[Federal Register: May 9, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 91)]
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[Notices]

[Page 21237-21299]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]



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Part III



Department of Justice



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Office of Justice Programs



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Program Plans for Fiscal Year 1996; Notice



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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE



Office of Justice Programs

[OJP NO. 1079]

ZRIN 1121-ZA33





Program Plans for Fiscal Year 1996



AGENCY: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.



ACTION: Notice of program plans.



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DATES: See specific Program Plan.



ADDRESSES: All questions concerning these Program Plans should be

addressed to the appropriate Bureau or Office at 633 Indiana Avenue,

NW., Washington, DC 20531.



SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:



Preface: OJP Bureaus' Fiscal Year 1996 Program Plans



    The Fiscal Year 1996 Program Plans for the United States Department

of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Bureaus--the National

Institute of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Juvenile

Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and Office for Victims of Crime--

represent a continuation of our concerted effort to work in partnership

with law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across the nation to

break the cycle of drugs and violence and eliminate the consequences of

crime. This represents, as well, the second year that OJP will have

published all its discretionary Program Plans together in the Federal

Register.

    Because of scarce resources at every level of government today, the

OJP Program Plans emphasize increasing the collaboration across

Federal, State, and local agencies; leveraging resources with other

Federal agencies, foundations, and the private sector; identifying

specific needs, priorities, and gaps in the system; and implementing

innovative strategies that demonstrate concrete results while at the

same time being cost-effective. Because many of today's crime problems

require solutions that extend beyond traditional criminal justice

boundaries, new systemwide responses are encouraged and comprehensive

community efforts are highlighted.

    This is particularly important in strengthening our response to

escalating youth violence--especially gang activity--and juvenile

victimization. Building on the development of the OJJDP Comprehensive

Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders and the

National Juvenile Justice Action Plan released by the Attorney General

this Spring, the FY 1996 plan supports a balanced approach to

aggressively addressing juvenile delinquency and violence through

graduated sanctions, improving the juvenile justice system's ability to

respond, and preventing the onset of delinquency. Initiatives to

address violent, serious, and chronic juvenile offenders are

highlighted. Major new program areas focus on the development of one-

stop, community-based intake, assessment, referral, and program service

centers; supporting the linkages between community and law enforcement

responses to youth gun violence and gang activity; and improving the

dependency and criminal court systems and the community's response to

child abuse and neglect--factors studies show perpetuate violence in

future generations.

    The OJP Program Plans also support community-based initiatives that

recognize the lead role that communities must play in violence

prevention and the strong coordinated, multidisciplinary approach

required to combat crime in our neighborhoods. For example, using a

planning grant approach which emphasizes the importance of first

developing community mobilization strategies in key segments of the

criminal justice system, BJA's Comprehensive Communities Program--which

is being continued in FY 1996--encourages a jurisdiction-wide approach

that includes community policing, the establishment of drug courts,

expedited prosecution and diversion, gang prevention and intervention,

dispute and conflict resolution, and alternatives to incarceration.

    Building on the achievements of past efforts and guided by

extensive input from its constituent groups, the OVC programming looks

to communities to establish integrated, inclusive environments where

comprehensive services are provided for crime victims in a single

location. The plan offers communities the information, training, tools,

and technical assistance needed to create supportive, multidisciplinary

facilities especially designed for victims.

    Underlying all the Program Plans is the importance of understanding

``what works'' and ``best practices'' so that jurisdictions can learn

from one another and not have to constantly ``reinvent the wheel.'' In

this regard, the NIJ plan continues its long-range emphasis on

developing knowledge and Federal leadership that will assist

jurisdictions in advancing six important goals: reduce violent crime,

reduce drug- and alcohol-related crime, reduce the consequences of

crime, improve crime prevention, improve law enforcement and justice

systems, and develop new technologies.

    One opportunity we have to work together to make our communities

safer is through the training and technical assistance available from

OJP. As we endeavor to determine ``what works''--through research,

evaluation, and demonstration grants--communities are encouraged to

request technical assistance and training to replicate successful

demonstration programs and implement ``best practices.''

    We will be issuing separate solicitations for Crime Act programs in

the areas of Violence Against Women, Drug Courts, Corrections

Facilities Construction, Residential Substance Abuse, and the National

Criminal History Improvement Program. For information about these

programs--as well as about the application process for the programs

described here--you can call the DOJ Response Center at 1-800-421-6770.

    I hope that the OJP Program Plans that follow are responsive to the

most significant needs in the criminal justice field; they represent

our best thinking on how the Federal government can make a solid

contribution to the problems of crime and violence facing this country.

Laurie Robinson,

Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs.



Bureau of Justice Assistance



FY 1996 Discretionary Grant Program Plan



    Dear Colleague:

    I am pleased to present the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Discretionary Program Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 1996. Through the

Byrne Discretionary Grant Program, BJA provides leadership for the

prevention and control of crime and violence and for criminal

justice system improvement at the State and local levels. BJA also

develops and tests new approaches in criminal justice and crime

control, and encourages replication of effective programs and

practices by States and local agencies.

    Our mission is to provide leadership and assistance in support

of local criminal justice strategies to achieve strong neighborhoods

and safe communities. Accordingly, this year we will intensify our

focus on the tasks of helping to make communities safe, building

strong crime-resistant neighborhoods, increasing citizen involvement

in their communities, and improving the effectiveness of the

criminal justice system. We are guided in the achievement of our

mission by a very specific set of programmatic goals. BJA's

programmatic goals are:

    <bullet> To promote effective innovative crime control and

prevention strategies.

    <bullet> To demonstrate and promote replication of effective

crime control programs that



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support public-private partnerships, planning, and criminal justice

system improvement.

    <bullet> To leverage and efficiently administer available

resources.

    <bullet> To provide a dynamic work environment that fosters and

encourages excellence, innovation, and responsiveness.

    The resultant FY 1996 BJA Discretionary Grant Program Plan

addresses many of the most pressing challenges facing the Nation's

criminal justice system. For example, the Program Plan addresses the

issue of youth violence through programs that support drug

education, prevention, and treatment; build skills in conflict

resolution; intervene to reduce criminal use of guns and gang

involvement; and provide alternative correctional sanctions for

first-time nonviolent offenders. Additionally, the unique needs of

the elderly are recognized through programs that promote safety and

independence for the elderly, enhance resource availability through

productive public and private partnerships, and provide protection

against health care fraud.

    Byrne discretionary grant awards support demonstration projects,

national-scope programs, training and technical assistance, and

other innovative programs that fill the gaps in the criminal justice

system to make it stronger and more comprehensive. Towards this end,

substantial BJA discretionary funds will be used to continue

strengthening community-based initiatives, such as the Comprehensive

Communities Program and, within Native American communities, the

Tribal Strategies Against Violence Program. Similarly, the BJA

Comprehensive Homicide Initiative emphasizes the importance of

multiagency coordination--at all levels of government--in addressing

prevention, intervention, enforcement, and prosecution.

    In summary, the BJA FY 1996 Discretionary Program Plan will

target funds, training, and technical assistance in support of

effective and innovative programs that show the greatest potential

for addressing the Nation's criminal justice challenges. I welcome

your comments and your partnership.

Nancy E. Gist,

Director, Bureau of Justice Assistance.



Introduction



    The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the U.S. Department of

Justice supports States and local communities in addressing problems of

crime and violence. During Fiscal Year (FY) 1996, BJA is placing

emphasis on implementing comprehensive approaches to crime,

neighborhood-based programs with active citizen involvement, violence

prevention and control initiatives, and programs that not only improve

the functioning of the criminal justice system, but also focus on

enhancing the system's ability to remove serious and violent offenders

from our communities.

    This FY 1996 Discretionary Grant Program Plan provides summaries of

these programs, which are funded under the Edward Byrne Memorial State

and Local Law Enforcement Assistance (Byrne) Discretionary Grant

Program. In addition, it describes planned activities for the Regional

Information Sharing Systems Program and the National White-Collar Crime

Center, which also are administered by BJA, and joint efforts with

other Federal agencies.



Program Goals



    The FY 1996 Discretionary Grant Program Plan addresses BJA's two

goals in assisting State and local units of government: (1) Reduce and

prevent crime and violence; and (2) Improve the functioning of the

criminal justice system. To facilitate achievement of these goals,

enhanced coordination and cooperation of Federal, State, and local

efforts will be emphasized. Objectives for each of the goals are

outlined below, followed by BJA's programmatic priorities and framework

and program summaries that describe how the goals will be achieved.



Goal 1--Reduce and Prevent Crime and Violence



    Objectives:

    <bullet> Encourage the development and implementation of

comprehensive strategies to reduce and prevent crime and violence.

    <bullet> Encourage the active participation of community

organizations and citizens in efforts to prevent crime, drug use, and

violence.

    <bullet> Provide national-scope training and technical assistance

in support of efforts to prevent crime, drug use, and violence.

    <bullet> Provide young people with legitimate opportunities and

activities that serve as alternatives to crime and involvement with

gangs.

    <bullet> Reduce the availability of illegal weapons; and develop

programs to address violence in our communities, homes, schools, and

workplaces.



Goal 2--Improve the Functioning of the Criminal Justice System



    Objectives:

    <bullet> Enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to reduce

crime--especially drug trafficking, drug sales, and violence.

    <bullet> Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of all aspects of

the adjudication process.

    <bullet> Assist States in freeing prison space for serious and

violent offenders through the design, development, and implementation

of effective correctional options for nonviolent offenders.

    <bullet> Enhance the ability of State and local agencies, in

conjunction with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), to

apprehend and deport criminal aliens.

    <bullet> Evaluate the effectiveness of funded programs, disseminate

program results, and enhance the ability of criminal justice agencies

to use new information technologies.



How Program Priorities Are Established



    Priorities for the FY 1996 Discretionary Grant Program reflect a

balance of congressional mandates, Administration priorities, and needs

expressed by State and local criminal justice practitioners. The two

overarching goals listed above are derived directly from the

authorizing legislation for the Byrne Discretionary Grant Program.

Priorities for a number of specific programs to address those goals are

mandated by Congress through the earmarking of the Byrne Discretionary

Grant Program appropriation.

    During the recent Byrne Program planning process, BJA solicited

input on priorities from national organizations representing State and

local governments, criminal justice agencies, and community groups.

Input was also requested from the State agencies that administer the

Byrne Formula Grant Program. This year, BJA has instituted a continuing

practice of convening a number of focused program-planning workshops,

or focus groups. These focus groups, structured around a specific

criminal justice issue, are comprised of interdisciplinary policymakers

and practitioners from all levels of government. They serve as a forum

to discuss needs, identify emerging issues, and propose innovative

programmatic solutions.



Types of Programs To Be Funded



    BJA is authorized by Congress to award grants to public and private

agencies and organizations for national-scope, demonstration, training,

and technical assistance programs in support of States and local

jurisdictions. National-scope programs provide a service or product of

benefit throughout the country or across multiple States, or address

issues of national concern. Demonstration programs develop, test,

evaluate, and document new programs and practices. Training for State

and local criminal justice practitioners and other professionals

provides state-of-the-art information on effective programs and

practices. Technical assistance is provided to sites participating in

demonstration programs or, depending on available resources, is

provided to help an individual



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jurisdiction implement a program or practice or address a specific

issue.



How Discretionary Grants Will Be Made



    This year, the majority of the discretionary grant funding is being

awarded on a noncompetitive basis. The following factors limit the

number of competitive programs:

    Congressional Earmarks--Each year Congress directs BJA to award a

portion of the appropriated Byrne Program funds to specified programs

and/or organizations. In FY 1996, the Conference Report of the

Appropriations Committee directed the funding for $45.6 million of the

$60 million likely to be appropriated for general discretionary

programs, such as the Weed and Seed Program, the National Citizens'

Crime Prevention Campaign, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education

(D.A.R.E.) Program, and the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Drug

Enforcement Task Force.

    Continuation and Implementation Grants--Many of BJA's programs

require several years of implementation to accomplish their goals.

Demonstration sites, which are generally identified through a

competitive selection process, may require 2 to 3 years of funding to

fully develop, implement, and evaluate a program. In addition, BJA has

funded several initial planning efforts, with implementation funding

provided in subsequent years.

    Limited Competition--When specific program criteria or objectives

are applicable only to a narrowly defined group of potential

applicants, a limited competition may be held. Program criteria and

objectives typically are defined by specific jurisdictional demographic

variables or by a specific crime problem.

    Sole Source Selection--In some cases, only one organization or

agency has the capability, expertise, or constituents to adequately

administer a program that BJA deems essential to implement. For

example, an association representing a constituency that BJA wants to

reach through technical assistance or training also may be the best

organization to implement that program. In other cases, BJA may make an

award on a noncompetitive basis to an agency that has developed an

innovative program and has the expertise to implement it.



Framework for Programming



Guiding Principles



    Three principles underpin the design of BJA's FY 1996 Discretionary

Grant Program Plan--comprehensiveness, addressing unmet needs, and

leveraging resources. These principles are embodied in each of the four

programmatic themes, and reflect our intent to make the most effective

and efficient use of limited Federal criminal justice program

resources.

Comprehensiveness

    Crime prevention and control initiatives are most effective when

they relate directly to a comprehensive strategy. Such a strategy

provides the context or anchor for addressing locally determined

priorities; describes in detail how programs implemented by government

agencies, other service providers, and residents mutually support one

another in focusing on these priorities; and serves as the means for

developing future partnerships among a wide variety of public and

private resources. For these reasons, we have looked at ways of

developing and, in some cases, reconfiguring programs to ensure that

they are comprehensive in nature and promote partnerships that support

local strategic planning and implementation.

    Explicit in any successful State or local crime prevention and

control strategy is the engagement of the ultimate beneficiaries--the

community residents. Therefore, community-based strategies, and

resulting initiatives, must focus on neighborhood problems by involving

community leaders and residents in the planning and delivery of

services. Among the programs we are supporting, the Comprehensive

Communities Program, the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign,

and the Tribal Strategies Against Violence Program all support

partnerships with Federal, State, and local governments, private

organizations, and foundations that develop and achieve solutions

addressing a multitude of problems concerning crime and quality of

life.

    Some comprehensive program approaches are problem specific. For

example, the Comprehensive Gang Initiative demonstrates a model

approach to gang issues that carefully balances consideration of

prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies. The model is

designed to bring together cooperative and coordinated efforts by the

police, other criminal justice agencies, human services providers,

community agencies, and residents.

    Other programs, such as the Community-Based Prosecution Initiative,

are not problem specific, but bring together the community, the

prosecutor's office, and the local courts in problem solving, speedier

access to justice, and facilitation of offender reintegration back into

neighborhoods.

Addressing Unmet Needs

    In carrying out its mission, BJA recognizes that the dollars

available for Byrne Program discretionary funding represent a very

small fraction of the overall resources available for criminal justice

programming (less than one percent). To ensure that taxpayers receive

the greatest return possible on the investment of these limited funds,

we have focused on programs that complement previous or ongoing

efforts, and we have made every attempt to avoid duplicating the

efforts of other Federal agencies.

    BJA provides balance in its approach, and emphasizes the

involvement of key stakeholders in the development of new initiatives.

In FY 1996, an important priority will be to address unmet needs by

demonstrating or supporting programs designed to correct current

deficiencies in the delivery of criminal justice services--deficiencies

that threaten to compromise the effectiveness of the criminal justice

system. Examples of these initiatives include:

    The Community Prosecution and Community Probation Program, which

will explore a range of innovations to improve access to criminal

justice services at the community level.

    The Training in Anti-Drug Activities and Cultural Differences

Involving Illegal Aliens Initiative and the Criminal Alien

Identification and Intervention Program, which provide training and

technical support to State and local criminal justice agencies dealing

with issues of criminal and illegal aliens.

    The Comprehensive Homicide Initiative, which focuses on a holistic

approach to homicide that integrates prevention, intervention, and

enforcement measures through public agencies, private organizations,

and the community.

    The DNA Resource Unit, which will provide technical assistance to

prosecutors in the understanding and use of DNA typing technology in

the prosecution of cases.

    The Assessment and Enhancement of Indigent Defense Initiative,

which will explore methods for improving the overall effectiveness of

the adjudication process.

    The Correctional Options Program, which has provided a broad range

of programming for provision of treatment services and alternatives to

incarceration for nonviolent offenders. BJA's emphasis in FY 1996 will

be to support a national dissemination and technical assistance

initiative that will inform key decisionmakers at the State and local

levels of the lessons that BJA



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has learned about the planning, development, implementation, and

evaluation of successful Correctional Options projects.

Leveraging Resources

    BJA has a responsibility to ensure that programs are cost

effective; that, where appropriate, costs are shared among entities

receiving benefits from BJA-supported programs; and that there is a

strong likelihood effective programs will be maintained beyond the

point where Federal funds are no longer provided. Thus, BJA strongly

encourages prospective applicants to consider all potential resources

when developing program proposals and applying for Byrne Program grant

funds.

    Although Discretionary Grant Program funds may be used to pay up to

100 percent of total project costs under an initial grant award, BJA

has instituted a policy of giving favorable consideration to proposals

in which an applicant agency or jurisdiction has also committed its own

resources in furtherance of program objectives. The applicant's

resources could consist of funding derived from local appropriations or

from other sources, public or private. Contributed resources may also

be ``in kind,'' including dedicated personnel, facilities, supplies, or

equipment. Volunteer efforts are also taken into consideration.

    Successful leveraging of resources is illustrated in the following

two examples. In BJA's Organized Crime Narcotics task force program,

the participating agencies support all regular personnel costs and most

infrastructure costs, and Byrne Discretionary Grant funds support

limited overtime costs, investigative support costs, and some

confidential expenditures. Alternatively, BJA has provided a grant to

the Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education (FASE) to

produce a film addressing the issue of date and spousal violence. BJA

agreed to provide funding support on the condition that FASE match the

grant amount with funds from other sources. Faced with this challenge,

FASE was able to more than match the grant with funds from public and

private sources.

    To further facilitate a strong partnership with its grantees, and

to increase the number of new initiatives, BJA has instituted a policy

of providing a declining share of total costs for many projects where

continuation funding is considered. In addition to making BJA funding

resources more widely available for additional program opportunities,

this policy requires a demonstration of commitment from applicants,

enhancing the likelihood of program institutionalization. Thus, in FY

1996 and beyond, second-year awards will be made for a maximum of 75

percent of total project costs, and third-year awards will be made for

up to 50 percent of total project costs.



Programmatic Themes



    Program themes frame our guiding principles and provide the

operational context through which BJA implements its national-scope,

demonstration, training, and technical assistance programs. The themes

result from priorities articulated by the Attorney General; our program

experiences and lessons learned from demonstration and evaluation of

crime prevention and control efforts; and the information provided by

States in their Byrne Formula Grant Program strategies.



Public--Private Partnerships in Support of Local Strategies



    Developing and sustaining partnerships is essential, especially

when addressing crime issues through comprehensive strategies.

Competing demands on resources, development of new skills and

approaches to problem solving, emergence of private foundations

focusing on public safety issues, and the direct participation of the

community itself are influencing the way in which government operates.

    Partnerships among public agencies and between those agencies and

private organizations are becoming a vital theme in delivering

comprehensive services that address the quality of life in our

communities. Effective partnerships begin with all participants engaged

in strategy development, and carry through to the end goal of service

delivery and evaluation.

    BJA continues to stress the importance of public-private

partnerships at the Federal, State, and local levels in its program

development efforts. State and local officials are encouraged to

collaborate to ensure that local, comprehensive crime prevention and

control strategies are integrated into State planning efforts. This

relationship helps to ensure that Byrne Formula Grant funds, other

Federal resources, and State-appropriated monies are channeled in a

coordinated manner in support of local comprehensive initiatives.

Evidence of these partnerships, through memoranda of understanding,

commitment of resources, and shared responsibility for developing and

implementing strategies to make our communities safe, will be a

determining factor in BJA's commitment of resources.

    Many of the programs to be implemented in FY 1996 will build upon

partnerships developed in previous years. As some of these efforts

reach the final stages of demonstration, and as Federal financial

support is phased out, the strength of local partnership arrangements

will be even more critical to ensure institutionalization. For example,

BJA soon will be completing the Children-At-Risk Program, which is

supported by BJA and a national public-private partnership consisting

of the Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) and six private

foundations that focus on youth intervention. This effort, equally

supported by the U.S. Department of Justice and the private sector,

reflects the commitment of over $7.5 million since FY 1992.

    Other programs, such as the Comprehensive Communities Program (CCP)

and Pulling America's Communities Together (PACT) have experienced

enormous success in building partnerships. In Denver, the Alliance for

the Prevention of Violence, a collaborative of charitable organizations

that serves Colorado, has integrated the PACT/CCP effort into its

philanthropic considerations. The East Bay Corridor CCP initiative, a

program that unites 18 cities in two counties in anticrime initiatives,

joins the public agencies from those jurisdictions with the East Bay

Community Foundation, a local funding collaborative, to focus on youth

crime in the Corridor.



Enhancement of Public Confidence in the Criminal Justice System



    In recent years there has been a perception of growing erosion of

public confidence in the criminal justice system and the services it

provides. Many factors have contributed to this concern--including

public outrage resulting from isolated criminal incidents, such as

crimes that have been committed by ex-offenders on parole; use of

excessive force by law enforcement; urban disorders; and an emphasis in

newspaper and television news reports on sensationalizing incidents of

violent crime.

    BJA supports programs that promote balance and fairness in law

enforcement and the criminal justice system. By supporting programs

that feature community participation as a cornerstone, BJA seeks to

educate and actively engage citizens, thereby improving public

confidence in the criminal justice system.

    Through its law enforcement programs, BJA provides a solid

foundation for enabling jurisdictions to ensure public safety and

further



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promote public confidence. Such programs expand coordination with

antiviolence task forces, provide assistance to State and local

criminal justice agencies, and support communities in the control and

prevention of street crime.

    A National Sentencing Symposium will be co-sponsored by BJA, the

National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the State Justice Institute

(SJI). This collaborative initiative will address the public's lack of

confidence in the system, examine the strengths and shortcomings of

current sentencing policies and address the importance of

accountability and the need to alleviate sentencing disparities.

    Through the Community Prosecution Program, BJA will demonstrate

community engagement with prosecutors' offices and the local courts in

problem solving, providing speedier access to justice, and facilitating

the reintegration of offenders back into neighborhoods. This program

will promote a positive image of the criminal justice system, allay

public fear, and improve neighborhood and community involvement with

criminal justice professionals.

    Alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders is another

important programmatic area. Often, nonviolent offenders who could be

punished more effectively through a less expensive alternative are

sentenced to incarceration. A recent analysis of the annual needs

assessments that are conducted through the Byrne Formula Grant Program

indicated that the two areas of greatest need at the State and local

levels are alternatives to incarceration and offender treatment

services.

    In FY 1996, BJA will support a national dissemination and technical

assistance initiative to inform key decisionmakers at the State and

local levels about the lessons learned in the planning, development,

implementation, and evaluation of successful, cost-effective,

Correctional Options projects for nonviolent offenders. These programs

maintain public safety and, at the same time, hold offenders

accountable.



Criminal Justice System Response to Violence--Particularly Youth

Violence



    Although 1994 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data show that violent

crime dropped 4 percent and property crime dropped 3 percent, citizens

across the country believe otherwise. Whereas violent crime rates for

older adults have remained steady or declined, the public believes that

violence is on the increase. This belief is reflected in the 1993 U.S.

Department of Justice (DOJ) National Crime Victimization Survey, which

marked a significant increase of 25 percent in the violent

victimizations of black males aged 12 to 24. The Bureau of Justice

Statistics (BJS) reported in its Selected Findings: Violent Crime that

young people aged 16 to 24 consistently have the highest violent crime

rates. When gang affiliation is considered, these youth-based crime

statistics increase at crisis proportions.

    Other national-scope surveys indicate the following:

    <bullet> Elected officials in almost 400 cities believe that youth

crime and violence has escalated.

    <bullet> Throughout the year, 4 million women are physically abused

by their husbands or boyfriends.

    <bullet> The annual number of child abuse cases is growing.

    <bullet> Drug use, especially marijuana, is on the increase among

students.

    <bullet> A child dies from gunfire every 98 minutes.

    To deter this violence, BJA is working with representatives of

Federal, State, tribal, and local governments and community leaders to

enhance their current criminal justice planning processes to better

implement comprehensive, systemwide strategic interventions at the

neighborhood level. When properly applied, this holistic approach,

which is supported with FY 1996 crime prevention funding, is cost

effective, provides focus for the delivery of services (e.g., law

enforcement, social, and education services), involves citizens as

partners, and assists youth in making responsible decisions to develop

healthier and safer lifestyles.



Evaluation and Assessment Efforts



    Critical to gauging the success of the investment of taxpayer

dollars is the support of evaluation efforts that measure what works

and what doesn't work in crime control and prevention and in criminal

justice system improvement. This information can be disseminated to the

State and local levels, where decisions about replication of program

successes are made.

    Because we believe that it also is critical to reinforce with the

States the role that evaluation must play in any grant program, and to

help States build the capacity to measure the impact of programs that

they fund, we are continuing our State and local capacity-building

initiative with the assistance of NIJ. If the States are to serve as

laboratories for evaluation and assessment, they must institutionalize

performance measurement, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms. BJA's

evaluation capacity-building initiative supports these efforts.

    In partnership with NIJ, we are designing a challenge program

whereby States will be invited to partner with a local research/

evaluation institution such as a university, select a promising program

for rigorous evaluation that otherwise might not be evaluated, and

propose a research design.

    The principles and programmatic themes are cross-cutting, and

together form the framework for the BJA program. This framework has

evolved from our programmatic experience and will help chart our

direction for future programming efforts. While the individual program

summaries are presented by ``discipline,'' each program also represents

one or more principle and theme.



Program Summaries



Comprehensive Programs



Comprehensive Communities Program

Grantee: 16 sites nationwide



    The Comprehensive Communities Program (CCP) is demonstrating an

innovative, comprehensive, and integrated multiagency approach to

comprehensive violent crime control and community mobilization in 16

jurisdictions across the country.

    There is perhaps no more urgent domestic problem facing our country

than violence. The only way to make progress against this epidemic is

to marshal the coordinated efforts of communities; the private sector;

and Federal, State, and local governments. CCP seeks to catalyze the

development of such partnerships.

    Two key principles underlie this initiative. First, communities

must play the lead role in fostering violence prevention partnerships.

Second, State and local jurisdictions must establish strong coordinated

and multidisciplinary approaches. Under the Comprehensive Communities

Program, communities faced with high rates of drug abuse and violent

crime develop a comprehensive strategy for crime and drug control that

requires police and other city agencies to work in partnership with the

community to address crime- and violence-related problems and the

environment that fosters them.

    CCP goals are:

    <bullet> To suppress violence and restore the sense of community

wellness necessary to effectively recapture the security of our

neighborhoods.

    <bullet> To focus on community problems and concerns by initiating

comprehensive planning and improved



[[Page 21243]]



intergovernmental and community relationships.

    CCP objectives are:

    <bullet> To develop a comprehensive, multiagency strategy within

each community to identify the causes and origins of violence and to

control and prevent violent crime and drug-related crime.

    <bullet> To include in each strategy a jurisdictionwide commitment

to community policing and other efforts that encourage citizens to take

an active role in problem solving.

    <bullet> To coordinate existing Federal, State, local, and private

agency resources and concentrate these resources to maximize their

impact on reducing violent crime and drug-related crime in the program

communities.

    The Comprehensive Communities Program has been administered in two

phases. During Phase I, between April and September 1994, planning

grants enabled the 16 jurisdictions to develop their crime control and

community mobilization strategies. Phase II, from October 1, 1994, to

September 30, 1996, provided initial funds to the 16 jurisdictions to

begin implementing these strategies. The strategies require criminal

justice agencies, other governmental organizations, and the private

sector to work in partnership with the community. Each strategy

includes a jurisdictionwide commitment to community policing,

coordination among public and private agencies (e.g., social services

and public health agencies), and efforts that encourage citizens to

take an active role in problem solving. In addition to the community

policing and community mobilization components, most of the strategies

include application of drug courts, expedited prosecution and

diversion, gang prevention and intervention, dispute and conflict

resolution, and alternatives to incarceration.

    Each of the sites is encouraged to coordinate with and complement

other comprehensive Federal, State, and local efforts. For example, the

CCP strategies for Atlanta, Denver, Omaha, and Washington, D.C., are

tailored specifically to support the Pulling America's Communities

Together (PACT) Initiative in those jurisdictions. Also, many of the

sites are participating in the Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community

Initiative; the CCP strategy can represent a viable crime-control

component for that initiative. In addition, several of the sites have

included in their local strategies enhancements to or expansion of Weed

and Seed efforts in selected target neighborhoods.

    Due to the broad nature of CCP and the decision to draw from

multiple and independent initiatives, technical assistance and training

in support of CCP is being provided through several sources, as

follows:

    Criminal Justice Associates (CJA) coordinates overall technical

assistance and training delivery under the program and prepares program

documents (i.e., the implementation manual, fact sheets, and program

status reports). At the project level, CJA focuses on site needs

relating to project management and alternatives to incarceration.

    The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) provides program-level

assistance in preparing documents (i.e., coordination in developing the

implementation manual and distributing newsletters). NCPC focuses on

site needs relating to community mobilization and engagement, dispute

and conflict resolution, and resource development.

    The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) focuses on comprehensive

gang initiatives in 11 of the 16 CCP sites.

    The American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI) focuses on site

needs as they relate to community prosecution and prosecution and

diversion.

    In FY 1996, funds will be made available to a number of the

demonstration sites to continue operations into FY 1997. Technical

assistance will be provided through existing and continuation grants

among the cadre of current providers.



Crime Prevention



National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign

Grantee: National Crime Prevention Council; Washington, DC



    The National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign focuses on helping

individuals, community and civic organizations, and Federal, State, and

local government agencies build better, safer, and more caring

communities. FY 1996 activities will enable the Campaign to continue

its work on crime and violence prevention and drug demand reduction.

Work elements will address the production and dissemination of air and

print ads using McGruff the Crime Dog and nephew Scruff public service

announcements (in English and Spanish) that target both youth and their

caretakers; the development and reproduction of an array of crime and

drug abuse prevention support materials; and the provision of national,

State, and local technical assistance and training workshops in topical

areas ranging from planning and managing crime prevention to

comprehensive planning development.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Grantee: Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Atlanta, GA



    BJA will continue to provide Federal resources to the Boys & Girls

Clubs of America for the establishment and enhancement of Boys & Girls

Clubs in public housing and other community settings where there is a

concentration of poverty, crime, and violence. FY 1996 activities will

emphasize the partnering of BJA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America staff

to identify local recipient sites in up to 30 communities across the

country; the continued support of jurisdictions participating in the

BJA-sponsored Comprehensive Communities Program; the incorporation of

conflict resolution, mentoring, and parental outreach and training into

the local programming of clubs receiving Federal enhancement awards;

and the establishment of a national Native American advisory board that

will meet regularly to assess and provide program recommendations for

clubs established on Indian reservations.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education

Grantee: D.A.R.E. America; Inglewood, CA



    In FY 1996, BJA will continue its work with D.A.R.E. America to

support the provision of Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

technical assistance and training to local and State law enforcement

officers and the accreditation of State D.A.R.E. Training Centers.

These initiatives will be accomplished through provision of resources

for the five D.A.R.E. Regional Training Centers (RTCs) administered by

the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the City of Los Angeles Police

Department, the Illinois State Police, the North Carolina Bureau of

Investigation, and the Virginia State Police. Specifically, D.A.R.E.

America and the RTCs will provide D.A.R.E. Officer Training for new

D.A.R.E. officers; D.A.R.E. In-service Training for experienced

D.A.R.E. officers; Mentor Officer Training; D.A.R.E. Parent Program

Training for instructors who use the D.A.R.E. curriculum to work with

and train parents; D.A.R.E. junior and senior high school student

training; program development; assessments of State D.A.R.E. Training

Centers; accreditation of law enforcement agencies as D.A.R.E. Training

Centers; and technical assistance for local agencies replicating the

D.A.R.E. Program.



[[Page 21244]]



National Night Out

Grantee: National Association of Town Watch; Wynnewood, PA



    This year-long program involves the continuing participation of

more than 28 million people, including law enforcement personnel;

individuals from other units of government, business, education, and

community organizations; citizens; and youth in over 8,800 communities

in all 50 States, U.S. territories, and U.S. military bases around the

world. Administered by the National Association of Town Watch, Inc.

(NATW), FY 1996 support will enable NATW to continue providing

information, educational materials, and technical assistance for the

development of cost-effective police--community partnership efforts

that work toward reducing crime, violence, and substance abuse at the

national, State, local, and neighborhood levels.

