Maryland's FY 2013 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) Application

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 Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP), in partnership with the State Advisory Group (known as the Juvenile Council in Maryland), continues to concentrate its efforts on juvenile justice system reform by way of supporting accountability-based programs to reduce juvenile recidivism (Purpose Area 11) as well as restorative justice initiatives (Purpose Area 14). The planning process engaged the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), members of the Judiciary, and members of the Juvenile Council in assessing needs, developing strategic plans and identifying specific, data driven, proven or promising strategies to: reduce juvenile delinquency; provide early intervention programs; provide delinquency intervention programs, and/or; expand or enhance community-based programs and aftercare for youth in the juvenile justice system.

The FY 2013 Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) funding will continue to support activities in Maryland that promote accountability and address public safety. In addition, the Juvenile Council will continue to prioritize efforts to reduce disproportionate minority contact. Data at the local, state, and national level show the cumulative impact of racial disparity through each decision point in Maryland's juvenile justice system. Also, GOCCP has regionalized and each jurisdiction has one point-of-contact who works closely with the sub-recipients by providing technical assistance to help them stay on track for a successful funding year. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C 3796ee-3(b), the State will continue to request a waiver of the 75% pass-through requirement). NCA/NCF

NCA/NCF