WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced the beginning of the application period for grants through the Pregnancy Assistance Fund. The Pregnancy Assistance Fund, through the Department of Health and Human Services, provides $25 million per year for the next ten years to support pregnant and parenting teens, young women and victims of domestic violence.
“With the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the establishment of the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, we have an unprecedented opportunity to not only help pregnant and parenting mothers fulfill their own potential, but to protect and enhance the future of the next generation,” said Senator Casey. “This program is a foundation that must be built upon – and that can play a role in helping to bridge the gap that has, for too long, divided our nation’s approach to pregnant and parenting women. It is my hope that successful models can be built out over time.”
The grants, which will be awarded to states, can be used to provide parenting classes for teens or college students, family housing, child care and flexible or alternative academic scheduling; and intervention, accompaniment and supportive social services to pregnant women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, sexual assault or stalking. States can provide funding to higher education institutions, high schools, community groups and the attorney general.
Senator Casey was instrumental in developing the Pregnancy Assistance Fund. It represents the collective work of many diverse faith-based groups. It is an unprecedented, consensus-based effort to support pregnant and parenting women and help them deliver and raise healthy babies. The Pregnancy Assistance Fund will help to ensure that every woman in this situation, regardless of her circumstances, geographic location, background or beliefs, is aware of and has access to the resources available in her community to help her deliver a healthy baby and raise it successfully while supporting her own well-being.
For more information on the grant program, please visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/oah/prevention/grants/announcements/index.html.
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