HB3838 Summary

• Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to establish a grant program through the Department of Corrections for nonprofit organizations providing one-to-one mentoring to youth ages 6-18 whose parent or family member is incarcerated or under correctional supervision.

• Grant recipients must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing with nationally recognized adult-youth mentoring organizations, have existed for at least 10 years, and actively participate in an Illinois association of similar service providers.

• Grant recipients must recruit, train, and supervise volunteer mentors with staff possessing at least a 4-year degree, provide enhanced training on asset building and family dynamics related to parental incarceration, and furnish individual family plans and aftercare services.

• Requires grant recipients to submit evaluation plans measuring three outcome areas: reduction in delinquency, avoidance of risky behaviors (drug/alcohol use, early pregnancy), and enhanced sense of well-being and self-confidence.

• Program funding is subject to appropriation by the legislature.