OJJDP FY 14 Nonparticipating State Program: Wyoming

Wyoming has chosen not to participate in the Formula Grants program under Title II, Part B of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended (JJDP Act). As such, the state is ineligible to receive the FY 2014 Title II Formula Grants program allocation authorized under Sections 221-3 of the JJDP Act (42 U.S.C. Sections 5631-3). Accordingly, OJJDP is competitively awarding the state's allocation through the Nonparticipating State Program: Wyoming, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5633(d).

This grant to the Volunteers of America Northern Rockies (VOANR) will continue efforts to bring Wyoming into compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 (JJDPA). Wyoming is out of compliance with three of the four core requirements of the JJDPA and budgetary challenges and hostility to the federal government challenge progress. Even so, the state has continued to reduce the number of juvenile offenders held in secure confinement.

The requested grant funds will support and enhance these efforts by promoting standardized data collection, by sustaining cost-effective interventions such as diversion programs, and by providing for the use of appropriate secure detention when necessary.

The number of violations of the Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders (DSO) core protection decreased by over 20% during 2010-12, while the number of violations of the Separation core protection dropped by 83%. The number of violations of the Jail Removal core protection decreased as well, dropping by 83% from 2010 to 2012. Making these statistics even more impressive was the fact that the juvenile population (ages 0 to 17 years) actually increased slightly (0.22%) during this same period of time.

Despite these positive developments, significant issues remain. Wyoming remains out of compliance with three core protections and criticism of the federal government permeated the recent legislative budget session, which impacted VOANR's project.

VOANR continues to engage leadership around the state in conversations regarding juvenile justice issues. State and county officials have been willing to participate in these discussions, and VOANR will build upon the foundation established over the course of the past six years.

CA/NCF