Vermont's Juvenile Justice Response to Juvenile Accountability

In Fiscal Year (FY) 1998, Public Law 105-119, November 26, 1997, Making Appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 1998, and for other Purposes (Appropriations Act) appropriated $250,000,000 for the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grants (JAIBG) program described in Title III of H.R.3, as passed by the House of Representatives on May 8, 1997. Subsequent years funding has continued through the Appropriations process. Public Law 105-119 also directed the Attorney General to establish guidelines, in consultation with Congress, to assist states in determining whether they may certify eligibility for the JAIBG program in FY 1998. Eligibility was based on certification by the Governor (or other chief executive)that the State is actively considering, or will consider within one year from the date of certification, legislation, policies, or practices, that, if enacted, would qualify such State for a grant under Section 1802 of H.R. 3. Eligibility for subsequent years funding is established by completion of the FY 1998-1999 requirements, until such time as a full JAIBG program is authorized and permanent eligibility requirements are established.

The goal of the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grants (JAIBG) program is to provide States and units of local government with funds to develop programs to promote greater accountability in the juvenile justice system. To that end, the program provides support, both financial and programmatic, to improve juvenile justice system infrastructure and operations at the State and local levels. JAIBG funds are allocated to States based on each State's relative population of youth under age 18.