FY2010 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 State of South Dakota will pass through 75% of the FY 2010 JABG funds to units of local governments or expend these funds on their behalf. As the designated State agency, the South Dakota Department of Corrections will ensure that units of local governments use their funds consistent with JABG requirements and within JABG purpose areas one through seventeen. The State and local units of government will allocate funds consistent with purpose areas one, fifteen, and seventeen. Activities that will be implemented to achieve the project goals and objectives include establishing, improving, and coordinating pre-release and post-release systems and programs to facilitate the successful reentry of juvenile offenders from State or local custody in the community. This will provide various options of reentry services for juvenile offenders through the use of SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring), intensive family services for youth on aftercare, day treatment, home-based services, and electronic monitoring. JABG allocations will also support early intervention, teen court, diversion, and probation support programs. Progress toward goals and objectives will be measured through quarterly performance measure reporting.

(NCA/NCF)