Tribal Strategies Against Violence Program

Grantees: Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes; Poplar, MT and Rosebud Sioux

Tribe; Rosebud, SD



    Tribal Strategies Against Violence is a Federal--tribal partnership

initiative designed to empower Native American communities through the

development and implementation of reservationwide strategies to reduce

crime, violence, and drug abuse. Primary program focus is on the

formation of a centralized planning team comprised of service

providers, whose goal it is to develop short-term and long-term

strategies that encompass community policing and prosecution, domestic

abuse, juvenile delinquency, and prevention education. FY 1996 program

activities will extend the program beyond the initial project sites on

the Fort Peck, Montana, and Rosebud, South Dakota, Reservations. BJA,

through a limited competitive process, will work with the Office of

Justice Programs (OJP) American Indian and Alaskan Native Desk and the

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), U.S. Department of Interior, to

identify up to four regional sites across the country. Reservations

selected for program participation will be representative of the

Northwest, South-Southwest, Midwest-Great Lakes, and East regions.



Law Enforcement



Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Drug Enforcement Task Force

Grantee: Arlington County Police Department; Arlington, VA



    The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Drug Enforcement Task Force

will continue to (1) provide a visible law enforcement presence; (2)

disrupt major links between drug suppliers, distributors, and users;

(3) initiate enforcement action against property owners who knowingly

allow their property to be used in the distribution of illicit drugs;

(4) develop comprehensive intelligence systems; and (5) coordinate with

appropriate agencies regarding illegal firearms used by drug

organizations.

Gang Organized Crime Narcotics Violence Enforcement Program

Grantees: Bernalillo County Prosecutor's Office; Bernalillo County, NM

and Multnomah County Prosecutor's Office; Multnomah County, OR



    This program will continue to assist local law enforcement and

prosecution agencies in addressing the growing problem of gang-related

violence, with a special focus on drugs and firearms. Two sites will be

funded to continue gathering intelligence and to develop investigative

and prosecutorial strategies designed to weaken the structure and

activities of violent gangs.

Prison Gang Intelligence Program

Grantee: Midstates Organized Crime Information Center; Springfield, MO



    The Prison Gang Intelligence Program will be continued in FY 1996

to implement a nationwide capability of collecting, analyzing, and

sharing information on prison gangs, gang members, and prison gang

activities. The program also will provide liaison and coordination

activities to corrections agencies and law enforcement agencies in data

collection and dissemination efforts.

    The purpose of the Prison Gang Intelligence Program is to provide

for the establishment of a system to gather, store, and disseminate

intelligence information on prison gang members and prison gang

activities on a nationwide basis. This system will provide valuable

support and assistance in the investigation and prosecution of gang-

related criminal activity. It will create a central repository of

prison gang information, formalize data collection methods, and

standardize gang validation criteria. It will create a mechanism

whereby State and local corrections and law enforcement agencies can

share information and be provided analytical products that document

prison gang developments and trends. A prison gang technical assistance

capability will also be established.

    The program goal is to facilitate, through BJA's Regional

Information Sharing System (RISS) projects, the collection, exchange,

and analysis of information related to prison gangs, gang members, and

prison gang activities; and to provide liaison and training activities

to law enforcement, prosecution, and corrections agencies nationwide.

Center for Task Force Training

Grantee: Institute for Intergovernmental Research; Tallahassee, FL



    The Center for Task Force Training project will continue to help

State and local agencies address criminal justice management issues and

to provide dedicated training and technical assistance in support of

the two Gang Organized Crime Narcotics Violence Enforcement Program

sites, State and locally funded multiagency task forces, and other task

forces supported by Byrne Formula Grant Program funds. The project will

be expanded in FY 1996 to include a specialized training program that

addresses multiagency antiterrorism preparedness. The Domestic

Terrorism Training Program, which currently is under development with

the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will develop, test, and

evaluate the law enforcement antiterrorism training curriculum;

identify and document the technical assistance needs of law enforcement

agencies in the area of antiterrorism planning and prevention, and plan

the methods of delivery; and focus on the multiagency/

multijurisdictional aspects of the law enforcement response to acts of

domestic terrorism.

Firearms Trafficking Program

Grantee: Multiple sites nationwide



    The Firearms Trafficking Program will continue to help State and

local governments reduce incidents of violence by reducing the

availability of and illegal trafficking in firearms. This program

contains several component programs that BJA has found to be effective

or promising:

    The Firearms Licensee Compliance Program. This component enhances

the ability of State and local law enforcement agencies to conduct more

complete and comprehensive background investigations on applicants for

new or renewed Federal Firearms Licenses.

    The Firearms Investigative Task Force Program. This component is

designed to identify, target, investigate, and prosecute individuals

and dismantle organizations involved in the unlawful use, sale, or

acquisition of firearms in violation of Federal and/or State firearms

laws.

    The Innovative Firearms Program. This component assists State and

local



[[Page 21245]]



jurisdictions in developing and implementing innovative or enhanced

projects designed to control illicit firearms trafficking.

Technical Assistance and Training to Rural Areas

Grantee: Rural Justice Center, University of Arkansas; Little Rock, AR



    In FY 1996, BJA will continue to provide technical assistance and

training to rural areas through the Rural Justice Center of the

Criminal Justice Institute of the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

This program assists rural areas in the development of approaches and

strategies that address the rising rates of crime, drug abuse, and

violence, through the provision of technical assistance and training

related to such issues as prevention, intervention, law enforcement,

prosecution, courts, corrections, and treatment.

Training in Anti-Drug Activities and Cultural Differences Involving

Illegal Aliens

Grantee: International Association of Chiefs of Police; Alexandria, VA



    This program will be continued. Through a collaborative effort

between the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and

the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the project will

continue to present to local law enforcement officers a series of

training seminars that will enable them to more effectively investigate

crimes involving illegal aliens.

Criminal Alien Identification and Intervention Program

Grantees: Institute for Intergovernmental Research; Tallahassee, FL and

National Criminal Justice Association; Washington, DC



    In FY 1996, BJA will continue to fund technical assistance and

support services to five demonstration sites funded in prior years. The

Criminal Alien Identification and Intervention Program is designed to

enable the earliest possible identification, through the Immigration

and Naturalization Service (INS) Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC),

of aliens arrested for felony offenses. Five States that have

documented the largest alien populations in their correctional systems

are continuing demonstration efforts in FY 1996 with projects funded in

prior years.

    The Criminal Alien Identification and Intervention Program also is

designed to encourage States to modify statutes and policies and

implement innovative techniques that intervene in the criminal justice

process to expeditiously and fairly adjudicate illegal aliens arrested

or convicted of felonies; and facilitate appropriate detainment and

deportation of these aliens.

    Supporting the demonstration sites and the program are two

technical assistance efforts. The Institute for Intergovernmental

Research provides onsite assistance to the States in preparing

operational assessments, identifying promising approaches, and

facilitating the testing of LESC. The National Criminal Justice

Association (NCJA) provides research and technical assistance for the

States, for enhancement of statutes and policies within the States.

    In FY 1994 and FY 1995, participating States implemented Phases I

through III of the program by establishing statewide criminal alien

working groups represented by key State and local officials; conducting

an intensive assessment of the current processes by which the State

identifies and handles illegal aliens entering the criminal justice

system; and documenting promising approaches to enhance the

identification and intervention of these illegal aliens. Work will

continue in the demonstration States, using prior year grant awards to

implement and demonstrate promising approaches.

Comprehensive Homicide Initiative

Grantee: City of Richmond; Richmond, VA and City of Richmond; Richmond,

CA



    The Comprehensive Homicide Initiative is designed to effectively

combat homicide and increase homicide clearance rates through the

development and demonstration of a multifaceted approach that can be

fully documented and ultimately replicated in other jurisdictions. This

initiative addresses the underlying causes of homicide, including gang

violence, domestic violence, violence associated with drug activity,

and gun availability.

    The goals of the program are to reduce homicide rates and improve

homicide clearance rates, including ``cold case'' homicides; develop

innovative strategies and processes that have a high probability for

improving the prevention, intervention, enforcement, and prosecution of

homicide cases that are replicable in other jurisdictions; and document

local efforts to enhance replicability of successful components of the

program to other jurisdictions.

    The Cities of Richmond, Virginia, and Richmond, California, each

have received funding to implement the recommendations of the

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Murder Summit

Report. These cities were selected due to their high or increasing

homicide rates, geographical diversity, and participation in other

comprehensive criminal justice initiatives that will provide a good

base from which to move forward.

    This comprehensive program requires coordination at the Federal,

State, and local levels. Each city's plan must demonstrate coordination

and cooperation among public agencies; private organizations; and

municipal, county, State, and Federal agencies. The plan must

demonstrate that this initiative will be integrated with other U.S.

Department of Justice (DOJ)-funded programs in the local jurisdiction,

such as the Comprehensive Communities Program; Weed and Seed; the

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Program; and

programs funded by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services,

the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Office of Juvenile Justice

and Delinquency Prevention. In addition, the program must involve

coordination with the relevant U.S. Attorney's Office. Coordination

with Housing and Urban Development and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms should also be included if relevant to the jurisdiction's

program efforts. BJA has been working with each of the jurisdictions

since November 1995. In each city, BJA held an onsite meeting that

served as an initial opportunity to convene the representatives of the

State and local agencies and representatives from Federal agencies with

ongoing programs.

Clandestine Laboratory Strategy Training Program

Grantee: Circle Solutions, Inc.; Vienna, VA



    In FY 1996, BJA will continue support to the Clandestine Laboratory

Strategy Training Program. The program is based on the collective

experiences and best practices of the BJA Model Clandestine Laboratory

Enforcement Program demonstration sites and the BJA/Drug Enforcement

Administration (DEA) Clandestine Laboratory Clean-Up Program. The

program represents a significant investment and effort on the part of

BJA to develop an effective method for combating clandestine drug

laboratories in the United States. The training delivery system and

followup technical support activities provided will ensure that the

training reaches the audience for which it is intended in an efficient

and cost effective manner.

    The Clandestine Laboratory Strategy Training Program assists State

and local policymakers and practitioners responsible for law

enforcement resource allocation decisions in



[[Page 21246]]



developing policies, procedures, and programs related to the hazardous

chemical problems associated with clandestine laboratories. The program

provides a foundation from which a comprehensive, multiagency response

can be developed at the State and regional levels. Beginning in FY

1994, Circle Solutions, Inc., building upon a successful developmental

and piloting effort, implemented a program to provide training and

followup technical assistance to State and local criminal justice

agencies and other public safety agencies nationwide.

Assistance to Local Law Enforcement Agencies Significantly Impacted by

the 1996 Olympic Games

Grantee: Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, Office of the

Governor; Atlanta, GA



    The purpose of this program is to assist local jurisdictions

significantly impacted by the public safety demands of the 1996 Olympic

Games in Georgia. The program was funded to satisfy a congressional

earmark. Current projections indicate that involved local jurisdictions

may incur in excess of 400,000 hours of unfunded overtime costs as a

result of the public safety requirements for Olympic venues throughout

the metropolitan Atlanta area and in sites outside Atlanta. This grant

will help defray the costs of approximately 155,000 hours of

anticipated overtime requirements of involved jurisdictions.

Regional Information Sharing System

Grantee: 6 sites nationwide



    The Regional Information Sharing System (RISS) Program supports

Federal, State, and local law enforcement efforts to combat criminal

activity that extends across jurisdictional boundaries. Six regional

RISS projects provide a broad range of intelligence exchange and

related investigative support services to member criminal investigative

agencies nationwide. The projects focus primarily on narcotics

trafficking, violent crime, criminal gang activity, and organized

crime.

    In FY 1996, the RISS Program will complete electronic connectivity

among all projects, as well as other systems, to better facilitate the

collection, dissemination and analysis of criminal intelligence. Also

in FY 1996, the RISS projects will work with the National Major Gang

Task Force to encourage the sharing and dissemination of gang

intelligence information between the law enforcement and corrections

communities.

National White-Collar Crime Center

Grantee: West Virginia Office of the State Auditor; Charleston, WV



    The National White-Collar Crime Center provides a national support

system for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of

multijurisdictional economic crimes. These white-collar crimes include

investment fraud, telemarketing fraud, boiler room operations,

securities fraud, commodities fraud, and advanced-fee loan schemes. The

Center's mission includes providing investigative support services to

assist in the fight against economic crime, operating a national

training and research institute focusing on economic crime issues, and

developing the Center as a national resource in combating economic

crime.



Adjudication



National Symposium on Sentencing

    A national symposium on sentencing to be presented by BJA, the

State Justice Institute, and the National Institute of Justice, will

enable judges, legislators, prosecutors, defense counsel, corrections

officials, police, and community representatives to discuss and share

experiences and perspectives on current sentencing policy.

Trial Court Performance Standards and Measurement System: Coordination

Efforts

Grantee: National Center for State Courts; Williamsburg, VA



    After 8 years of development and testing, the Trial Court

Performance Standards and Measurement System (TCPSM) has been completed

and is in the process of being adopted by numerous jurisdictions. For

example, the Judicial Council of California has adopted TCPSM as part

of a new Standard of Judicial Administration. One of the most

significant events in judicial administration in the last 10 years,

TCPSM comprises a set of 22 standards and 68 individual measures for

assessing trial court performance. States urgently need technical

assistance to enable them to implement the system. The National Center

for State Courts will provide that assistance to State and local

courts. BJA also will be working with State agencies to explore the

possibility of using block grants to assist State trial courts in fully

reviewing, adapting where appropriate, and implementing TCPSM

throughout the State.

Community Prosecution and Community Probation

Grantee: American Prosecutors Research Institute; Alexandria, VA



    The Community Prosecution and Community Probation program consists

of the following four components:

Technical Assistance and Training

    In FY 1993 and FY 1994, the American Prosecutors Research Institute

(APRI) convened two focus groups of experienced prosecutors who defined

community prosecution and identified its key components. This

information provided BJA and APRI with the framework to provide both

intensive and general technical assistance and to produce several

publications on the subject. In FY 1994 and FY 1995, APRI conducted two

extremely well-received technical assistance conferences attended by

over 75 prosecutors' offices.

    In FY 1996, APRI will continue its technical assistance by matching

prosecutors with community prosecution expertise with jurisdictions now

planning or implementing community prosecution strategies. To further

inform prosecutors on issues involving the planning, implementation,

and operation of a community prosecution program, APRI will convene a

series of regional planning workshops, an invitational symposium, and a

national conference. In addition, APRI will provide intensive technical

assistance and conduct studies of three demonstration sites, at least

one of which will implement a community prosecution program in a

jurisdiction where a community policing program already exists. APRI

will compare, contrast, and analyze each demonstration site and

disseminate a report on the results. APRI will assist in the National

Institute of Justice (NIJ) evaluation of BJA's Community Prosecution

demonstration projects.

Demonstration Projects

    BJA will provide limited funds to up to three prosecutors' offices

to implement the current strategies discussed in the APRI Community

Prosecution Implementation Manual and supporting documents. These

offices will be invited by BJA to submit an application for funding.

Preference will be given to offices capable of committing an equal

amount of resources to the project.

Community Probation

    A significant segment of the Community Prosecution and Community

Probation Program will be devoted to community probation. BJA will

choose up to three demonstration sites where APRI, or a consultant

working with APRI, will develop model community probation programs.

These models will build upon recent BJA



[[Page 21247]]



accomplishments in its Community Policing and Community-Focused Courts

programs and involve partnerships with the police, the judiciary,

probation officials, public defenders, and the community. Preference

will be given to applicants who commit local resources to the project.

Community-Focused Courts

    The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) in Williamsburg,

Virginia, will provide technical assistance to courts interested in

implementing recommendations from both the community-focused court's

agenda currently under development by NCSC and a consortium of court

and community organizations. This followup program will explore

innovative technologies, such as the Internet and videoconferencing, in

offering assistance; and it will provide onsite assistance as needed.

NCSC will develop an evaluation instrument for use by local

universities to evaluate the efforts of the community courts. The

program will complement ongoing BJA efforts in the community

prosecution area and support existing local and State partnership

programs.

Models of Court-Based Services to Children and Their Families

Grantee: National Center for State Courts; Williamsburg, VA



    As an outcome to the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) task force on

Childhood Victimization, BJA and the National Center for State Courts

(NCSC) will expand their current program ``Models of Court-Based

Services to Children and Their Families.'' Funded by BJA and the Office

of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the program's purposes

are to identify, document, evaluate, and further develop effective

court-based service delivery to children and their families. The major

goal is to improve collaboration among State trial, juvenile, and

family courts and public health, mental health, and social services.

NCSC will study and help two to three additional sites in the

identification and coordination of cases involving child abuse and

neglect and domestic violence. As part of the new effort, NCSC is

looking at current sites supported by private funding organizations

(i.e., the Kellogg Foundation, the Casey Foundation, and the Edna

McConnell Clark Foundation) to determine if the projects can be

augmented with a stronger court focus.

Assessment and Enhancement of Indigent Defense Services

Grantee: National Legal Aid and Defender Association; Washington, DC



    In FY 1994, BJA awarded the National Legal Aid and Defender

Association a grant to reestablish a national scope program to improve

the defense component of the criminal justice system by providing State

and local organizations that represent indigent defenders with quality

training and technical assistance services.

    This program expands on training events to enhance the quality of

indigent defense providers' representation of drug and violent crime

defendants both to obtain the best results for their clients and to

reduce recidivism. This program will also support the expansion of the

National Clearinghouse for Defense Services. The Clearinghouse is

designed to respond to inquiries from defenders, State officials, the

judiciary, and the general public about the delivery of defense

services and substantive criminal defense issues. The Clearinghouse

compiles, assesses, and disseminates information on proven programs and

on trends and innovative strategies employed by indigent defense

services throughout the country. A Clearinghouse Directory will be

available that includes a listing of the files maintained and a summary

of the services available through the Clearinghouse.

    Statewide training programs that focus on defense issues, the

development and use of diversion programs, and sentencing alternatives

to incarceration will be expanded. In addition to covering traditional

legal defense of a drug case, a training manual presents a distinctive

approach to the defense of drug cases by integrating and emphasizing

concrete strategies for treatment, intervention, and prevention; the

manual will integrate guidelines for effective representation. This

program will document the training practices used in drug and violent

crime cases.

Prosecutor's Pre-Charging Diversion Program

Grantee: Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Sixth Judicial District

Pulaski County; Little Rock, AK



    This program expands a citywide pilot project designed to reduce

the recidivism rate for youthful offenders. An alternative to formal

adjudication in juvenile court, this program serves as an opportunity

for youthful offenders to receive constructive restitution and interact

with community members. Youth violence is addressed through an

interagency partnership that suspends traditional barriers in the

community and creates a less threatening environment. By offering

programs, opportunities, and services to at-risk youth, this now

countywide strategy will document how neighborhood organizations and

community groups are working to halt the rising rate of juvenile crime.

Health Care Fraud Investigation and Prosecution Training and Technical

Assistance

Grantee: National Association of Attorneys General; Washington, DC



    The continuation of this project will enable the National

Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) to continue providing national

scope training and technical assistance services to State attorneys

general and to other State and local agencies involved in detecting,

investigating, and prosecuting intrastate health care fraud. NAAG will

work with the three BJA-funded demonstration sites to develop prototype

strategies for State attorneys general conducting health care fraud

prosecutions--including health care consumer fraud, Medicaid fraud, and

fraud against traditional insurance companies and health maintenance

organizations (HMO's).

    NAAG will continue working closely with State attorneys general and

district attorneys to provide cost-effective training programs for

prosecutors and investigators and to develop innovative prosecution

strategies. Special emphasis will be given to assisting the

demonstration site units in the Maryland, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Attorneys' General offices. In conjunction with an advisory group

comprised of Federal, State, and local prosecutors, the project will

identify demonstrably successful initiatives, and disseminate this

information via a bimonthly newsletter. The project also will develop

and publish a health care fraud practice manual for State prosecutors

and develop a clearinghouse of materials relating to the prevention,

detection, and prosecution of health care fraud.

DNA Legal Assistance Unit

Grantee: American Prosecutors Research Institute; Alexandria, VA



    Beginning in FY 1995 with substantial support from BJA, the

American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI) DNA Legal Assistance

Unit has been providing direct support to America's prosecutors in the

understanding and use of DNA typing technology to



[[Page 21248]]



investigate and prosecute serious cases such as capital murder,

homicide, sexual assault, and child abuse. APRI has accomplished this

task by providing technical assistance, publications, and training.

Technical assistance activities include formulation of a comprehensive

guide for direct and cross examination in DNA cases; development of a

curriculum for training DNA analysts and examiners on the proper

presentation of DNA evidence, emphasizing testimony and etiquette; and

publication on a semiannual basis of The Silent Witness, a newsletter

that bridges the gap between prosecutors and DNA laboratories.

Technical assistance activities will be provided on a limited basis and

will include responding to telephone requests, providing general and

specific case information packets, and updating the Unit's extensive

files of legal and scientific information.

Adjudication Focus Group

    In March 1996, BJA conducted an adjudication focus group whose

primary purpose was to identify and deliberate issues and problems

within the adjudicative process of State and local criminal justice

systems. This focus group did generate and discuss innovative programs

and new approaches related to improving the adjudicative process.

Criminal justice researchers and writers, Byrne Formula Grant Program

State administrators, representatives from State and local prosecutor

and public defender offices, justices and judges, parole and probation

officers, and the funding community all contributed to increasing the

quality and quantity of future BJA adjudication training, technical

assistance, and demonstration programs.

    Later this year, BJA expects to issue one or more Requests for

Proposal soliciting proposals from State and local adjudication

components and/or private nonprofit organizations to implement one or

more program ideas promulgated by this focus group.



Corrections



Correctional Options--National Dissemination

    The 1990 Amendments to the Crime Control Act provided BJA with the

statutory authority to establish a comprehensive assistance program to

develop ``correctional options'' at the State and local levels. In

exercising this authority, BJA awards demonstration grants, provides

technical assistance, and evaluates the results of intervention

projects for youthful offenders likely to become career criminals.

    BJA's correctional options projects assist offenders in pursuing a

lawful and productive transition to the community following release by

providing security, discipline, and comprehensive services, including

diagnosis, counseling, substance abuse treatment, education, job

training, and placement assistance while under correctional

supervision; and linkage to similar services in the community. These

projects also provide work opportunities to promote the development of

industrial and service skills.

    The expected results of the correctional options projects include

reduced criminal recidivism of offenders who receive alternative

punishments and, in the longer term, reduced costs in correctional

services and facilities.

    For the purposes of this program, the term ``correctional options''

includes community-based incarceration, weekend incarceration,

correctional boot camps, transitional programs, aftercare services, day

reporting, structured fines, electronic monitoring, intensive

probation, and other innovative sanctions designed to have maximum

impact on offenders capable of being managed in an environment other

than a traditional correctional facility.

    During a 4-year period, from FY 1992 through FY 1995, BJA awarded

more than $40 million in Correctional Options Discretionary Program

grants to public agencies and private nonprofit organizations. These

grants were awarded to support the planning, development,

implementation, and evaluation of demonstration projects to test a

broad range of alternatives to traditional modes of incarceration. All

BJA correctional options demonstration projects have four basic goals:

reduced incarceration costs, relief of prison and jail crowding,

reduced recidivism rates for youthful offenders, and advancement in

correctional practices.

    BJA has worked closely with State and local criminal justice

professionals in project planning, design, and operation; coordination

of technical assistance and evaluation services; monitoring of

operations and outcomes; and facilitation of project refinement and

improvements. A critical factor in measuring the outcomes of these

projects has been the degree to which demonstration sites have been

successful in selecting offenders who would have been incarcerated had

the correctional options projects not existed.

    Preliminary findings from the evaluation of these projects indicate

that offenders admitted to these programs pose considerable challenges

to treatment efforts because of their young age, lack of education,

poor job skills, low rates of employment, lack of social stability,

history of drug abuse, and extensive record of prior arrests and

convictions.

    However, these projects are successful in delivering badly needed

services to a high-risk offender population, offering far more services

and supervision than normally are provided for similarly situated

offenders who are in prison or who are assigned to probation or parole.

    States like Florida, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Vermont have

succeeded in reaching their goal of cost effectiveness by targeting

offenders who otherwise would have spent a considerable amount of time

in custody.

Model Correctional Options Projects

    The following projects have been selected as BJA correctional

options models and will serve as resource sites for a National

Correctional Options Dissemination, Training, and Technical Assistance

Program:



Washington State Reintegration of Youthful Offenders

Maricopa County (AZ) Youthful Offenders Project

Bradenton (FL) Correctional Treatment Facility Drug Punishment Program

Maryland Community Supervision and Transitional Services

New Hampshire Intensive Correctional Services

Vermont Restorative Justice Services

Connecticut Female Addictive Services--Fresh Start

California Youth Authority Project LEAD

Riverside County (CA) Twin Pines Academy

Focus Group: Linking Byrne Formula and Discretionary Grant Programs

    A recent analysis of the annual needs assessments conducted through

the Byrne Formula Grant Program indicated that the two areas of

greatest need at the State and local levels are alternatives to

incarceration and offender treatment services.

    In December 1995, BJA convened a focus group meeting with

representatives from a number of successful State and local

correctional options projects and from the State Administrative Agency

for the Byrne Formula Grant Program in these same jurisdictions. The

purpose was to obtain ideas and insights regarding the development of a

Correctional Options Dissemination Program for the FY 1996 Byrne

Discretionary Program Plan; as well as potential funding through the

Byrne Formula Grant Program and other



[[Page 21249]]



public and private funding sources to support State and local

correctional options.

    The FY 1996 National Technical Assistance and Dissemination

Initiative for Correctional Options will build on the input from the

planning meeting and will encourage States to support new correctional

options projects with Byrne formula grants and to use these Byrne

formula funds to leverage additional funding sources.



FY 1996 Awards



Technical Assistance, Dissemination, and Training To Promote

Correctional Options

Grantee: Criminal Justice Associates; Philadelphia, PA



    This continuation of the current award will support the technical

assistance needs of the ongoing correctional options projects: the 9

demonstration projects that were awarded on September 30, 1995; the 10

projects that BJA considers models; and the FY 1994 awards to

Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

    The continuation award will also support a national dissemination

and technical assistance initiative that builds upon the lessons

learned through the BJA Correctional Options Program regarding project

planning, development, implementation, and evaluation. The initiative

will support efforts to use Byrne Formula Grant Program funds and other

public and private funding sources to support the implementation of

Correctional Options projects at the State and local levels. The

grantee will work closely with the program evaluator and will assist in

the dissemination of information to key decisionmakers who can

influence the development and funding of correctional options at the

State and local levels. The award also will support the involvement of

a consortium of service providers.

Impact Evaluation of 10 Demonstration Sites

Grantee: The National Council on Crime and Delinquency; Washington, DC



    This is a 15-month continuation award focusing on outcome measures

and publications regarding the cost effectiveness of selected

correctional options projects, as compared with traditional

incarceration. The evaluation will be interactive with both the

demonstration sites and the technical assistance providers, it will

include feasibility assessment activities to determine the evaluability

of project design and, as appropriate, technical advice on project

adjustments to improve operations and outcomes.

    In addition to the dissemination of correctional options, BJA will

continue to expand its support for programs that demonstrate productive

work and employment preparedness services for prison and jail inmates,

offenders participating in community-based correctional options

programs, and ex-offenders.

Prison Industry Enhancement Technical Assistance

Grantee: Correctional Industries Association; Philadelphia, PA



    This continuation award will enable BJA to maintain the current

level of effort regarding Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) technical

assistance, training, and annual program audits. In addition, the award

will support the development of revised PIE regulations and guidelines,

extension of single PIE certification authority to encompass all State

prisons and local jails, two annual meetings, and the development of

marketing plans to promote expansion in the number of active PIE

projects.

Jail Work and Industries

Grantee: Community Resource Services; Gaithersburg, MD



    This continuation award will enable BJA to continue providing

technical assistance and program planning support to reduce inmate

idleness through the development of productive work opportunities in

local jails, including Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE)-certified

private sector employment.

Project Return

Grantee: Tulane University; New Orleans, LA



    With strong support from the New Orleans Business Council, Project

Return provides employment readiness training and support services to

ex-offenders. Drug and alcohol counseling, remedial education, life

skills training, vocational training, job placement services, and

family counseling are provided to 200 participants per year.

Opportunity To Succeed Program: Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

Grantee: Columbia University; New York, NY



    The Opportunity to Succeed (OPTS) program provides intensive

services for addicted ex-offenders who received drug treatment while

incarcerated and are returning on probation or parole to their

communities in Kansas City, St. Louis, Tampa, Oakland, and New York

City. The program goal is to sustain treatment gains and achieve a

positive reintegration into the community by providing substance abuse

treatment, case management, employment, and training, housing, family

intervention, health services, and mental health services. Services are

structured, coordinated, and monitored by case managers working for

community based organizations.



Evaluation, Systems Improvement, and Information Dissemination



The Denial of Federal Benefits Program

Contractor: Network Systems Integration; Washington, DC



    The Denial of Federal Benefits Program was established to implement

Section 5301 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Subpart G of Public

Law 100-690). This law offers an option to judges in both Federal and

State courts to deny Federal benefits to persons convicted of

trafficking in or possession of drugs. It also provides for the

mandatory denial of Federal benefits to individuals with three or more

convictions for trafficking offenses. In February 1993, additional

duties were assigned to the Denial of Federal Benefits Program in

connection with the implementation of the National Defense

Authorization Act of 1993. This law provides for a point of contact--

i.e., a clearinghouse--from which defense contractors may learn whether

an individual has been disqualified from defense contract participation

as a result of a procurement fraud conviction.

    The goals of the program are to provide a sentencing option for

Federal and State judges to deny a Federal benefit to a drug offender,

a mechanism to report such a denial of Federal benefits, and a method

to inform Federal agencies of individuals sentenced to a denial of

Federal benefits. The program objectives are to enhance the use of

denial of Federal benefits as a sanction in sentencing offenders

convicted of a drug offense and to enhance BJA's capabilities to more

accurately and efficiently collect offender data and improve processing

of this data from Federal and State sources.

    The Denial of Federal Benefits Program's current operations include

an information dissemination component, a systems management component,

and a program management and coordination component.

Testing of Nebraska's Victim Services Needs Assessment Instrument

Grantee: Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice;

Lincoln, NE



[[Page 21250]]



    The purpose of the Victim Services Needs Assessment instrument is

to assist the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal

Justice in assessing whether crime victim assistance funds are being

utilized in the best way possible to address the needs of crime

victims. The goals in testing the instrument are to assess the

effectiveness and efficiency of existing services and to identify and

formally document services not currently available but needed by

victims of crime in Nebraska.

    The instrument consists of three sections. Section 1, the Nebraska

Victimization Survey, is a statewide victimization instrument designed

to determine geographical service gaps and awareness of crime victim

services and evaluate attitudes toward crime and the criminal justice

system. The second section, the Inventory of Victim Assistance Programs

In Nebraska, is completed by victim assistance agencies and identifies

how the agency is funded, who represents its client base, what services

are provided, and what services are needed. Section 3, the Victim

Assistance Client Survey, is given to the crime victim and identifies

the types of services provided by the agency; the level of satisfaction

with services provided; the types of services the victim felt were

needed but were not provided; and if the victims used other agencies

for services.

    The instrument is service specific; it is designated to be used by

States and local agencies. Once the instrument is tested and finalized,

it will be made available to other States for their use. The Office of

Victims of Crime will oversee instrument refinement.

An Initiative To Develop Model Internet Applications for State and

Local Criminal Justice Agencies

Grantee: Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority; Chicago, IL



    This initiative is being developed by the Illinois Criminal Justice

Information Authority (ICJIA) and the University of Illinois at

Chicago. The purpose is to develop model Internet applications that

will allow State and local criminal justice agency users to access

information about programs and resources that are available to combat

crime and violence. The goals of the initiative are to develop model

Internet applications in the State and local criminal justice community

for the electronic sharing and publishing of criminal justice data and

information.

    The initiative involves information technology, data and

statistics, program development, and research and evaluation. ICJIA

enlisted BJA, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and the Bureau

of Justice Statistics (BJS) to review and collaborate on the proposal

and determine its utility to State and local criminal justice agencies.

To ensure that the ICJIA's work is responsive to the needs of State and

local agencies across the country, SEARCH Group, Inc., the National

Criminal Justice Association, Justice Research Statistics Association,

BJA, NIJ, and BJS all will consult on this initiative.

U.S. Department of Justice Response Center and BJA Clearinghouse

Contractor: Aspen Systems, Inc.



