.

The competition blends fun, skill and education, reaching out to students of all bird-watching skills. Pre-registered teams are paired with mentors. Options such as programs and workshops are available, as is a free e-newsletter.

Buying a nongame wildlife license plate or making a donation via the Give Wildlife a Chance state income tax checkoff supports this and other conservation education efforts in Georgia. Sales of the bald eagle/American flag and ruby-throated hummingbird license plates provide vital funding for Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funding.



YOUTH BIRDING COMPETITION RESULTS

Pre-elementary division

1. Love Bugs, McDonough – 57 species

2. Blairsville Birdbrains II (also top rookie team), Blairsville – 29 species

3. Bald Eagles, Braselton – 21 species

Elementary division

1. Birds of a Feather, LaGrange (also competition’s top fundraiser) – 73 species

2. The Wood Thrushes, Atlanta – 72 species

3. Chaotic Kestrels, Jackson – 65 species

Middle school division

1. Homeschool Hummers, Suwanee (also competition winner) – 147 species

2. The Thunderbirders, Watkinsville – 126 species

3. Vomiting Vultures, Macon – 71 species

High school division

1. Blazin’ Bluebirds, Macon – 134 species

2. Country Cuckoos, Bainbridge – 132 species

3. G’Nats One, Rome – 117 species



T-SHIRT ART CONTEST WINNERS

** Primary (preK-2nd grade): bluebird watercolor, Isabelle Cowart, Cowart Academy Homeschool, Buford

** Elementary (3rd-5th): bald eagle, Heidi Cashwell, fourth grade, Piedmont Academy, Monticello

** Middle school (6th-8th): Female cardinal, Marianne Lim, eighth grade, Duluth Middle School, Norcross

** High school and grand prize: Osprey, Jess Milner, 11th grade, Darlington Upper School, Rome

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State's First Annual Youth Hunter Ed Challenge Scheduled for January, Open to All

Youth interested in the outdoors can test their knowledge, demonstrate their skills, and register to win a muzzleloader at the state’s first annual Hunter Education Skills Challenge event Jan. 17 in Walton County.

Open to all hunter education-certified youth, 18 years of age and younger, the challenge aims to test participants’ abilities in six outdoor components: archery, air rifle, a safety trail challenge, orienteering, wildlife identification and a responsibility exam.

This is the first statewide event for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division’s new Hunter Education Skills Challenge program.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat., Jan. 17 at the division’s dove field in Walton County, just adjacent to the Wildlife Resources Conservation Center, located at 2065 U.S. Highway 278, SE in Social Circle.

“The program itself is similar to a ‘graduate studies’ course for hunter education students,” explains Jennifer Pittman, Wildlife Resources Division’s shooting sports coordinator. “Each component of the program simulates realistic conditions in an effort to reinforce and test a young hunter’s skills.”

Because this is the first annual statewide event, interested youth from across the state are invited, and no challenger is required to have participated in a prior local event.

Participants receive scores for each component with a maximum total score of 500. The competition includes two age divisions – Junior (ages 14 and younger) and Senior (ages 15-18). Unlike this year’s statewide challenge event, youth interested in participating in future statewide challenge events must first qualify as one of the top ten scoring participants at a local competition (per age division).

The January state challenge kicks off a series of local challenges to be held throughout the state in 2009. Upcoming events will be highlighted on the division’s Web site, www.georgiawildlife.com, under the “Education” tab. Also visit the Web site for practice tests and program information or call (770) 918-6416.

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UGA Program to Deter Youth Alcohol Use Also Reduces Conduct Problems, Study Finds

A University of Georgia program designed to reduce alcohol use, drug use and risky sexual behavior in African-American youth also reduces the likelihood of engaging in conduct problems by up to 74 percent two years later, according to a new study.

The finding, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, is the latest in a series of studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the Strong African-American Families (SAAF, pronounced “safe”) Program, which is increasingly being adopted across Georgia and nationwide.

“A lot of programs show benefits in close proximity to the intervention, but many fewer—and none with African-American populations—show benefits one, two or more years after the intervention,” said study co-author Gene Brody, director of the UGA Center for Family Research, part of the UGA Institute for Behavioral Research, and Regents Professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “Previous research has shown benefits of SAAF up to six years later.”

