Grant Application Assistance for PCCD Funding Announcements

Read all current PCCD Funding Announcements (Link to PCCD's website)

PCCD and EPISCenter hosted a VDPP Pre-posposal webinar on January 23rd.  Here is the link to a recording and a PDF of the slides:

 Pre-Proposal Webinar Recording and PowerPoint

STEP ONE: Be sure to read the whole funding announcement before you begin writing.  For your convenience here is a PDF of the 2020 Violence and Delinquency Prevention Programs funding announcement.

STEP TWO: Read the Readiness Tool, Frequently Asked Questions, Eligible Expenses, and other EPISCenter resources for the program you are proposing to implement.  Keep scrolling to find these.

STEP THREE: Brush up on your implementation planning and grant writing skills using the resources below.

General Grantwriting Resources

  1. HOME
  2. Assessing Community Needs
  3. Selecting an EBP
  4. Creating a Strong Implementation Plan
  5. Creating a Strong Evaluation Plan
  6. Planning for Sustainability
  7. Grant Writing

General Program Information

Resources for Writing Program Proposals (Be sure to check that the program is listed as eligible in the funding announcement)

Aggression Replacement Training

Aggression Replacement Training® is a cognitive behavioral intervention program to help children and adolescents improve social skill competence and moral reasoning, better manage anger, and reduce aggressive behavior. The program specifically targets chronically aggressive children and adolescents ages 12-17.  Developed by Arnold Goldstein, Ph.D., Barry Glick, Ph.D., and John Gibbs, Aggression Replacement Training® has been implemented in schools, and juvenile delinquency programs across the United States, and well as throughout the world.  The program consists of ten (10) weeks (30 session total) of intervention training.  It is divided into three (3) components – social skills training, anger-control training, and training in moral reasoning.  Youth attend a one (1) hour session in each of these components each week.  Incremental learning, reinforcement techniques, and guided group discussions enhance skill acquisition and reinforce the curriculum lessons. 

Developer Contact Information

Mark Amendola
Education and Treatment Alternatives, Inc.
3951 Shamrock Court
Erie, PA 16510
www.uscart.org
1 (814) 881-2438
mamendola@perseushouse.org 

Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

Training 

Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

Data Collection

Resources

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Big Brothers Big Sisters (Not eligible for VDPP funding in 2020, Is eligible for JAG Local Initiaitves Funding https://www.pccdegrants.pa.gov/egrants/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx)

Targeting children ages 6-18, Big Brothers Big Sisters assists youth to reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors. BBBS distinguishes itself from other mentoring programs via rigorous published standards and required procedures, including volunteer screening, youth assessment, a careful matching process, and supervision. Agencies use a case management approach, following each case from initial inquiry through closure. Research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their mentors have a direct and measurable impact on participating children’s lives. Participating youth are less likely to initiate drug and alcohol use and less likely to hit someone. They also demonstrate increased academic behavior, attitudes, and performance, and report higher-quality relationships with parents/guardians and peers.

Developer Contact Information

Big Brothers Big Sisters National Office
2202 N. Westshore Blvd, Suite 455
Tampa, FL 33607
http://www.bbbs.org/
Phone: 1 (813) 720-8778
Fax: 1 (813) 749-9446

Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

Fidelity Verification Process and Costs 

Fidelity verification is conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters National as part of ongoing quality assurance processes for all BBBS affiliates.

Data Collection: Note the national data system for Big Brothers Big Sisters was updated in early 2019. EPISCenter is revising the data reporting process to align with the new Match Force data system.

Data Collection Process and Tools

Resources

The Blues Program

The Blues Program is a school-based prevention program for adolescents with depressive symptoms or adolescents who are at risk of onset of major depression.  The program is delivered by 1 or 2 Facilitators who are familiar with cognitive behavioral methods of prevention and treating depression. The program is delivered to groups of 4-8 adolescents, in one-hour sessions over 6 weeks with home practice assignments included.  Group sessions include: building group rapport, increasing participant involvement in pleasant activities, learning and practicing cognitive restructuring techniques, and developing response plans to future life stressors.  Please note, if a youth’s assessment reveals current major depression and/or serious suicidal ideation, he/she should be referred for appropriate treatment.

