OJJDP 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 Division of Public Safety Planning (DPSP) is the designated agency to receive JABG funds in the State of Mississippi. Mississippi retains 25% of JABG funding and passes through 75% to Units of Local Government programs. The State-retained portion will support the establishment and maintenance of restorative justice programs and will encourage statewide collaboration between juvenile justice agencies, the community, and all 19 County Youth Courts to develop and coordinate victim reparation programs. In addition, accountability based programming will be supported by identifying four counties with high juvenile detention rates and establishing programs to offer community-based alternatives to detention. Funds will also be used to support training programs for detention/corrections personnel.

NCA/NCF