Developed by Brody and Professor Velma McBride Murry, SAAF is based on more than 20 years of research that has identified parenting and care-giving practices that allow low-income, African-American families living in rural areas to raise children who are successful despite the challenges that stem from poverty, racism and a lack of social services. The program consists of seven weekly meetings that include concurrent, hour-long, sessions for pre-adolescent youth and their parents followed by a joint session in which the families practice the skills they’ve learned.

Rather than lecturing to participants, SAAF facilitators engage them with specially designed videos, activities and games. Parents learn how to actively monitor, communicate and emotionally support their children and adolescents. Youth learn to set goals, manage peer pressure and appreciate their parents and other adults in their lives. In the joint sessions, the parents and youth participate in activities that help strengthen their relationships and instill pride in being African American.

The average age of youth in the program is 11, Brody said, and this pre-adolescent period is a critical point in development when youth start thinking about experimenting with alcohol and other substances and become more susceptible to peer pressure.

First implemented in 2001, the SAAF program is expanding to eight Georgia counties and is being adopted by the city of Denver. Brody and his colleagues have conducted several studies that compare the outcomes of hundreds of program participants with members of a control group. The researchers have found that among program participants:

Alcohol use was reduced by 28 percent two years following the intervention and 25 percent six years later;
Sexual behavior and marijuana use decreased;
Caregiver depression was reduced;
The likelihood of youth with low self control engaging in conduct problems decreased by 74 percent two years later.

Brody points out that the SAAF program is grounded in intensive research on successful parenting, but also benefits from the input of African Americans living in the communities that the program is designed to serve.

“In every step of the development of SAAF, a focus group of African-American parents and youth was convened,” Brody said. “We would develop intervention targets with community members and, after the curriculum was written, would get additional feedback to make sure we were on the right track. It really was a partnership between the rural African-American community and our research center.”

The research was supported by grants from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Institute of Mental Health.

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Usher Raymond's 'I Can't But You Can' Voter Registration Campaign Goes National

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After a widely popular and successful run in Atlanta, GA, today Usher Raymond IV announces the national expansion of the "I Can't But You Can" voter registration campaign beginning August 21, 2008 in Detroit, MI. Held last month as part of the 4th Annual Camp New Look in partnership with Rev. Joseph Lowery, 350 youth completed curriculum based on the election/voting process and registered nearly 1,000 voters during the inaugural program.

As part of the "I Can't But You Can" campaign, on August 21 Usher and his New Look foundation are planning several events to build registration awareness and education to Detroit natives. In the morning, over 400 Detroit area youth are expected to participate in a voter registration drive and rally from numerous organizations including Youthville, Detroit NAACP, Mayor's Time, Youth Development Commission, LaSed, and the Derrick Coleman Foundation. Usher will also be on hand to rally 6,000 poll workers at a picnic in their honor encouraging them to lead by example and register to vote. In addition, the MGM Grand Detroit will be hosting a special reception and fundraiser to benefit Usher's New Look later in the evening. Tickets for the reception are available via Ticket Master.

The "I Can't But You Can" campaign geared towards youth age 17 and under, boasts a dual focus objective. Before youth can register voters under New Looks' initiative, they must first complete a 4-hour curriculum and training course on the voting process. "This election impacts ALL youth," says Usher. "I wanted to give teenagers more than the experience and satisfaction of registering voters; I wanted to give them knowledge that will engage them in our democratic process long after this election ends."

The "I Can't But You Can" campaign, which will also include multiple public service announcements, will branch out to additional cities on September 27th with rallies and drives held throughout the country. Lead by New Look youth as part of the National Day of Action (www.servicenation.org), confirmed cities include New Orleans, Cleveland, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Oakland, and Los Angeles.

Recently named the Youth Chair of ServiceNation, a national service campaign, Usher will represent young people from around the country who are committed to giving back to their communities. At the historic ServiceNation Summit in New York City on September 11th and 12th, Usher will serve as their voice while simultaneously raising awareness about the importance of national and community service. He will challenge America's youth to get involved and participate in activities both during and after the Summit.

Youth serving agencies can join the "I Can't But You Can" campaign by downloading the free empowerment kit from www.ushersnewlook.org. The kit includes campaign applications, Voting 101 curriculum, and report forms. T-shirts can also be purchased via UshersNewLook.org for $9.99 plus shipping and handling.