    The BJA Clearinghouse continues to serve as an information and

dissemination source for the criminal justice field. BJA also supports

the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Response Center, which provides

timely and accurate information on DOJ initiatives.

Report Publication and Dissemination

    This initiative enables BJA to produce and disseminate information

to the criminal justice field about state-of-the-art programs and

activities, and to improve the criminal justice system through

development of publications and other media materials.

State and Local Training and Technical Assistance Program

Contractor: Community Research Associates; Nashville, TN



    The purpose of the BJA State and Local Training and Technical

Assistance Program is to provide training and technical assistance to

States, units of local government, and recognized Native American

Indian Tribes in the development and implementation of comprehensive

systemwide strategies for preventing and combating drug-related and

violent crime, and in the improvement of the function of State and

local criminal justice systems. Although developed primarily to support

BJA's Formula Grant Program, training and technical assistance can also

be extended to BJA discretionary grantees and, in certain instances, to

other facets of the U.S. Department of Justice (e.g., in response to

requests from U.S. Attorneys).



Evaluation Program



    The goal of BJA's Evaluation component is to identify criminal

justice programs of proven effectiveness and to disseminate information

about these programs, so that other jurisdictions throughout the

country can replicate them. Results of BJA program evaluations guide

the formulation of policy and programs within Federal, State, and local

criminal justice agencies. BJA coordinates the development of

evaluation guidelines with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). In

addition, NIJ conducts comprehensive evaluations of selected programs

receiving discretionary and formula grant funds from BJA.

    Each applicant for State Byrne Formula Grant Program funds is

required to include in its project plan an evaluation component that

meets the BJA/NIJ evaluation guidelines. Each State is required to

provide BJA with an annual report that includes a summary of its grant

activities and an assessment of the impact of these programs on the

needs identified in its statewide drug and violent crime control

strategy. Applicants for Byrne Discretionary Grant Program funding are

required to include an evaluation component in their applications and

agree to conduct required evaluations according to procedures and terms

established by BJA.

SEARCH National Training and Technical Assistance Program

Grantee: SEARCH Group, Inc. (National Consortium for Justice

Information and Statistics); Sacramento, CA



    The SEARCH National Training and Technical Assistance Program,

created in 1986, offers assistance to criminal justice agencies across

the country in the development, improvement, acquisition, and/or

integration of their computer systems (e.g., records and case

management, computer-aided dispatch, and criminal history records

systems). SEARCH provides onsite, no-cost training and technical

assistance to justice agencies. It also offers services at the National

Criminal Justice Computer Laboratory and Training Center located in

Sacramento, California.

Public Safety Support Services: National Training and Technical

Assistance for Law Enforcement Line of Duty Deaths

Grantee: Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc.; Camdenton, MO



    The Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act (42 U.S.C. 3796 et seq.)

authorizes the Director of BJA to support national programs that assist

families of public safety officers killed in the line of duty. Since

1984, Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS) has implemented

programs to provide psychological support and practical guidance to law

enforcement agencies and families that have lost an officer in the line

of duty.

    BJA has identified the need to: update research on law enforcement

agencies' readiness to handle line-of-duty deaths; provide training and

technical



[[Page 21251]]



assistance to better prepare law enforcement agencies to intervene

effectively with families and coworkers of officers killed in the line

of duty; and increase dissemination of information about the services

and benefits available to the families of fallen officers and about the

resources available to assist agencies.

    BJA will survey law enforcement agencies regarding their written

policies and procedures on responding to line-of-duty deaths. In

addition, input and reaction will be sought from surviving family

members concerning the treatment accorded them by the deceased family

member's agency. The survey will provide some measure of the impact BJA

and other organizations have had over the past 11 years in improving

agency response to line-of-duty deaths.



National Institute of Justice Research Plan 1995-1996



    For substantive questions regarding specific Goals, please contact

the appropriate Program Manager. Names and telephone numbers of all

Program Managers are listed at the end of each Goal. For general NIJ

information, contact Carrie Smith, at (202) 616-3233.

    For information about the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement

Act of 1994 (Crime Law), contact the Department of Justice Response

Center, at (202) 307-1743 or (800) 421-6770.

    To inquire about NIJ receipt of applications, contact Louise

Loften, at (202) 307-2965.

    For document publication information, contact Mary Graham, at (202)

514-6207. For general information about NIJ programs and funding

opportunities, and application procedures; for requests for reprints,

literature, final reports, funded grants on related topics, etc.; for

names of researchers or practitioners working on related topics,

contact the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), at

(800) 851-3420.

    The NIJ 1995-96 Research Plan is also available electronically via

the National Criminal Justice Reference Service Bulletin Board System.

For Internet access information, e-mail lively@justice.usdoj.gov.

National Institute of Justice Staff

Jeremy Travis, Director

Office of the Director

Margaret Battle

Chriss Wetherington

Christy Visher

Planning and Management Division

Carol Petrie, Director

Sheila Parker-Darby

Denise Gadson

Carrie Smith

Office of Research and Evaluation

Sally T. Hillsman, Director

Louise Lofton

Evelyn Washington

Criminal Behavior

Edwin W. Zedlewski, Acting Director

Bernie Auchter

Laurie Bright

Thomas Feucht

Helen Girma

Voncile Gowdy

Ginger Kyle

Pamela Lattimore

Jordan Leiter

Angela Moore

Jack Riley

James Trudeau

Crime Control and Prevention

Winnie Reed, Acting Director

Julianna Banks

Stephanie Bourque

Steven Edwards

Stephen Holmes

Eric Jefferis

Robert Kaminski

Robert Langworthy

Nancy Lavigne

Richard Lewis

Phyllis McDonald

Lois Mock

Rosemary Murphy

Jeffrey Ross

Richard Titus

Office of Science and Technology

David G. Boyd, Director

Raymond L. Downs

Kevin Jackson

Richard M. Rau

Robert Tolle

Office of Communication and Research Utilization

Virginia Baldau, Acting Director

Tamara Ross

Reference and Dissemination Division

John Schwarz, Director

Mary Graham

Eugene Hebert

G. Martin Lively

Daniel Tompkins

Research Applications and Training Division

John Spevacek, Acting Director

Cheryl Crawford

Marilyn Moses

Carolyn Peake

Samuel McQuade

John Thomas



Table of Contents



From the Director

Contacts

National Institute of Justice Staff

Introduction

Goal I: Reduce Violent Crime

Goal II: Reduce Drug- and Alcohol-Related Crime

Goal III: Reduce the Consequences of Crime

Goal IV: Improve the Effectiveness of Crime Prevention Programs

Goal V: Improve Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice System

Goal VI: Develop New Technology for Law Enforcement and the Criminal

Justice System

Administrative Guidelines

Application Information

Recommendations to Grant Writers

NIJ Policy Regarding Unsolicited Proposals

Requirements for Award Recipients

Application Forms



Introduction



    The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research and

development agency of the U.S. Department of Justice. Created in 1968

by Congress pursuant to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act,

the Institute is authorized to:

    Sponsor research and development to improve and strengthen the

Nation's system of justice with a balanced program of basic and applied

research.

    Evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice and law enforcement

programs and identify those that merit application elsewhere.

    Support technological advances applicable to criminal justice.

    Test and demonstrate new and improved approaches to strengthen the

justice system.

    Disseminate information from research, development, demonstrations,

and evaluations.

    This Plan signals the new administrative direction that NIJ will

follow to achieve its research and evaluation goals. Conceptually, the

Plan is the basis of NIJ's pyramid of research. It will be supplemented

over the coming months by a series of solicitations on topics that

speak to current or persistent policy concerns that warrant research

investments. By their nature, those solicitations will represent a

somewhat more focused part of this pyramid. Intramural studies are at

the apex of the research pyramid. Questions with strong policy

orientation or immediate concern may best be addressed by NIJ staff who

can interact directly with the policymakers asking the questions.



[[Page 21252]]



    Readers of prior NIJ Plans will find that this Plan has been

substantially shortened. Much of the traditional background text has

been discarded; suggested research topics have been reduced from

paragraphs to phrases. This change in style, however, implies no change

in the kinds of research being sought. NIJ believes that this

abbreviated format is more consistent with the spirit and intent of the

Plan as a vehicle to encourage the field to submit original ideas on a

wide range of research issues.

    Focused solicitations will appear intermittently over the next

year. These will address more specific topics for which special funding

is available. Certain activities funded under the Violent Crime Control

and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (Crime Law) will be focal points--

specifically, community policing, violence against women, boot camps,

and drug courts--as will evaluations of selected Bureau of Justice

Assistance programs. NIJ will also initiate solicitations in

collaborative arrangements with other Federal agencies, as well as for

topics that NIJ believes merit special attention for the development of

knowledge. These solicitations will be announced through the Federal

Register and other NIJ communications channels including the Internet

(the Department of Justice and NCJRS Online) and special mailings.

Interested applicants should telephone the National Criminal Justice

Reference Service (NCJRS) at 800-851-3420 or e-mail

askncjrs@ncjrs.aspensys.com for pending releases and dates of

announcement.

    Partnerships are another new priority for the Institute. NIJ

believes that many of today's crime problems require solutions that

extend beyond criminal justice boundaries. The Institute has been

active in discussions with other Federal agencies and private

foundations and has established a variety of collaborative

relationships. Some of these will manifest themselves in the form of

special solicitations on specific topics or programs. Others will

simply encourage collaborative or interdisciplinary research and offer

the prospect of joint funding. Still others will result in the

development of shared research agendas. NIJ encourages researchers from

all disciplines to explore the opportunities for collaborative efforts

presented in this Plan and subsequent announcements, and to propose

arrangements that they are able to construct beyond those mentioned.

NIJ particularly encourages coordination of research applications with

submissions in other OJP agency Plans.

    An organizational change has also occurred. The factors that

distinguish ``research'' from ``evaluation'' are subtle and secondary

to the substance of the issues. Therefore, the Institute has merged

these functions into a single Office of Research and Evaluation that

will review submissions for both areas. The Plan invites proposals for

a range of funding amounts. It includes a category of small grants

(less than $50,000) across all goals and subjects. Readers should

consult the administrative sections of the Research Plan for additional

information on the differences in application requirements.



Six Strategic Long-Range Goals



    In FY 1993, the Institute set forth six long-range goals as the

focus of NIJ research, evaluation, and development in the coming years.

The creation of this long-range agenda was well received; a large

number of research and evaluation proposals were submitted, providing

an interdisciplinary framework for 1994.

    In this 1995-96 Research Plan, the Institute specifies the

research, evaluation, and technology projects that NIJ anticipates

supporting under each goal. The numeric order of the goals does not

indicate levels of priority for the Institute.

    Many of the special grant programs for individuals--such as the

Data Resources Program, various Fellowship programs, the NIJ Internship

Program--are now described in a separate publication, which will be

announced in the Federal Register.

    NIJ solicits research and evaluations to develop knowledge that

will further these long-range goals:

    I. Reduce violent crime.

    II. Reduce drug- and alcohol-related crime.

    III. Reduce the consequences of crime.

    IV. Improve the effectiveness of crime prevention programs.

    V. Improve law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

    VI. Develop new technology for law enforcement and the criminal

justice system.

    Studies that involve the use of randomized experimental designs are

encouraged, as are multiple strategies for data collection, and well-

controlled, quasi-experimental designs and equivalent comparison group

designs. Qualitative studies, including ethnographic data collection,

are also encouraged.



Research Collaborations



    NIJ encourages joint research and evaluation projects with other

Federal agencies and private foundations interested in crime and

criminal justice issues. Applicants may wish to consider whether their

proposed project might lend itself to joint funding with another agency

or foundation. Applicants interested in exploring possible partnerships

should contact the potential partner agency directly, or the relevant

NIJ program manager, to discuss specific topics for possible

collaborative projects. NIJ has entered into memorandums of agreement

or is in other ways collaborating with the Departments of Defense,

Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban

Development, and Treasury. Agencies and foundations that have indicated

a desire to collaborate with NIJ on projects of mutual interest, or are

currently involved in joint research efforts with NIJ, include:



Agencies



Advanced Research Projects Agency (DOD)

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

Bureau of Justice Assistance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Center for Mental Health Services

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

Corrections Program Office (OJP)

Drug Courts Program Office (OJP)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

National Institute of Mental Health

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

National Institute of Corrections

National Institute on Drug Abuse

National Science Foundation

Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (DOJ)

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Office of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (HUD)

Office of National Drug Control Policy

Office for Victims of Crime

State Justice Institute

Violence Against Women Program Office (OJP)



Foundations



The Annie E. Casey Foundation

The Carnegie Corporation of New York

The Ford Foundation

The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation

The J.C. Kellogg Foundation

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

The Pew Charitable Trusts

The Prudential Foundation

The Ronald McDonald Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation



    The Institute cannot guarantee that joint funding for research and



[[Page 21253]]



evaluation projects will be forthcoming from these sources. Applicants

should consider whether their proposals are in accord with the goals of

these agencies and private foundations.

    Specific information about applying for Institute grants is

contained in the section ``Administrative Guidelines.''



Goal I: Reduce Violent Crime



Purpose



    The purpose of this solicitation is to encourage research and

evaluation projects spanning six broad areas: family violence, violence

against women, homicide, firearms and violence, gangs, and juvenile

violence. Through this solicitation the National Institute of Justice

(NIJ) expects to support research that will improve the criminal

justice knowledge base on crimes and criminal behavior that

increasingly concern the public.



Background



    Violent crime is a leading concern among the American public today.

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), in 1992

there were 6.6 million violent victimizations in the United States--

including 141,000 rapes, 1.2 million robberies, and 5.3 million

assaults. The violent crime rate is steadily increasing, especially

among juveniles, and in 1992 was the highest ever recorded for blacks;

homicide is now the leading cause of death for young black males.

    Handguns are a major factor in the increasing violence, especially

in the commission of homicide. Of the 23,760 murders reported to the

FBI in 1992, handguns were used in 55 percent. One of the most critical

issues in any consideration of ways to reduce violence and its

consequences is the role firearms play in contributing to violent

crime, serious injury, and death. The NCVS estimates the rate of

nonfatal handgun victimizations in 1992 at 4.5 crimes per 1,000 persons

aged 12 or older--the highest such figure on record. Findings from an

NIJ and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

study of incarcerated juveniles and inner-city high school students

showed that 83 percent of inmates and 22 percent of students had

possessed guns, with 55 percent and 12 percent respectively having

carried guns all or most of the time.

    Between 1988 and 1992, arrests of juveniles for violent crimes

increased by 47 percent--more than double the increase for persons 18

years of age or older. Over the same period, juvenile arrests for

homicide increased by 51 percent and statistics on weapons law

violations indicate that juvenile use of guns has increased

dramatically.

    Spousal abuse commonly comes to mind when violence against women is

discussed, but violence against women is much broader. According to the

NCVS, more than 2.5 million women experience violence each year; nearly

two in three female victims of violence were related to or knew their

attacker; about a third were injured as a result of the crime; nearly

half the victims of rape believed the offender to have been under the

influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the attack. The issue has

emerged as a topic of national interest and led to the inclusion of the

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the 1994 Crime Law.

    The Crime Law contains many other provisions directed toward the

prevention, control, and reduction of violent crimes--enhancements for

law enforcement, correctional facilities, and drug treatment options;

restrictions on firearms; provisions to deal with juvenile crime and

gangs; and increases in the programs and research about family violence

as well as violence against women.

    Through this general solicitation NIJ encourages studies that will

address these areas of broad general concern and that examine the

specific priorities identified in the 1994 Crime Law, particularly with

regard to violence among juveniles and the illegal possession and use

of firearms. The Institute is especially interested in filling critical

gaps in current knowledge and identifying and evaluating existing

programs of crime prevention and control.



Research Areas of Interest



    Listed below are examples of research areas that could advance

criminal justice knowledge and practice under Goal I of the NIJ

Research Plan. Individuals are encouraged to suggest their own topics

of interest. Research is encouraged in, but not limited to, the

following areas:

    Studies of Offenders and Offenses. Criminal careers of offenders

who engage in violent crime, including risk and protective factors, and



offenses and offenders, including robbery, sexual assault, child sexual

assault, stalking, and homicide. Offender perceptions of criminal

justice response to violent offenders. Juvenile violence, including

escalation patterns, racial conflicts, and influence of peers and

gangs. Family violence involving intimate partners, spouses, children,

and elders.

    Violent Situations. Role of gangs and group offending in criminal

violence. Studies of patterns in violent events, including triggering

events, situational elements, and predisposing influences. Protective

factors in neighborhoods and communities at high risk of violence.

Violence in specific situations and locations including schools,

families, recreational settings, and the workplace.

    Firearms Violence. Adult and juvenile patterns of gun availability,

sources of guns, and use in violent crime. Role of illegal markets in

weapons on patterns of firearms violence, especially among juveniles.

Impact of firearms laws on gun crimes, substitution of other weapons,

and offense patterns. Feasibility studies of innovative firearms

regulations.

    Responses to Violent Offenders. Differentiating system responses to

violence from responses to other crimes. Violence prevention.

Evaluation of innovative programs and practices. Evidentiary concerns,

including uncooperative witnesses. Management of violent offenders on

probation and parole including risk assessment, treatment programs, and

community supervision.

    Family Violence. Improving the criminal justice (police,

prosecution, courts) response to family violence. Interdisciplinary

research on the origins of spouse assault. Child homicide and fatality

review teams. Links between partner abuse and child abuse. Evaluation

of innovative programs and practices for responding to elder abuse.

Effectiveness of stalking legislation. In addition to family violence

research, NIJ also will issue a special solicitation in 1996 requesting

evaluations and research of selected topics covered under the Violence

Against Women Act.



Contact



    Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers to

discuss topic viability, data availability, or proposal content before

submitting proposals. To obtain specific information on the programs

described under this goal, potential applicants may contact:

    Bernard Auchter, (202) 307-0154, for family violence and violence

against women. Lois Mock, (202) 307-0693, for firearms violence.

Winifred Reed, (202) 307-2952, for gangs. James Trudeau, (202) 307-

1355, for studies of offenders and offenses, violent situations, and

responses to violent offenders.



Goal II: Reduce Drug- and Alcohol-Related Crime



Purpose



    The purpose of this solicitation is to encourage research and

evaluation



[[Page 21254]]



projects that will improve the criminal justice knowledge base about

crimes and criminal behavior involving the use of drugs and alcohol.

Through this solicitation NIJ seeks to clarify further the relationship

between substance abuse and crime and to reduce drug- and alcohol-

related crime.



Background



    Substance abuse and drug-related crimes continue to affect the

lives of countless Americans residing in both urban and rural

neighborhoods across the Nation. NIJ's Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) data

show an increase in marijuana use and relatively stable but high levels

of major addictive substance use among booked arrestees in the 23 urban

areas monitored by DUF. Recent data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network

(DAWN) indicate that the use of heroin and cocaine is on the rise.

Efforts to prevent and reduce drug-related crime, and thereby improve

the quality of life in these areas, continue to occupy the criminal

justice community.

    Alcohol is used by both offenders and victims in a significant

proportion of violent events, with documented connections between both

situational and chronic drinking and aggressive or violent behavior.

The National Academy of Sciences Panel on the Understanding and Control

of Violent Behavior has called for more research into the role of

alcohol in promoting violent events, particularly since little is known

about how alcohol and violence may reinforce one another or how the

alcohol-violence relationship may vary depending on type of violence.

    The criminal justice system is the largest single source of

external pressure influencing abusers who otherwise would not enter

substance abuse treatment programs. Half or more of the admissions to

community-based residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment

programs are offenders on probation or parole. Criminal justice

referral to treatment relieves courts and prisons of overcrowding and

reduces the high cost of continued incarceration, while providing an

added degree of supervision beyond what probation or parole offices may

be able to afford. When successful, treatment further reduces criminal

justice costs by breaking the pattern of recidivism that brings typical

substance abusers back into the criminal justice system again and

again.

    Research on criminal justice-involved populations suggests that

substance abuse treatment can be effective in reducing substance abuse

and criminal activity while the client is in treatment and for some

time thereafter. As substance abuse programs are implemented, it is

important to provide critical feedback on how they are working and for

whom they are most effective. It is also important to determine how

best to provide treatment--through public criminal justice agencies or

through private treatment agencies under contract.

    Substance abuse prevention programs continue to proliferate in

response to public concerns. Comprehensive substance abuse programs for

youths can promote anti-drug social norms and thereby reduce or prevent

the use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. NIJ

seeks to evaluate comprehensive community-based substance abuse

programs that develop partnerships among criminal justice and schools,

health centers, families, peers, and media. NIJ's Drug Use Forecasting

(DUF) program gathers offense and drug use information from samples of

adult and juvenile arrestees at 23 sites nationwide, providing access

to a national sample of arrestees within hours of arrest. Along with a

brief, voluntary interview, urine specimens are obtained to test for

evidence of recent use of drugs. For 7 years, data from NIJ's DUF

program have traced the trends in drug use among persons arrested for a

wide range of offenses. In 1995, NIJ began soliciting proposals that

capitalized and expanded upon the research potential provided through

the DUF program's quarterly collection of interviews and urine

specimens from samples of adult and juvenile arrestees brought to jails

in 23 cities nationwide.

    Researchers are encouraged to develop proposals that present

innovative ways of utilizing the DUF program as a research ``platform''

for pursuing a wide range of hypotheses related to drug use and

criminal activity. For instance, in collaboration with existing DUF

sites, the basic data collection protocol could be supplemented with

additional interview assessments or bio-assays. NIJ is also interested

in proposals that examine specific research questions by applying the

DUF protocol to targeted samples of arrestees such as those in suburban

or rural jails, or those arrested for specific offenses.



Research Areas of Interest



    Listed below are examples of research areas that could advance

criminal justice knowledge and practices under Goal II of the NIJ

Research Plan. Individuals are encouraged to suggest their own topics

of interest. Research is encouraged in, but not limited to, the

following areas:

    Substance Abuse and Criminal Behavior. Relationships between drugs,

alcohol, and violence, including the individual and environmental

circumstances. Relationship between substance abuse and related

criminal behavior of all types, including family violence.

Understanding substance abuse careers and how they track with criminal

careers over time. Inventory of the validity, scope, and gaps in

current substance abuse data sets.

    Substance Abusing Offenders and the Criminal Justice System. Impact

of pretrial services, adjudication, sentencing, and corrections

(including community corrections) programs. Effect of strategies

implemented in one segment of the system on the rest of the system.

Offender attitudes, perceptions, and experiences as they move through

particular components/programs. Effective use of a series of graduated

sanctions for noncompliance behaviors.

    Substance Abuse Prevention. Cost benefit analyses. Impact of

criminal justice-based strategies on later substance abuse and other

related criminal behavior. Development and identification of demand-

reduction strategies and programs for high-risk populations.

    Treatment and Aftercare Evaluations. Assessment of treatment drop-

outs. Determination of the optimal mix of various treatment and after-

care components for various criminal justice populations.

    Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) Research Platform Initiatives. Expansion

of adult and juvenile research protocols to address additional research

questions such as drug market analysis, drug treatment history of

arrestees, the onset of drug use among arrestees, the relationship

between drug acquisition and other criminal activities, and the role of

alcohol and drug consumption in the commission of crimes.

    Drug Enforcement. Research on the effectiveness of interdiction

efforts and control strategies such as increased penalties for drug

trafficking in prisons and drug dealing in drug-free school zones.



Contact



    Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers to

discuss topic viability, data availability, or proposal content before

submitting proposals. To obtain specific information on the programs

described under this goal, potential applicants may contact: Laurie

Bright, (202) 616-3624, for substance abuse research and evaluations

related to the criminal justice system. Thomas E. Feucht, (202) 307-

2949, for substance abuse research related to DUF research



[[Page 21255]]



platform initiatives. James Trudeau, (202) 307-1355, for substance

abuse research related to criminal behavior.



Goal III: Reduce The Consequences of Crime



Purpose



    The purpose of this solicitation is to encourage research and

evaluation projects that explore the causes of victimizations, their

consequences in injury, fear, property damage, and other forms of cost;

and the institutional responses of criminal justice agencies to

victims. In addition to individual victims, the Institute is interested

in the ways that households, organizations, and communities become

victims, and how victimizations harm and otherwise alter daily

functioning. NIJ is also interested in how victim service institutions

can best serve victims to reduce the harm done. The goals of the

research solicited are to understand how natural circumstances can lead

to victimizations, as well as the nature and extent of harm caused by

crime, and to use these findings to reduce both victimization risk and

severity.



Background



    The extent of criminal victimization within the United States is

disturbing: In 1992, approximately 1 in every 4 households was

victimized by 1 or more crimes, and 1 in 20 had at least one member age

12 or older who was the victim of a violent crime. Violent crime

victimization rates, after declining through most of the 1980's, have

again begun to increase, most notably among blacks and persons ages 12-

24.

    National public opinion surveys consistently indicate that crime

has displaced other issues as the Nation's most serious concern. In a

1994 New York Times/CBS News nationwide telephone poll, 23 percent of

respondents listed crime as ``the most important problem facing this

country today,'' and 40 percent said they live within a mile of an area

where they would be afraid to walk alone at night. The harm of

victimization includes injury, dollar loss, and a pervasive sense of

insecurity that disrupts and truncates the victim's daily activities

and satisfactions. This harm also touches those close to or acquainted

with the victim. The victim's needs are imperfectly understood by

researchers and practitioners and are inadequately responded to by

available programs of assistance. The victim's dealings with the

criminal justice system often compound the damage rather than serving

to restore the victim and create a sense of justice.

    We are limited in our understanding of the antecedents and causes

of victimization. ``Routine activities'' research--that includes the

victim along with the offender, environment, and ``guardians'' has the

potential to improve the validity and effectiveness of crime prevention

programs. Such research might examine specific types of victims,

specific activity domains, or specific locations. A special emphasis

might be topics suggested by the Violence Against Women Act, which is

discussed in Goal I.

    The effects of crime reach far beyond their impact on individuals

and households, extending into businesses, public housing areas,

neighborhoods, and ultimately into entire communities. Within the

community, violent crime, gangs and the threat they pose, vandalism,

drugs, and disorder may cause businesses to close or relocate, reduce

employment and shopping opportunities, and decrease property values.

Where this grim process is not interrupted, urban neighborhoods and

communities decay, investments dwindle or disappear, and law-abiding

residents and their organizations move out.

    Crimes against business range from the armed robbery of a

neighborhood grocery to the electronic swindle of an international

corporation and include such offenses as the theft of cash or property

(by customers, employees, and suppliers), burglary, vandalism, billing

scams, embezzlement, extortion, computer hacking, hijacking of

shipments, kidnaping, arson, and theft of intellectual property. The

cost of crime to business is, of course, ultimately borne by consumers,

employees, and residents of areas that experience a decline because of

crime's effect on local business.

    Through this general solicitation NIJ encourages studies that will

address these critical areas of citizen concern. The Institute is

particularly interested in research that advances our knowledge of the

extent and consequences of criminal victimization in the following

areas: assessing the harm caused by victimization, improving the

delivery of services to victims and their treatment by the criminal

justice system, increasing our understanding of the causes and means of

prevention of victimization, improving data about the victimization of

businesses, and the effects of crime and victimization on the delivery

of services in affected areas.



Research Areas of Interest



    Listed below are examples of research topics that will advance

criminal justice knowledge of the extent, causes, and consequences of

criminal victimization under Goal III of the NIJ Research Plan.

Individuals are encouraged to suggest their own topics of interest.

Research is encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:

    Assessing Victim Needs. Diagnostic instruments for use by victim

services providers that would assist staff intake assessment of victim

harm and required services. Victim-based evaluations of services.

    Program Evaluations. Evaluations of victim services programs in

such areas as restorative justice, use of computers by victim services,

incorporation of victim services in community policing, programs

tailored to victims with special needs, including child victims, and

local program compliance with victim services mandated by State

legislation.

    Criminal Justice System Response to Victims. How treatment of

victims and witnesses by the criminal justice system affects the

public's willingness to cooperate with the system at all stages of its

processes.

    Victimization Patterns. How routine activities, behavior,

perceptions, and knowledge interact with situational variables and

offender behavior to increase or lower the risk of victimization.

Knowledge that can contribute to reducing the level of victimization.

    Impact of Crime on Business. The quality of data on the costs of

victimization of business, its customers, suppliers, and employees, and

the community. Priorities for new data collection and the utility of

the data for combating crimes against business.

    Impact of Crime on Service Delivery. Effects of fear of crime and

victimization on the ability of communities, public agencies, and

nonprofit organizations to provide services and meet the needs of

residents of affected neighborhoods.



Contact



    Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers to

discuss topic viability, data availability, or proposal content before

submitting proposals. To obtain specific information on the programs

described under this goal, potential applicants may contact Richard

Titus, at (202) 307-0695.



Goal IV: Improve the Effectiveness of Crime Prevention Programs



Purpose



    The purpose of this solicitation is to encourage research and

evaluation projects that will increase the safety of individuals within

families, and in schools, businesses, workplaces, and



[[Page 21256]]



community environments; that will advance the knowledge of criminal

justice practitioners and help prevent crime and criminal behavior, and

develop and improve crime prevention programs. NIJ seeks research and

evaluations aimed at preventing involvement in crime, and individual,

community, and workplace efforts to improve safety and security.



Background



    Crime prevention takes many forms. NIJ research in crime prevention

continues to focus on potential offenders, potential victims, and

particular locations and emphasizes both individual and community

responses to crimes that occur in various settings. There is a need to

examine how certain characteristics of neighborhoods, households,

schools, businesses, public housing developments, parks and other

public areas promote or constrain criminal activity. It is equally

important to study populations that may be especially vulnerable, or

invulnerable, to crime in those locations. It is also important to

examine crime prevention programs and strategies in the context of the

communities and jurisdictions in which they are found.

    Crime prevention can and should focus on deterring potential

offenders by formulating strategies directed at high-risk groups that

are likely to become involved with the criminal justice system. NIJ

research emphasizes prevention strategies that may influence the

attitudes and behaviors of persons living in high-risk environments by

addressing their needs in a comprehensive manner and by promoting

positive and constructive forms of behavior. This approach to crime

prevention requires the coordination of mutually reinforcing efforts

that involve the family, school, and community as crime prevention

agents. Research has shown that efforts to assist youths at risk are

more likely to be effective when they start early and provide forms of

intervention based on an understanding of the developmental processes

that influence the attitudes and behavior of youths over time.

    Crime prevention programs can also focus on potential victims of

crime and ways to prevent their victimization. A major issue in

prevention research is how to influence the behavior of individuals,

households, organizations, and community groups. Lessons learned in

studies of citizen patrols, changes in physical design, the

relationship between fear and physical signs of disorder, and the

redeployment of police officers, have all been incorporated in national

crime prevention campaigns and in the development of programs and

strategies designed to reduce crime victimization. Citizens and

community groups can accept and respond to the challenge of shared

responsibility for community security. Diverse crime prevention efforts

undertaken include means of preventing victimization as well as ways of

addressing the personal and social needs of victims resulting from

crime and drug abuse. In addition, citizen and community anti-crime

efforts are more likely to be effective when they are part of a

comprehensive approach to neighborhood problem solving that involves

citizens in a partnership with police and other municipal agencies.

    We have learned that crime can be reduced through the proper design

and effective use of environmental crime prevention methods in

commercial sites, public and private housing, recreational areas, and

transportation systems. Research has underscored the importance of

incorporating environmental strategies as key components of community

crime prevention programs.

    One possible way to protect people from crime is to develop a more

thorough understanding of such factors about offenders as how they

select their victims and targets; their modus operandi during the

commission of an offense, including any involvement with co-offenders;

their methods of disposing of noncash proceeds from crime; their

perceptions of the opportunity structure of different locations,

environments, and situations; and their perceptions of the criminal

justice system's effectiveness in apprehending and prosecuting them.



Research Areas of Interest



    Listed below are examples of research areas that could advance

crime prevention knowledge and practice under Goal IV of the NIJ

Research Plan. Individuals are encouraged to suggest their own topics

of interest. Research is encouraged in, but not limited to, the

following areas:

    Crime Prevention Programs for High-Risk Youths. (In coordination

with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention).

Development of methods that foster positive and constructive forms of

behavior. Focus on resilient youth and families. Interaction between

community, family and individual factors in promoting positive

behavior.

    Developing Community-Based Crime Prevention Partnerships.

Identification of factors that enhance or diminish partnerships.

Development and testing of strategies to revitalize and reclaim high-

crime areas. Ways to organize community resources in an integrated

manner. How to develop useful problem-solving strategies.

