CNMI 2022 Title II Formula Grant Application

Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA)
COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (CNMI)

2022 Title II Formula Grant Project Abstract

    The OJJDP FY 2022 Title II Formula Grants Program funding primarily focuses toward the support toward state and local efforts to plan, establish, operate, coordinate, and evaluate policies and projects, directly or through grants and contracts with public and private agencies for the development of more effective education, training, research, prevention, diversion, treatment, and rehabilitation programs in the area of juvenile delinquency as well as juvenile justice system improvement efforts.

    Title II Formula Grant funds are prioritized for the continuation of improving the CNMI juvenile justice system, compliance monitoring of the core requirements under the JJRA of 2018, and delinquency prevention programs. Additionally, a portion of the funds is set aside for planning and administration purposes and for State Advisory Group (SAG) activities. Service areas, beneficiaries, and subrecipients intended to receive program funds encompass of government agencies whose operations and services touch base on areas of the CNMI juvenile justice system, including service providers and delinquency prevention programs that serve youth in school and out in the community. Such funds support the following: 1) Youth Affairs. The Office of Youth of Affairs promotes development of comprehensive youth development plans and polices along with creating programs that include community partnerships for CNMI youth, career exploration, drug violence prevention and health promotion; 2) Law Enforcement. The CNMI’s Department of Public Safety, CNMI Judiciary, and Department of Corrections each have their respective law enforcement officers such as the police officers, detectives, court marshals, correction officers, and juvenile probation officers all who provide services and carry out their duties and responsibilities. Their line of work does come across areas within the juvenile justice system. 3) Other Government Entities. These entities include the Attorney General’s Office (The Office does have a vital function and role of investigation and prosecuting criminal, civil, and juvenile cases) and the NMI Office of the Public Defender (The Office provides legal representation to indigent defendants, adult and juvenile, facing cases in court).

    Major activities funded under the Title II program are the planning and administration of grant funds which is the responsibility of the Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA). CJPA is the Designated State Agency for all Department of Justice grant funds. These funds will also support the Juvenile Justice Specialist position under CJPA, functioning as the State Compliance Monitor. All sub-grant applications go through a review process through CJPA and the SAG before any funds are awarded to programs.