2009 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Programs

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 Hawaii Office of Youth Services (OYS)passes through the required 75% of the federal award to units of local government. At the state level, Hawaii will focus on purpose area 11: establishing and maintaining accountability-based programs designed to reduce recidivism among juveniles who are referred by law enforcementpersonnel or agencies. OYS will work with the local jurisdictions and the Family Courts to identify by circuit, options to the Judiciary that will not only deter youth from the juvenile justice system thereby minimizing recidivism, but will prevent inappropriate placement of juveniles at the Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility.

The 75% pass through to counties will be spent on purpose area 1 - developing, implementing, and administering graduated
sanctions for juvenile offenders.The OYS intends to utilize the FY 2009 funds to support communities in their efforts to develop and implement a local plan to enhance the continuum of graduated sanctions in their jurisdiction. In addition, the OYS will continue to support the counties, as needed, by facilitating discussions with juvenile justice agencies about local needs and to incorporate those needs into the county plans. As appropriate, the OYS will provide the overarching coordination and integration for the statewide vision for graduated sanctions.

(NCA/NCF)