    Location-Specific Crime Prevention Programs. Schools and routes to

and from school. Public housing. Commercial settings. Parks and

recreation facilities. Parking lots. Use of traffic barriers for crime

and drug prevention. Understanding the actions and responses of

potential victims and offenders in these and other settings. (See Goal

III: ``Routine Activities and Victimization'' for a description of

victim-related research using the routine activities approach). Focus

on environmental and design features. Focus on a comprehensive

approach.

    Crimes and Offender Behavior. Offender daily activity patterns.

Offense selection and planning. Target and victim selection. Modus

operandi during the commission of an offense including co-offending.

Disposition of noncash proceeds from crime. Offender perception of

criminal justice system effectiveness. Disruption of stolen property

markets.

    Crime By and Related to Illegal Aliens. Recruitment,

transportation, and smuggling of illegal aliens into the United States.

Provision of false documentation to illegals. Employers' role in

committing crimes related to hiring illegals and fostering crime among

illegal aliens.



Contact



    Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers to

discuss topic viability, data availability, or proposal content before

submitting proposals. For specific information on the programs

described under this goal, potential applicants may contact:

    Rosemary Murphy, (202) 307-2959, for school-based prevention

programs, crime prevention in public housing, crime prevention

partnerships and prevention for high-risk youths.

    Richard Titus, (202) 307-0695 for location specific prevention

(except schools and public housing), crimes and offender behavior, and

crime by and related to illegal aliens.



Goal V: Improve Law Enforcement and the Criminal Justice System



Purpose



    The purpose of this solicitation is to encourage efforts in

research and evaluation that will advance criminal justice knowledge in

the areas of policing, prosecution, defense, adjudication, and

corrections. The primary focus of research and



[[Page 21257]]



evaluation under this goal is improvement of the efficiency,

effectiveness, and fairness of the system. Certain types of cases,

however, take priority. These involve violent juvenile and adult

offenders, drug and alcohol abusers, and family violence offenders.

Also of interest are the consequences of decisions and practices in one

part of the system on other criminal justice agencies and on related

social service agencies. Through this solicitation, NIJ also seeks a

greater understanding of the relationship among the offender, victim,

and the criminal justice system. All issues surrounding the case are of

interest, but projects that focus on an issue from the perspective of

the various participants--prosecutor, defender, judge, legislator--are

encouraged.



Background



    Each part of the criminal justice system faces new challenges.

Juvenile arrests for violent crimes increased by 47 percent between

1988 and 1992; juvenile arrests for homicide increased by 51 percent

during the same period. FBI data indicate that juvenile use of guns has

risen dramatically. Prosecutors nationwide note that youthful offenders

are being brought to their offices in increasing numbers.

    The Nation's prison and jail population reached 1 million in the

past year, with more than 5 million persons under some form of

correctional supervision. Data from jails and prisons show a high

incidence of substance abuse disorders among inmates. Approximately 70

percent of jail detainees have a history of substance abuse; 56 percent

were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of arrest.

    A significant proportion of inmates with drug abuse problems have a

high prevalence of other disorders. About 75 percent of inmates with

mental disorders, for example, are also substance abusers. Other

inmates abuse both drugs and alcohol. Few programs exist for such

inmates who have special needs. In most State prison systems, for

example, inmates may receive services from either mental health or

substance abuse programs but not from programs designed to treat those

with both conditions.

    The 1994 Crime Law encourages innovations to improve criminal

justice effectiveness in many of these areas, including community

policing; prison construction and construction of alternative

facilities such as boot camps for nonviolent offenders; and drug courts

that combine court-supervised abstinence with outpatient treatment and

sanctions for those who fail to comply. NIJ expects to issue separate

solicitations for research in these areas in 1996.

    White-collar and organized crime pose a serious threat to the

stable and orderly functioning of society. These complex and

sophisticated crimes threaten our economic stability, corrupt

legitimate institutions, and undermine the public respect for

government and law.

    Research is also needed on the consequences of the decisionmaking

process within the criminal justice system. Much criminal justice

research has been specific to a single criminal justice agency, such as

the decisions of police in using deadly force, charging decisions and

plea bargaining practices of prosecutors and use by judges of

intermediate sanctions. However, such studies rarely focus on the

relationship among police, defense attorneys, public prosecutors, and

judges in plea or sentence bargaining.

    Moreover, much research on criminal justice evaluates effectiveness

in terms of standards internal to a particular agency rather than the

consequences that decisions and practices in one part of the system

have for other components in the system or on system processes. There

are studies of jail and prison overcrowding and of early release as a

result of judicially mandated standards for maintaining correctional

facilities, but little is known about their consequences for the

criminal careers of offenders who have been released early. Likewise,

there is little research on the effect of sentence length or a given

type of sentence for any given offense.

    Relatively little is known about how different kinds of crime are

detected and selected by social service and other agents and the

processes by which they are referred to law enforcement. NIJ seeks

research addressing these broader issues.



Research Areas of Interest



    Listed below are examples of research topics that could advance

criminal justice knowledge under Goal V of the NIJ Research Plan.

Individuals are encouraged to suggest their own topics of interest.

Research is encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:



Law Enforcement



    Note: NIJ is accepting applications for policing research during

the June and December, 1996 review cycles. The Institute expects to

issue a special policing solicitation in FY 1996. Law enforcement

research and evaluation proposals received for the June review will

be considered together with proposals submitted to the special

policing solicitation.



Prosecution, Defense, and Adjudication



    Issues at the Pretrial Stage. Effective release and detention

decisions, charging decisions, and diversion decisions. Effective

responses to witness intimidation. Impact of variations in discovery

policy.

    New Approaches. Specialized courts, e.g. domestic violence,

firearms offenses. Community courts. Restorative justice. Community-

based prosecution and defense services.

    Drug Courts. Note: NIJ is not receiving applications for research

on drug courts under the June and December 1995 deadlines. Instead,

researchers should await the special solicitation to be issued in 1995,

as noted above.

    Juvenile Justice. (In coordination with the Office of Juvenile

Justice and Delinquency Prevention.) Juvenile case processing,

emphasizing waiver to adult courts. Diversion to noncriminal justice

programs. Postarrest preconviction programs for chronic, serious

juvenile offenders.



Community and Institutional Corrections



    Sanctions and Punishments. Operating community-based sanctions as a

system. Prosecutors' role in intermediate sanctions. Innovative

programs in domestic violence, child abuse, firearms.

    Meeting Offender Needs. Offenders with mental health and drug

addiction conditions. Creating parity in services for incarcerated

women. Coordinating transitional care and community reintegration.

    Preserving Safety. Planning and managing ``super'' maximum security

prisons. Managing juvenile offenders in adult facilities. Correctional

officer health and safety risks.

    Managing Change. Understanding the impacts of prison expansion.

Correctional management of changing inmate populations. Inmate and

correctional officers' safety. Managing offenders in the community.



Systemwide Issues



    Consequences of Decisions on System Responses. The impact that

reforms or major resources changes in one part of the system may have

on another. Perceived fairness of the criminal justice system,

particularly in minority communities, and appropriate responses by

criminal justice professionals.

    Sentencing. Costs and benefits of various State sentencing reforms.

Impact of sentencing policy changes on prosecution, defense, and the

courts, e.g. ``truth in sentencing'' and ``three strikes'' legislation,

abolition of parole,



[[Page 21258]]



mandatory minimums, enhanced sentencing schemes for juvenile offenders.

    Illegal Aliens. U.S. policy toward arrested illegal aliens. Impact

on local criminal justice system. Links with immigration. Management of

foreign language populations in correctional settings.

    White-Collar and Organized Crime. For White-Collar Crime, research

on the prevention and control of health care fraud, insider insurance

fraud, and environmental crime, including regulatory issues, detention,

investigation, and prosecution. For Organized Crime, research on the

criminal justice response to international organized crime networks and

enterprise, and organized crime corruption of legitimate industries and

markets.



Contact



    Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers to

discuss topic viability, data availability, or proposal content before

submitting proposals. To obtain specific information on the programs

described under this goal, potential applicants may contact:

    Lois Mock, (202) 307-0693, and Winifred Reed, (202) 307-2952, for

policing.

    Jordan Leiter, (202) 616-9487, for prosecution and adjudication.

    Voncile Gowdy, (202) 307-2951, for corrections and sanctions.

    Jack Riley, (202) 616-9030, for illegal aliens and the criminal

justice system.

    Lois Mock, (202) 307-0693, for white-collar and organized crime.



Goal VI: Develop New Technology for Law Enforcement and the Criminal

Justice System



Purpose



    The purpose of this solicitation is to encourage technological

development projects that will improve the operational efficiency of

the criminal justice system. Through this solicitation NIJ expects to

support research that will enhance the safety and effectiveness of law

enforcement and correctional officers and other officers of the court.



Background



    Science and technology programs cut across the entire range of

criminal justice issues and goals at NIJ; programs already in progress

or in the early stages of planning and development promise to provide

significant benefits in the 21st century. The Institute's science and

technology mission is accomplished through three major program areas:

the collection and dissemination of technical information, the

development of standards and operation of an equipment testing program,

and a research and development grants program.

    To strengthen the collection and dissemination of technology

information, NIJ is developing the capabilities of the National Law

Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) (the former

Technology Assessment Program Information Center) and establishing

regional law enforcement technology centers. The purpose of these

centers is to provide criminal justice professionals with information

on available technology, guidelines and standards for these

technologies, and technical assistance in implementing them. These

centers will be linked through a Technology Information Network (TIN)

to provide Federal, State and local agencies with objective, reliable,

and timely information on technologies and equipment, such as who are

the producers and users; where high-cost, seldom-used equipment can be

borrowed for temporary or emergency situations; what the current

equipment standards are; tests and evaluations; and what safety,

health, or procedure bulletins have been issued. The TIN will also link

the centers with the current Regional Information Sharing Service

(RISS) that will then create an overall law enforcement technology

exchange network. NIJ has also established an Office of Law Enforcement

Technology Commercialization (OLETC) to help bring technology to the

market place for criminal justice procurement.

    One of the most significant developments of NIJ's criminal justice

technology and standards program was the development of soft body armor

for police officers and standards governing its manufacture and sale.

NIJ has also developed standards for vehicle tracking devices, security

systems for doors and windows, breath alcohol testing, autoloading

pistols, mobile antennas, and other equipment. The Institute is

currently completing the development of performance standards for two

DNA testing procedures: Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The standards program is funded by

NIJ through the Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES) at the

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

    NIJ's research and development efforts have also been significant

and broad in scope in other areas. In the area of forensic science, NIJ

has supported a wide range of research on fingerprints, blood and

semen, DNA, trace evidence, bite marks, and forged or altered

documents. Further research is needed, particularly in DNA testing,

weapons identification, fingerprinting, and trace evidence. Progress is

also being made to develop alternatives to lethal force. When

confronted with the need to use force, officers are limited to the use

of firearms, batons, physical ``hands-on'' restraint, or, more

recently, chemical agents such as pepper spray. To provide

alternatives, NIJ initiated a Less-Than-Lethal technology program to

develop innovative, nonlethal measures suitable for use in situations

involving fleeing suspects, domestic disturbances, barricades, issuing

search warrants, drug raids, prison or jail disturbances, etc.

    This announcement also supports research recommendations of the

Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Defense (DOD) under a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for interagency collaboration in

developing and sharing dual-use technologies for law enforcement

agencies and military operations other than war. Congress has

appropriated fiscal year 1995 funds for this program through the

Defense Authorization Bill. The day-to-day management of the program is

carried out at the DOD Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under

a Joint Program Steering Group (JPSG) with equal numbers of program

managers from the Defense and Justice Departments.

    In soliciting research and development topics, NIJ principally

focuses on technologies and studies that will support the needs of

State and local criminal justice agencies. The Institute's science and

technology research also addresses the legal and social issues related

to the employment of new technologies in order to ensure that they will

be acceptable to the agency and the community.



Research Areas of Interest



    Listed below are examples of research areas under Goal VI of the

NIJ Research Plan where new or improved technologies could enhance the

efficacy of the criminal justice system and reduce the level of

injuries and death during policing and correctional operations.

Individuals are encouraged to suggest their own topics of interest.

Projects should be directed toward the production of affordable and

practical equipment or systems that will have reasonably wide

application to Federal, State, and local agencies. Research is

encouraged in, but not limited to, the following areas:

    Forensic Sciences. Identification and development of evidence in

DNA/



[[Page 21259]]



serology, finger-prints, trace evidence, pathology, entomology,

odontology, toxicology, questioned documents, and weapons

identification.

    Less-Than-Lethal Technology. Reduction in the incidence of injuries

and death to officers and the public during confrontations, especially

those requiring the use of force, arrest of suspects, transport of

suspects or prisoners, pursuit of fleeing suspects on foot or in

vehicles, and control of violent individuals or crowds in the streets

or in prisons and jails. Enhancement of officer safety. Field

evaluations of new less-than-lethal technology.

    Science and Technology. Virtual reality technology for officer

training; command and control operations; providing improved courtroom

security; improving the efficiency of probation and parole operations;

identifying concealed weapons; monitoring the status, health, and

location of officers or prisoners; and detecting and disabling

explosives. Technology useful in the detection and apprehension of

persons engaged in computer crime.

    Drug Testing. Developing or adapting analytic techniques for

extracting drug-related material from hair and urine and other body

fluids. Comparative efficiencies and relative costs as well as the

utility of the testing techniques in various criminal justice settings.



Contact



    Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers to

discuss topic viability, data availability, or proposal content before

submitting proposals. To obtain specific information on the programs

described under this goal, potential applicants may contact:



Richard M. Rau, Ph.D., (202) 307-0648, for the Forensic Sciences

Program and the Drug Testing Program.

Raymond L. Downs, Ph.D., (202) 307-0646, for the Less-Than-Lethal

Program and the Science and Technology Program.

Kevin Jackson, (202) 307-2956, for the Standards Development and

Testing Program and the Law Enforcement Technology Centers.

DOD/DOJ Memorandum of Understanding.

Peter Nacci, (703) 351-8608, for information on the law enforcement

aspects of the DOJ/DOD MOU.

Dave Fields, Ph.D., (703) 696-2330, for information on the Military

Operations Other Than War aspects of the DOJ/DOD MOU.



General Law Enforcement Technology Information



    Marc Caplan, National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology

Center, (800) 248-2742, for information on specific law enforcement

technologies that are under development or in production, technologies

in use by law enforcement agencies, soft-body armor and other equipment

standards, equipment testing and results, and other such nongrant-

related questions.



Administrative Guidelines



    In this section applicants will find recommendations to grant

writers, requirements for grant recipients, general application

information, and a reiteration of the 1995-1996 grant application

deadlines.



Application Information



    Please see ``Requirements for Award Recipients'' below for general

application and eligibility requirements and selection criteria.

Proposals not conforming to these application procedures will not be

considered.

    Award Period. NIJ limits its grants and cooperative agreements to a

maximum period of 24 months.

    Due Date. Ten (10) copies of fully executed proposals should be

sent to: [Name and Number of Specific Goal], National Institute of

Justice, 633 Indiana Avenue N.W., Washington, DC 20531.

    Completed proposals must be received at the National Institute of

Justice by the close of business on June 17 and December 16, 1996.

Extensions of these deadlines will not be permitted.

    Contact. Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ Program Managers

in the appropriate goal areas to discuss topic viability, data

availability, or proposal content before submitting proposals.



Recommendations to Grant Writers



    Over the past 4 years, Institute staff have reviewed approximately

1,500 grant applications. On the basis of those reviews and inquiries

from applicants, the Institute offers the following recommendations to

help potential applicants present workable, understandable proposals.

Many of these recommendations were adopted from materials provided to

NIJ by the State Justice Institute, especially for applicants new to

NIJ. Others reflect standard NIJ requirements.

    The author(s) of the proposal should be clearly identified.

Proposals that are incorrectly collated, incomplete, or handwritten

will be judged as submitted or, at NIJ's discretion, will be returned

without a deadline extension. No additions to the original submission

are allowed. The Institute suggests that applicants make certain that

they address the questions, issues, and requirements set forth below

when preparing an application.

    1. What is the subject or problem you wish to address? Describe the

subject or problem and how it affects the criminal justice system and

the public. Discuss how your approach will improve the situation or

advance the state of the art of knowledge or state of the science and

explain why it is the most appropriate approach to take. Give

appropriate citations to the scientific literature. The source of

statistics or research findings cited to support a statement or

position should be included in a reference list.

    2. What do you want to do? Explain the goal(s) of the project in

simple, straightforward terms. The goals should describe the intended

consequences or expected overall effect of the proposed project, rather

than the tasks or activities to be conducted. To the greatest extent

possible, applicants should avoid a specialized vocabulary that is not

readily understood by the general public. Technical jargon does not

enhance an application.

    3. How will you do it? Describe the methodology carefully so that

what you propose to do and how you would do it is clear. All proposed

tasks should be set forth so that a reviewer can see a logical

progression of tasks and relate those tasks directly to the

accomplishment of the project's goal(s). When in doubt about whether to

provide a more detailed explanation or to assume a particular level of

knowledge or expertise on the part of the reviewers, err on the side of

caution and provide the additional information. A description of

project tasks also will help identify necessary budget items. All staff

positions and project costs should relate directly to the tasks

described. The Institute encourages applicants to attach letters of

cooperation and support from agencies that will be involved in or

directly affected by the proposed project.

    4. What should you include in a grant application for a program

evaluation? An evaluation should determine whether the proposed

program, training, procedure, service, or technology accomplished the

objectives it was designed to meet. Applicants seeking support for a

proposed evaluation should describe the criteria that will be used to

evaluate the project's effectiveness and identify program elements that

will require further modification. The description in the application

should include how the evaluation will be conducted, when it will occur

during the project period,



[[Page 21260]]



who will conduct it, and what specific measures will be used. In most

instances, the evaluation should be conducted by persons not connected

with the implementation of the procedure, training, service, or

technique, or the administration of the project.

    5. How will others learn about your findings? Include a plan to

disseminate the results of the research, evaluation, technology, or

demonstration beyond the jurisdictions and individuals directly

affected by the project. The plan should identify the specific methods

that will be used to inform the field about the project such as the

publication of journal articles or the distribution of key materials.

Expectations regarding products are discussed more fully in the

following section, ``Requirements for Award Recipients.'' A statement

that a report or research findings ``will be made available to'' the

field is not sufficient. The specific means of distribution or

dissemination as well as the types of recipients should be identified.

Reproduction and dissemination costs are allowable budget items.

Applicants must concisely describe the interim and final products and

address each product's purpose, audience, and usefulness to the field.

This discussion should identify the principal criminal justice

constituency or type of agency for which each product is intended and

describe how the constituent group or agency would be expected to use

the product or report. Successful proposals will clearly identify the

nature of the grant products that can reasonably be expected if the

project is funded. In addition, a schedule of delivery dates of all

products should be delineated.

    6. What are the specific costs involved? The budget application

should be presented clearly. Major budget categories such as personnel,

benefits, travel, supplies, equipment, and indirect costs should be

identified separately. The components of ``Other'' or ``Miscellaneous''

items should be specified in the application budget narrative and

should not include set-asides for undefined contingencies.

    7. How much detail should be included in the budget narrative? The

budget narrative should list all planned expenditures and detail the

salaries, materials, and cost assumptions used to estimate project

costs. The narrative and cost estimates should be presented under the

following standard budget categories: personnel, fringe benefits,

travel, equipment, supplies, contracts, other, and indirect costs. For

multiyear projects, applicants must include the full amount of NIJ

funding for the entire life of the project. This amount should be

reflected in item 15g on Form 424 and line 6k on 424A. When

appropriate, grant applications should include justification of

consultants and a full explanation of daily rates for any consultants

proposed. To avoid common shortcomings of application budget

narratives, include the following information:

    Personnel estimates that accurately provide the amount of time to

be spent by personnel involved with the project and the total

associated costs, including current salaries for the designated

personnel (e.g., Project Director, 50 percent of 1 year's annual salary

of $50,000 = $25,000). If salary costs are computed using an hourly or

daily rate, the annual salary and number of hours or days in a work

year should be shown.

    Estimates for supplies and expenses supported by a complete

description of the supplies to be used, nature and extent of printing

to be done, anticipated telephone charges, and other common

expenditures, with the basis for computing the estimates included

(e.g., 100 reports  x  75 pages each  x  $0.05/page = $375.00). Supply

and expense estimates offered simply as ``based on experience'' are not

sufficient.

    8. What travel regulations apply to the budget estimates?

Transportation costs and per diem rates must comply with the policies

of the applicant organization, and a copy of the applicant's travel

policy should be submitted as an appendix to the application. If the

applicant does not have a travel policy established in writing, then

travel rates must be consistent with those established by the Federal

Government. The budget narrative should state which regulations are in

force for the project and should include the estimated fare, the number

of persons traveling, the number of trips to be taken, and the length

of stay. The estimated costs of travel, lodging, ground transportation,

and other subsistence should be listed separately. When combined, the

subtotals for these categories should equal the estimate listed on the

budget form.

    9. Which forms should be used? A copy of Standard Form (SF) 424,

Application for Federal Assistance, plus instructions, appears in the

back of this book. Please follow the instructions carefully and include

all parts and pages. In addition to SF 424, recent requirements involve

certification regarding (1) lobbying; (2) debarment, suspension, and

other responsibility matters; and (3) drug-free workplace requirements.

The certification form that is attached to SF 424 should be signed by

the appropriate official and included in the grant application.

    10. What technical materials are required to be included in the

application?

    A one-page abstract of the full proposal, highlighting the

project's purpose, methods, activities, and when known, the location(s)

of field research.

    A program narrative, which is the technical portion of the

proposal. It should include a clear, concise statement of the problem,

goals, and objectives of the project and related questions to be

explored. A discussion of the relationship of the proposed work to the

existing literature is expected.

    A statement of the project's anticipated contribution to criminal

justice policy and practice. It is important that applicants briefly

cite those particular issues and concerns of present-day criminal

justice policy that stimulate the proposed line of inquiry and suggest

what their own investigation would contribute to current knowledge.

    A detailed statement of the proposed research or study design and

analytical methodologies. The proposed data sources, data collection

strategies, variables and issues to be examined, and procedures of

analysis to be employed should be delineated carefully and completely.

When appropriate, experimental designs are encouraged because of their

potential relevance to policymaking and the strength of the evidence

they can produce.

    The organization and management plan to conduct the study. A list

of major milestones of events, activities, and products and a timetable

for completion that indicates the time commitments to individual

project tasks should be included. All grant activities, including

writing of the final report, should be completed within the duration of

the award period.

    The applicant's curriculum vitae should summarize education,

research experience, and bibliographic information related to the

proposed work.

    11. Use of grant funds. Grant funds may be used to purchase or

lease equipment essential to accomplishing the objectives of the

project. The budget narrative must list such equipment and explain why

the equipment is necessary. Funds may not be used for operating

programs, writing texts or handbooks, training, etc.

    12. To what extent may indirect costs be included in the budget

estimates? It is the policy of the Institute that all costs should be

budgeted directly; however, if an applicant has an indirect



[[Page 21261]]



cost rate that has been approved by a Federal agency within the past 2

years, an indirect cost recovery estimate may be included in the

budget. A copy of the approved rate agreement should be submitted as an

appendix to the application. If an applicant does not have an approved

rate agreement, the applicant should contact the Office of the

Comptroller, Office of Justice Programs, (202) 307-0604, to obtain

information about preparing an indirect cost rate proposal.

    13. What, if any, matching funds are required? Units of State and

local governments (not including publicly supported institutions of

higher education) are encouraged to contribute a match (cash, noncash,

or both) of requested funds. Other applicants also are encouraged to

seek matching contributions from other Federal agencies or private

foundations to assist in meeting the costs of the project.

    14. Should other funding sources be listed? Applicants are expected

to identify all other Federal, local, or private sources of support,

including other NIJ programs, to which this or a closely related

proposal has been or will be submitted. This information permits NIJ to

consider the joint funding potential and limits the possibility of

inadvertent duplicate funding. Applicants may submit more than one

proposal to NIJ, but the same proposal cannot be submitted in more than

one program area.

    15. What are the deadlines? June 15 and December 15, 1995, and June

17 and December 16, 1996.

    16. Is there a page limit? The Institute has established a limit of

30 double-spaced 12-point font pages for all normal grant applications.

This page limit does not include references, budget narrative,

curriculum vitae, or necessary appendices. Applications for small

grants ($1,000-$50,000) are limited to 15 double-spaced pages.

Applicants are cautioned that obvious attempts to stretch

interpretations of these limits will disqualify proposals from review.

    17. What is the page order? The following order is mandatory.

Omission can result in rejection of the application:

    1. SF 424.

    2. Budget narrative.

    3. Assurances and Certifications, etc.

    4. Negotiated rate agreement.

    5. Names and affiliations of all key persons from applicant and

subcontractor(s), advisors, consultants, and Advisory Board members.

Include the name of the Principal Investigator, title, organizational

affiliation (if any), department (if institution of higher education),

address, phone, and fax.

    6. Abstract.

    7. Table of Contents.

    8. Program narrative.

    9. References.

    10. Resumes of key personnel.

    18. What does the review process entail? After all applications for

a competition are received, NIJ will convene a series of peer review

panels of criminal justice professionals and researchers. NIJ will

assign proposals to peer panels that it deems most appropriate. Panel

members read each proposal and meet to assess the technical merits and

policy relevance of the proposed research. Panel assessments of the

proposals, together with assessments by NIJ staff, are submitted to the

Director, who has sole and final authority over approval and awards.

The review normally takes 60 to 90 days, depending on the number of

applications received. Each applicant receives written comments from

the peer review panel concerning the strengths and weaknesses of the

proposal. These comments may include suggestions for how a revised or

subsequent application to NIJ might be improved.

    19. What are the criteria for an award? The essential question

asked of each applicant is, ``If this study were successful, how would

criminal justice policies or operations be improved?'' Four criteria

are applied in the evaluation process:

    Impact of the proposed project.

    Feasibility of the approach to the issue, including technical merit

and practical considerations.

    Originality of the approach, including creativity of the proposal

and capability of the research staff.

    Economy of the approach. Applicants bear the responsibility of

demonstrating to the panel that the proposed study addresses the

critical issues of the topic area and that the study findings could

ultimately contribute to a practical application in law enforcement or

criminal justice. Reviewers will assess applicants' awareness of

related research or studies and their ability to direct the research or

study toward answering questions of policy or improving the state of

criminal justice operations.

    Technical merit is judged by the likelihood that the study design

will produce convincing findings. Reviewers take into account the logic

and timing of the research or study plan, the validity and reliability

of measures proposed, the appropriateness of statistical methods to be

used, and each applicant's awareness of factors that might dilute the

credibility of the findings. Impact is judged by the scope of the

proposed approach and by the utility of the proposed products.

Reviewers consider each applicant's understanding of the process of

innovation in the targeted criminal justice agency or setting and

knowledge of prior uses of criminal justice research by the proposed

criminal justice constituency. Appropriateness of products in terms of

proposed content and format is also considered.

    Applicants' qualifications are evaluated both in terms of the depth

of experience and the relevance of that experience to the proposed

research or study. Costs are evaluated in terms of the reasonableness

of each item and the utility of the project to the Institute's program.

    20. Are there any other considerations in selecting applications

for an award? Projects should have a national impact or have potential

relevance to a number of jurisdictions. Because of the broad national

mandate of the National Institute of Justice, projects that address the

unique concerns of a single jurisdiction should be fully justified.

Projects that intend to provide services in addition to performing

research are eligible for support, but only for the resources necessary

to conduct the research tasks outlined in the proposal. The applicant's

performance on previous or current NIJ grants will also be taken into

consideration in making funding decisions.

    21. Who is eligible to apply? NIJ awards grants to, or enters into

cooperative agreements with, educational institutions, nonprofit

organizations, public agencies, individuals, and profitmaking

organizations that are willing to waive their fees. Where appropriate,

special eligibility criteria are indicated in the separate

solicitations.

    22. Does NIJ accept resubmission of proposals? The Institute will

accept resubmission of a previously submitted proposal. The applicant

should indicate for Question 8, Form 424, that the application is a

revision. The applicant should include this information in the

abstract. Finally, the applicant should prepare a one-page response to

the earlier panel review (to follow the abstract) including (1) the

title, submission date, and NIJ-assigned application number of the

previous proposal and (2) a brief summary of responses to the review

and/or revisions to the proposal.



NIJ Policy Regarding Unsolicited Proposals



    It is NIJ's policy to submit all unsolicited proposals to peer

review. NIJ's peer review process takes place in



[[Page 21262]]



periodic cycles; unsolicited proposals received will be included in the

next available review cycle. NIJ will offer the applicant the option of

revising the proposal in accordance with the program goals established

in the Plan or, alternatively, submitting the original proposal to the

peer panel it deems most appropriate.



Requirements for Award Recipients



Required Products



    Each project is expected to generate tangible products of maximum

benefit to criminal justice professionals, researchers, and

policymakers. In particular, NIJ strongly encourages documents that

provide information of practical utility to law enforcement officials;

prosecutors; judges; corrections officers; victims services providers;

and Federal, State, county, and local elected officials. Products

should include:

    A summary of approximately 2,500 words highlighting the findings of

the research and the policy issues those findings will inform. The

material should be written in a style that will be accessible to policy

officials and practitioners and suitable for possible publication as an

NIJ Research in Brief. An NIJ editorial style guide is sent to each

project director at the time of the award.

    A full technical report, including a discussion of the research

question, review of the literature, description of project methodology,

detailed review of project findings, and conclusions and policy

recommendations.

    Clean copies of all automated data sets developed during the

research and full documentation prepared in accordance with the

instructions in the NIJ Data Resources Manual.

    Brief project summaries for NIJ use in preparing annual reports to

the President and the Congress. As appropriate, additional products

such as case studies and interim and final reports (e.g., articles,

manuals, or training materials) may be specified in the proposal or

negotiated at the time of the award.



Public Release of Automated Data Sets



    NIJ is committed to ensuring the public availability of research

data and to this end established its Data Resources Program in 1984.

All NIJ award recipients who collect data are required to submit a

machine-readable copy of the data and appropriate documentation to NIJ

prior to the conclusion of the project. The data and materials are

reviewed for completeness. NIJ staff then create machine-readable data

sets, prepare users' guides, and distribute data and documentation to

other researchers in the field. A variety of formats are acceptable;

however, the data and materials must conform with requirements detailed

in Depositing Data With the Data Resources Program of the National

Institute of Justice: A Handbook. A copy of this handbook is sent to

each project director at the time of the award. For further information

about NIJ's Data Resources Program, contact Dr. Pamela Lattimore, (202)

307-2961.



Standards of Performance by Recipients



    NIJ expects individuals and institutions receiving its support to

work diligently and professionally toward completing a high-quality

research or study product. Besides this general expectation, the

Institute imposes specific requirements to ensure that proper financial

and administrative controls are applied to the project. Financial and

general reporting requirements are detailed in Financial and

Administrative Guide for Grants, a publication of the Office of Justice

Programs. This guideline manual is sent to recipient institutions with

the award documents. Project directors and recipient financial

administrators should pay particular attention to the regulations in

this document.



Program Monitoring



    Award recipients and Principal Investigators assume certain

responsibilities as part of their participation in government-sponsored

research and evaluation. NIJ's monitoring activities are intended to

help grantees meet these responsibilities. They are based on good

communication and open dialogue, with collegiality and mutual respect.

Some of the elements of this dialogue are:

    Communication with NIJ in the early stages of the grant, as the

elements of the proposal's design and methodology are developed and

operationalized.

    Timely communication with NIJ regarding any developments that might

affect the project's compliance with the schedules, milestones, and

products set forth in the proposal. (See statement on Timeliness,

below).

    Communication with other NIJ grantees conducting related research

projects. An annual ``cluster conference'' should be anticipated and

should be budgeted for by applicants at a cost of $1,000 for each year

of the grant.

    Providing NIJ on request with brief descriptions of the project in

interim stages at such time as the Institute may need this information

to meet its reporting requirements to the Congress. NIJ will give as

much advance notification of these requests as possible, but will

expect a timely response from grantees when requests are made. NIJ is

prepared to receive such communication through electronic media.

    Providing NIJ with copies of presentations made at conferences,

meetings, and elsewhere based in whole or in part on the work of the

project. Providing NIJ with prepublication copies of articles based on

the project appearing in professional journals or the media, either

during the life of the grant or after.

    Other reporting requirements (Progress Reports, Final Reports, and

other grant products) are spelled out elsewhere in this section of the

Research Plan. Financial reporting requirements will be described in

the grant award documents received by successful applicants.



Communications



    NIJ Program Managers should be kept informed of research progress.

Written progress reports are required on a quarterly basis. All awards

use standard quarterly reporting periods (January 1 through March 31,

April 1 through June 30, and so forth) regardless of the project's

start date. Progress reports will inform the monitor which tasks have

been completed and whether significant delays or departures from the

original workplan are expected.