Program Developer

Paul Rohde, Ph.D.
Oregon Research Institute
1776 Millrace Drive
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 484-2123
paulr@ori.org

Eligible Program Activities and Expenses

Fidelity Verification Process

Data Collection

Resources

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Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS)

The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), is a skill-based, group intervention that is aimed at relieving symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and general anxiety among children exposed to trauma. Children are provided with normalizing education about common reactions to stress and trauma, and learn skills such as relaxation, how to challenge and replace upsetting thoughts, and social problem solving. Children also work on processing traumatic memories and grief in both individual and group settings. The program consists of ten, 1-hour group sessions (6-8 children) usually conducted once a week in a school or mental health clinic setting. It also includes 1-3 individual sessions, 2 parent sessions, and a teacher education session.

Program Developers

Lisa Jaycox, PhD

Marleen Wong, PhD

Pia Escudero, LCSW

Sheryl Kataoka, MD,MSHS

Bradley Stein, MD, PhD

Developer's Website: www.cbitsprogram.org

Eligible Program Activities and Expenses

Fidelity Verification Process

This process is part of the initial training for CBITS, and is acheived via 12 bi-weekly consultation calls.  Click here to access the Fidelity Verification Form that will be completed by the CBITS Consultant. 

Data Collection

PCCD Grantees will be expected to utilize the following tools:

Screening Tools:

  • Trauma Exposure Checklist
  • Child PTSD Symptom Scale

Evaluation Tools:

  • Child PTSD Symptom Scale
  • Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for Children

Adherence and Model Fidelity Tool:

  • CBITS Fidelity Adherence Measure

To access recommended screening tools and measures go to: https://cbitsprogram.org

Resources

Familias Fuertes

Familias Fuertes is the Spanish adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program For Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14). It is intended for delivery to Hispanic/Latino families with youth ages 10-14. The modifications were originally adapted for Spanish speaking countries by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Modifications follow the overall SFP 10-14 model and is a seven-session program delivered over seven weeks. Parent(s) and/or caregiver(s) attend the program with their youth. Families share a meal together as they arrive, then the adults and youth meet separately for one hour, with the family coming together in the last hour for a family session.

Program Webpage:  http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sfp10-14/content/familias-fuertes

Program Contact Information
Cathy Hockaday, Ph.D./Program Coordinator
Iowa State University/ Human Science Extension and Outreach
68 LeBaron Hall, 626 Morrill Road
Ames, IA 50011-2100
1- (515) 294-7601
hockaday@iastate.edu 

Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

Training

Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

At this time, there is no official Fidelity Verification process for Familias Fuertes. Therefore, no costs are assumed for this. However, the EPISCenter Familias Fuertes Implementation Specialist and the site will work together and consult with ISU and other FF sites in Pennsylvania to ensure fidelity to the program model is occurring.

Data Collection

Resources

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LifeSkills Training

LifeSkills Training (LST) is a multi-component substance abuse prevention curriculum addressing social, psychological, cognitive, and attitudinal factors associated with the use of various legal and illegal substances. LST's primary objective is to enhance the development of basic life skills, personal competence, and skills related to resistance to social influences that promote substance use. 

Targeted to middle/junior high school students, this three-year intervention is designed to prevent or reduce gateway drug use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana), and is primarily implemented in school classrooms by school teachers. It is initially introduced in grades 6 or 7, depending on the school structure, with booster sessions in the two subsequent years. The program is delivered in 15 sessions in year one, 10 sessions in year two, and 5 sessions in year three. Sessions, which last an average of 45 minutes, can be delivered once a week or as an intensive mini-course.

Developer Contact Information

National Health Promotion Associates (NHPA)
711 Westchester Avenue
White Plains, NY 10604
http://www.lifeskillstraining.com/
1-800-293-4969
lstinfo@nhpamail.com

Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

Training

Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

At this time, there is no official Fidelity Verification process for LifeSkills Training. Please contact the EPISCenter LifeSkills Training Implementation Specialist for information on costs related to fidelity verification.

Resources

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

    Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is a universal intervention for the reduction and prevention of bully/victim problems. The universal program targets students in elementary, middle, and junior high school and school staff has the primary responsibility for the introduction and implementation of the program.  Core components of the program are implemented on three levels:

    • School-wide components include the administration of an anonymous questionnaire to assess the nature and prevalence of bullying at each school, a school conference day to discuss bullying at school and plan interventions, formation of a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee to coordinate all aspects of school's program, and increased supervision of students at "hot spots" for bullying.
    • Classroom components include the establishment and enforcement of class rules against bullying, and holding regular class meetings with students.
    • Individual components include interventions with children identified as bullies and victims, and discussions with parents of involved students. Teachers may be assisted in these efforts by counselors and school-based mental health professionals.

