The federal Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant (JAIBG) program was created to promote greater accountability of juvenile offenders in the juvenile justice system. Grants are awarded to localities through the state, and based upon a jurisdiction’s crime index and law enforcement expenditures. In FY 2002/2003, Sunnyvale’s share of this award amounts to $19,947.

It is proposed that the total funding amount be transferred to the County of Santa Clara to help fund new and continuing juvenile accountability programs having a countywide benefit.

Staff recommends Council approve the attached Resolution declining direct acceptance of funding and authorizing expenditure to the County of Santa Clara.

Since 1999, the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JAIBG) program has provided federal grant funds to promote greater accountability of juvenile offenders in the juvenile justice system. In 1999, the Juvenile Accountability Improvement Program was developed at the County level to implement juvenile accountability programs, in 2000, 2001, and 2002 the second through the fourth JAIBG grant requests were similarly approved and implemented. Santa Clara County and nine units of local government, including the City of Sunnyvale, have combined resources to establish and jointly implement a fifth proposal.

This year the overall project goal is to implement effective early intervention strategies and accountability measures. These proactive strategies and measures are intended to meet specific objectives within the following program components, the Community Prosecutor Program and the Restorative Justice Program. The objective in each component area is to hold juvenile offenders accountable for their delinquent behavior and to help minimize juvenile offender entry or further penetration into the juvenile justice system.

Though the Public Safety Department had the initial option to apply for its share of funding, this avenue was not pursued for the following reasons:

1. The amount of the award available to Sunnyvale, $19,947, is not sufficient to undertake the type of comprehensive program that would fit into one of the purpose areas outlined by the state OCJP.
2. The County is leveraging the funds to implement broad programs that no single allocation could complete.
3. If future block grants are available under the JAIBG program we would not be tied to continued funding of the proposed uses. We would have the opportunity to take a fresh look at expenditure ideas.

Note: If the Resolution declining direct acceptance of funding and authorizing expenditure to the County of Santa Clara is not adopted, the funding award will revert back to the state OCJP, with no benefit to our region.

None.

Posting of the Council Agenda. Reports to Council are also available at the City Library and on the City’s website.

1. Approve the attached Resolution declining direct acceptance of funding and authorizing expenditure to the County of Santa Clara.
2. Do not approve the Resolution. Note: By not approving the Resolution, funding will revert back to the California Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP) for redirection.

Staff recommends Alternative 1.

Prepared by:
Heather Tannehill,
Manager
Police Services Division

Reviewed by:
Irwin Bakin
Director of Public Safety

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

1. Resolution Declining to Directly Accept Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant.