2010 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 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 Missouri Department of Public Safety is applying for 2010 JABG funding for projects in purpose areas 6, 10, and 11. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the funds will be awarded to units of local government as pass-through funds. Historically, the state has received pass-through funding for eight cities and counties. Clay County, Jackson County, and Kansas City combine funding to cover the Sentenced to the Arts Program. St. Louis County utilizes funding for a Juvenile Conference Committee and for substance abuse/mental health counseling. St. Louis City funds are used to monitor youth placed on curfew. St. Charles County utilizes the funding for detention center medical services, a restitution program, and treatment program for youth who abuse their parents. Greene County utilizes the funding for one full-time deputy juvenile officer to work with youth and ensure accountability. Boone County utilizes the funding for their art and music programs, security/monitoring, drug testing, and CBI-based classes. It is anticipated that these programs will be continued. The balance of funding is distributed on a competitive bid basis for programs in the same purpose areas. Currently, the state of Missouri's School Violence Hotline is being funded along with special training for law enforcement/court personnel.
(NCA/NCF)