    Developer Contact Information

    Safe & Humane Schools
    Clemson University, YFCS
    2038 Barre Hall
    Clemson, SC 29634
    https://olweus.sites.clemson.edu/
    1(800) 328-9000
    jriese@clemson.edu

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Training coordination and budgeting can be obtained by contacting Jane Riese: jriese@clemson.edu

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection

    Resources

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    Positive Action

    Positive Action is a school-based program that focuses on school-wide climate change for grades K-6 (140 15-minute lessons) and grades 7-8 (82 15-minute lessons). The program content is divided into six units. The first unit underlines the program philosophy and provides an introduction to the potential impacts of positive and negative actions/behaviors. The remaining units educate students on positive actions and behaviors for the physical, intellectual, social and emotional areas. Additionally, the program contains a school-wide climate development kit for each level, as well as a Counselor’s kit, both which help to reinforce the classroom lessons and coordinate a larger school-wide effort in the reinforcement of positive behaviors.

    Developer Contact Information

    Positive Action Inc.
    264 4th Ave. South
    Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
    www.positiveaction.net
    1 (800) 345-2974
    info@positiveaction.net

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Training

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection

    Resources

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    Project Towards No Drug Abuse

    Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND) is a classroom-based drug abuse prevention curriculum implemented at the high school level. Students, ages 14 to 19, are educated on the consequences and misperceptions associated with drug use. A set of 12 in-class interactive sessions provide motivation-skills-decision-making material targeting the use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, hard drug use, and violence related behavior.  The lessons, approximately 40 to 50 minutes each, are designed to be implemented over a four-week period. The instruction to students provides cognitive motivation enhancement activities (to not use drugs), detailed information about the social and health consequences of drug use, and correction of cognitive misperceptions. The instruction also addresses topics including active listening, effective communication skills, stress management, coping skills, tobacco cessation techniques, and self-control to counteract risk factors for drug abuse relevant to older teens.

    Developer Contact Information

    Leah Meza, Program Manager
    USC Institute for Prevention and Research
    Soto Street Building, 3rd Floor
    2001 N. Soto Street
    Los Angeles, CA 90032
    http://tnd.usc.edu/
    1 (800) 400-8461 
    leahmedi@usc.edu

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Training

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection

    Resources

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    PATHS®

    PATHS® is a comprehensive program for promoting emotional and social competencies and reducing aggression and behavior problems in elementary school-aged children while simultaneously enhancing the educational process in the classroom.

    The curriculum is designed to be used by educators and counselors in a multi-year, universal prevention model. The PATHS® Curriculum was developed for use in the classroom setting with all elementary school aged-children.  Ideally it should be initiated at the entrance to schooling and continue through Grade 5 and be taught three times per week for a minimum of 20-30 minutes per day. The curriculum provides teachers with systematic, developmentally-based lessons, materials, and instructions for teaching their students emotional literacy, self-control, social competence, positive peer relations, and interpersonal problem-solving skills.

    Curriculum Purchase
    To purchase the PATHS® Curriculum:

    Trainer Contact Information
    There are three organizations for obtaining training in the PATHS® Curriculum:

    • SEL Worldwide – https://selworldwide.org – this training organization is endorsed by three of the developers (Drs. Greenberg, Domitrovich, and Cortes)
    • PATHS® training – https://pathstraining.com – this training organization is led by one of the developers (Dr. Kusché)
    • PATHS® program – https://pathsprogram.com – this is the publisher of The PATHS® curriculum

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection and Evaluation Tools

    Resources

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    Strengthening Families Program: For Parents & Youth 10-14

    The Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) is a universal, evidence-based prevention program.  This program is intended for implementation with families with youth aged 10-14 years.  The overall model of the program consists of seven (7) highly interactive, video-based sessions conducted over seven (7) consecutive weeks.  Sessions usually start with a family meal, followed by one (1) hour sessions for the adults and youth separately, with the family coming together for the last hour to share knowledge gained during individual sessions, participate in activities and projects, and bond over the theme of the week.

