Juvenile Assessment Center

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 program 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).

Sarasota County will use their 2016 JAG award to fund the Juvenile Assessment Center Program. The JAC program is designed to assist law enforcement officers in processing juvenile arrests, particularly the arrests of juveniles who exhibit substance abuse issues relating to their criminal behavior. The program provides a range of services to juveniles who are detained by law enforcement including detention screening, intake assessments, drug testing, youth supervision, and referrals to treatment providers.

NCA/NCF