Timeliness



    Grantees are expected to complete award products within the

timeframes that have been agreed upon by NIJ and the grantee. The

Institute recognizes that there are legitimate reasons for project

extensions. However, NIJ does not consider the assumption of additional

research projects that impinge upon previous time commitments as

legitimate reasons for delay. Projects with unreasonable delays can be

terminated administratively. In this situation, any funds remaining are

withdrawn. Future applications from either the project director or the

recipient institution are subject to strict scrutiny and may be denied

support based on past failure to meet minimum standards.



Publications



    The Institute encourages grantees to prepare their work for NIJ

publication. In cases where grantees disseminate their findings through

a variety of media, such as professional journals, books, and

conferences, copies of such



[[Page 21263]]



publications should be sent to the Program Manager as they become

available, even if they appear well after a project's expiration. NIJ

imposes no restriction on such publications other than the following

acknowledgment and disclaimer: This research was supported by grant

number ________________ from the National Institute of Justice. Points

of view are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the

position of the U.S. Department of Justice.



Data Confidentiality and Human Subjects Protection



    Research that examines individual traits and experiences plays a

vital part in expanding our knowledge about criminal behavior. It is

essential, however, that researchers protect subjects from needless

risk of harm or embarrassment and proceed with their willing and

informed cooperation. NIJ requires that investigators protect

information identifiable to research participants. When information is

safeguarded, it is protected by statute from being used in legal

proceedings: ``[S]uch information and copies thereof shall be immune

from legal process, and shall not, without the consent of the person

furnishing such information, be admitted as evidence or used for any

purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial, legislative, or

administrative proceedings'' (42 United States Code 3789g).

    Applicants should file their plans to protect sensitive information

as part of their proposal. Necessary safeguards are detailed in 28 Code

of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 22. A short ``how-to'' guideline for

developing a privacy and confidentiality plan can be obtained from NIJ

program managers.

    In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice has adopted Human

Subjects policies similar to those established by the U.S. Department

of Health and Human Services. In general, these policies exempt most

NIJ-supported research from Institutional Review Board (IRB) review.

However, the Institute may find in certain instances that subjects or

subject matters may require IRB review. These exceptions will be

decided on an individual basis during application review. Researchers

are encouraged to review 28 CFR Part 46.101 to determine their

individual project requirements.



Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention



Comprehensive Program Plan for Fiscal Year 1996 OJJDP Program

Objectives



    The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

seeks to focus its assistance on the development and implementation of

programs with the greatest potential for reducing juvenile delinquency

and improving the juvenile justice system by establishing partnerships

with State, Native American, Native Alaskan, and local governments and

public and private organizations. To that end, OJJDP has set three

goals that constitute the major elements of a sound policy for juvenile

justice and delinquency prevention:

    <bullet> To promote delinquency prevention and early intervention

efforts that reduce the flow of juvenile offenders into the juvenile

justice system, the numbers of serious and violent offenders, and the

development of chronic delinquent careers.

    <bullet> To improve the juvenile justice system and the response of

the system to juvenile delinquents, status offenders, and dependent,

neglected, and abused children.

    <bullet> To preserve the public safety in a manner that serves the

appropriate development and best use of secure detention and

corrections options, while at the same time fostering the use of

community-based programs for juvenile offenders.

    Underlying each of the three goals is the overarching premise that

achievement of these goals is vital to protecting the long-term safety

of the public from increased juvenile delinquency and violence. In

pursuing these goals, we divide our programs into the key categories

you will find in the program plan: public safety and law enforcement;

strengthening the juvenile justice system; delinquency prevention and

intervention; and child abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings. The

following discussion, however, addresses the broader goals of OJJDP.



Delinquency Prevention and Early Intervention



    A primary goal of OJJDP is to identify and promote programs that

prevent or reduce the occurrence of juvenile offenses, both criminal

and non-criminal, and to intervene immediately and effectively when

delinquent or status offense conduct first occurs. A sound policy for

juvenile delinquency prevention seeks to strengthen the most powerful

contributing factor to socially acceptable behavior--a productive place

for young people in a law-abiding society.

    Delinquency prevention programs can operate on a broad scale,

providing for positive youth development, or can target juveniles

identified as being at high risk for delinquency, with programs

designed to reduce future juvenile offending. OJJDP prevention programs

take a risk-focused delinquency prevention approach based on public

health and social development models.

    Early interventions are designed to provide services to juveniles

whose non-criminal misbehavior indicates that they are on a delinquent

pathway, or for first time non-violent delinquent offenders or non-

serious repeat offenders who do not respond to initial system

intervention. These interventions are generally non-punitive but serve

to hold a juvenile accountable while providing services tailored to the

individual needs of the juvenile and the juvenile's family. They are

designed to both deter future misconduct and ameliorate risk or enhance

protective factors.



Improvement of the Juvenile Justice System



    A second goal of OJJDP is to promote improvements in the juvenile

justice system and facilitate the most effective allocation of system

resources. This goal is necessary for holding juveniles who commit

crimes accountable for their conduct, particularly serious and violent

offenders who sometimes slip through the cracks of the system or are

inappropriately diverted. This includes assisting law enforcement

officers in their efforts to prevent and control delinquency and the

victimization of children through community policing programs and

coordination and collaboration with other system components and with

child caring systems. It involves helping juvenile and family courts,

and the prosecutors and public defenders who practice in those courts,

to provide a system of justice that maintains due process protections.

It requires trying innovative programs and carefully evaluating those

programs to determine what works and what does not work. It includes a

commitment to involving crime victims in the juvenile justice system

and ensuring that their rights are considered.

    In this regard, OJJDP will continue to work closely with the Office

for Victims of Crime to further cooperative programming, including the

provision of services to juveniles who are crime victims or when the

provision of victims services improves the operation of the juvenile

justice system. Improving the juvenile justice system also calls for

building an appropriate juvenile detention and corrections capacity and

for intensified efforts to use juvenile detention and correctional

facilities when necessary and under conditions that maximize public

safety, while providing effective rehabilitation



[[Page 21264]]



services. It requires encouraging states to carefully consider the use

of expanded transfer authority that sends the most serious, violent,

and intractable juvenile offenders to the criminal justice system,

while preserving individualized justice. It necessitates conducting

research and gathering statistical information in order to understand

how the juvenile justice system works in serving children and families.

And finally, the system can only be improved if information and

knowledge is communicated, understood, and applied for the purpose of

juvenile justice system improvement.



Corrections, Detention and Community-Based Alternatives



    A third OJJDP goal is to maintain the public safety through a

balanced use of secure detention and corrections, and community-based

alternatives. This involves identifying and promoting effective

community-based programs and services for juveniles who have formal

contact with the juvenile justice system, and emphasizing options that

maintain the safety of the public, are appropriately restrictive, and

promote and preserve positive ties with the child's family, school, and

community. Communities cannot afford to place responsibility for

juvenile delinquency entirely on publicly operated juvenile justice

system programs. A sound policy for combating juvenile delinquency and

reducing the threat of youth violence makes maximum use of a full range

of public and private programs and services, most of which operate in

the juvenile's home community, including those provided by the health

and mental health, child welfare, social service, and educational

systems.

    Coordination of the development of community-based programs and

services with the development and use of a secure detention and

correctional system capability for those juveniles who require a secure

option is cost effective, will protect the public, reduce facility

crowding, and result in better services for both institutionalized

juveniles and those who can be served while remaining in their

community environment.



Summary of Public Comments on the Proposed Comprehensive Plan for

Fiscal Year 1996



    OJJDP published its Proposed Comprehensive Plan for Fiscal Year

(FY) 1996 in the Federal Register (Vol. 61, No. 34) on February 20,

1996, for a 45-day public comment period. OJJDP received 46 letters

commenting on the proposed plan. All comments have been considered in

the development of the Final Comprehensive Plan for FY 1996.

    The majority of the letters provided positive comments about the

overall plan and its programs. The following is a summary of the

substantive comments received and OJJDP's responses to the comments.

Unless otherwise indicated, each comment was made by a single

respondent.

    Comment: Seven respondents expressed strong support for the overall

plan. One writer asserted that data projections for juvenile crime for

the next 15 years make a compelling case for full funding of all OJJDP

programs. Another commended OJJDP for the broad-based and forward-

thinking programming in the plan. A third comment indicated that the

proposed programs will strengthen law enforcement prevention efforts

and have an impact on juvenile crime. One respondent highly endorsed

the existing OJJDP program and the proposed plan but also recommended

that funds be earmarked for imaginative, innovative, and creative

programs with imagineering concepts to maximize program benefits. One

comment described the plan as a comprehensive, balanced approach to

juvenile delinquency and delinquency prevention. Another supported

OJJDP's purpose to provide a comprehensive, coordinated approach to

prevent and control juvenile crime and improve the juvenile justice

system. The final comment called OJJDP's priorities essential for

addressing the increasing complexity of issues facing the juvenile

justice system.

    Response: OJJDP appreciates the support expressed by these and

other respondents.

    Comment: Five letters contained criticism of the overall plan.

Three of these cited the lack of specific funding information as a

major flaw. One of those letters also noted that the majority of

funding is already committed, mostly to long-time recipients, and that

the plan contains a large number of social service programs with no

proven effectiveness in reducing or preventing delinquency. This writer

recommended eliminating or reducing 10 programs and suggested that

OJJDP reissue the plan to solicit a program to develop a comprehensive

drug prevention curriculum for students. Another respondent also

expressed concern about the large number of initiatives and activities

with predetermined recipients. Citing the JJDP Act competition

requirement (Section 262(d)(1)(B)), the writer asked about criteria for

waiving the competitive process. One respondent found that the plan was

not sufficiently comprehensive and called for programs to teach correct

principles and moral responsibility, particularly in the family unit

and in the schools.

    Response: Proposed funding levels were not included in the plan due

to the uncertainty of FY 1996 appropriations. The proposed plan was

premised on FY 1996 funding being at or near FY 1995 levels.

Continuation commitments, coupled with a variety of proven or ongoing

projects, many of which are technical assistance and training

initiatives that have a national impact and level funding, preclude

wholesale funding of new programs in FY 1996. All new programs will be

competitively funded with no waivers of the competition requirement

contemplated.

    Comment: One comment on the discretionary grant continuation policy

suggested that OJJDP should emphasize funding innovative programs along

with the continuation of programs. The writer noted that each year it

appears that limited funds are available for new programs.

    Response: The plan includes several new and innovative programs

coupled with a focus on program evaluation. Innovative research and

evaluation programs will be eligible to compete under an expanded

field-initiated research program in FY 1996.

    Comment: A Native American respondent stated that the plan should

specifically name Indian Nations as partners.

    Response: The cited language in the plan is amended to read:

``establishing partnerships with State, Native American, Native

Alaskan, and local governments and public and private organizations.''

    Comment: OJJDP received three comments on the goals listed in the

plan. One respondent suggested that the first goal could be

strengthened by calling specifically for better character development

in the home and in schools. The writer stated that the second goal does

not convey the idea that the primary effort should be character

corrections, in the corrections system, to shrink the number of

offenders. The second respondent expressed support for the three goals

and described how the Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation is working

toward those same goals, with early intervention being of particular

importance. The third letter expressed support for the goals and

indicated that their achievement is vital to public safety.

    Response: Both prevention and treatment programs seek to improve

character and instill positive values in



[[Page 21265]]



juveniles. OJJDP has long supported family strengthening programs, many

of which feature character development objectives.

    Comment: Six respondents commented on the field-initiated research

program. All were generally supportive, and five made substantive

comments. One suggested specific topics: measuring effectiveness of

intervention with young prostitutes; drug treatment approaches,

educational/literacy project effectiveness; and what works with the

multiproblem young criminal. One respondent, noting the call for

improving data collaboration efforts, suggested that a portion of the

research be applied to projects that would seek to standardize court

reports, thus increasing the juvenile justice system's ability to

access and share appropriate information with child protective services

and mental health agencies. Another writer who supported the research

initiative expressed interest in two priority research topics: (1)

youth gangs in residential facilities and (2) mental health issues,

with emphasis on eliminating posttraumatic stress disorder in youthful

offenders and breaking the cycle of violence. One respondent was

pleased with the program but expressed concern that the priority areas

did not specifically include adolescent sexual offenders. A Native

American respondent pointed out several research needs in the Native

American community, including technical assistance and program support

to acquire a workable data base, share information, and analyze that

information for policy development and planning. This respondent

suggested that OJJDP should directly fund or devote staff or contract

expertise to relevant studies and should encourage its staff and

consultants to network with Indian Nation programs to undertake the

studies that policy development requires.

    Response: While the plan suggests priority research topics, OJJDP

will take into careful consideration each of the topics suggested by

these respondents. The adolescent sex offender is a topic of particular

interest to OJJDP. Several OJJDP studies related to the juvenile sexual

offender are nearing completion, and it is anticipated that study

findings will suggest future research directions. While Native American

research needs have not been specifically mentioned, OJJDP welcomes

applications from the Native American community that identify these

needs and propose studies that will meet them. OJJDP is also working

closely with the Native American desk within the Office of Justice

Programs to obtain feedback on its Native American programs, including

the new 1996 Native American training and technical assistance program.

    Comment: In a comment related to the national juvenile court data

archives, a respondent suggested that funds be set aside for States to

develop statewide juvenile information systems and to explore issues

such as minority overrepresentation, use of legal counsel, and gender

implications.

    Response: OJJDP obtains invaluable information from State

information systems. Such systems are used to analyze both juvenile

court and juvenile corrections activity. The Office understands that

the development and maintenance of such systems are expensive and time

consuming. Many States do not have the resources available to fully

implement information systems that can contribute to a national

information system. In the past, the Office has supported the

development and improvement of State systems through programs such as

the National Juvenile Court Data Archive and the Juveniles Taken Into

Custody program. Each includes a technical assistance component that

aids States in determining appropriate information systems and

information collection methods.

    The Office recognizes the need for further development of State

information systems. Areas other than corrections and courts also

require attention. OJJDP will examine more carefully the role of the

Office through the development of a long-term information systems

development plan. This plan will examine national information needs and

make specific recommendations for meeting these needs. As part of this

plan, OJJDP will examine what assistance can be provided to the States

as they develop and refine their information systems and how these

systems can also help to meet overarching national information needs.

    Comment: One respondent objected to funding the National Conference

of State Legislatures, suggesting that OJJDP promote State Agencies as

the appropriate entities to provide technical assistance to State

legislatures.

    Response: In funding the National Conference of State Legislatures

(NCSL) in FY 1995, OJJDP concluded that the organization was uniquely

qualified to provide pertinent and timely information to State

legislators and their staff. NCSL looks to traditional Federal, State,

and local juvenile justice agencies for information, packaging the data

to meet the specific needs of State lawmakers. In addition, as a

membership organization, NCSL has a number of information tools, such

as professional publications and conferences, designed to reach State

legislators.

    Comment: One comment addressed telecommunications assistance,

noting the very positive response in the writer's State to OJJDP's

teleconference series. The respondent made two suggestions: (1) Provide

special allocations to States to facilitate downlinking of

teleconferences and (2) focus more on the use of new technology such as

the interactive video disc (IVD).

    Response: OJJDP appreciates hearing of the value of its satellite

teleconference series. In the coming year, OJJDP and its

telecommunications grantee, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), will

explore the use of other technologies, including IVD, for information

dissemination and training purposes. To date, OJJDP has not been

apprised of problems viewers may have had in affording or accessing

downlink sites. In fact, EKU has acted as coordinator to help

interested individuals and organizations locate sites in the community

and to join groups of persons living in their same geographical area to

sponsor and attend teleconferences.

    Comment: A respondent called for more emphasis on private sector

involvement and media support in the area of public safety and law

enforcement.

    Response: Combating Violence and Delinquency: The National Juvenile

Justice Action Plan, recently released by the Coordinating Council on

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, has as one of its eight

primary objectives to reduce youth violence: ``Implement an aggressive

public outreach campaign on effective strategies to combat youth

violence.'' The Coordinating Council is chaired by the Attorney

General, co-chaired by the Administrator of OJJDP, and includes nine

Federal agency and nine practitioner members. The Council developed the

Action Plan as a rallying point to mobilize individuals and

organizations across the country toward eight objectives that,

together, provide a comprehensive--tough but smart--response to the

crisis of youth violence and victimization. The role of the private

sector and the media in implementing the Action Plan will be critical

in its success.

    Comment: OJJDP received four comments strongly supporting the Kids

and Guns initiative. One recommended that OJJDP should clarify the

proposed plan to allow State agencies to apply if they can demonstrate

that the proposed



[[Page 21266]]



program would be community-based. One respondent urged substantial

funding for competitive, comprehensive, communitywide demonstration

projects that focus on the reduction and prevention of gun violence.

Another comment praised the support for linkages between community and

law enforcement responses to youth gun violence. A fourth respondent

suggested that gun violence prevention programs must take into account

public safety and perception and cause students to take responsibility

for their actions and the actions of their peers while at the same time

working with the community to ensure the healthy development of each

child. The writer also stressed that youth gun violence reduction

programs must be tailored to the needs of each community.

    Response: The final Kids and Guns initiative program description

incorporates each of these comments. The solicitation will allow State

agencies to apply if they can demonstrate strong existing linkages to a

community-based organization and if the proposed programs will be

community-based.

    Comment: Two respondents urged that recipients of OJJDP funds

should be required to have ``zero tolerance'' for street gangs,

charging that present policies appear to facilitate or foster the gang

problem in some cases where funding has put active gang members on the

Federal payroll.

    Response: OJJDP's policy supports the elimination of crime and

violence by criminal street gangs and would, therefore, not provide

funding to any recipient that does not attempt to intervene with such

gangs and their activities in such a way as to achieve this policy

objective. OJJDP believes that the elimination of crime and violence

can best be achieved through the mobilization of communities to prevent

the formation of gangs and through collaboration between all elements

of the system to eliminate gang crime and violence through intervention

and suppression. OJJDP's program model does not legitimize criminal

street gang membership or condone gang membership by youth.

    Comment: OJJDP received four letters in support of community

assessment centers. One respondent praised the centers as a valuable

tool to service the front end of the juvenile justice system and raised

four specific issues for consideration in competitive solicitations:

replication (funding for new assessment centers), expansion (funding

for existing centers to expand into areas not presently covered),

technical assistance for communities that want to develop a community

assessment center, and research/evaluation (funding for a research

effort to study the effectiveness of assessment centers and answer

policy questions raised in OJJDP's concept paper on assessment

centers). Another writer called the development of one-stop, community-

based intake, assessment, and case referral centers a step in the right

direction. A third respondent described a proposed center that would

eventually result in the creation of alternatives to detention and

enhanced ability to put together a graduated sanctions approach. The

fourth respondent called community assessment centers an additional

option for the juvenile court system in sentencing adolescents and

stated that the centers could provide short-term diagnostic residential

placement and allow school systems to avoid the expense of long-term

out-of-district placement.

    Response: OJJDP agrees that community assessment centers are a

promising approach to improving the multisystem responses to all types

of youth at risk and delinquent youth. Community assessment centers can

help communities in providing better assessments of a child's needs,

designing a potentially more effective treatment plan, and creating a

centralized location for information related to the child and the

intended intervention, fostering a more effective and efficient case

management service system.

    As indicated in the proposed plan, an initial fact-finding phase is

currently underway, including assessment center site visits in order to

identify variations in the assessment center approach and to better

understand the needs of the juvenile justice system in this area.

Although a specific determination with regard to the elements of a

program model has not yet been made, OJJDP plans to issue an assessment

center solicitation within a short period of time. It is too early to

say whether postadjudication diagnostic placements or school

alternatives to out-of-district placements would be viable elements of

an assessment center model.

    Comment: Two writers commented in the area of training and

technical assistance programs. One respondent suggested that OJJDP

include funds and technical assistance to nontechnical staff who

support very difficult youth and families and that these funds be

available directly to grantees through the grant application process so

they may seek help from within their local communities. Another writer

referred to a growing need for training in cultural differences for law

enforcement and juvenile justice practitioners.

    Response: OJJDP agrees that training and technical assistance

provided from a national level cannot fully meet the full spectrum of

local needs. Funds are also provided to support training and technical

assistance through the Formula Grants Program administered by States.

Comprehensive State plans are required to support the development of an

adequate research, training, and evaluation capacity. Further, 2

percent of Part B funds are set aside for technical assistance, most of

which is delivered at the local level.

    OJJDP agrees that there are training needs in cultural diversity.

The Office has supported the development and nationwide implementation

of a training of trainers curriculum in this area.

    Comment: OJJDP received 10 comments concerning gender-specific

programming for female juvenile offenders. Nine comments supported

second-year funding for a Cook County, Illinois, program for female

juvenile offenders. The 10th respondent requested information about

possible funding for a program to promote self-esteem and offer

alternatives to gangs to teenage girls in lower income areas.

    Response: OJJDP provided a grant in FY 1995 to the Cook County

Temporary Juvenile Detention Center for a 1-year developmental project

under a competitive grant program. There was no commitment for

subsequent year funding. OJJDP has also funded the PACE Center for

Girls, which operates in seven sites throughout the State of Florida.

PACE offers a continuum of services that are specially designed to meet

the needs of at-risk teenage girls. In addition, OJJDP has targeted

significant resources over the next 5 years to programs for at-risk

girls and female juvenile offenders through funding of six sites under

the SafeFutures Program.

    There is no program funded to specifically promote self-esteem in

girls from lower income areas. As noted above, OJJDP is funding the

PACE Center for girls, which provides teenage girls, including those

from lower income areas with both academic education courses and self-

esteem programs.

    In FY 1996, OJJDP will competitively fund a training and technical

assistance program to help communities provide improved gender-specific

services for at-risk and delinquent girls. OJJDP believes that this

approach will take the lessons learned from prior funding and existing

research and produce a national impact



[[Page 21267]]



that continuation funding of a single project could not achieve.

    Comment: OJJDP received four comments on the proposed Native

American technical assistance program. One writer recommended that

OJJDP focus the expertise requirements of the solicitation on Indian

juvenile justice and make the selection process for the technical

assistance provider competitive. Another respondent stated that OJJDP

should fund National Indian Justice Center training programs, pointing

out that Indian students need tuition, travel, and lodging funds for

these programs. The third respondent identified the need for trained

workers for family building and for reestablishment of youth groups.

The fourth writer expressed interest in technical assistance to

replicate successful efforts by Native American tribes.

    Response: OJJDP's solicitation for a technical assistance provider

for Native American programs is focused on juvenile justice system

theory, practice, and law in the context of Native American culture,

traditions, and tribal law. The Native American technical assistance

program will be awarded through a competitive selection process. OJJDP

is aware of the work of the National Indian Justice Center, the

technical assistance provider for OJJDP's Native American Community-

Based Alternatives Program. OJJDP encourages the National Indian

Justice Center and other Native American service providers to apply for

funding under the Native American technical assistance program. The

solicitation to be issued by OJJDP for the technical assistance

provider for the Native American community will include the transfer of

knowledge and technologies that have proven successful in Native

American communities.

    Comment: One commenter expressed the hope that the James E. Gould

Memorial Program was not a duplication of the American Correctional

Association's Accreditation of Correctional Officers, Caseworkers and

Detention Staff Program.

    Response: The James E. Gould Memorial Program is a competitive

assistance award to provide technical assistance to juvenile

correctional and detention facilities. Under the grant, the American

Correctional Association (ACA) provides technical assistance and

training on myriad issues for juvenile correctional and detention

facilities. The accreditation program of the ACA is an entirely

different, independent effort that is not funded by OJJDP.

    Comment: One respondent questioned whether a greater emphasis on

transfer of juveniles to criminal court represents an improvement to

the juvenile justice system, suggesting that transfer deemphasizes the

juvenile justice system and amounts to an abandonment of individualized

justice. The writer indicated that rates of serious and violent

juvenile crime have increased with the greater use of transfers in some

areas. OJJDP was urged to place more emphasis on innovative approaches

to serious and violent juvenile offenders, such as the New Mexico plan,

the blended jurisdiction approach of Minnesota, and the serious

juvenile offender statute as developed and implemented in Virginia.

    Response: OJJDP is committed to both protecting the public and

separating certain serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders

from those juveniles who can benefit from treatment and rehabilitation

resources and programs that are available in the juvenile justice

system. Transfer to the criminal court of those targeted juvenile

offenders who have demonstrated through their behavior that they do not

belong in the juvenile justice system (nature of offense or

nonamenability to juvenile justice treatment) enables the juvenile

justice system to focus its efforts and resources on the much larger

group of high-risk juveniles, first-time less serious and violent or

repeat offenders who can benefit from a wide range of effective

intervention strategies. The Coordinating Council's National Juvenile

Justice Action Plan supports individualized case reviews and proposes a

two-tier system of extended jurisdiction in the juvenile court for

serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders and consideration of

innovative blended sentencing options for juvenile offenders under

criminal court jurisdiction. This system would permit the transfer of

some juvenile offenders, taking into account age, presenting offense,

and offense history, and allow greater prosecutorial discretion for the

older, more serious, and violent juvenile offender.

    Comment: One writer stated that training for juvenile court judges

under the current plan is commendable and needed but recommended that

training focus more on the core requirements of the JJDP Act and issues

surrounding State compliance.

    Response: The judicial training program funded by OJJDP to the

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has

addressed, to a major degree in past years, the core requirements of

the Act and other related topics in comprehensive curriculums for

juvenile and family court judges, probation officers, and others

working in juvenile courtservices. However, OJJDP will consult with the

NCJFCJ to determine whether the issues surrounding State compliance

need to be reassessed in an upcoming training needs assessment.

    Comment: A respondent suggested modified language to describe the

Juvenile Justice Prosecution Unit.

    Response: OJJDP accepts the recommended changes but notes that they

do not materially revise the original project description.

    Comment: Two respondents supported funding for the Sauk Centre

Correctional Facility.

    Response: OJJDP appreciates the letters of support for the Sauk

Centre Correctional Facility in Minnesota. In 1994, the Centre was

selected as one of three sites in the Nation to participate in the

OJJDP-sponsored Correctional Education program. The Centre has

participated in OJJDP-sponsored training and technical assistance and

has developed plans for making education and learning a major component

of its treatment program. The entire staff at the facility will be

trained to use interactive teaching methods to work with the youth.

    Comment: One respondent strongly suggested that OJJDP add a

component that would research and recommend solutions to the nationwide

critical shortage of secure juvenile housing space.

    Response: OJJDP conducts the biennial Census of Public and Private

Juvenile Detention, Correctional, and Shelter Facilities. This census

collects information on the capacity of each facility, the number of

juveniles housed there, and the security level of the facility. The

information permits analysis of population levels compared to capacity.

By computing population-to-capacity ratios, the Office can provide a

greater understanding of crowding in all types of juvenile facilities.

OJJDP is examining its data collection and reporting with regard to

juvenile custody. As part of these developments, OJJDP will consider

various measures of crowding. In the context of OJJDP's overall

statistics development, the Office will also examine how best to

disseminate information and research on capacity issues for both secure

and nonsecure facilities. Issues around solutions to the problem of

crowding will be considered in these activities.

    Comment: One respondent asked that OJJDP include comprehensive day

programs for adolescents and young adults with the dual classification

of developmental disability and sexual offender/reactor. The writer

pointed out that a structured day program can be an



[[Page 21268]]



extremely cost-effective alternative to residential treatment with

outcomes of reintegration into the community, as opposed to isolation

from the community.

    Response: OJJDP agrees with the commentator about the importance of

day programs. OJJDP is supporting replication of the Bethesda Day

Treatment program in 10 sites in FY 1996, including the six SafeFutures

sites. Bethesda Day is an intensive program that involves an

alternative school and afterschool programs for high-risk and

delinquent youth. A careful assessment process and a comprehensive case

management system, in addition to extensive family involvement, make

this a very successful model program. OJJDP will explore with Bethesda

Day Treatment the application of the model to the dual-classification

juvenile. In addition, each SafeFutures site has mental health service

funds that can be used for this purpose.

    Comment: Two respondents indicated a need to address the impact of

mandatory provisions related to juvenile incarceration, such as

limitations on holding time and the prohibition against juvenile and

adult facilities being run by one person. One of the comments indicated

that the mandatory provisions related to time, staff, and facility site

and sound are sometimes unrealistic.

    Response: The core requirements of OJJDP's Part B Formula Grants

Program are under continuing review and evaluation to determine their

efficacy and impact. OJJDP will continue to work with State and local

governments to insure that these requirements work to protect juvenile

offenders while continuing to provide law enforcement and human service

agencies with sufficient flexibility.

    Comment: One comment expressed interest in funding assistance for

two alternative programs: Teen Court and House Arrest.

    Response: OJJDP recognizes that teen court programs serve multiple

purposes in helping to address problem behavior when youth are charged

with alcohol use and other misdemeanor offenses. Teen courts are seen

as an effective intervention in many jurisdictions where enforcement of

such offenses is considered difficult or a low priority. Teen courts

are included in OJJDP's Guide for Implementing the Comprehensive

Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders as a

graduated sanction for jurisdictions to use in helping to send the

message to youth that the community does not condone law-breaking

behaviors. OJJDP views the teen court program as an excellent vehicle

to help youth realize that they are accountable for their actions; to

educate them on the impact of their actions, either positive or

negative, on others in the community; and to offer a hands-on juvenile

justice system experience for both the youthful offender and youth who

volunteer for the program. To provide assistance to jurisdictions

interested in establishing or enhancing a teen court program as an

alternative response to juvenile crime, OJJDP has collaborated with the

Department of Transportation on the soon-to-be-released publication

entitled Peer Justice and Youth Empowerment: An Implementation Guide

for Teen Court Programs.

    OJJDP is committed to enhancing services for those juveniles who

can benefit from treatment and rehabilitation in the juvenile justice

system as well as protecting the public. One of the most recent and

popular innovations has been the use of electronic monitoring, which

provides an effective tool for the supervision of selected pre- and

postadjudicated offender populations who remain in the community. OJJDP

currently has an initiative to develop a set of guidelines and research

protocols to assist juvenile justice program administrators and

policymakers in the self-evaluation of their electronic monitoring

programs.

    Comment: OJJDP received four comments that supported the importance

of delinquency prevention and early intervention, one writer calling it

the most cost-effective means of dealing with future delinquency. One

of the respondents also suggested that early intervention efforts might

be strengthened by calling specifically for better character

development in the home and in the schools. Another writer indicated

that it is essential for OJJDP to maintain a holistic approach and

continue to emphasize healthy youth development through prevention and

remediation. The fourth comment expressed approval of the recognition

of prosecutors as an integral part of prevention programming.

    Response: OJJDP agrees with the suggestion that delinquency

prevention and early intervention are critical components of a

continuum-of-care system. Delinquency prevention and early intervention

are key components of OJJDP's Comprehensive Strategy for Serious,

Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders. The Comprehensive Strategy

supports a holistic approach, emphasizing healthy youth development.

One of the major themes of the Strategy is to ameliorate the impact of

risk factors that interfere with healthy youth development. This year

OJJDP released a report, Delinquency Prevention Works, which explains

the importance of delinquency prevention and includes information about

successful delinquency prevention models. The OJJDP-funded Program of

Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency is documenting

that research-based, risk-focused prevention is the most cost-effective

method for dealing with juvenile delinquency. Three of OJJDP's new

initiatives support the principles of delinquency prevention: the

development of Assessment Centers and the Child Abuse and Neglect and

the Field-Initiated Research Programs.

    The evaluation of the SafeFutures Program should provide important

information on the value of comprehensive delinquency prevention and

early intervention programming. OJJDP is working with a variety of

agencies in the area of delinquency prevention, including the Center

for Mental Health Services, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention,

and the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, all part of the U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services. OJJDP is also working with the

health, child welfare, and education systems through several

interagency workgroups and jointly funded programs.

    OJJDP considers prosecutors to be an integral component of

prevention and early intervention strategies and will continue working

with prosecutors through the National District Attorneys Association.

    Comment: In the area of training in risk-focused prevention

strategies, one respondent suggested that consideration be given to

matching future funds with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development State Block Grants in Economic Development Initiatives,

Enterprise Zones, Neighborhood Development, and Community Adjustment

Planning.

