CFDA# 16.523 FY 2010 Juvenile Accountability Block Grants 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 purpose of Louisiana's JABG project is to continue the support of state and local projects in FY2010, with a primary objective of reducing juvenile offending through accountability-based initiatives that focus on both the offender and the juvenile justice system. Statewide initiatives will focus specifically on school safety and re-entry services. In addition, at least 75 percent of Louisiana JABG funds are passed through to local jurisdictions. Funds will be allocated to both new and continuation projects. The Juvenile Justice Specialist reviews performance measure reports and conducts on-site monitoring visits to ensure goals and objectives are being met and to provide technical assistance as needed.

(NCA/NCF)