Benedum Foundation Provides Third Year Support to C.A.R.E. Project
The Alliance for Children has received a $2000,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation for third year support of the C.A.R.E. Project. The goals of the C.A.R.E. project are as follows: 1) to help DHHR workers in securing timely and appopriate placements for children in need of out-of-home care; 2) to overcome barriers and challenges to service access; and 3) to increase the availability and use of community-based services, particularly family foster care. The total budget for the C.A.R.E. project is $280,000 with the balance supported by investments by each Alliance member agency and affiliate. Through June of 2005, the Alliance linked 399 children to services or placements and facilitated 44 returns from out-of-state placements back into West Virginia.

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Chestnut Ridge Joins the Alliance for Children as an Affiliate
The Alliance for Children is pleased to welcome Chestnut Ridge Hospital as its newest affiliate member, joining in April 2005. Chestnut Ridge Hospital is part of West Virginia University Hospitals and is based in Morgantown. It is a leading referral center for the treatment of psychiatric illness and addiction for adults, adolescents, and children. Chestnut Ridge offers a continuum of care through impatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs. The addition of Chestnut Ridge to the Alliance family will help to further our mission to develop a comprehensive network of care for children and families across West Virginia.

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Truancy Diversion submits grant with D.O.E.
The Alliance for Children submitted a federal grant application with the Department of Education on August 15th. The application targets 11 high schools in 9 counties with the state's highest dropout rates. The Truancy Diversion model is used as the primary method of information.

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Worth Our Care Coalition forms
The Worth Our Care Coalition is getting organized and will be releasing a revised policy brief in October. The effort is no longer led by the Alliance, but a Steering Team directing the work of a formalized coalition.