    Developer Contact Information

    Cathy Hockaday, Ph.D./Program Coordinator
    Iowa State University, Human Science Extension and Outreach 
    68 LeBaron Hall, 626 Morrill Road
    Ames, IA 50011
    http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sfp10-14/
    1 (515) 294-7601
    hockaday@iastate.edu  

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Training

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection and Fidelity Resources

    Resources

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    Strong African American Families

    The Strong African American Families program was created to advance the well-being of African American families by strengthening relationships, parenting processes, and youth competencies, according to the Center for Family Research at The University of Georgia.  Within the framework of seven (7) weeks, the program helps parents/caregivers find a balance between firmness and showing love, while supporting their youths’ goals and independence.  It helps the youth to develop healthy goals for the future, understand the positive qualities they possess, and to resist temptation and peer pressure to take part in risky behaviors.  The family is strengthened via communication and support.  The Strong African American Families program is culturally sensitive, highly interactive, and proven to be effective. 

    Developer Contact Information

    Tracy Anderson, Ph.D./Assistant Director
    The Center for Family Research
    University of Georgia
    1095 College Station Road
    Athens, GA 30602 
    https://cfr.uga.edu
    1 (706) 425-3033
    tnander@uga.edu 

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Training

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection

    Resources

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    The Incredible Years

    PCCD supports Incredible Years programs that include: a Basic Parent Program, an Advance Parent Program, a Small Group Therapy Program, and a Dina Classroom Program. A description of each can be found below:

    Basic Parent Program: prevention model is a universal program for parents of children ages 3-12 years. Over 12-20 weeks it emphasizes parenting skills known to promote children's social competence and reduce behavior problems such as; child lead play, effective praise, and limit setting.

    The Small Group Therapy Program: For preschool, kindergarten, and primary school children ages 4-8 years with behavior problems. This program is designed to be implemented by counselors, therapists, or special education teachers to treat children with conduct problems, ADHD, and internalizing problems. It is delivered in 2-hour weekly small group sessions (6 children per group) for 18-22 weeks.

    COMBINED Basic Parent & Small Group Therapy Programs: It is recommended that the weekly Small Group Therapy Program be offered in conjunction with a weekly Basic Parent Program. This empowers parents to foster their child’s learning in the Small Group and to reinforce the new skills their children are learning. IY Intervention Program Logic Model

    Advance Parent Program: consists of 10-12 additional sessions that build on the Basic program. It emphasizes parent interpersonal skills such as: effective communication skills, anger management, problem-solving between adults, and ways to give and get support.

    Dina Classroom Program: consists of 60+ lessons that are divided into three “levels” so that teachers/group leaders can determine what is most developmentally appropriate for their classroom. This is a child prevention program for children 3-8 years of age. The sessions are delivered by the teacher twice a week. This program emphasizes skills such as emotional literacy, empathy or perspective taking, friendship skills, anger management, interpersonal problem-solving, school rules and how to be successful at school.

    Developer Contact Information

    Dr. Carolyn Webster-Stratton
    The Incredible Years
    1411 8th Avenue West
    Seattle, WA 98119
    http://incredibleyears.com
    1 (206) 285-7565
    incredibleyears@incredibleyears.com

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses

    Training

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection

    Additional Resources

    IYS Basic Parent

    IYS Advance Parent 

    IYS Dina Small Group 

    IYS Dina Classroom 

     

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    The Positive Parenting Program

    The Positive Parenting Program is a comprehensive system of parenting and family support for families with children. The program consists of five levels of intervention, which increases with intensity, and progressively narrows the reach at each increasing level. Ultimately, the program is designed to promote positive parenting practices and reduce family risk factors as they relate to maltreatment, behavioral and emotional problems. PCCD offers grant funding specifically for projects including one or all of the following: Triple P Level 4 (Standard, Standard Teen, Group and/or Group Teen).

    Developer Contact Information

    Triple P America
    http://www.triplep-parenting.com/us-en/triple-p/ 
    1 (803) 451-2278
    contact.us@triplep.net

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    Training

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    Data Collection

    Resources

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    Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, developed by Drs. Judith Cohen, Esther Deblinger, and Anthony Mannarino, is an evidence-based treatment for reducing emotional and behavioral symptoms resulting from trauma exposure. TF-CBT consists of weekly therapy sessions to treat children with an identified trauma. Ideally, both the child and a caregiver participate in treatment, which is based on cognitive-behavioral and social learning principles. 

