DuPage County States Attorney

August 30, 2004

CONTACT: LAURA POLLASTRINI
(630) 407-8160

Drug Forfeiture Grants up to $500 Available Through State’s Attorney’s Office

DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced the continuation of the “Drug Forfeiture Grant Program” to help fund drug prevention and education programs in DuPage County for the 2004-2005 school year. Participation in the Drug Forfeiture Grant Program is open to DuPage County public and private schools, school districts and appropriate not-for-profit organizations.

The Drug Forfeiture Grant Program was initiated by the DuPage State’s Attorney’s Office in 1990 and has since provided over two hundred and ninety four (294) grants to schools and organizations, serving thousands of children in this county. The funds for the program are derived from assets and monies forfeited by narcotics traffickers. In 2003, twenty-four (24) grants were awarded to DuPage County schools.

“Through the Drug Forfeiture Grant Program we are able to use drug dealers’ money to fund school and community drug prevention programs to educate children about the dangers of drug use,” Birkett stated. “I believe that if we make the facts known to young people, they will make the right decisions and say no to drugs.”

Grant applications are screened by a review committee in the State’s Attorney’s Office and are awarded following a competitive assessment. Grants for the 2004-2005 school year are limited to a maximum of $500 each.

“I am pleased to be able to continue this program,” Birkett commented. “We must funnel the necessary resources to our educators in order to protect our children. Along with vigorous enforcement of the law, we need prevention and intervention to successfully deal with the problems of alcohol and other drug abuse.”

Applications were sent in early August to every DuPage County public and private school Principal and Superintendent. To obtain a grant application, please contact the State’s Attorney’s Grant Coordinator, Laura Pollastrini, at 630/407-8160. Applications must be received by September 27th in order to be considered for the 2004-2005 school year.