Juvenile Assessment Center

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office will use JAG funds to support its Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC). The JAC provides a range of services to juveniles detained by law enforcement, including detention screening, intake, drug testing, and many others. Their long-term goal is to become the sole entry point to the criminal justice system for arrested juveniles in Sarasota County. Funding will support the salary for an Assessor/Case Manager position. The assessor/case manager will assist law enforcement officers in processing juvenile arrests, particularly the arrests of juveniles who exhibit substance abuse issues relating to criminal behavior.

NCA/NCF