We want to remind states of the areas in which title II of CAPTA funds may assist them in their efforts to protect and support hurricane victims. The 2005 CBCAP Program Instruction (ACYF-CB-PI-05-03) provides information on the use of funds for the program and overall purpose of the grant to "...support community-based efforts to develop, operate, expand, and enhance...initiatives aimed at the prevention of child abuse and neglect...." Families and children affected by natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are a vulnerable population that can be served by CBCAP. Below we highlight specific areas and allowable use of CBCAP funds that may be particularly useful to states that have been affected by the hurricanes.

Section 201(b) of CAPTA provides that funds made available to states under the CBCAP program can be used for the following activities related to hurricane relief efforts (see pages 5-6 of ACYF-CB-PI-05-03):

1. Developing, operating, expanding and enhancing community-based, prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and neglect (through networks where appropriate) that are accessible, effective, and culturally appropriate, and build upon existing strengths that --

A) Offer assistance to families;
B) Provide early, comprehensive support for parents;
C) Increase family stability;
D) Improve family access to other formal and informal resources and opportunities for assistance available within communities;
E) Support the additional needs of families with children with disabilities through respite care and other services;
F) Provide referrals to early health and developmental services.

2. Fostering the development of a continuum of preventive services for children and families through state and community-based public and private partnerships.