    Response: OJJDP and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) are strengthening linkages between their respective

programs in regard to risk-focused prevention strategies. Through an

interagency agreement, HUD is working as a partner with OJJDP to

provide training and technical assistance in public housing sites under

OJJDP's SafeFutures Program. Both HUD and OJJDP, as well as Education,

Labor, Treasury, and other divisions and bureaus within the Department

of Justice, are members of the Youth Gang Consortium. Initiated in

December 1995, the Consortium is facilitating coordination of gang

program development, information exchange,



[[Page 21269]]



and service delivery nationwide. OJJDP is currently working directly

with Empowerment Zones, Enterprise Communities, and Enhanced Enterprise

Communities (EZ/EC/EEC's) under several major initiatives. Four of the

six SafeFutures sites are located in EC/EEC's and are receiving hands-

on technical assistance and training in risk-focused prevention.

Seventeen EZ/EC/EEC's are receiving training in implementing a

comprehensive youth-focused community policing strategy in their

communities under a joint program with the Office of Community Oriented

Policing and Community Relations Service. Other EZ/EC/EEC initiatives

will come online in FY 1996, including Youth Out of the Education

Mainstream, a joint program of the Departments of Justice and

Education.

    Comment: Two respondents expressed concern that the proposed plan

did not include mental health needs of youth in the juvenile justice

system and asked that some discretionary funds be set aside for mental

health programs. One of the writers stressed that all components of the

juvenile justice system must work together and also work with the

private sector, teaching hospitals, and family members to minimize

further mental health problems for at-risk youth and at the same time

protect the public.

    Response: OJJDP has provided leadership in addressing mental health

issues in the juvenile justice system. In 1995, OJJDP supported a

mental health conference, ``Caring for Every Youth's Mental Health: An

Issue Inseparable From Youth Crime,'' and jointly sponsored the ``Early

Intervention Childhood System of Care Conference'' in Atlanta, Georgia.

With the Department of Education, OJJDP also cosponsored a 1996

conference, ``Making Collaboration Work for Children, School, Families,

and Community,'' which included a range of mental health issues.

    The State Challenge Grant Program includes a provision for the

support of mental health programs. To date, 13 States have selected

this area as one of their challenge activities. In addition, OJJDP is

working with the Center for Mental Health Services to determine

innovative ways in which to collaborate in the development and

implementation of mental health programs for juveniles in the juvenile

justice system.

    Finally, mental health is a key component of OJJDP's SafeFutures

Program. The six sites have each been allocated $150,000 per year to

address the mental health needs of juveniles in the juvenile justice

system, with a focus on services for juveniles with learning

disabilities, mental disorders, and juvenile sex offenses.

    Comment: One respondent stressed that substance abuse is a critical

issue with almost all juvenile offenders.

    Response: OJJDP concurs with this observation. In FY 1996, OJJDP

will continue four major drug- and alcohol-related programs, will work

with the American Probation and Parole Association, and will

collaborate with the Office of National Drug Control Policy in

expanding related programs in FY 1997.

    Comment: Two writers commented on OJJDP's training and technical

assistance for family strengthening services. One urged that available

funds for new programs be allocated to prevention and to strengthening

families. Another respondent faulted the proposed plan for not

addressing the need to teach moral responsibility in the family unit.

    Response: The Office acknowledges the value of prevention and the

importance of the family's role in delinquency prevention. The training

and technical assistance program endeavors to strengthen families by

assisting communities to enhance the range of available family support

services and programs. OJJDP believes that each community knows best

the types of services that need to be made available to its families.

Consequently, this program seeks to increase the capacity of

communities to identify and implement programs that meet the diverse

needs of its families.

    Comment: Addressing the proposed program to establish a community-

based approach to combating child victimization, one writer commended

OJJDP for targeting child victims as a priority area and for providing

assistance to create a better system to protect children and support

professionals who work with these families. The letter also contained

three suggestions. First, spread the net as wide as possible, instead

of narrowly restricting what type of entities may apply. Second,

provide a ``big tent,'' by not overly restricting what other

initiatives must be in place unless directly related and necessary for

a child welfare reform effort. Third, do not require match to be in

dollars, but instead accept in-kind match.

    Response: The three points the author raises are valid suggestions

that the Office will take into consideration in developing the

competitive solicitation for this program.

    Comment: Three respondents praised OJJDP's emphasis on

collaboration. Two of these comments also raised specific issues. One

pointed out areas where enhanced collaboration would be beneficial:

adoption opportunities, maternal and child health programs (including

teen pregnancy prevention), family preservation, runaway/homeless

youth, information management, data collection, and evaluation. The

other respondent noted that, although collaboration was identified as

an important part of the plan, no reference was made to the parties

that are minimally expected to be involved in collaborative efforts.

    Response: The introduction to the program plan, and many of the

program descriptions in the plan, refer to OJJDP's Comprehensive

Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders and the

Guide for Implementing the Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent,

and Chronic Juvenile Offenders. These documents provide a context for

OJJDP's plan, including Title V prevention grants and other programs

outside the scope of the plan. The Guide provides communities with a

framework for preventing delinquency, intervening in early delinquent

behavior, and responding to serious, violent, and chronic offending. A

key aspect of this framework and the Title V training includes a step-

by step process for convening key leaders in a community to be a part

of a collaborative process. Although adoption, runaway/homeless

services, information managers, data collectors, and evaluators are not

explicitly stated as required participants in such a collaborative

process, there is no reason why they would not be included. In various

programs, OJJDP provides specific guidance as to the type of groups

that should be involved in the program. However, in view of varied

local needs, priorities, resources, and existing planning and service

delivery systems, OJJDP does not see a need to go beyond providing

general guidance on the range of participants.



Introduction to Fiscal Year 1996 Program Plan



    Intolerably high rates of juvenile violence and delinquency,

victimization, school drop out, teen pregnancy, illegal drug use, and

child abuse and neglect are plaguing our country. In jurisdictions

across the Nation, over-burdened juvenile justice and dependency court

systems are being held accountable for redressing the results of

unstable families lacking parenting skills, communities with inadequate

health and mental health support networks, fragmented social service

delivery systems, a shortage of constructive activities for young

people, and easy access to guns and drugs. They lack the resources

necessary to respond



[[Page 21270]]



to serious, violent, and chronic delinquency, to hold juveniles

accountable, and to turn back the tide of increasing violent

delinquency by providing early intervention services for at-risk

juveniles and their families.

    The OJJDP fiscal year 1996 Comprehensive Plan seeks to support

programming that is built on sound research and strengthens

collaborations needed to empower the juvenile justice and dependency

court systems to work effectively with communities in preventing and

controlling delinquency and reducing juvenile victimization.

    In 1993, OJJDP published a Comprehensive Strategy for Serious,

Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offenders (Comprehensive Strategy).

Designed to provide a response to the social crisis we are facing, the

Comprehensive Strategy utilizes statistics, research, and program

evaluations as the basis for a set of sound principles for establishing

a continuum of care for our children. The Comprehensive Strategy

emphasizes the importance of local planning teams assessing the factors

which put youth at risk for delinquency, determining available

resources, and putting in place prevention programs that either reduce

those risk factors or provide protective factors that buffer juveniles

from the impact of risk factors. The Comprehensive Strategy also

stresses the importance of early intervention for juveniles whose

behavior puts them on one or more pathways to delinquency and of having

a system of graduated sanctions that can ensure immediate and

appropriate accountability and treatment for juvenile offenders.

    During FY 1995 OJJDP published a Guide for Implementing the

Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile

Offenders (Guide). The Guide provides information on the process of

identifying risk and protective factors in the community and offers

detailed information about programs known to prevent delinquency or

reduce recidivism. By providing a foundation and framework for each

community's individualized strategy, the Guide can serve as a powerful

tool for States, cities, counties, and neighborhoods that are

mobilizing to address the problem of juvenile violence and delinquency.

    The Comprehensive Strategy also served as the foundation for the

development of the National Juvenile Justice Action Plan (Action Plan),

recently published by the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention in March. The Action Plan provides an additional

resource to communities that seek to balance vigorous enforcement of

the law and prevention services in order to reduce juvenile delinquency

and violence. The Action Plan prioritizes Federal activities and

resources under eight critical objectives, each of which needs to be

addressed in order to effectively combat delinquency and violence. The

Action Plan describes grants, training, technical assistance,

information dissemination, and research and evaluation activities that

will assist jurisdictions to: (1) strengthen their juvenile justice

systems; (2) prosecute certain serious, violent and chronic juvenile

offenders in the criminal justice system; (3) target youth gun, gang,

and drug violence through comprehensive policing and prevention

techniques; (4) create positive opportunities for youth; (5) break the

cycle of violence by addressing child victimization, abuse, and

neglect; (6) mobilize communities into effective partnerships for

change; (7) conduct research and evaluate programs; and (8) develop a

public education campaign in order to both get the message out about

successes in addressing juvenile delinquency and violence and rebuild

confidence in every community's ability to impact this serious problem.

These are the activities that the research, as well as numerous expert

commissions on at-risk children, youth, families, and communities,

indicates are necessary to make a lasting difference. It is these

activities, coupled with the Comprehensive Strategy implementation,

that form the basis of OJJDP's 1996 Program Plan.

    The Program Plan supports a balanced approach to aggressively

addressing juvenile delinquency and violence through graduated

sanctions, improving the juvenile justice system's ability to respond,

and preventing the onset of delinquency. It takes into account the

short term need to ensure public safety and the long term imperative of

supporting children's development into healthy, productive citizens

through a range of prevention, early intervention, and graduated

sanctions programs.

    Three major new program areas were identified through a process of

engaging OJJDP staff, other Federal agencies, and juvenile justice

practitioners in an examination of existing programs, research

findings, and the needs of the field. They are: (1) Developing one-

stop, community-based intake, assessment, and case referral centers and

programs for juveniles who may require services or juvenile justice

system interventions; (2) supporting the linkage between community and

law enforcement responses to youth gun violence; and (3) improving the

dependency and criminal court system's and the community's response to

child abuse and neglect. In addition, a range of research and

evaluation projects that will expand our knowledge about juvenile

offenders, the effectiveness of prevention, intervention, and treatment

programs, and the operation of the juvenile justice system have been

identified for FY 1996 funding.

    Enhanced program support in the area of disproportionate minority

confinement, gender-specific services, and technical assistance to

Native American Tribes, would also be provided. Combined with OJJDP

programs being continued in FY 1996, these new demonstration and

support programs form a continuum of programming that supports the

objectives of the Action Plan and mirrors the foundation and framework

of the Comprehensive Strategy.

    These continuation activities and programs and the new FY 1996

programs are at the heart of OJJDP's categorical funding efforts. For

example, while focusing on the development of assessment centers as a

new area of programming, OJJDP will continue to offer training seminars

in the Comprehensive Strategy and look to the SafeFutures program to

implement the Comprehensive Strategy model under existing grants and

contracts. Combined, these activities provide a holistic approach to

prevention and early intervention programs while enhancing the juvenile

justice system's capacity to provide immediate and appropriate

accountability and treatment for juvenile offenders.

    OJJDP's Part D Gang Program will continue to support a range of

comprehensive prevention, intervention, and suppression activities at

the local level, evaluate those activities, and inform communities

about the nature and extent of gang activities and effective and

innovative programs through OJJDP's National Youth Gang Center.

Similarly, the demonstration program focusing on juvenile gun violence

will complement existing law enforcement and prosecutorial training

programs by supporting grassroots community organization's efforts to

address juvenile access to, carriage, and use of guns. This programming

will build upon OJJDP's youth-focused community policing, mentoring,

and conflict resolution initiatives, as well as programming in the area

of drug abuse prevention, such as funding to the Congress of National

Black Churches and the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise for

local church and neighborhood-based drug abuse prevention programs.



[[Page 21271]]



    In support of the need to break the cycle of violence, OJJDP's new

demonstration program to improve linkages between the dependency and

criminal court systems, child welfare and social service providers, and

family strengthening programs will complement ongoing support of Court

Appointed Special Advocates, Child Advocacy Centers, and prosecutor and

judicial training in the dependency field, funded under the Victims of

Child Abuse Act of 1990, as amended.

    The Plan's research and evaluation programming will support many of

the above activities by filling in critical gaps in our knowledge about

the level and seriousness of juvenile crime and victimization, its

causes and correlates, and effective programs in preventing delinquency

and violence. At the same time, OJJDP's research efforts will also be

geared toward efforts that monitor and evaluate the ways juveniles are

treated by the juvenile and criminal justice systems and any trends in

this response, particularly as they relate to juvenile violence and its

impact.

    OJJDP is also utilizing its national perspective to disseminate

information to those at the grassroots level--practitioners, policy

makers, community leaders, and service providers who are directly

responsible for planning and implementing policies and programs that

impact on juvenile crime and violence.

    OJJDP will continue to fund longitudinal research on the causes and

correlates of delinquency, the findings of which are shared regularly

with the field through OJJDP publications, utilize state-of-the-art

technology to develop and disseminate an interactive CD-ROM on programs

that work to prevent delinquency and reduce recidivism, air national

satellite teleconferences on key topics of relevance to practitioners,

and publish new reports and documents on timely topics such as school-

based conflict resolution, curfews, the Federal Educational Records

Privacy Act, confidentiality of juvenile court records, innovative

sentencing options, and strategies to reduce youth gun violence.

    The various contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and

interagency fund transfers described in the Program Plan form a

continuum of activity designed to address the crisis of youth violence

and delinquency in our Nation. In isolation, this programming can do

little. However, the emphasis of OJJDP's programming is on

collaboration. It is through collaboration that Federal, State, and

local agencies; Native American Tribes; national organizations; private

philanthropies; the corporate and business sector; health; mental

health and social service agencies; schools; youth; families; and

clergy can come together to form partnerships and leverage additional

resources, identify needs and priorities, and implement innovative

strategies. Together, we can make a difference.



Fiscal Year 1996 Programs



    The following are brief summaries of each of the new and

continuation programs for FY 1996. As indicated above, the program

categories are public safety and law enforcement; strengthening the

juvenile justice system; delinquency prevention and intervention; and

child abuse, neglect, and dependency courts. However, because many

programs have significant elements of more than one of these program

categories, or generally support all of OJJDP's programs, they are

listed in an initial program category called ``Overarching Programs''.

The specific program priorities within each category are subject to

change with regard to their priority status, sites for implementation,

and other descriptive data and information based on the review and

comment process, grantee performance, application quality, fund

availability, and other factors.

    A number of programs contained in this document have been

identified for funding by Congress with regard to the grantee(s), the

amount of funds, or both. Such programs are indicated by an asterisk

(*). The 1996 Appropriations Act Conference Report for the Departments

of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies

Programs identified six programs for OJJDP to examine and fund if

warranted. One of these programs is included in the Plan for

continuation funding. The remaining five will receive careful

consideration for funding in FY 1996.



Fiscal Year 1996 Program Listing



Overarching



Program of Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency

Field-Initiated Research

Evaluation of SafeFutures

OJJDP Management Evaluation Contract

Juvenile Justice Statistics and Systems Development

Research Program on Juveniles Taken into Custody--NCCD

Juveniles Taken into Custody--Interagency Agreement

Children in Custody--Census

Juvenile Justice Data Resources

National Juvenile Court Data Archive*

National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Training and

Technical Assistance Center

Technical Assistance for State Legislatures

OJJDP Technical Assistance Support Contract--JJRC

Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse

Telecommunications Assistance

Coalition for Juvenile Justice

Insular Area Support*



Public Safety and Law Enforcement



Kids and Guns: Reducing Youth Gun Violence

Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention,

and Suppression Program

Targeted Outreach with a Gang Prevention and Intervention Component

(Boys and Girls Clubs)

National Youth Gang Center

Child-Centered Community-Oriented Policing

Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Program

Violence Studies*

Hate Crimes



Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System



Development of OJJDP's Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and

Chronic Juvenile Offenders

Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offender Treatment Program

Community Assessment Centers

Juvenile Restitution: A Balanced Approach

Training and Technical Assistance Program to Promote Gender-Specific

Programming for Female Juvenile Offenders

Technical Assistance to Native American Programs

National Indicators of Juvenile Violence and Delinquent Behavior and

Related Risk Factors

Evaluation of the Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang

Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression

Evaluation of Intensive Community-Based Aftercare Demonstration and

Technical Assistance Program

Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP) Evaluation

Juvenile Transfers to Criminal Court Studies

Technical Assistance to Juvenile Courts*

Juvenile Court Judges Training*

The Juvenile Justice Prosecution Unit

Due Process Advocacy Program Development

Intensive Community-Based Aftercare Demonstration and Technical

Assistance Program

Training and Technical Assistance for National Innovations to Reduce

Disproportionate Minority



[[Page 21272]]



Confinement (The Deborah Wysinger Memorial Program)

Juvenile Probation Survey Research

Improvements in Correctional Education for Juvenile Offenders

Performance-Based Standards for Juvenile Detention and Corrections

Facilities

Technical Assistance to Juvenile Corrections and Detention (The James

E. Gould Memorial Program)

Training for Juvenile Corrections and Detention Staff

Training for Line Staff in Juvenile Detention and Corrections

Training and Technical Support for State and Local Jurisdictional Teams

to Focus on Juvenile Corrections and Detention Overcrowding

National Program Directory



Delinquency Prevention and Intervention



Training In Risk-Focused Prevention Strategies

Youth-Centered Conflict Resolution

Pathways to Success

Teens, Crime, and the Community: Teens in Action in the 90s*

Law-Related Education

Cities in Schools--Federal Interagency Partnership

Race Against Drugs

The Congress of National Black Churches: National Anti-Drug Abuse/

Violence Campaign (NADVC)

Community Anti-Drug Abuse Technical Assistance Voucher Project

Training and Technical Assistance for Family Strengthening Services

Henry Ford Health System*

Jackie Robinson Center*



Child Abuse and Neglect and Dependency Courts



A Community-Based Approach to Combating Child Victimization

Permanent Families for Abused and Neglected Children*

Parents Anonymous, Inc.*

Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc.*



Overarching



Program of Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency

    Three projects sites comprise the Program of Research on the Causes

and Correlates of Delinquency: The University of Colorado at Boulder,

the University of Pittsburgh, and the State University of New York at

Albany. The main purpose of FY 1996 funding will be to support

additional data analyses in support of OJJDP program development.

Results from this program have been used extensively in the development

of OJJDP's Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic

Juvenile Offenders and other program initiatives.

    OJJDP began funding this program in 1986 and has invested

approximately $10 million to date. The program has addressed many

issues of juvenile violence and delinquency. These include developing

and testing causal models for chronic violent offending and examining

interrelationships among gang involvement, drug selling, and gun

ownership/use. To date, the Program has produced a massive amount of

information on the causes and correlates of delinquent behavior.

    Although there is great commonality across the projects, each has

unique design features. Additionally, each project has disseminated the

results of its research through a variety of publications, reports, and

presentations.

    With FY 1996 funding, each site of the Causes and Correlates

Program will be provided additional funds to further analyze the

longitudinal data. New publications, including two joint publications,

will be developed in FY 1996 and both the role of mental health in

delinquency and pathways to delinquency will be the subject of further

analyses.

    This program will be implemented by the current grantees, Institute

of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado at Boulder; Western

Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh; and

Hindelang Criminal Justice Research Center, State University of New

York at Albany. No additional applications will be solicited in FY

1996.

Field-Initiated Research

    Through the FY 1996 Field-Initiated Research program, OJJDP will

solicit innovative programs that address critical research and

evaluation needs of the juvenile justice field. Priority research

topics include: youth gangs in residential facilities; mental health

issues; waiver and transfer to the juvenile justice system; reporting

of child victimization; improving data collaboration efforts between

juvenile justice, child welfare, child protective services, and mental

health; institutional crowding; and topics related to OJJDP's

Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile

Offenders. In addition to research topics, this program will also

entertain proposals from State and local agencies wishing to conduct

evaluations of programs initiated with OJJDP Formula, Title V, and

discretionary funds that appear to be having significant impact and

offer a possibility for national replication.

    OJJDP will issue a competitive solicitation for this initiative in

FY 1996.

Evaluation of SafeFutures

    With FY 1995 funds, OJJDP funded six communities under the

SafeFutures: Partnerships to Reduce Youth Violence and Delinquency

Program. The program sites are: Contra Costa County, California; Fort

Belknap Indian Community, Montana; Boston, Massachusetts; St. Louis,

Missouri; Seattle, Washington; and Imperial County, California. The

SafeFutures Program provides support for a comprehensive prevention,

intervention, and treatment program to meet the needs of at-risk

juveniles and their families.

    Approximately $8 million will be made available for annual awards

over a 5-year project period to support the efforts of these

jurisdictions to enhance existing partnerships, integrate juvenile

justice and social services, and provide a continuum of care that is

designed to reduce the number of serious, violent, and chronic juvenile

offenders.

    The Urban Institute received a competitive 3-year Phase I

cooperative agreement award with FY 1995 funds to provide a national

evaluation of the SafeFutures program. The evaluation will consist of

both process and impact components for each funded site. The evaluation

process includes an examination of planning procedures and the extent

to which each site's implementation plan is consistent with the

principles of a continuum of care/graduated sanctions model. The

evaluation will identify the obstacles and key factors contributing to

the successful implementation of the SafeFutures continuum of care

model. The evaluator is responsible for developing a cross-site

monograph documenting the process of program implementation for use by

other communities that want to develop and implement a comprehensive

community-based strategy to address serious, violent, and chronic

delinquency.

    A FY 1996 supplemental award will be made to the current grantee,

the Urban Institute, to complete first year funding. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

OJJDP Management Evaluation Contract

    The purpose of this contract, competitively awarded in FY 1995 to

Caliber Associates, is to provide to OJJDP an expert resource capable

of performing independent, management-oriented evaluations of selected

OJJDP programs. These evaluations are designed to determine the

effectiveness and efficiency of either individual projects or groups of

projects. The



[[Page 21273]]



contractor also assists OJJDP in determining how to make the best use

of limited evaluation resources and how best to design and implement

evaluations. Work plans that have been requested or will be requested

from the contractor in FY 1996 include: continuing the evaluation of

three OJJDP-funded bootcamps; continuing to support the evaluation of

Title V delinquency prevention programs at the local level; preparation

of OJJDP's Title V Program report to Congress; providing assistance to

OJJDP program development working groups; assisting OJJDP in the

creation of an ``evaluation partnership for juvenile justice'' designed

to improve the number and quality of evaluations conducted by Formula

Grants Program grantees, other Federal agencies, private foundations

that fund evaluations, and State and local governments; and conducting

other short- or long-term evaluations as required. The contract will be

performed by the current contractor, Caliber Associates. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Juvenile Justice Statistics and Systems Development

    The Juvenile Justice Statistics and Systems Development (SSD)

Program was competitively awarded to the National Center for Juvenile

Justice (NCJJ) in FY 1990 to improve national, State, and local

statistics on juveniles as victims and offenders. The project has

focused on three major functions: (1) Assessment of how current

information needs are being met with existing data collection efforts

and recommending options for improving national level statistics; (2)

analyzing data and disseminating information gathered from existing

Federal statistical series and national studies. Based on this work,

OJJDP released the first ``Juvenile Offenders and Victims: A National

Report'' in September 1995; and (3) provision of training and technical

assistance for local agencies in developing or enhancing management

information systems. A training curriculum, ``Improving Information for

Rational Decision making in Juvenile Justice,'' was drafted for pilot

testing.

    In this final phase of the SSD project, NCJJ will complete a long-

term plan for improving national statistics on juveniles as victims and

offenders, including constructing core data elements for a national

reporting program for juveniles waived or transferred to criminal

court, an implementation plan for integrating data collection on

juveniles by juvenile justice, mental health, and child welfare

agencies, and a report on standardized measures and instruments for

self-reported delinquency surveys. The project will also make

recommendations to fill information gaps in the areas of juvenile

probation, juvenile court and law enforcement responses to juvenile

delinquency, violent delinquency, and child abuse and neglect. In

addition, the SSD Project will provide an update of Juvenile Offenders

and Victims: A National Report, and work with the Office of Justice

Programs, Crime Statistics Working Group and other Federal interagency

working groups on statistics. The project will be implemented by the

current grantee, NCJJ. No additional applications will be solicited in

FY 1996.

Research Program on Juveniles Taken Into Custody--NCCD

    The Research Program on Juveniles Taken into Custody was designed

and implemented in FY 1989 in response to a growing need for

comprehensive juvenile custody data. The project now has the

participation of all State juvenile corrections agencies. Each year the

project produces a report on juveniles taken into custody. In FY 1996,

the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) will continue to

refine the State Juvenile Correctional System Reporting Program. It is

anticipated that individual-level data for 1996 will be representative

of more than 85 percent of the at-risk juvenile population. In

addition, NCCD will prepare reports, including the annual Juveniles

Taken Into Custody report, providing a detailed summary and analysis of

the most recent data regarding: (1) The number and characteristics of

juveniles taken into custody; (2) the rate at which juveniles are taken

into custody; and (3) the trends demonstrated by the data.

    This program will be implemented by the current grantee, NCCD. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Juveniles Taken Into Custody (JTIC)--Interagency Agreement

    OJJDP will continue its program to improve the collection of

juvenile custody data through an interagency agreement with the Bureau

of the Census. This agreement provides for the collection and

processing of individual-level data on juveniles under State

correctional custody. The Census Bureau and OJJDP have developed close

working relationships with State juvenile corrections agencies. Through

these relationships, OJJDP has developed a program to collect data on

each juvenile in State custody and the Census Bureau has developed an

understanding of the State data that allows for ``translation'' of

State information to a national format. Each year since 1990, the

Census Bureau has collected this information and processed it for

analysis by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD).

    The resulting analyses are published in OJJDP's annual Juveniles

Taken Into Custody report, which is disseminated to practitioners and

planners, and are used to meet statutory information requirements in

OJJDP's Annual Report to the President and Congress.

    The program will be implemented in FY 1996 by the Bureau of the

Census under an interagency agreement.

Children in Custody--Census

    Under this ongoing collaborative program between OJJDP and the U.S.

Bureau of the Census, OJJDP will transfer funds to the Census Bureau to

complete the 1995 biennial census of public and private juvenile

detention, correctional, and shelter facilities. The census describes

juvenile custody facilities in terms of their resident population,

programs, and physical characteristics. It also provides data on trends

in the use of juvenile custody facilities for delinquent juveniles and

status offenders. These data are analyzed and included in OJJDP's

annual Juveniles Taken Into Custody report and other statistical

reports.

    The Census Bureau's Center for Survey Methods Research will also

continue to develop and test a roster-based data collection system

designed to enhance information collected on juveniles in custody

beginning with the 1997 biennial census. Finally, the Bureau's

Governments Division will continue its efforts to develop a complete

directory of juvenile justice facilities and programs. This directory

will serve as the frame for conducting the 1997 census and other future

surveys. It will contain basic information on each facility that is

necessary for creating representative samples. It will also contain

basic administrative information to be used in conducting the census.

    The program will be implemented by the U.S. Bureau of the Census

under an existing interagency agreement.

Juvenile Justice Data Resources

    OJJDP has entered into an agreement with the Inter-University

Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the University

of Michigan to make OJJDP data sets routinely available to researchers.

Under this agreement, ICPSR assures the technical integrity



[[Page 21274]]



and develops a universal format for the data. The codebooks, along with

the data, provide clear guidance for additional analyses. Once

prepared, ICPSR provides access to these data sets to member

institutions and the public. Among the data sets previously processed

and available through ICPSR are the Children in Custody Census (1971-

1991); the Conditions of Confinement Study; and the National Incidence

Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children

(NISMART).

    This program will be implemented under an interagency agreement

with ICPSR. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

National Juvenile Court Data Archive*

    The National Juvenile Court Data Archive collects, processes,

analyzes, and disseminates automated data and published reports from

the Nation's juvenile courts. The Archive's reports examine referrals,

offenses, intake, and dispositions, in addition to providing

specialized topics such as minorities in juvenile courts and

information on specific offense categories. The Archive also provides

assistance to jurisdictions in analyzing their juvenile court data. In

1995, this project produced a bulletin, Offenders in Juvenile Court

1992, and a report, Juvenile Court Statistics 1992, along with a number

of OJJDP Fact Sheets and special analyses.

    In FY 1996, the Archive will enhance the collection, reporting, and

analysis of more detailed data on detention, dispositions, risk

factors, and treatment data using offender-based data sets from a

sample of juvenile courts.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, the

National Center for Juvenile Justice. No additional applications will

be solicited in FY 1996.

National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Training and

Technical Assistance Center

    The National Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Training

and Technical Assistance Center (NTTAC) was competitively funded in FY

1995 for a 3-year project period to develop a national training and

technical assistance clearinghouse, inventory juvenile justice

training/technical assistance resources, and establish a data base with

respect to these resources.

    In FY 1995, work involved organization and staffing of the Center,

providing an orientation for OJJDP training and technical assistance

providers regarding their role in the Center's activities, and initial

data base development.

    In FY 1996, NTTAC will conduct needs assessments, support training/

technical assistance program development, promote collaboration between

OJJDP training/technical assistance providers, develop training/

technical assistance materials, and promote evaluation of OJJDP-

supported training and technical assistance. In addition, NTTAC will

prepare program materials and implement specialized training, including

training-of-trainers programs, and develop standards and procedures for

academic/professional accreditation/certification of OJJDP training and

trainers. NTTAC provides a single, central source for information

pertaining to the availability of OJJDP supported training/technical

assistance programs and will publish and maintain an up-to-date catalog

of such programs.

    This project will be implemented by the current grantee, Community

Research Associates. No additional applications will be solicited in FY

1996.

Technical Assistance for State Legislatures

    State legislatures are being pressed to respond to public fear of

juvenile crime and a loss of confidence in the capability of the

juvenile justice system to respond effectively. For the most part,

State legislatures have had insufficient information to properly

address juvenile justice issues. In FY 1995, OJJDP awarded a two-year

grant to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) to provide

relevant, timely information on comprehensive approaches in juvenile

justice that are geared to the legislative environment. In FY 1995,

NCSL convened a Leadership Forum with invited legislators; convened

several focus groups; and established an information clearinghouse

function. In FY 1996, OJJDP will award second-year funding to the NCSL

to further identify, analyze, and disseminate information to help State

legislatures make more informed decisions about legislation affecting

the juvenile justice system. A complementary task will involve

supporting increased communication between State legislators and State

and local leaders who influence decision making regarding juvenile

justice issues. NCSL will provide technical assistance to four States,

will continue outreach activities, and maintain its clearinghouse

function.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, NCSL. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

OJJDP Technical Assistance Support Contract: Juvenile Justice Resource

Center

    This 3-year contract, competitively awarded in FY 1994, provides

technical assistance and support to OJJDP, its grantees, and the

Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in

the areas of program development, evaluation, training, and research.

This program support contract will be supplemented in FY 1996. The

contract will be implemented by the current contractor, Aspen Systems

Corporation. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse

    A component of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service

(NCJRS), the Juvenile Justice Clearinghouse (JJC) is OJJDP's central

source for the collection, synthesis, and dissemination of information

on all aspects of juvenile justice, including research and evaluation

findings: State and local juvenile delinquency prevention and treatment

programs and plans; availability of resources; training and educational

programs; and statistics. JJC serves the entire juvenile justice

community, including researchers, law enforcement officials, judges,

prosecutors, probation and corrections staff, youth-service personnel,

legislators, the media, and the public.

    Among its many support services, JJC offers toll-free telephone

access to information: prepares specialized responses to information

requests; produces, warehouses, and distributes OJJDP publications;

exhibits at national conferences; maintains a comprehensive juvenile

justice library and database; and administers several electronic

information resources. Recognizing the critical need to inform juvenile

justice practitioners and policy makers on promising program

approaches, JJC continually develops and recommends new products and

strategies to communicate more effectively the research findings and

program activities of OJJDP and the field. The entire NCJRS, of which

the OJJDP-funded JJC is a part, is administered by the National

Institute of Justice under a competitively awarded contract. The

project will be implemented by the current grantee, Aspen Systems

Corporation. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Telecommunications Assistance

    Developments in information technology and distance training can

expand and enhance OJJDP's capacity to disseminate information and

provide



[[Page 21275]]



training and technical assistance. These technologies have the

following advantages when used properly: increased access to

information and training for persons in the juvenile justice system;

reduced travel costs to conferences; and reduced time attending

meetings requiring one or more nights away from one's home or office.

Additionally, the successful use of ``live'' satellite teleconferences

by OJJDP during the past year has generated an enthusiastic response

from the field.

    During the past twelve months the grantee has produced four live

satellite teleconferences on the following topics: Community

Collaboration for Delinquency Prevention; Model Juvenile Correctional

Programs for Serious, Violent, Chronic Offenders; Youth Focused

Community Policing; and Juvenile Boot Camps.

    OJJDP will continue the competitive cooperative agreement award to

Eastern Kentucky University in 1994 to provide program support and

technical assistance for a variety of information technologies,

including audio-graphics, satellite teleconferences, and fiber optics.

