Bridging the Gap Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and 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, including 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 and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

Berrien County will use JAG funding to support the Bridging the Gap program of the county trial court by providing training for staff at the juvenile center and volunteers from the community restorative board and by purchasing video technology. Staff training is expected to improve the service delivery system for youth and families, and the video technology will enhance the court's ability to work more effectively with juvenile offenders in out-of-county placement.

NCA/NCF