Pennsylvania’s Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program Recognized

The Mentoring Children of Prisoners (MCP) program has matched over 110,000 boys and girls with caring adult mentors through the works of faith-based and community organizations, state and local governments and tribes.  As part of HHS’ Administration for Children and Families’ efforts to recognize some of the best MCP grantees in the nation, Daniel Schneider, HHS acting assistant secretary for children and families visited Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) today.     

“These mentors in Pennsylvania are providing children of prisoners with safe and trusting relationships,” said Schneider. “This work is helping our most vulnerable children increase their participation in eduation, civic service and community activities.” 

BBBS of SEPA has been a grantee of the MCP program since 2003 and has made more than 2,000 matches.  In addition to today’s site visit, during the month of December, ACF will also visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Connections in North Carolina and Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans.

In 2008, ACF awarded $45 million in funding to support 215 mentoring programs.  MCP has funded more than 320 faith-based and community organizations, in addition to states, tribes and other entities, among the 440 grants awarded.

For more information about the Mentoring Children of Prisoners program please visit: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fbci/progs/fbci_mcp.html.

Note: All ACF news releases, fact sheets and other materials are available at www.acf.hhs.gov/opa/index.html.

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