FY 2009 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant

The Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program (JABG) Program is authorized under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 376ee). The goal of the JABG program is to reduce juvenile offending through accountability-based programs focused on both the juvenile offender and the juvenile justice system. The objective is to ensure that States and Territories are addressing the specified program purpose areas and receiving information on best practices from OJJDP. JABG funds are allocated to States and Territories based on each State's relative population of youth under the age of 18. The underlying premise of juvenile accountability programming is that young people who violate the law should be held accountable for their actions through the swift, consistent application of graduated sanctions that are proportionate to the offense, both as a matter of basic justice and as a way to combat juvenile delinquency, and improve the quality of life in the nation's communities.

The State of Utah has submitted to OJJDP's Administrator a request for a waiver of the local distribution requirement. The State has adequately demonstrated that it bears 100 percent of the burden for administration of juvenile justice and is not required to pass through any of the federal award to units of local government. Utah will use the 2009 JABG funds to support developing, implementing, and administering graduated sanctions for juvenile offenders. Additionally, the State will provide for the establishment and maintenance of programs for law enforcement. Further, the State will establish and maintain programs to enable juvenile courts and juvenile probation officers to be more effective and efficient in holding juvenile offenders accountable and reducing recidivism. (NCA/NCF)