FY2016 Formula Grant - Three Year Plan (Update)

The Formula Grants Program is authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act and funds are made available as a result of the FY 2016 Department of Justice appropriations. 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; prevention; and activities to address the core requirements and improvement of juvenile justice system operations and policies, as found in section 223(a)(9) of the JJDP Act.

Massachusetts will use the Formula Grant program funds to effectively serve the needs of at-risk and system-involved juveniles in accordance with requirements and priorities of the JJDP Act such as those reflected in the delineated “program areas.” While funds may be limited, the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council (JJAC) and Massachusetts' Executive Office of Public Safety and Security will continue work to help the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children. The JJAC has also identified the following priorities: reducing disproportionate minority contact; improving the collection and reporting of juvenile justice data; ensuring stakeholders incorporate trauma-informed practices into their initiatives and services; advocating for a juvenile competency statute; and promoting best practices for juvenile diversion programs. Activities include: convening stakeholders to collaborate on potential system improvements and effective practices, and advocating and raising awareness on specific issues such as trauma-informed practices.

NCA/NCF