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. 3796ee et. seq.). 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.

Illinois has transferred administration of the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) funds to the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to foster more efficient and effective coordination of federal juvenile justice funds and maximize the impact of limited federal funds in the State. The FY 2013 JABG funds will be used to support systems change efforts through a focused plan aimed at maximizing the potential impact of available resources. Seventy-five (75) percent of the funds will be awarded to units of local government as pass-through funds for programs that 1) promote and maintain accountability-based programs to reduce recidivism among juveniles who are referred by law enforcement personnel or agencies; 2) support education and training programs for law enforcement and court personnel; 3) maintain interagency information sharing programs; and, 4) programs to conduct risk and needs assessment that allow for effective early intervention and the provision of comprehensive services. NCA/NCF