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 offenses, 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 Michigan Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Advisory Board, the State Juvenile Crime Enforcement Committee (JCEC), established substance abuse, assessment, testing, treatment, sanctions and rewards as priority areas for the 12 Northern Michigan grants for counties. Twelve counties and the City of Detroit in the lower half of the State prepare applications to address local needs based on fund levels stipulated by OJJDP. Their respective JCECs approve the applications. Programs that strengthen accountability, use graduated sanctions, address targeted behaviors and improve the juvenile justice system are utilized.
(NCA/NCF)