A program that helped Boston youth facing criminal charges straighten out their lives is facing the ax after its federal funding was cut in half.

The Detention Diversion Advocacy Project since 2005 has helped hundreds of children facing charges including assault and battery, robbery, and breaking and entering make sure they stick to their court-ordered curfews, receive counseling, and participate in educational field trips.

It is the only program of its kind in the state.

The project's funding came from federal money administered by the state Executive Office of Public Safety. But in July, funding was slashed by nearly $68,000.

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Juvenile justice advocates and state officials are hoping that an alternate source of funding can be found.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe