Juvenile Justice Programs across the nation could face $50 million in cuts outlined in the White House budget proposal. The Obama budget calls for “tough choices,” including a revamp of the way states must qualify for funding, based on how well they meet federal standards.
Title II formula grants would come out of a $120 million fund called the Juvenile Justice System Incentive Grants. States would have to compete for rewards, based on how well they use evidence-based strategies, diversion programs and whether they reduce disproportionate minority contact (DMC). Youth Today digs into this new concept and how it might work.
The President’s budget is a mix of cuts paired with some increases that could affect communities in different ways, according to thecrimereport.org. On the plus side, the Justice Department may get a 2% increase over all, including more money for the FBI, and $600 million for communities to hire first responder police officers. On the down side, the DEA faces cuts, and the Office of Justice Programs could take a large hit, hurting state and local crime prevention.
Republican proposals from the House Appropriations Committee are even more severe, according to Youth Today. That plan would cut all funding to programs like YouthBuild, teen pregnancy prevention, Teach for America, and state grants for incarcerated youth. AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service would be gutted. Juvenile justice grants and Law Enforcement Assistance Grants (including Byrne) would face sharp reductions.