FFY 2013 Wisconsin Juvenile Accountability Block Grant

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.

Wisconsin's Department of Justice (DOJ) will pass through 75 percent of its JABG award to units of local government to promote capacity-building and juvenile justice system improvements. It will use State share funds to (a) build capacity at the State and local levels to improve juvenile justice systems, (2) fund a DMC Coordinator position to address DMC reduction, and (3) fund portions of the juvenile justice specialist, grants specialist, and community services technician positions. Local units of government may use funds to support the following purpose areas: training programs for law enforcement and court personnel; accountability-based programs; system of juvenile records to promote public safety; risk and needs assessments; hiring detention and correction personnel; hold youth accountable; and, reduce recidivism. NCA/NCF