Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2021, $607,300)
Abstract
Maine will continue to use the findings and recommendations from the CCLP 2020 System Assessment to guide and inform the JJAG’s work.
Program Area 12 Mental Health
The JJAG will support the development of more effective crisis responses with a focus on community-based initiatives that successfully minimize or eliminate the role of law enforcement in responding to the behavioral health needs of youth in schools, residential settings, and in the community. The JJAG will support efforts to improve the quality of and accessibility to appropriate, evidence-based and promising programs to meet the needs of youth and divert them from justice system involvement.
Program Area 1 After Care /Reentry
The JJAG will support the development of inclusive supportive housing for system-involved youth with an emphasis on youth transitioning out of secure care. The work will focus on community-based support for youth to increase access to approaches that provide payment mechanisms (vouchers, subsidies) and to develop availability of housing stock. The JJAG will continue its COVID-19 response program to help accelerate the reintegration process, sustain youth in their communities and reduces reliance on detention.
Program Area 2 Racial and Ethnic Disparities
Guided by the RED/DMC plan the JJAG will support targeted diversion and related capacity-building efforts in community-based organizations to meet the needs of youth in historically or currently marginalized populations. This includes supporting trainings for judges, court staff, attorneys, and law enforcement on trauma informed responses, adolescent development, behavioral and mental health needs. The JJAG will work with systems, schools, community-based organizations to amplify youth voice to help promote racial equity.
Program Areas 5 Community Based Programs & 23 Gender Specific Services
The JJAG will devote resources to community-based programs for girls and LGBTQ/GNC youth. The JJAG will continue to support local and regional efforts to establish sustainable restorative and transformative justice practices that demonstrate effectiveness in reducing system-involvement and promoting accountability and healing with a focus on ensuring that youth of color, immigrant youth, LGBTQ/GNC youth, youth with disabilities, and tribal youth have access to these practices.
Program Area 14 Positive Youth Development
The JJAG will work to elevate and amplify the voices of youth involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, the juvenile justice system, to authentically engage them in reform efforts. The JJAG will engage experts in youth engagement to assist in this goal and youth will receive a stipend for their participation.