In the midst of the family planning budget debate, there is available funding for family services that has taken a backseat. Texas policymakers must decide on whether to apply for a grant through the Administration for Children & Families under the Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) by the end of the month. A article in the Statesman reports that the $9 million would be awarded simply if Texas asks for it, and it would not cost the state government anything. Texas is currently one of seven states that has not applied for the grant money.
Perhaps the reason that Texas has not yet applied for the grant is because of the shift away from the Title V-Abstinence Only Program. Texas applied for Title V programs the last two years, and publicly prioritizes abstinence only education in all public arenas. Unlike previous funded mandates, PREP is the first comprehensive sex education program. It includes information about contraceptives and STDs in addition to abstinence.
PREP implements evidence-based teen pregnancy programs, which analysts believe will have a 2:1 return for every dollar, possibly preventing thousands of teen pregnancies (Thomas, 2011). These programs are in dire need as Texas has the third highest teen birth rate and the highest repeat teen birth rate in the nation (Thomas, 2011).
You may take personal steps to advocate for the application of this grant You can also contact the Governor's Office or call 202-419-3420 to speak with Advocates for Youth. It is also important to mention that the PREP grant does have a provision that community organizations may apply for a sub-grant if the state does not apply in the first two years. Therefore, please contact any relevant organizations to get the ball rolling on grant applications.
No comments:
Post a Comment