2013 Formula Grant Application to Address Delinquency Prevention and System Improvements within Hawaii's Juvenile Justice System

The Formula Grants Program is authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act of 1974, as amended. The purpose of this program is to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements. Program areas may include: planning and administration; state advisory group allocation; compliance monitoring; disproportionate minority contact; juvenile justice issues for Native American Indian tribes; prevention of substance abuse by juveniles; prevention of serious and violent crimes by juveniles; prevention of juvenile gang involvement and illegal youth gang activities; prevention of delinquent acts and identification of youth at risk of delinquency; and improvement of juvenile justice system operations, policies, and procedures including establishing a system of graduated sanctions, treatment programs, and aftercare.

The Office of Youth Services and the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council has taken the position of changing a system of locking up youths to a system of collaboration and partnership with individuals, community organizations, and others that can better connect and relate to the challenges and needs of youth offenders and their families. The emphasis is on healing and restorative justice that can eventually be accomplished through collaboration, leadership, and funding support.

The change to gradually transform the system to a community-based (family centered and youth driven) system, where youth, families, and the respective community take the lead, is a result of Hawaii's Juvenile Crime Analysis and the DMC Assessment Study, both completed in 2012. The Juvenile Crime Analysis revealed the top offenses committed by youths are status offenses followed by misdemeanor property damage. The DMC Study reveals Native Hawaiian/part Hawaiian youth are overrepresented at each decision point in the system especially at the point of arrest.

Consequently, Hawaii's DMC Reduction Model provides the process with which healing and restorative justice methods can be applied through an assessment center concept that is culturally sensitive and can connect and relate with family members, community organizations, service agencies, school personnel, and others who may be able to support and assist them. Youths aged 17 and below are expected to be served in all program opportunities. Quarterly reports and the OJJDP Performance Measurement will be utilized to gauge successes and areas that need improvements or require immediate attention.
NCA/NCF