On-Site Technical Assistance to 2007 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Grantees

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP's) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), furthers the Department's mission by assisting state and local jurisdictions in improving the criminal justice system and assisting communities in preventing drug abuse and crime. In fiscal year 2007, the Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program will focus on funding local, regional, and national efforts within six major categories: 1) targeting violent crime; 2) preventing crime and drug abuse; 3) enhancing local law enforcement; 4) enhancing local courts; 5) enhancing local corrections and offender reentry; and 6) facilitating justice information sharing. All categories combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime.

The Council of State Governments Justice Center ('Justice Center') will provide technical assistance to state and local government entities that will receive 2007 funding support through the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP). The Justice Center staff will provide approximately 25 jurisdictions with on-sight technical assistance to achieve the following goals: 1) Help JMHCP grantees meet their project goals and objectives; 2) Maximize the value of the direct funding support that BJA has provided to each grantee 4) assist the grantees with sustaining their work after the grant expires; and, 3) track and report on grantees' progress.

CA/NCF