Arizona FY09 JABG Application

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 Arizona passes through the required 75% of the federal amount to units of local government. In addition to being passed through to local programs and projects, JABG funds in Arizona are directed to support, enhance, and sustain programs administered by agencies dealing with juvenile offenders statewide. In an effort to direct available JABG funds to best meet the needs of Arizona's juvenile justice system, the State identified key priorities from among the established JABG Program Purpose Areas. These priority areas provide a framework for decision-making with regard to the review and approval of proposed projects to be supported with JABG State Retained and Interest funds. In order to identify appropriate funding priorities that are relevant to juvenile justice system needs and responsive to strategic initiatives already underway, the Arizona Juvenile Justice Commission surveyed available statewide data resources and reviewed the directives of key juvenile justice stakeholders. Specifically, the State will support the following efforts:

(12) Establishing and maintaining programs to conduct risk and needs assessments of juvenile offenders that facilitate the effective early intervention and the provision of comprehensive services, to including mental health screening and treatment and substance abuse testing and treatment, to such offenders.
(9) Establishing and maintaining a system of juvenile records designed to promote public safety.
(10) Establishing and maintaining interagency information-sharing programs that enable the juvenile and criminal justice systems, schools, and social services agencies to make more informed decisions regarding the early identification, control, supervision, and treatment of juveniles who repeatedly commit serious delinquent or criminal acts.
(11) Establishing accountability based programs designed to reduce recidivism among juveniles who are referred by law enforcement personnel or agencies.
(2) Facilities and Training: Building, expanding, or operating juvenile correction and detention facilities, including staff training.
(6) Training- Law Enforcement and Court Personnel: Establishing and maintaining training programs for law enforcement and other court personnel with respect to preventing and controlling juvenile crime.
(16) Detention and Corrections Personnel: Hiring detention and corrections personnel and establishing and maintaining training and programs for such personnel to improve facility practices and programming.

(NCA/NCF)