JUVENILE JUSTICE IN THE PRESIDENT’S FY13 BUDGET PROPOSAL

JUVENILE JUSTICE IN THE PRESIDENT’S FY13 BUDGET PROPOSAL

President Obama and his Administration released their Fiscal Year 2013 (FY13) budget plan.  Speaking on behalf of our broad network of more than 300 organizations representing all states, territories and D.C., we are heartened that the President’s budget proposal includes $140 million for critical juvenile justice programs. Specifically, we are pleased that the President is requesting the following:

·         $70 million for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) Title II

State Formula Grants Program (increase of $30 million over FY12 final);

·         $40 million for JJDPA Title V Delinquency Prevention Program (an increase of $20

million over FY12 final) with no earmarks or set asides taken out; and

·         $30 million for the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) Program.

Although the total allocation is slightly below the $175 million that we recommended to the President and Administration, it is higher than congressional appropriations for FY12 and comes closer to meeting the needed core support for state efforts to effectively promote public safety, prevent delinquency, reform and improve juvenile justice, and protect children and youth from harm, particularly the dangers when youth are locked-up with adult inmates.

While we recognize the challenges that come with spending caps, federal investments in state juvenile justice efforts for youth and community safety have proven to be essential to the well being of communities throughout the country. In fact, Title II of JJDPA supports state compliance with federal law and creates incentives for research-based practices and innovations to build effective and equitable juvenile services aimed at positive youth and family outcomes. Due to Title II’s proven effectiveness, the Act-4-JJ Campaign will seek to build on the President’s proposal by working with Congress to bring Title II funding to $80 million.  Such a level would be even more in line with the true minimum costs of the program and make up for deep cuts (55% over ten years) to these funds.

Title V is the only federal program that provides delinquency prevention funding at the local level to reach youth at risk and help keep them out of the juvenile justice system. Title V has been used to bring together local government, law enforcement, the courts, youth service providers, youth development organizations and others to build sustainable prevention efforts.  Title V has also spurred private-public partnerships and innovation. Yet, in recent years it has been gutted and the funds allocated for other than statutory purposes. Therefore, we are very pleased to support the President’s proposal to fund Title V at $40 million (doubling the funding from FY12), without any earmarks or set-asides. Finally, we are also pleased to support the President’s proposal for the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) program. These funds support vital state efforts to effectively strengthen juvenile court services, such as behavioral health screening and assessment for court-involved youth and alternatives to detention.

Attribute statement to the Act-4-JJ Campaign co-Chairs:

·         Liz Ryan, CEO, Campaign for Youth Justice

·         Nancy Gannon Hornberger, Executive Director, Coalition for Juvenile Justice