The grantee will also continue to provide limited technical assistance

to other grantees interested in using this technology and explore

linkages with key constituent groups to advance mutual goals and

objectives. This project will be implemented by the current grantee,

Eastern Kentucky University. No additional applications will be

solicited in FY 1996.

Coalition for Juvenile Justice

    The Coalition for Juvenile Justice supports and facilitates the

purposes and functions of each State's Juvenile Justice State Advisory

Group (SAG). The Coalition, acting as a statutorily authorized, duly

chartered Federal advisory committee, reviews Federal policies and

practices regarding juvenile justice and delinquency prevention, and

prepares and submits an annual report and recommendations to the

President, Congress, and the Administrator of OJJDP. The Coalition also

serves as an information center for the SAGs and conducts an annual

conference to provide training for SAG members. The program will be

implemented by the current grantee, the Coalition for Juvenile Justice.

No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Insular Area Support*

    The purpose of this program is to provide supplemental financial

support to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust

Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau), and the Commonwealth of the

Northern Mariana Islands. Funds are available to address the special

needs and problems of juvenile delinquency in these insular areas, as

specified by Section 261(e) of the JJDP Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.

5665(e).



Public Safety and Law Enforcement



Kids and Guns: Reducing Youth Gun Violence

    This project is intended to enhance the effectiveness of

comprehensive youth gun violence reduction efforts by supporting

innovative local community-generated strategies. Under a competitive

announcement, OJJDP will fund community-based organizations, local

units of government, and State agencies if they can demonstrate that

the program will be community-based, to strengthen their linkages to

broader youth gun violence reduction efforts.

    Applicants will be encouraged to: be creative in designing

initiatives for the prevention, intervention, and reduction of youth

gun violence in targeted neighborhoods; coordinate their efforts with

other community-based law enforcement initiatives, youth-serving

organizations, crime victim organizations, and the juvenile justice

system; and collaborate with these agencies to evaluate program

effectiveness. Applicants will also be required to show that their

proposed initiative reflects current youth gun violence research and a

local assessment of youth access to guns, why young people carry guns,

and why they use them.

    OJJDP will support an independent evaluation of this project that

focuses on collecting and analyzing data on the program implementation

process. The evaluator will design an impact evaluation in

collaboration with OJJDP and an approved advisory board.

    The Reducing Youth Gun Violence project will be competitively

funded in up to three sites with a 2-year project period. The

evaluation will be competitively funded under a cooperative agreement

to a single grantee for a 3-year project period.

Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention,

and Suppression Program

    This program supports the implementation of a comprehensive gang

program model in five jurisdictions. The program was competitively

awarded with FY 1994 funds under a 3-year project period. The

demonstration sites implementing the model, developed with OJJDP

funding support by the University of Chicago, are: Mesa, Arizona;

Tucson, Arizona; Riverside, California; Bloomington, Illinois; and San

Antonio, Texas. Implementation of the comprehensive gang program model

requires the mobilization of the community to address gang-related

violence by making available social interventions, providing social/

academic/vocational and other types of opportunities, supporting gang

suppression through law enforcement, prosecution and other community

control mechanisms, and supporting organizational change and

development in community agencies to more effectively address gang

violence prone youth.

    During the past year, the demonstration sites began an ongoing

problem assessment process to identify the full nature and extent of

the gang problem in the community and its potential causes. The

assessment process will also help communities to understand what may

cause gang violence in their community and to identify benchmarks by

which program success may be measured. The demonstration sites also

participated in training and technical assistance activities, including

two cluster conferences sponsored by OJJDP. In addition, the

demonstration sites began strategy implementation and service provision

and made progress in community mobilization, either through existing

planning structures or by creating new structures.

    In FY 1996, demonstration sites will receive second year funding to

continue implementation of the model program and build upon the

sustained mobilization, planning and assessment processes.

Additionally, the demonstration sites will continue to target youth

prone to gang violence through continuing implementation of the program

model and work with the independent evaluator of this demonstration

program. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Targeted Outreach With a Gang Prevention and Intervention Component

(Boys and Girls Clubs)

    This program is designed to enable local Boys and Girls Clubs to

prevent youth from entering gangs and to intervene with gang members in

the early stages of gang involvement to divert them from gang

activities into more constructive programs. In FY 1996, Boys and Girls

Clubs of America would provide training and technical assistance to

existing gang prevention and intervention sites and expand the gang

prevention and intervention program to 30 additional Boys and Girls



[[Page 21276]]



Clubs, including those in SafeFutures sites. This program will be

implemented by the current grantee, the Boys and Girls Clubs of

America. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

National Youth Gang Center

    The proliferation of gang problems ranging from large inner cities

to smaller cities, suburbs, and even rural areas over the past two

decades led to the development by OJJDP of a comprehensive, coordinated

response to America's gang problem. This response involves five program

components, one of which is the implementation and operation of the

National Youth Gang Center (NYGC). The NYGC was competitively funded

with FY 1994 funds for a three-year project period. The purpose of the

NYGC is to expand and maintain the body of critical knowledge about

youth gangs and effective responses to them. NYGC assists State and

local jurisdictions in the collection, analysis, and exchange of

information on gang-related demographics, legislation, research, and

promising program strategies. The Center also coordinates activities of

the OJJDP Gang Consortium--a group of Federal agencies, gang program

representatives, and service providers. Other major tasks include

statistical data collection and analysis on gangs, analysis of gang

legislation, gang literature review, identification of promising gang

program strategies, and gang consortium coordination activities.

    Fiscal Year 1996 funds will support second year funding of the NYGC

cooperative agreement to the current grantee, the Institute for

Intergovernmental Research. No additional applications will be

solicited in FY 1996.

Child Centered Community-Oriented Policing

    In FY 1993, OJJDP provided support to the New Haven, Connecticut

Police Department and the Yale University Child Development Center to

document a child-centered, community-oriented policing model being

implemented in New Haven, Connecticut. The basic elements of the model

are a 10-week training course in child development for all new police

officers and child development fellowships for all community-based

district commanders who direct neighborhood police teams. The

fellowships provide 4 to 6 hours of training each week over a 3-month

period at Yale's Child Study Center. The program also includes: (1) a

24-hour consultation from a clinical professional and a police

supervisor to patrol officers who assist children who have been exposed

to violence; (2) weekly case conferences with police officers,

educators, and child study center staff; and (3) open police stations,

located in neighborhoods and accessible to residents for police and

related services, community liaison, and neighborhood foot patrols.

    In FY 1994, BJA community policing funds helped support the first

year of a 3-year training and technical assistance grant to replicate

the program nationwide. These funds supported the development of

criteria for a request for proposals, protocols for consultation,

train-the-trainer sessions for New Haven police and clinical faculty,

and the development of a multi-model strategy for data collection and

program evaluation. Fiscal Year 1995 OJJDP funds supported continuation

of the project's expansion in up to four replication sites.

    Fiscal year 1996 funds will support the implementation of the five-

phase replication protocol in the four selected sites, replication site

data collection and analysis activities, and development of a detailed

casebook about the model and program.

    This project will be implemented by the current grantee, the Yale

University School of Medicine. No additional applications will be

solicited in FY 1996.

Law Enforcement Training and Technical Assistance Program

    This continuation award will supplement the 3-year law enforcement

and technical assistance support contract, competitively awarded in FY

1994 to Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin. Fiscal

year 1996 funds will be used to continue to provide services under the

nationwide training and technical assistance program designed to

improve law enforcement's capability to respond to juvenile

delinquency, to contribute to delinquency prevention, and to address

issues of missing and exploited children and child abuse and neglect.

Technical assistance under this contract is provided in response to a

wide variety of requests from Federal, State, county, and local

agencies with responsibility for the prevention and control of juvenile

delinquency and juvenile victimization. The contract supports

continuation of the Gang, Gun, and Drug Policy Training Program, the

Police Operations Leading to Improved Children and Youth Services

series of training programs, a Native American Law Enforcement Training

Program, and a variety of other law enforcement training programs

offered by OJJDP.

    This contract will be implemented by the current contractor, Fox

Valley Technical College. No additional applications will be solicited

for award of FY 1996 funds.

Violence Studies*

    The 1992 Amendments to the JJDP Act required OJJDP to fund two-year

studies on violence in three urban and one rural jurisdiction. Building

on the results of OJJDP's Program of Research on the Causes and

Correlates of Delinquency, these studies were to examine the incidence

of violence committed by or against juveniles in urban and rural areas

of the United States. In FY 1994, OJJDP initiated this program by

supporting studies of homicides by and of youth in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

and a cross-site study in rural areas in South Carolina, Georgia, and

Florida. The grantees are the University of Wisconsin and the

University of South Carolina. In FY 1995, OJJDP provided funding for

the second year of these studies and initiated two new violence studies

in Los Angeles, California, and Washington, D.C. The grantees are the

University of Southern California and the Institute for Law and

Justice.

    These four studies will provide valuable information regarding

community violence patterns, with a particular focus on homicide and

firearm use involving juveniles. They will also improve the juvenile

justice system by identifying strategic law enforcement responses to

juvenile violence and by identifying diversion, prevention, and control

programs that ameliorate juvenile violence.

    During FY 1996, the University of Wisconsin and the University of

South Carolina will analyze their data and issue their findings with

prior year funds. The University of Southern California will receive FY

1996 funds to identify violence prevention programs and conduct a

household survey and interview adolescents and their care givers in Los

Angeles County. The Institute for Law and Justice will receive FY 1996

funds to collect and analyze aggregate data from various juvenile

justice providers and from a series of interviews with agency staff

serving adjudicated juveniles. This will be followed by analysis and

the preparation of a comprehensive report.

    The program will be continued by the current project grantees. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Hate Crimes

    In FY 1993, OJJDP competitively awarded a grant to Education



[[Page 21277]]



Development Center, Inc. (EDC), to assess existing curriculum materials

and develop a multi-purpose curriculum for use in educational and

institutional settings. In FYs 1994 and 1995, EDC developed a multi-

purpose curriculum for hate crime prevention in school and other

classroom settings and the curriculum was pilot tested in the eighth

grade of the Collins Middle School in Salem, Massachusetts. Information

received in the pilot test was evaluated and the curriculum redesigned.

EDC then tested the curriculum in additional sites in New York and

Florida to ensure that it was geographically and demographically

representative. In consultation with the Office for Victims of Crime,

EDC also developed a dissemination strategy for the curriculum and

other products, including a judge's guide on sanctions for juveniles

who commit hate crimes.

    In FY 1996, EDC will identify school districts and juvenile justice

agencies across the country who are interested in receiving training in

the curriculum. EDC will also provide training to education and

juvenile justice personnel in order to foster adoption of the

curriculum. The project will be implemented by the current grantee,

EDC. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.



Strengthening the Juvenile Justice System



Development of OJJDP's Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and

Chronic Juvenile Offenders

    The National Council on Crime and Delinquency, in collaboration

with Developmental Research and Programs, Inc., has completed Phase I

and II of a collaborative effort to support development and

implementation of OJJDP's Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent,

and Chronic Juvenile Offenders. Phase I involved assessing existing and

previously researched programs in order to identify effective and

promising programs that can be used in implementing the Comprehensive

Strategy. In Phase II, a series of reports were combined into a Guide

for Implementing the Comprehensive Strategy for Serious, Violent, and

Chronic Juvenile Offenders. Phase II also included convening of a

forum, ``Guaranteeing Safe Passage: A National Forum on Youth

Violence,'' and holding two regional training seminars for key leaders

on implementing the Comprehensive Strategy.

    In FY 1996, Phase III of the project will be funded to provide:

targeted dissemination of the Comprehensive Strategy at national

conferences; intensive training for selected States to implement the

Comprehensive Strategy in up to six local jurisdictions; individualized

technical assistance for the five Serious, Violent, and Chronic

Juvenile Offender Program sites and the six SafeFutures sites;

technical assistance to a limited number of individual jurisdictions

interested in implementing the Comprehensive Strategy; and continued

development of Comprehensive Strategy implementation materials.

    The program will be implemented by the current grantees, the

National Council on Crime and Delinquency and Developmental Research

and Programs, Inc., under third-year funding of this 3-year program. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offender Treatment Program

    The Serious, Violent, and Chronic Juvenile Offender Treatment

Program is designed to assist local jurisdictions in the development

and implementation of a comprehensive strategy for the intervention,

treatment, and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. The program is an

extension of an initial effort, funded by OJJDP in 1993, entitled

``Accountability-Based Community Intervention (ABC) Program.'' Under

the ABC initiative, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. were

competitively funded to plan and implement a comprehensive graduated

sanctions strategy.

    In FY 1994, under a competitive announcement, OJJDP awarded funds

under the Serious, Violent, and Chronic Offender Treatment Program to

three additional jurisdictions (Boston, Massachusetts; Richmond,

Virginia; and Jefferson Parish, Louisiana) to develop and implement a

graduated sanctions plan. The plan's basic elements include: (1) Assess

the existing continuum of secure and nonsecure intervention, treatment,

and rehabilitation services in each jurisdiction; (2) define the

juvenile offender population; (3) develop and implement a program

strategy; (4) develop and implement an evaluation; (5) integrate

private nonprofit, community-based organizations into the provision of

offender services; (6) incorporate an aftercare program as an integral

component of all residential placements; (7) develop a resource plan to

enlist the financial and technical support of other Federal, State, and

local agencies, private foundations, or other funding sources; and (8)

develop a victim assistance component using local organizations.

    In FY 1995, the ABC Program jurisdictions completed program funding

and in FY 1996, each of the three FY 1994 grantees will receive awards

to continue implementation activities. No additional applications will

be solicited in FY 1996.

Community Assessment Centers

    In FY 1996, OJJDP will identify jurisdictions that have developed

assessment programs for juveniles and established linkages to

integrated service delivery systems through the use of assessment

centers. The concept of community assessment centers, reflecting the

use of community input in a center's development and operations, offers

many advantages, including comprehensive needs assessments of at-risk,

dependent, or delinquent youth; improved access to integrated services;

the promotion of alternatives to incarceration; and an enhanced ability

to monitor racial and gender disparities in juvenile justice processing

through automated information systems. OJJDP will examine current

efforts across the Nation in order to identify replicable components or

models that meet, or could be adapted to meet, the following goals:

    <bullet> Ensuring positive outcomes for youth through the provision

of comprehensive, community-based assessments that result in the

development of an integrated treatment plan while avoiding unnecessary

detention.

    <bullet> Promoting and increasing the use of alternatives to

detention and a system of graduated sanctions for delinquent offenders.

    <bullet> Providing for more accurate and timely monitoring of the

processing of at-risk, dependent, or delinquent juveniles to ensure

fair and equitable treatment and outcomes in all phases of the juvenile

justice system.

    <bullet> Enhancing access to data or records across disciplines and

integrating assessment, case management, and community-based services

through the use of automated information systems, consistent with the

principles of confidentiality.

    If it is determined through this initial survey that a replicable

model exists or can be developed, OJJDP will issue a competitive

solicitation, late in FY 1996, for the replication or development of

the model, including an evaluation component.

Juvenile Restitution: A Balanced Approach

    OJJDP will continue support of the juvenile restitution training

and technical assistance program in FY



[[Page 21278]]



1996. The project design is based on practitioner recommendations

regarding program needs and on how best to integrate and

institutionalize restitution and community service as key components of

juvenile justice dispositions. In 1992, a working group was convened to

help map out a plan for optimum development of the components of

restitution programs. Plan components include community service, victim

reparation, victim-offender mediation, offender employment and

supervision, employment development, and other program elements

designed to establish restitution as an important element to improving

the juvenile justice system. This project is guided by balanced and

restorative justice principles, which include the need to provide a

balance of community protection, offender competency development, and

accountability in programs for sanctioning and controlling juvenile

offenders.

    In FY 1995, the project assisted three local jurisdictions to

implement the ``balanced approach,'' participated in presenting

regional ``round tables'' for States interested in adopting the

balanced and restorative justice model, and provided ad hoc technical

assistance. In FY 1996 the project will continue this work and also

develop guideline materials on the balanced and restorative justice

program.

    This project will be implemented by the current grantee, Florida

Atlantic University. No additional applications will be solicited in FY

1996.

Training and Technical Assistance Program to Promote Gender-Specific

Programming for Female Juvenile Offenders

    The 1992 Amendments to the JJDP Act, Public Law 102-586, 106 Stat.

4982, addressed for the first time the issue of gender specific

services. The Amendments required States participating in OJJDP's State

Formula Grants Program to conduct an analysis of gender-specific

services for the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency,

including the types of services available, the need for such services,

and a plan for providing needed gender-specific services for the

prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency.

    In FY 1995, the OJJDP Gender Specific Services Program effort

focused on providing training and technical assistance directly to

States and on providing and promoting the establishment of State level

gender-specific programs. Training and technical assistance have been

provided to a broad spectrum of policymakers and service providers

regarding services for juvenile female offenders.

    In addition, OJJDP, in conjunction with the American Correctional

Association (ACA), sponsored a National Juvenile Female Offender

Conference. The purpose of the Conference was to provide juvenile

corrections agency staff with an increased awareness of the unique

problems and rehabilitative needs of female offenders and improve

skills in working effectively with these offenders. Innovative juvenile

female corrections programs were presented, including new approaches

and strategies for operating facility-based programs for female

offenders.

    OJJDP also awarded discretionary grants to implement programs for

female juvenile offenders and at-risk girls. Under the competitive

Program to Promote Alternative Programs for Juvenile Female Offenders,

OJJDP funded programs in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, Illinois. In

addition, OJJDP has funded expansion of the Practical and Cultural

Education Center for Girls, Inc. (P.A.C.E.) Program in Miami, Florida.

Also, in order to provide the field with information regarding existent

projects and current research, OJJDP funded Girls, Incorporated to

conduct a national gender-specific services forum, which will be held

during FY 1996. Finally, OJJDP's six SafeFutures Program sites will

implement components designed to establish services for at-risk and

delinquent girls.

    In FY 1996, OJJDP will award a competitive grant to support a

training and technical assistance program designed to build upon the

work of these multiple efforts. It will transfer lessons learned,

stimulate formulation of State and local policies based upon research

findings and statistical trend data, and assist community-based youth

serving agencies and juvenile detention and correctional programs to

initiate, refine, and expand gender-specific programming that utilizes

the strengths and capabilities unique to females.

    In FY 1996, one two-year project period award will be made based

upon a competitive solicitation.

Technical Assistance to Native American Programs

    Native American programs for juveniles are facing increasing

pressures because of the increasing numbers of youth who are involved

in drug abuse, gang activity, and delinquency. Many reservations are

experiencing the problems that plague communities nationwide: gang

activity; violent crime; use of weapons; and increasing drug and

alcohol abuse.

    From FYs 1992 to 1995, OJJDP funded four Native American sites to

support the development of programs to impact these problems. These

sites are Gila River, Pueblo Jemez, the Navajo Nation, and the Red Lake

Band of Chippewas. Each of these sites has been implementing programs

specifically designed to meet the needs of the tribe. In Gila River an

alternative school has been developed and implemented. The Navajo

Nation has expanded the Peace Maker program to accommodate additional

delinquent offenders and this approach has been adapted to the Red Lake

and Pueblo Jemez communities. Additional programming, such as job

skills development, has also been developed in some of the sites to

meet the needs of their youth.

    Although these programs have been successful, there is a need at

these sites to expand programming options such as gang prevention and

intervention programs. Other Native American Tribes have similar

problems and needs, as do programs for Native Americans in many major

metropolitan areas.

    OJJDP will fund a national technical assistance program to support

the development of additional programming for the four sites that OJJDP

currently funds and to extend programming support to Tribes and urban

tribal programs across the country. OJJDP will fund a technical

assistance provider to provide direct technical assistance and to

coordinate the delivery of technical assistance by other experts. This

will be a three-year technical assistance program.

National Indicators of Juvenile Violent and Delinquent Behavior and

Related Risk Factors

    The difficulty of using juvenile arrests as a reliable measure of

the level and nature of juvenile crime is well known. While juvenile

arrest statistics have been useful as a barometer of juvenile

involvement in crime, there are many critical dimensions in measuring

this phenomenon that cannot be captured by any method other than direct

measures of self-reported delinquency. The Department of Labor's Bureau

of Labor Statistics is launching a 12,000-subject survey of 1217-year-

old juveniles that provides an opportunity to supplement the data

collection by asking relevant questions about delinquency, guns, and

violence. This longitudinal survey also provides an unprecedented

opportunity to determine the generalizability of the findings from

OJJDP's Program of Research on the Causes and Correlates of Delinquency

across a broad range of



[[Page 21279]]



juvenile populations. A transfer of funds will be made to the

Department of Labor.

Evaluation of the Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang

Prevention, Intervention and Suppression Program

    The University of Chicago, School of Social Services

Administration, received a competitive cooperative agreement award in

FY 1994. This four-year project period award supports an evaluation of

OJJDP's Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention,

Intervention, and Suppression Program. The evaluation will assist the

five program sites in establishing realistic and measurable objectives,

to document program implementation, and to measure the impact of a

variety of gang program strategies. It will also provide interim

feedback to the program implementors. The five sites are Bloomington,

Illinois; Mesa, Arizona; Tucson, Arizona; Riverside, California; and

San Antonio, Texas.

    In FY 1996, the grantee will: design and implement organizational

surveys and youth interviews; develop and implement program tracking

and worker questionnaires and interviews; gather and track aggregate

level offense/offender client data from police, prosecutor, probation,

school, and social service program sources; develop and implement

uniform individual level criminal justice data collection efforts;

consult with local evaluators on development and implementation of

local site parent/community resident surveys; and coordinate ongoing

efforts with local researchers conducting special surveys of gang youth

in the program.

    This project will be continued by the current grantee, the

University of Chicago, School of Social Services Administration. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Evaluation of Intensive Community-Based Aftercare Demonstration and

Technical Assistance Program

    The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) received a 3-

year competitive FY 1994 grant to conduct a process evaluation and

design an impact evaluation of the Intensive Community-Based Aftercare

Demonstration and Technical Assistance Program at sites in Colorado,

New Jersey, Nevada, and Virginia. NCCD's initial award funded the

design and implementation of the process evaluation, the design of an

impact evaluation, and start-up data collection. A report on the

process evaluation will be submitted in the spring of 1996. Fiscal Year

1996 funding will enable NCCD to begin the impact evaluation. Because

of the excellent progress made during the first two years on the

process evaluation, OJJDP will extend this program for three additional

years to allow sufficient time for completion of an impact evaluation.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, NCCD. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP) Evaluation

    The Juvenile Mentoring Program (JUMP) was funded at 41 sites by

OJJDP in FY 1995. In compliance with Part G, Section 288H of the JJDP

Act, all JUMP sites are participating in a national evaluation designed

to determine the success and effectiveness of JUMP in reducing

delinquency and gang participation, improving academic performance, and

reducing the dropout rate. Each program participant has been provided

with a JUMP Evaluation Workbook containing data collection instruments

and instructions on their use. It provides for the collection of data

on delinquency, school performance, family functioning, and project

operations. Grantees are responsible for collecting and analyzing site

data and preparing periodic evaluation reports for OJJDP.

    The evaluation grantee will be expected to: assist the sites in

implementing the JUMP Evaluation Workbook; provide other evaluation

technical assistance to the funded sites; and complete a cross-site

evaluation of results from the 41 sites at the end of the JUMP program

grants. A draft report to Congress will be prepared based on the cross-

site evaluation.

    One two-year cooperative agreement will be competitively awarded to

carry out this program.

Juvenile Transfers to Criminal Court Studies

    States are increasingly enacting juvenile code revisions broadening

judicial waiver authority, providing prosecutor direct file authority,

and mandating transfer of older, more violent juveniles to criminal

court. Many States are also developing innovative procedures, such as

blending traditional features of juvenile and criminal justice

sentencing practices, through statutes that categorize juvenile

offenders into different classes according to the seriousness of the

offense, designating juvenile or criminal court for each class, or

providing judges with discretion to make these judgments at sentencing.

Studies of the impact of criminal court prosecution of juveniles have

yielded mixed conclusions. Solid research on the intended and

unintended consequences of transfer of juveniles to criminal court will

enable policy makers and legislatures to develop statutory provisions

and policies and improve judicial and prosecutorial waiver and transfer

decisions.

    To address this shortage of research programs, OJJDP competitively

funded two juvenile waiver and transfer research projects in FY 1995.

The first, awarded to the National Center for Juvenile Justice,

compares juvenile and criminal court handling of juveniles in four

States that authorize judicial waiver of serious and violent juvenile

offenders and mandate criminal court handling for specified categories

of juvenile offenders. The second study, awarded to the Florida

Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, evaluates Florida's system of blending

the option of criminal and juvenile justice system sentencing to handle

serious or violent juvenile offenders. Additional funding is planned in

FY 1996 to enable the projects to collect case specific information on

sentence completion and recidivism data to provide a more definitive

assessment of the impact of criminal versus juvenile justice system

handling of serious and violent offender cases.

    The projects will be implemented by the current grantees, the

National Center for Juvenile Justice and the Florida Juvenile Justice

Advisory Board. No additional applications will be solicited in FY

1996.

Technical Assistance to Juvenile Courts*

    The National Center for Juvenile Justice (NCJJ), the research

division of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges,

provides technical assistance under this grant for juvenile court

practitioners. The focus of the technical assistance is on court

administration and management, program development, and special legal

issues. During FY 1995, NCJJ responded to over 830 requests for

technical assistance.

    In FY 1996, special emphasis will be placed on appropriate

sanctions for handling serious, violent, and chronic juvenile offenders

and other emerging issues confronting the juvenile court, such as the

increased use of waivers and transfers. The program will be implemented

by the current grantee, NCJJ. No additional applications will be

solicited in FY 1996.



[[Page 21280]]



Juvenile Court Judges Training*

    The primary focus of this project in FY 1996 will be to continue

and refine the training and technical assistance program offered by the

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. The objectives of

the training are to supplement law school curriculums by providing

basic training to new juvenile court judges and to and provide

experienced judges with state-of-the-art training on developments in

juvenile and family case law and effective dispositional options.

Emphasis is also placed on alcohol and substance abuse, child abuse and

neglect, gangs and violence, disproportionate incarceration of minority

youth, and intermediate sanctions. Training is also provided to other

court personnel, including juvenile probation officers, aftercare

workers, and child protection and community treatment providers. In FY

1995, over 13,000 judges and court personnel received training through

some 80 different programs. In addition, over 800 training related

technical assistance requests were completed.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, the

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

The Juvenile Justice Prosecution Unit

    OJJDP has historically supported prosecutor training activities

through the National District Attorneys' Association (NDAA). To

continue that work, OJJDP awarded a 3-year project period grant in FY

1995 to the American Prosecutor Research Institute (APRI) which is the

research and technical affiliate of NDAA, to establish a Juvenile

Justice Prosecution Unit (JJPU). The JJPU implements workshops on

juvenile justice related policy, leadership, and management for chief

prosecutors and unit chiefs; provides background information to

prosecutors on juvenile justice issues and programs; provides training;

and provides technical assistance to prosecutors.

    The project is based on planning and input by prosecutors familiar

with juvenile justice needs. The project draws on the expertise of

working groups of elected or appointed prosecutors and juvenile unit

chiefs to support project staff in providing technical assistance,

juvenile justice-related research and program information to

practitioners nationwide, and training. Start up activities focused on

the collection of information through a questionnaire that was sent to

every prosecutors' office regarding juvenile programs. APRI also

sponsored a National Invitational Symposium on Juvenile Justice which

provided a forum for prosecutors to exchange ideas, programs, issues,

legislation, and practices in juvenile justice. APRI will conduct three

workshops for elected and appointed prosecutors and juvenile unit

chiefs to help improve prosecutor involvement in the prosecution and

prevention of juvenile delinquency.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, APRI. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Due Process Advocacy Program Development

    In FY 1993, OJJDP funded the American Bar Association (ABA), in

partnership with the Juvenile Law Center (JLC) of Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania, and the Youth Law Center (YLC) of San Francisco,

California, to develop strategies to improve due process and the

quality of legal representation. The goals of the program are to

increase juvenile offenders' access to legal services and to improve

the quality of preadjudication, adjudication, and dispositional

advocacy for juvenile offenders. The strategies developed will be made

available to State and local bar associations and other relevant

organizations so that they can develop approaches to increase the

availability and quality of counsel for juveniles.

    In FYs 1994 and 1995, the ABA, JLC, and YLC conducted an assessment

of the current state of the art with regard to legal services,

training, and education. This survey included a review of literature,

case law, State statutes, and a survey of public defenders, court

appointed lawyers, law school clinical programs, and judges. A report,

entitled ``A Call for Justice, An assessment of the Access to Counsel

and Quality of Representation in Delinquency Proceedings'' was

developed and published by the ABA. It has been widely distributed to

State and local bar associations, Chairs of State Juvenile Justice

Advisory Committees, participants in the ABA survey, the National

Association of Child Advocates, and others.

    In FY 1996, training is scheduled to begin with the first training

being provided to the States of Tennessee, Maryland, and Virginia. The

structure and scope of the training will be tailored to fit the needs

of each site. A training manual, under development, will cover training

on key issues such as detention, transfer or waiver, and dispositions.

It is designed to fill gaps in existing training programs. The ABA and

its partners will also establish networks with public defenders

offices, children's law centers, and others through the HANDSNET system

and mailings that provide program updates.

    This program will be implemented by the current grantee, ABA. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Intensive Community-Based Aftercare Demonstration and Technical

Assistance Program

    This initiative is designed to support implementation, training and

technical assistance, and evaluation of an intensive community-based

aftercare model in four jurisdictions that were competitively selected

to participate in this demonstration program. The overall goal of this

intensive aftercare model is to identify and assist high-risk juvenile

offenders to make a gradual transition from secure confinement back

into the community. The Intensive Aftercare Program (IAP) model can be

viewed as having three distinct, yet overlapping segments: (1) pre-

release and preparatory planning activities during incarceration; (2)

structured transitioning involving the participation of institutional

and aftercare staffs both prior to and following community reentry; and

(3) long-term reintegrative activities to insure adequate service

delivery and the required level of social control.

    In FY 1994, The Johns Hopkins University received a grant to test

an intensive community-based aftercare model in four demonstration

sites: Denver (Metro), Colorado; Clark County (Las Vegas), Nevada;

Camden and Newark, New Jersey; and Norfolk, Virginia. Each of the four

sites received additional funds to support program implementation in FY

1995. The Johns Hopkins University contracts with California State

University at Sacramento to assist in the implementation process by

providing training and technical assistance and by making funds

available through contracts to each of the four demonstration sites.

Each of the sites have developed risk assessment instruments for use in

selecting specific youth who need this type of intensive aftercare

intervention, hired and trained staff in the intensive aftercare model,

identified existing and needed community support (intervention)

services, and identified data necessary for an accurate evaluation of

the intensive community-based aftercare program. In addition, each of

the sites has begun random assignment of clients to the program. The

Johns Hopkins University and its sub-contractor, California State

University at



[[Page 21281]]



Sacramento, have provided continuous training and technical assistance

to both administrators/managers and line staff in the intensive

community-based aftercare sites. Staff have been trained in the

theoretical underpinnings of the IAP model as well as in the practical

applications of the model, such as techniques for identifying juveniles

appropriate for the program. Training and technical assistance in this

model have also been available to other States and OJJDP grantees on a

limited basis.

    In FY 1996, the sites will continue to implement and test the

aftercare model. An independent evaluation contractor is performing a

process evaluation and has designed an impact evaluation to be

implemented under a separate grant.

    The Johns Hopkins University will provide continuing training and

technical assistance to the four selected sites and will initiate

aftercare technical assistance services to jurisdictions participating

in the OJJDP/Department of the Interior Youth Environmental Services

(YES) Program and to OJJDP's six SafeFutures Program sites. This

funding supports the third budget period of a 3-year project period.

    This project will be implemented by the current grantee, The Johns

Hopkins University. No additional applications will be solicited in FY

1996.

Training and Technical Assistance for National Innovations to Reduce

Disproportionate Minority Confinement (The Deborah Wysinger Memorial

Program)

    National data and studies have shown that minority children are

over represented in juvenile and criminal justice facilities across the

country. Accordingly, Congress, in the 1988 reauthorization of the JJDP

Act, amended the Formula Grants Program State plan requirements to

include addressing disproportionate confinement of minority juveniles.

This is accomplished by gathering data, analyzing it to determine the

extent to which minority juveniles are disproportionately confined, and

designing strategies to address this issue. A Special Emphasis

discretionary grant program was developed to demonstrate model

approaches to addressing disproportionate minority confinement (DMC) in

five State pilot sites (Arizona, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, and

Oregon). Funds were also awarded to a national contractor to provide

technical assistance to assist both the pilot sites and other States,

to evaluate their efforts, and share relevant information.

