FY 2009 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Program

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.

Tennessee is not a waiver state as 75% of JABG award funds are passed through to eligible units of local government. The following program areas will be funded: Purpose Area #11: To establish and maintain accountability-based programs designed to reduce recidivism among juveniles; and Area #12 ' To establish and maintain programs to conduct risk and needs assessments of juvenile offenders to facilitate effective early intervention and the provision of comprehensive services. JABG is part of a continuum of services that include Title II Formula funded activities to address prevention and intervention efforts in an after school programming, counseling, and interactive projects to divert youth from the juvenile justice system and the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Program to assist with activities related to drug courts, probation, and data obtained collection.

(NCA/NCF)