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.

In Washington State, the JABG program is administered by the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA), Department of Social and Health Services. Washington State retains 25% of JABG funding and passes through 75% to counties, cities, and one Native Tribe. In the community, JABG funds are used for a wide variety of programs including evidenced based programs, drug courts, restorative justice, accountability based programs, prosecutors, probation officers, technology, detention remodel, and risk assessment.

The JABG Program aligns with several JRA goals, both within the State's share and in the Units of Local Government (ULG) programs. Specifically, the goal of maintaining a strong continuum of care is met with ULG JABG funded programs under purpose areas accountability programs. Most ULGs are using evidence based programs such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT), Aggression Replacement Training (ART), and mentoring. JABG allocations support numerous efforts to reduce recidivism through intensive diversion and counseling programs.

NCA/NCF