    Developer Contact Information

    Anthony P. Mannarino, Ph.D.
    Allegheny General Hospital Department of Psychiatry
    Center for Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents
    Four Allegheny Center; Room 860
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212
    https://tfcbt.org
    tf-cbt@wpahs.org

    Resources for Grant Applicants

    Eligible Program Activities and Expenses 

    • Training costs
      • Two-day training fee
      • Travel expenses associated with training
    • TF-CBT consultation call series
    • Staff time for training and consultation
    • TF-CBT certification fees for eligible clinicians
    • Recommended TF-CBT texts
    • Costs for two networking meetings per year and one new grantee orientation up to $1,200 per year. Costs for hotel, mileage, and sustenance need to be broken out in both the budget detail and narrative.

    Additional information about program costs can be found in the TF-CBT FAQ.

    Required Program Materials

    Materials to support therapy including workbooks, therapeutic games, and other resources as recommended by the developer.

    Recommended TF-CBT texts

    Training

    Who can be trained and certified in TF-CBT?

    To be trained in the delivery of TF-CBT, a clinician must have a master’s or doctoral degree in a clinical field. Clinicians who are currently enrolled in such a graduate program may also participate. Bachelor’s-level and non-clinical staff are not eligible. 

    To become certified, a therapist must have a graduate degree in a mental health discipline and be professionally licensed. Clinicians who are not yet licensed can complete the training requirements and then apply for certification once licensed. 

    What is the training process for TF-CBT?

    TF-CBT clinicians should complete the following training steps:

    1. Complete the free web-based training available from the Medical University of South Carolina. The training includes several modules and takes approximately 10 hours to complete. This is a prerequisite to the in-person training. Unless your organization sets aside time just for therapists to complete this training, the developers recommend allowing 2 months for the on-line training to be completed. 
    2. Complete a live 2-day training with one of the program developers or an approved trainer.
    3. Participate in a series of 12 consultation calls with a TF-CBT expert to review cases and ensure fidelity to the model.  Calls are typically held biweekly for 6 months or monthly for a year. 

    After getting some experience implementing the model, it is also recommended (but not required) that therapists participate in an Advanced TF-CBT Training. Advanced Trainings may be 1-2 days long and are delivered by a program developer or approved trainer. To participate in the Advanced Training, a therapist must meet the following requirements:

    • Attended the 2-day training at least 6 months prior. 
    • Is currently participating in or has already completed the consultation call series.
    • Has provided TF-CBT to clients.  

    What are the requirements for certification?

    In addition to completing the training and consultation processes outlined above, therapists must meet the following requirements:

    • has a graduate degree in a mental health discipline and be professionally licensed 
    • complete three separate TF-CBT cases (two involving a caregiver), utilizing at least one objective measure to assess treatment progress with each case
    • pass a knowledge-based test examination

    More information about certification requirements can be found at https://tfcbt.org. 

    What are the costs associated with starting a TF-CBT program?

    In Pennsylvania, the EPISCenter has taken steps to coordinate training across PCCD-funded projects.  The following suggestions are based on training costs for programs funded by PCCD for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.  Whenever possible the EPISCenter will coordinate training across providers to minimize expenses.

    Category Cost Estimate Per Clinician Estimated Time Required Notes
    10-Hour Web-based Training $35 10 hours Agencies may also want to consider loss of billable time as part of the training cost. 
    2-Day Live Training $300 16 hours + travel Estimate based on training from Program Developer in Pennsylvania
    Consultation Call Series $300 12 hours

    Estimate is based on 12 calls at $250 each and 10 therapists in the group. Cost for a 12-call series for a group of 5-12 therapists ranges from $2,000-$3,000, depending on consultant charges. 
    Certification $250 2 hours Includes application and testing fees ($125 each)
    Clinical materials $100 N/A  
    Supervision Varies Varies Supervisors should be trained in TF-CBT
    Study Time N/A 16 hours Clinicians are encouraged to read two texts.

    For therapists who pursue training and consultation independently, the cost may be higher. Available trainings on the TF-CBT website indicate a typical cost of $350 for the 2-day training and $435 for a series of 12 consultation calls. 

    Organizations may also want to plan for the following costs:

    • Advanced TF-CBT Training
    • On-going consultation, beyond therapist certification 
    • Marketing materials

    Fidelity Verification Process and Costs

    The TF-CBT developers cannot attest to the quality of any given organization, but have a thorough training and certification process for individual clinicians.

    Data Collection

    Resources

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