2011 JABG 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. 3796ee). 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 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 Virgin Islands plans to use the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant funds for Purpose Area 14-establishing and maintaining restorative justice projects. Funds will be provided for the Youth Rehabilitation Center's Restorative Justice Work Crews, which is a safe and effective intervention program for youth, that will provide the youth tools to lead a crime free lifestyle and raise expectations of behavior with the use of pro-social skills, work ethic, cooperation in working as a team and an awareness of their responsibilities to the community.
NCA/NCF