Mentoring for HOPE

The Second Chance Act Strengthening Relationships Between Young Fathers, Young Mothers, and Their Children provides funding to support the successful transition of young fathers and mothers as they return to their families and communities from incarceration. This program funds coordinated and comprehensive strategies that incorporate (1) mentoring and transitional reentry services proven to reduce recidivism, (2) effective parenting skills development and parent/child relationship engagement for young fathers or mothers, and (3) private and community service partnerships that promote public safety and support added positive outcomes for young parents and their children.

Project HOPE (The Family Tree) will provide (1) an intense, evidence-based Circle of Security parent education program; (2) weekly parent support; (3) ongoing support of trained mentors; (4) the FAST Track career education and work preparation program; and (5) referral to substance abuse, anger management, or other targeted behavior programs that are available to young women who are returning back to their communities from incarceration. The Family Tree will work in partnership with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning. CA/NCF