States Attorney
DRUG FORFEITURE GRANTS OF UP TO $500 AVAILABLE THROUGH STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett today announced the continuation of his Office’s Drug Forfeiture Grant Program to help fund drug prevention and education programs in DuPage County for the 2006-2007 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, begun by the DuPage State’s Attorney’s Office in 1990, has provided more than 375 grants to schools and organizations, serving thousands of children in DuPage County. The funds for the program are derived from assets and monies forfeited by narcotics traffickers. In the 2005-2006 school year, thirty grants were awarded to DuPage County schools totaling $9,973.
“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 stay away from 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 2006-2007 school year are limited to a maximum of $500 each.
“I am very pleased to be able to continue this extremely important program,” Birkett commented. “In order to protect our children, we must provide educators with the resources they need. This program helps provide the prevention and intervention elements necessary to successfully deal with the problems of alcohol and other drug abuse.”
Applications were recently sent to every DuPage County public and private school Principal and Superintendent. To obtain a grant application, please contact the State’s Attorney’s Director of Communications, Paul Darrah, at 630/407-8160. Applications must be received by October 27th in order to be considered for the 2006-2007 school year.
###
