VOA Juvenile Justice Project Application for 2010 Funding

Since Wyoming does not participate in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDP Act), Part B, Formula Grants Program, as amended, the state is ineligible to receive the fiscal year (FY) 2010 Formula Grants Program allocation authorized under Sections 221 to 223 of the JJDP Act (codified at 42 U.S.C. Sections 5631 and 5633), in the amount of $570,000. Accordingly, OJJDP, will competitively award these funds through the OJJDP FY 2010 Nonparticipating State Program: Wyoming. This programs purpose is to assist Wyoming in developing a range of secure and non-secure alternatives for juveniles in custody and in revising policies and implementing procedures to address compliance with the core requirements of the JJDP Act, Sections 233(a)(11), (12), (13), and (22) as codified at 42 U.S.C. 5633(a)(11)(12)(13) and (22) (core requirements). The program is authorized under the provisions of the JJDP Act, specifically, Section 223(d).

Volunteers of America Wyoming & Montana (VOA) will receive this award to assist its efforts to bring Wyoming into compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 (JJDPA). Wyoming is currently the only state that chooses not to participate with the JJDPA formula grants program, and the state is out of compliance with three out of the four core requirements of the JJDPA. This grant will support the efforts of individuals around Wyoming who are committed to finding alternatives to secure detention for juvenile offenders. Despite its nonparticipating state status, Wyoming has made considerable progress in reducing its reliance on secure detention for youth. According to data collected by VOA, Wyoming decreased the number of youth held securely by nearly 20% from 2006 to 2008. The number of status offense violations decreased by 52% from 2007 to 2008, and the number of Sight/Sound violations and Jail Removal violations decreased by over 15% from 2007 to 2008. To sustain this momentum, VOA will build upon the partnerships generated through years of service to Wyomings youth. VOA looks to further cultivate relationships and to distribute funding in an effort to overcome obstacles and create new opportunities for success.

CA/NCF