Juvenile Accountability Block Grants Program (OJJDP In Focus)

• NCJ Number: 226357
• Date Published: October 2009
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Series: OJJDP In Focus
• Agencies: OJJDP

Annotation

This report describes the features of the Federal Juvenile Accountability Block Grants (JABG) Program, which is administered by the U.S. Justice Department's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) in order to assist States and communities in implementing accountability-based programs.

Abstract

The aims of the JABG are to hold youth accountable for delinquent behavior through the imposition of graduated sanctions that are consistent with the severity of the offense, as well as to strengthen the juvenile justice system's capacity to process cases efficiently and work with community partners to keep youth from reoffending. The JABG program stems from research studies on youth and juvenile offenders which indicate that applying consequences or sanctions swiftly, consistently, and in a graduated manner works best in preventing, controlling, and reducing the likelihood of subsequent violations (Griffin, 1999). This report provides an overview of the JABG authorizing legislation, the eligibility requirements for receiving JABG funding, and a listing and definitions of the 17 JABG purpose areas. Also described are the award process and the performance-measures initiative, which requires grantees to submit annual performance data on their programs. Examples of JABG programs in Maine and North Dakota are briefly described. A Web site for information on the JABG program is listed.