Juvenile Accountability Block Grant to Virginia

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.

The 2012-2014 priorities for the Virginia Juvenile Justice Accountability Block Grant (JABG) funds include: behavioral health (mental health/substance abuse); serving youth in their home communities; reducing disproportionality; and family engagement and community involvement. Goals, objectives, and activities will be implemented according to the relevant purpose areas as specified in Virginias Three-Year Plan: 2012-2014. The waiver granted last year of 88% is requested to continue. Without this request, only 12 localities in Virginia would qualify for a direct distribution exceeding $10,000. The waiver allows the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) flexibility to ensure that the funds benefit a broader segment within the state. Program descriptions are provided based on a presumption that the waiver will be continued by OJJDP. Should the waiver not be granted, then the use of funds will be greatly restricted and the purpose areas reduced. DCJS and the ACJJ will review each project proposed to ensure that projects support the goals and objectives identified for JABG funding. DCJS will monitor each project funded and the progress toward specified goals and objectives through quarterly progress reports, performance measure reports, and site visits.
NCA/NCF