Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 96 - GRANTS OF GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Chapter 96-1 - GRANT PROGRAMS
Rule 96-1-.05 - Juvenile Accountability Block Grants

(1) PURPOSE. The purpose of this grant program is to promote greater accountability in Georgia's juvenile justice system. There are 16 program areas to which funds can be awarded. They include (1) graduated sanctions for offenders; (2) building and renovating juvenile detention facilities; (3) hiring juvenile court judges, probation officers, and court-appointed defenders and advocates; (4) hiring juvenile prosecutors; (5) addressing drug, gang and youth violence; (6) training for law enforcement and court personnel; (7) establishing juvenile gun courts; (8) establishing juvenile drug courts; (9) establishing and maintaining a system of juvenile records; (10) establishing or enhancing interagency information-sharing programs; (11) enhancing accountability services to reduce recidivism; (12) establishing risk and needs assessments of juvenile offenders; (13) establishing accountability-based programs enhancing school safety; (14) establishing restorative justice programs; (15) establishing programs within juvenile courts that provide more effective and efficient means of offender accountability to reduce recidivism; and (16) the hiring and training of detention and corrections personnel.

(2) TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Grant recipients are required to submit quarterly progress reports outlining project activities, number and composition of participating youth and progress in meeting project goals. Grant funds are administered on a reimbursement basis only. Recipients must comply with federal and state financial regulations relating to purchases, contracts, audit requirements and the maintenance of financial records. A final evaluation report must be submitted and approved by GOCF staff prior to final reimbursement of grant funds. Grant recipients must provide a 10% non-federal cash match.

(3) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS. State, county and city units of government are eligible for JABG funds. The majority of funds are distributed based on a federally-calculated formula, and eligible recipients will be notified in writing of their maximum allocation. GOCF will also accept applications for new programs in 2009.

(4) AWARD CRITERIA. Applicants must complete a proposal containing a project narrative outlining statement of need, goals and objectives, methods, and evaluation, budget narrative, and continuation plan.

(5) DIRECTIONS AND DEADLINES FOR APPLYING. Specific directions are contained in the 2009 JABG Request for Proposals and Application Kit, which are available electronically upon request. Applications are due April 3, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. Interested parties should contact Joe Vignati, Justice Programs Coordinator, 55 Park Place, NE, Suite 410, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, (404) 656-5183 or e-mail at Joe.Vignati@children.ga.gov.