Evidence Based & Evidence Informed Practices

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 Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (JJAG) will continue to assess Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) data as it works towards intervention. The JJAG will work to expand the understanding of positive youth development and strength-based principles among the community at large and in the programs it funds and supports. It will continue to explore and provide support to effective programs and strategies that provide structured alternatives to detention specifically for girls. It will advocate for adoption of alternatives to school suspension and expulsion practices and reconsideration of zero-tolerance policies by supporting Collaborative Problem Solving.

The JJAG will continue to support only evidenced-based and evidence informed practices and program assessments that have solid research backing their efficacy. The JJAG will work to assure the creation of standards of practice for attorneys who represent juveniles. It will continue to provide judges, legislators, juvenile justice professionals and the public with training and reliable information regarding "what works" so that scarce resources are only spent on effective services. Intervention strategies will be evaluated, both to encourage accountability and to assure the effectiveness of intervention efforts.

Performance Measures will include: the number of DMC related activities implemented; the number of youth served and/or engaged; the number of state agencies reporting improved data collection; the number and percent of program youth who offend or reoffend; the nmber and percent of program youth exhibiting desired change or increased interest to engage; and the number and percent of program youth completing program requirements.
NCA/NCF