Usher's New look partners with youth serving agencies within the United States including Communities in Schools, Hank Stewart Foundation, SCLC Women, Future Foundation, and Lite House.

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Students Named to U.S. Senate Youth Program

U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson have announced that two Georgia students will be among 104 delegates to the United States Senate Youth Program March 1-March 8 in Washington D.C. The students will also each receive a $5,000 scholarship.

The winners were Logan Krusac of Campbell High School in Cobb County and Alan Binder of Greater Atlanta Christian School in Gwinnett County. Chosen as alternates were Cameron Day of Trion (City) High School and Joshua Buttenhoff, of Northwest Whitfield High School in Whitfield County.

Students are nominated by their teachers and principals and are interviewed by staff members from the Georgia Department of Education. The winning delegates are submitted by State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox.

"Congratulations to Logan and Alan for being chosen to represent the great state of Georgia at the United States Senate Youth Program. This will be an experience that will change their lives," Superintendent Cox said. "I also want to congratulate our alternates and all those who were nominated by their teachers and principals."

Release from the Senate:

Georgia Students Selected for United States Senate Youth Program
-- Students Headed to Washington and to Receive $5000 Scholarship--

Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson today announced the names of the two Georgia students who have been selected as delegates to the 46th Annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) that will be held March 1 – 8, 2008 in Washington, D.C. Alan Blinder of Norcross and Logan Krusac of Acworth were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 46th Annual Washington Week.

The USSYP was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 and has been sponsored by the Senate and fully funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation since inception. Originally proposed by Senators Kuchel, Mansfield, Dirksen and Humphrey, the impetus for the program as stated in Senate testimony was “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Each year this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of the most outstanding high school students -- two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity -- to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. The overall mission of the program is to help instill within each class of USSYP student delegates more profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. In addition to the program week, the foundation grants each of the 104 student delegates a $5,000 college scholarship with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history and public affairs. Transportation and all expenses for Washington Week are provided by the foundation, as stipulated in S.Res.324; no government funds are utilized.

Alan Blinder is Class President at the Greater Atlanta Christian School. His leadership activities include: Treasurer of the National Honor Society, Managing Editor of the Literary Magazine and National Chairman and Executive Director of Teens for Bush. Alan also is active with the Beta Club, Envirothon, Forensics Team, Civic Leadership Development Program, and the International Studies Program. He plans to pursue an interdisciplinary degree in neuroscience.

Logan Krusac is Student Council President at Campbell High School. Logan also serves as Governor of Georgia Boys State and lead prosecutor of Mock Trial. He is active in Model United Nations, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Summit, CNN Leadership Unplugged, Economics for Leaders, and National Student Leadership Conference. He plans to pursue a degree in political science.

Chosen as alternates to the 2008 program were Cameron Day, a resident of Summerville, who attends Trion High School and Joshua Buttenhoff, a resident of Tunnel Hill, who attends Northwest Whitfield High School

The chief educational officer in each state selects the delegates after nomination by teachers and principals. This year’s delegates were designated by Ms. Kathy Cox,
State Superintendent of Schools.

While in Washington the student delegates will attend meetings and briefings with Senate leadership, other Senators and Congressional staff; the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, an Ambassador to the United States and top members of the national media. The students will also tour many of the national monuments and several museums and they will stay at the historic Mayflower hotel in downtown Washington, D.C.

In addition to outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to public service, this year’s students rank academically in the top one percent of their states. They continue to excel and develop impressive qualities that are often directed toward public service. Among the many distinguished former program delegates are Senator Susan Collins of Maine, the first program delegate elected to the Senate; Judge Robert Henry, U.S. Court of Appeals; former Ambassador to West Germany Richard Burt; former Presidential Advisor Karl Rove and former Presidential Advisor Thomas "Mack" McLarty. Additional distinguished alumni are former Lt. Governor of Idaho David LeRoy, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Christopher Christie, military officers, Foreign Service Officers, members of State Legislatures, top Congressional staff, healthcare providers and university educators.

Members of the USSYP 2008 46th Annual Senate Advisory Committee are: Co-Chairs — Senator Dianne Feinstein of California and Senator Pat Roberts of Kansas. Advisory Committee — Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. of Pennsylvania, Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii, Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina, Senator Michael B. Enzi of Wyoming, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Each year, the Honorary Co-Chairs of the program are the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders and the Vice President of the United States.