    In FYs 1994 and 1995, OJJDP made additional Special Emphasis

discretionary funds available to non-pilot States that had completed

data gathering and assessment in order to provide initial funding for

innovative projects designed to address DMC.

    These efforts to impact DMC have yielded an important lesson: that

systemic, broad-based interventions are necessary to reduce DMC. OJJDP

recognizes the need to foster the development and documentation of

effective strategies using training, technical assistance, information

dissemination, provision of practical and targeted resource tools, and

public education. In order to further these strategies, OJJDP proposes

to competitively solicit innovative proposals to implement a 3-year

national training, technical assistance, and information dissemination

initiative focused on the disproportionate confinement of minority

youth. The selected grantee will: (1) review and synthesize current

State and local practices and policies designed to reduce DMC; (2)

develop and deliver training to juvenile justice specialists, SAG

Chairs, and selected grantees to inform them of DMC requirements, best

practices and issues; (3) assist key OJJDP grantees to incorporate DMC

issues, practices and policies into their training and education

programs (key grantees are those training and technical assistance

providers working with police, the courts and juvenile detention staff,

SafeFutures sites, Title V, and some State Challenge Program grant

recipients); (4) assist the eight current DMC grantees to manage and

institutionalize their programs; (5) support the Formula Grants Program

technical assistance contractor and OJJDP staff in reviewing State DMC

plans; and (6) develop and carry out a national dissemination and

public education program on DMC and help States and localities develop

similar local education programs.

    The selected DMC grantee will coordinate with OJJDP's National

Training and Technical Assistance Center and other OJJDP contractors to

identify OJJDP program areas where DMC policies and practices can be

integrated into ongoing program activities. The DMC grantee and the

National Training and Technical Assistance Center will also collaborate

in the development of toolkits and resource products--screening tools,

assessment, and training components--to be used by jurisdictions at

each stage of their DMC data gathering, assessment and program response

cycle. Other resource products will include educational curricula,

technical assistance protocols for working with courts, police, intake

services, probation and prosecutor's offices, assessment and screening

tools, and planning and analysis tools for juvenile justice

specialists.

    OJJDP will competitively award a single grant to implement a 3-year

national training, technical assistance, and information dissemination

initiative focused on the disproportionate confinement of minority

youth.

Juvenile Probation Survey Research

    Juvenile probation is one of the most critical areas of the

juvenile justice system. However, there is presently very little

information available on juveniles on probation. We do not know how

many juveniles are on probation, their demographic characteristics,

their offenses, or the conditions of their probation, including length,

residential confinement, electronic monitoring, restitution, etc. This

project will conduct survey research and develop a questionnaire to

collect this important information. As States operate their juvenile

probation systems in very different manners, this project will also

examine how these differences affect the information collected.

    OJJDP plans to undertake a 2-year project to complete this research

through an interagency agreement with the Bureau of the Census.

Improvements in Correctional Education for Juvenile Offenders

    The Improvements in Correctional Education for Juvenile Offenders

Program, a program development and demonstration initiative, was

awarded to the National Organization for Social Responsibility (NOSR)

in FY 1992. It is being implemented in three phases: identification,

assessment, and testing and dissemination. The purpose of the Program

is to assist juvenile corrections administrators in planning and

implementing improved educational services for detained and

incarcerated juvenile offenders.

    During the 3-year project period, the grantee implemented the first

two phases of the program. An extensive literature search of effective

education practices was undertaken and a report on effective practices

in juvenile corrections education was published and a training and

technical assistance manual were published. In addition, three State

juvenile corrections facilities were selected as model sites for

testing effective educational practices. The sites are: Adobe Mountain

School, Arizona; Lookout Mountain Youth Center, Colorado; and Sauk

Centre, Minnesota.

    In FY 1995, NOSR received funding to implement Phase III, testing

and



[[Page 21282]]



dissemination. The three model test sites are receiving site specific

technical assistance in the assessment of their educational programs

and in the development and implementation of effective educational

practices, including reintegration of appropriate juveniles back into

the mainstream education system.

    Fiscal Year 1996 funds will be used to assist each site to enhance

its curriculum and implementation strategy to better address the needs

of the juveniles they serve.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, NOSR. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Performance-Based Standards for Juvenile Detention and Correctional

Facilities

    There is a need to increase the accountability of detention and

correctional agencies, facilities, and staff in performing their basic

functions. The development of performance-based standards has emerged

as a primary strategy for improving conditions of confinement. This

program supports the development and implementation of performance-

based standards for juvenile detention and corrections. The performance

measures and standards being developed will address both services and

the quality of life for confined juveniles. They will reflect the

consensus of a broadly representative group of national organizations

on the mission, goals, and objectives of juvenile detention and

corrections. OJJDP plans to promote nationwide adoption and

implementation of the measures and standards through a future training

and technical assistance program.

    In FY 1995, OJJDP awarded a competitive 18-month cooperative

agreement to the Council of Juvenile Corrections Administrators (CJCA)

to develop national performance-based standards for juvenile detention

and correctional facilities. A National Consortium of major

professional and advocacy organizations is providing technical advice

and support in all aspects of the development and implementation of the

standards. The project will focus on standards in the areas of: safety;

security; order; programming/treatment/education; health; and justice.

    During FY 1996, the working groups will complete the drafting of

performance criteria and measures, as well as assessment tools for

monitoring performance in all substantive areas. In addition, all

materials will be field tested and revised as needed. A plan for

implementation will also be submitted.

    By 1997, initial performance standards and a measurement system

will be developed along with specific plans for an 18-month period of

intensive demonstration and testing of the performance-based standards

and their impact on juvenile corrections and detention programming.

    The program will be implemented by the current grantee, CJCA. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Technical Assistance to Juvenile Corrections and Detention (The James

E. Gould Memorial Program)

    The primary purpose of the Technical Assistance to Juvenile

Corrections and Detention project is to provide specialized technical

assistance to juvenile corrections, detention, and community

residential service providers. The grantee, the American Correctional

Association (ACA), also plans and convenes an annual Juvenile

Corrections and Detention Forum. The Forum provides an opportunity for

juvenile corrections and detention leaders to meet and discuss issues,

problems, and solutions to emerging corrections and detention problems.

The ACA also provides workshops and conferences on current and emerging

national issues in the field of juvenile corrections and detention and

offers technical assistance through document dissemination. OJJDP

awarded a FY 1995 competitive grant to ACA to provide these services

over a three-year project period. The project will be implemented by

the current grantee, ACA. No additional applications will be solicited

in FY 1996.

Training for Juvenile Corrections and Detention Staff

    In FY 1996, OJJDP will continue to support the development and

implementation of a comprehensive training program for juvenile

corrections and detention management staff through an interagency

agreement with the National Institute of Corrections (NIC). The program

is designed to offer a core curriculum for juvenile corrections and

detention administrators and mid-level management personnel in such

areas as leadership development, management, training of trainers,

legal issues, cultural diversity, the role of the victim in juvenile

corrections, juvenile programming for specialized needs of offenders,

and managing the violent or disruptive offender. The training is

conducted at the NIC Academy and regionally. This program is a

continuation activity, initiated in FY 1991 under an interagency

agreement with NIC that was renewed in FY 1994. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Training for Line Staff in Juvenile Detention and Corrections

    In FY 1994, the National Juvenile Detention Association (NJDA) was

awarded a competitive three-year project period grant to establish a

training program to meet the needs of the more than 38,000 line staff

of juvenile detention and corrections facilities. In the first year

under the grant, NJDA revised and updated a 40-hour Detention

Careworker curriculum, developed a 24-hour Train-the-Trainer for the

Detention Careworker curriculum, conducted 16 separate trainings and

developed new lesson plans in 7 substantive areas, conducted a national

training needs assessment for juvenile corrections careworkers, and

provided technical assistance to 37 agencies and training to 887 line

staff.

    In FY 1996, NJDA will continue to offer training to practitioners,

develop new curriculums around emerging issues, and complete the

development and testing of a 40-hour basic careworker curriculum for

juvenile corrections line staff. Additionally, NJDA will deliver

selected training programs for juvenile detention and corrections line

staff on a number of topical issues.

    This project will be implemented by the current grantee, NJDA. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Training and Technical Support for State and Local Jurisdictional Teams

To Focus on Juvenile Corrections and Detention Overcrowding

    The Conditions of Confinement: Juvenile Detention and Correctional

Facilities Research Report (1994), completed by Abt Associates under an

OJJDP grant, identified overcrowding as the most urgent problem facing

juvenile corrections and detention facilities. Overcrowding in juvenile

facilities is a function of decisions and policies made at the State,

county, and city levels. The trend in a number of jurisdictions toward

an increased use of detention and commitment to State facilities has

been reversed when key decision makers, such as the chief judge, chief

of police, director of the local detention facility, head of the State

juvenile correctional agency, and others who affect the flow of

juveniles through the system, agree to make decisions collaboratively

and to modify practices and policies. In some instances modification

has occurred in response



[[Page 21283]]



to court orders. Compliance with court orders is improved with the

support of enhanced interagency communication and planning among those

agencies affecting the flow of juveniles through the system.

    In addressing the problems of overcrowded facilities, OJJDP

considered the recommendations of the Conditions of Confinement study

regarding overcrowding, the data on over representation of minority

youth in confinement, and other information that suggests crowding in

juvenile facilities must be reduced. Policy makers can do this by

increasing capacity, where necessary, or by taking other steps to

control crowding. This project, competitively awarded to the National

Juvenile Detention Association (NJDA) in FY 1994 for a three-year

project period, provides training and technical assistance materials

for use by State and local jurisdictional teams. In FY 1995, the

project collected information on strategies that are used or could be

used to control crowding, and prepared training and technical

assistance materials. Based on the demonstrated need for assistance and

related criteria, NJDA will select three jurisdictions in FY 1996 for

onsite development, implementation, and testing of crowding reduction

procedures, and will provide regional training on these procedures to

other jurisdictions.

    A FY 1996 continuation award will be made to the current grantee,

the National Juvenile Detention Association. No additional applications

will be solicited in FY 1996.

National Program Directory

    In FY 1995, OJJDP initiated the development of a National Program

Directory, a national list of all juvenile justice offices, facilities,

and programs in the United States, through the Bureau of the Census.

The Census Bureau developed a directory format for juvenile detention

and correctional facilities, which would contain the addresses and

phone numbers of localities, names and titles of directors, and

important classification information, classify facilities by the agency

or firm that operates them, and list the functions of the facility.

This structure was developed specifically to provide OJJDP with the

ability to conduct surveys and censuses of juvenile custody facilities.

The effort placed into developing this structure would also translate

to other areas, such as a list of juvenile probation offices.

    Beyond developing the computer structure, this project will

develop, in FY 1996, the actual sampling frame or address list. The

development of complete frames for any segment of the juvenile justice

system requires many different approaches. The Census Bureau will use

contacts with professional organizations to compile a preliminary list

of juvenile facilities, courts, probation offices, and programs. The

Census Bureau will then seek contacts in each State for further

clarification of the lists, following up until a complete list of all

programs of interest has been compiled. This program will be funded

through an interagency agreement with the Census Bureau. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.



Delinquency Prevention and Intervention



Training in Risk-Focused Prevention Strategies

    OJJDP will provide additional training in FY 1996 to communities

interested in developing a risk-focused delinquency prevention

strategy. This training supports OJJDP's Title V Delinquency Prevention

Incentive Grants Program, codified at 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5781-5785, by

providing the knowledge and skills necessary for State, local, and

private agency officials and citizens to identify and address risk

factors that lead to violent and delinquent behavior in children. In

FYs 1994 and 1995, this training was offered to all States,

territories, and the District of Columbia that received discretionary

grants from OJJDP to implement the Title V Program.

    OJJDP awarded a new contract with FY 1995 funds to perform ongoing

tasks and provide prevention training in the following areas: (1)

orientation on risk and resiliency-focused prevention theories and

strategies for local community leaders; (2) the identification,

assessment and addressing of risk factors; (3) training of trainers

in selected States to provide a statewide capacity to train communities

in risk-focused prevention; and (4) development of training curriculums

and materials to increase the capacity of States and localities to

conduct risk-focused prevention training. These services will be

provided through second year funding of a competitive contract awarded

to Developmental Research and Programs, Inc. No additional applications

will be solicited in FY 1996.

Youth-Centered Conflict Resolution

    Increasing levels of juvenile violence have become a national

concern. Violence in and around school campuses and conflict among

juveniles both in schools and neighborhoods have become extremely

problematic for school administrators, teachers, parents, community

leaders, and the public. While experts may debate the merits and impact

of the varied contributing factors, most would agree that school

curriculums do not provide for the systematic teaching of problem- and

conflict-resolving skills.

    To address this issue, OJJDP awarded a competitive grant in FY 1995

to the Illinois Institute for Dispute Resolution to develop, in concert

with other established conflict resolution organizations, a national

strategy for broad-based education and training in the use of conflict

resolution skills. In support of this task, the grantee is to conduct

four regional conferences based on a joint publication being developed

by the Departments of Justice and Education. The grantee will also

provide technical assistance and disseminate information about conflict

resolution programs. The project will be continued by the current

grantee, the Illinois Institute for Dispute Resolution. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Pathways to Success

    This project is a collaborative effort among OJJDP, the Bureau of

Justice Assistance (BJA), and the National Endowment for the Arts. The

Pathways to Success Program promotes vocational skills, entrepreneurial

initiatives, recreation, and arts education during afterschool,

weekend, and summer hours by making a variety of opportunities

available to at-risk youth.

    Through a competitive process, five sites were funded in FY 1995,

the first year of a 2-year project period. The selected programs are

located in: Newport County, Rhode Island; New York, New York;

Anchorage, Alaska; Washington, D.C.; and Miami, Florida.

    The SOS Playbacks: Arts-Based Delinquency Based Juvenile

Delinquency Prevention Program, located in Newport County, Rhode

Island, provides an afterschool arts program for students aged 13-18

from local public housing developments. Students in the program

participate in peer-to-peer support and education through the mediums

of visual arts, dance, and drama.

    Project CLEAR, located in New York City, provides extended day

programs to students in two elementary schools that have a high

percentage of students who live in low-income areas and have limited

English proficiency. Services include academic tutoring, arts in

education instruction, physical recreation, and group counseling

services. Two hundred students in



[[Page 21284]]



grades 1-6 are served annually. Saturday programs for targeted youth

and their families and evening programs for parents are also provided.

    The Anchorage School District and the out-North Theater in

Anchorage, Alaska have collaborated to provide afterschool and summer

theater programs for students aged 12-14 from low income areas in

Anchorage. Students involved in this program will produce and perform

in plays they have written that reflect their personal life

experiences.

    The District of Columbia Courts Elementary Baseball Program

provides combined recreational activities, tutoring activities, one-to-

one mentoring, and parent workshops for students aged 6-10 who are

enrolled in Garrett Elementary School in Washington, D.C. This school

is located in one of the highest crime areas in Washington, D.C. The

central activity of this program is interleague baseball games. Team

participation is contingent upon student participation in tutoring and

other activities.

    The Aspira ``Youth Sanctuary'' Program, located in Dade County,

Florida, addresses delinquency and other behavioral problems of Latino

youth aged 10-16 who reside in migrant camps. This program teaches art,

including community mural projects, folklore dance incorporating Latino

dancing, and provides recreation opportunities for targeted students

afterschool, on weekends, and during the summer months. Parent training

workshops and parent support are key activities in this program.

    This Program will be implemented in FY 1996 by the current project

grantees. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Teens, Crime, and the Community: Teens in Action in the 90s*

    This continuation program is conducted by the National Crime

Prevention Council (NCPC) in partnership with the National Institute

for Citizen Education in the Law (NICEL). Teens in Action in the 90s is

a special application of the Teens, Crime, and Community (TCC) program

that operates on the premise that teens, who are disproportionately the

victims of crimes, can contribute to improving their schools and

communities through a broad array of activities.

    During FY 1995, the TCC Program expanded to more than 100 new

sites, primarily through five regional expansion centers located in New

England, the Mid-Atlantic States, the Mid-South, the Deep South, and

the Pacific Northwest Coast. These TCC projects utilized Boys and Girls

Clubs of America and their affiliates in six localities to become

partners in TCC efforts in these cities.

    More than 4,000 teachers, social service providers, juvenile

justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and other community

leaders participated in intensive training to help sites implement the

TCC curriculum in their communities. Over 1,000 individuals benefited

from technical assistance, materials, and consultation regarding TCC in

areas of program implementation, fund development, and networking

opportunities.

    In FY 1996, NCPC and NICEL will implement the National Teens,

Crime, and the Community Program in additional locations across the

country. In addition, TCC will seek to implement projects in the six

SafeFutures Program sites.

    This program will be implemented by the current grantee, NCPC. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Law-Related Education (LRE)

    The national Law-Related Education (LRE) Program ``Youth for

Justice'' includes five coordinated LRE projects and programs operating

in 48 States and 4 non-State jurisdictions.

    The program's purpose is to provide training and technical

assistance to State and local school jurisdictions that will result in

the institutionalization of quality LRE programs for at-risk juveniles.

The focus of the program during FY 1996 will be to continue linking LRE

to violence reduction and to involve program participants in finding

solutions to juvenile violence. The major components of the program are

coordination and management, training and technical assistance,

assistance to local program sites, public information, and program

development and assessment.

    This program will be implemented by the current grantees, the

American Bar Association, the Center for Civic Education, the

Constitutional Rights Foundation, the National Institute for Citizen

Education in the Law, and the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Cities in Schools' Federal Interagency Partnership

    This program is a continuation of a national school dropout

prevention model developed and implemented by Cities in Schools, Inc.

The Cities in Schools (CIS) Program provides training and technical

assistance to States and local communities, enabling them to adapt and

implement the CIS model. The model brings social, employment, mental

health, drug prevention, entrepreneurship, and other resources to high-

risk youth and their families in the school setting. Where CIS State

organizations are established, they assume primary responsibility for

local program replication during the Federal interagency partnership.

    The Federal Interagency Partnership program is based on a program

strategy that is designed to enhance CIS, Inc.'s capability to provide

training and technical assistance, introduce selected initiatives to

CIS youth at the local level, disseminate information, and network with

Federal agencies on behalf of State and local CIS programs.

    Fiscal year 1995 accomplishments include the following:

establishment of 15 student-run entrepreneurship programs;

establishment of a consulting program consisting of a pool of CIS State

and local program directors and other experts to support the expanded

technical assistance needs of the CIS network of State and local

programs; production and distribution of two publications, a catalogue

of program resources, and a history of the CIS program; a three-day

training session featuring presentations from Federal agencies on the

financial and programmatic resources available through their

Departments; and a catalogue of State and local programs in the areas

of family strengthening and parent participation, working with

adjudicated or incarcerated youth, violence prevention, prevention of

AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, and conflict resolution.

    The Cities in Schools Federal Interagency Partnership program is

jointly funded by OJJDP and the Departments of Health and Human

Services and Commerce under an OJJDP grant. The project will be

implemented by the current grantee, Cities in Schools, Inc. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Race Against Drugs

    The Race Against Drugs (RAD) Program is a unique drug awareness,

education, and prevention campaign designed to help young people

understand the dangers of drugs and live a non-impaired lifestyle. With

help and assistance from 23 motor sports organizations, the cooperation

of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement

Administration, the U.S. Navy, and other government agencies, the

National Child Safety Council, and a variety of corporate sponsors, RAD

has become an exciting and innovative addition to drug abuse



[[Page 21285]]



prevention programs. RAD activities now include national drug awareness

and prevention activities at schools, malls, and motor sport events;

television and public service announcements, posters, and signage on T-

shirts, hats, decals, etc.; and specialized programs like the ``Adopt-

A-School Essay and Scholarship'' and ``Winner's Circle'' programs.

Curriculum materials include the Be A Winner Action Book for 6-8th

graders, a RAD Adult Guide, and a RAD coloring book for K-4th graders.

    In FY 1995 the program was funded to develop additional and updated

curriculum materials, reach additional program sites, and demonstrate

the Winner's Circle Program in Seattle, Washington. It was funded

jointly by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and OJJDP with the Center

for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) providing extensive printing and

clearinghouse support.

    In FY 1996, OJJDP will continue funding to assist RAD to expand

program operations to reach 500,000 youth at 300 RAD events annually,

conduct 20 adopt-a-school programs in conjunction with major racing

events, develop mobile educational exhibits and a variety of new

educational materials, and conduct a program evaluation. OJJDP

anticipates that the program will operate with private direct funding

and in-kind support at the end of the project period.

    The program will be implemented by the current grantee, the

National Child Safety Council. No additional applications will be

solicited in FY 1996.

The Congress of National Black Churches: National Anti-Drug Abuse/

Violence Campaign (NADVC)

    OJJDP will continue to fund the Congress of National Black

Churches' (CNBC) national public awareness and mobilization strategy to

address the problem of juvenile drug abuse and violence in targeted

communities. The goal of the CNBC national strategy is to summon,

focus, and coordinate the leadership of the black religious community,

in cooperation with the Department of Justice and other Federal

agencies and organizations, to mobilize groups of community residents

to combat juvenile drug abuse and drug-related violence.

    The campaign now operates in 37 city alliances, having grown from 5

original target cities. The smallest of these alliances consists of 6

churches and the largest has 135 churches. The NADVC program involves

approximately 2,220 clergy and affects 1.5 million youth and the adults

who influence their lives. NADVC also provides technical support to

four statewide religious coalitions.

    As a result of NADVC's technical assistance and training workshops,

project sites have been able to leverage approximately $1.5 million in

private and government funding.

    NADVC has contributed to the planning and presentation of numerous

technical assistance and training conferences on violence and substance

abuse prevention and produced a National Training and Site Development

Guide and a video to assist sites implementing the NADVC model.

    The Program will be expanded in FY 1996 to address family violence

intervention issues and target up to 6 additional cities, for a total

of 43 cities. Consideration will be given to SafeFutures sites when

selecting the new sites. This program will be implemented by the

current grantee, CNBC. No additional applications will be solicited in

FY 1996.

Community Anti-Drug-Abuse Technical Assistance Voucher Project

    The National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (NCNE) has extended

its outreach to community-based grassroots organizations around the

country that are working effectively to solve the problems of juvenile

drug abuse. This project has three goals: (1) to allow various

neighborhood groups to inexpensively purchase needed services through

the use of technical assistance vouchers disbursed by NCNE; (2) to

demonstrate the cost-effective use of vouchers to help neighborhood

groups secure technical assistance for anti-drug-abuse projects to

serve high-risk youth; and (3) to extend OJJDP funded technical

assistance to groups that are often excluded because they lack the

administrative sophistication, technical and grantsmanship skills, and

resources to participate in traditional competitive grant programs.

    The Technical Assistance Voucher Project builds upon the strengths

and problem solving capacity existing in low-income communities

nationwide and provides much needed technical and monetary resources to

grassroots organizations that are operating youth anti-drug programs

and activities for high risk youth.

    The program awards 15-25 vouchers, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000

annually. Eligible organizations must have: proven effectiveness in

serving a specific constituency; a small operating budget ($150,000

maximum); 501(c)(3) tax exempt status; and a program that targets high-

risk youth and/or juvenile offenders; and leadership that is indigenous

to the community. Vouchers can be used for planning, proposal writing,

program promotion, legal assistance, financial management, and other

activities. This project will be implemented by the current grantee,

NCNE. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Training and Technical Assistance for Family Strengthening Services

    Prevention, early intervention, and effective crisis intervention

are critical elements in a community's family support system. In many

communities, one or more of these elements may be missing or programs

may not be coordinated. In addition, technical assistance and training

have not generally been available to community organizations and

agencies providing family strengthening services. In response, OJJDP

awarded a three-year competitive grant in FY 1995 to the University of

Utah's Department of Health and Education to provide training and

technical assistance to communities interested in establishing or

enhancing a continuum of family-strengthening efforts, including parent

training. Grant activities include a literature review, national

search, rating, and selection of family strengthening models,

development and implementation of a marketing and dissemination

strategy, and the selection of sites to receive intensive technical

assistance. The grantee will also convene two regional conferences,

produce user and training-of-trainers guides, and distribute videos of

several family-strengthening workshops.

    This program will be implemented by the current grantee, the

University of Utah's Department of Health and Education. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Henry Ford Health System*

    In FY 1995, the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) initiated a two-

year program in Detroit, Michigan called ``Reducing Youth Violence

Through School-Based Initiatives.'' The program serves seven elementary

schools and two middle schools that feed into a Detroit high school.

Primary Program activities are to identify juveniles at high risk,

assess the needs of target youth, identify resources available in the

community to serve those needs, coordinate community resources to

create comprehensive programs, and evaluate the efficacy of the

program. Participants include teachers, family members, community

programs and agencies, as well as student and health center staff. This

project will be implemented by the current grantee,



[[Page 21286]]



HFHS. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Jackie Robinson Center*

    This three-year project, initially funded in FY 1994, supports

expansion of the Brooklyn USA Athletic Association, Inc.'s Jackie

Robinson Centers for Physical Culture (JRC), which provide a

comprehensive youth development and delinquency and crime prevention

program. Presently, there are 18 school and 3 replication sites in

operation serving in-school youth between the ages of 8 and 18. JRC's

services are designed to prevent New York City youth from becoming

involved in street gangs, violence, or drug and alcohol abuse, and to

alert, educate, and inform youth and their parents about these issues.

Activities conducted by JRC include development of positive peer

groups, youth leadership, social and personal skills training, academic

tutoring, sports, cultural activities, rap and discussion groups,

individual counseling, parent education and involvement, community

events, on-site crisis intervention, referral to treatment, physical/

medical examinations, social service referral, and college and job

placement assistance. JRC has increased its recruitment and

registration from 750 to 6,600 students. Students in each of the 18

sites participated in a minimum of 3 special events during the year.

    In FY 1996, JRC will develop a data bank system to monitor the in-

school progress of participating students through indicators such as

attendance, academic, and behavioral records. This project will be

implemented by the current grantee, the Brooklyn USA Athletic

Association, Inc. No additional applications will be solicited in FY

1996.



Child Abuse and Neglect and Dependency Courts



A Community-Based Approach to Combating Child Victimization

    Statistics on child abuse and neglect are alarming. In 1994 alone,

an estimated 3.1 million abused or neglected children were reported to

public welfare agencies. More than 1 million of these cases were

substantiated. Each year, an estimated 2,000 childrenmost under 4

years olddie at the hands of parents or caretakers.

    Research demonstrating a link between child victimization and later

involvement in violent delinquency suggests the efficacy of preventing

child abuse and neglect and treating the victims of abuse as a means of

reducing later violent and delinquent behavior.

    To break the cycle of childhood victimization and violent

delinquency, OJJDP plans to enter into a joint solicitation with other

bureaus of the Office of Justice Programs, in cooperation with other

Federal agencies, to foster comprehensive, community-based, interagency

and multi disciplinary approaches to the prevention, identification,

intervention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect.

    It is anticipated that two to five demonstration projects will be

competitively awarded in FY 1996 as part of a 5-year project period.

Sites will be required to address each of the following program areas:

(1) data collection and evaluation; (2) system reform and

accountability; (3) training and technical support to practitioners;

(4) provision of a continuum of services to protect children and

support families; and (5) prevention education and public information.

    Training and technical assistance will be made available to

selected sites in a number of areas, including system reform,

practitioner training, victim advocacy, team-building and interagency

collaboration, family-strengthening services assessment and

implementation, and diversity/cultural awareness training.

    Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an ability to leverage

other available sources of funds and document a readiness to engage in

reform of child protection systems, progress in assessing and

addressing child abuse and neglect, and broad community representation,

commitment, and participation.

Permanent Families for Abused and Neglected Children*

    This is a national project to prevent unnecessary foster care

placement of abused and neglected children, to reunify the families of

children in care, and to ensure permanent adoptive homes when

reunification is impossible. The purpose is to ensure that foster care

is used only as a last resort and as a temporary solution. Accordingly,

the project is designed to ensure that government's responsibility to

children in foster care is acknowledged by the appropriate disciplines.

Project activities include national training programs for judges,

social service personnel, citizen volunteers, and others under the

Reasonable Efforts Provision of the Social Security Act, as amended, 42

U.S.C. Sec. 671(a)(15), training in selected States, and implementation

of a model guide for risk assessment.

    The project is implemented by the National Council of Juvenile and

Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) . NCJFCJ provides support services to

coordinate programs, trains judges in the Court Appointed Special

Advocate (CASA) program, and implements the Model Court Program in

additional jurisdictions.

    In FY 1996, a new program to divert families from the court system

through arbitration under court supervision will be developed in three

model courts using other funding sources. However, the program will be

incorporated into NCJFCJ's permanency planning training.

    The Permanent Families for Abused and Neglected Children Program

will be implemented by the current grantee, NCJFCJ. No additional

applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Parents Anonymous, Inc.*

    Parents Anonymous, Inc. (PA) establishes groups and adjunct

programs that respond to the needs of families through a mutual support

model of parents and professionals sharing their expertise and their

belief in each individual's ability to grow and change in ways that

create caring and safe environments for themselves and their children.

In FY 1994, OJJDP began supporting PA's Juvenile Justice Project to

enhance PA's mission to prevent child abuse and neglect by developing a

new capability within the PA network to address the needs of high-risk,

inner-city populations, with an emphasis on minority parents.

    As a result of OJJDP funding, PA has: developed 31 new groups in 11

states; produced and disseminated the booklet, I Am A Parents Anonymous

Parent, in Spanish; convened a National Leadership Conference in

Washington, D.C. in February 1995 which focused on outreach,

recruitment and services for families of color and collaboration with

juvenile justice agencies; convened an Executive Directors' Leadership

Conference in Claremont, California, in November 1995; conducted

written surveys, focus groups, and intensive telephone interviews to

gather ``best practices'' data; produced and disseminated 12,000 copies

of an expanded Innovations PA newsletter; and produced and disseminated

15,000 copies of The Parent Networker, a new semi-annual publication

focused on issues of diversity.

    In FY 1996, PA will convene at least two regional trainings focused

on working with families of color in high-risk settings, produce and

disseminate two technical assistance bulletins, one on parent

involvement as it relates to



[[Page 21287]]



communities and families of color, and the other on strategies for

providing PA programs for incarcerated parents, conduct two

teleconference trainings, provide training and technical assistance to

implement PA services in up to six SafeFutures Program sites, expand

the number of PA affiliates working with the Juvenile Justice Project,

and publish and disseminate a ``PA Best Practices'' manual.

    The project will be implemented by the current grantee, PA. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc.*

    OJJDP will continue to fund Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc.

(LCC) of Charleston, South Carolina in its expansion and coordination

of the services required to create a model multi disciplinary, crisis

intervention program for child victims of sexual assault and their

families. LCC's goals are to: (1) continue their existing multi

disciplinary services; (2) enhance support and coordination between law

enforcement and the Solicitor's (prosecutors) office in cases

concerning allegations of child physical and sexual assault; (3)

provide medical examination in a timely manner; and (4) collect and

analyze data regarding the demographics of child victims and their

families and the characteristics of the perpetrator, the sexual

assault, and the community response. In 1995, as a result of this multi

disciplinary approach, LCC has exceeded its initial projections

regarding the number of individual children who have been assessed and

the number of clinical treatment units provided to these children and

their families (as of December 31, 1995). LCC provided physical

examinations for 194 children alleged to be victims of sexual abuse in

a child-oriented environment and in a timely manner.

    This project will be continued by the current grantee, LCC, Inc. No

additional applications will be solicited in FY 1996.

Shay Bilchik,

Administrator, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.



Office for Victims of Crime Fiscal Year 1996 Discretionary Program Plan



Victim Services 2000: A Vision for the 21st Century



Introduction



    The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is pleased to announce its

Discretionary Program Plan for Fiscal Year 1996 (FY96). OVC was created

to help ensure justice and healing for our nation's crime victims. It

carries out this broad mandate by funding crucial victim services,

supporting training for the diverse professionals who work with crime

victims, and developing programs to enhance victims' rights and

initiation, frequency, and termination patterns. Studies of specific

    OVC administers two formula and many discretionary grant programs

designed to benefit victims. These programs are funded by the Crime

Victims Fund, which is derived from the fines, penalty assessments, and

bail forfeitures of Federal criminal offenders--not from tax dollars.

In FY96, OVC has approximately $220 million to support critical

services to crime victims, national-scope training and technical

assistance, and demonstration programs. Under the Victims of Crime Act

(VOCA), 97 percent of this money is allocated to States for the funding

of victim assistance and compensation programs. Three percent of the

Fund's annual collections must be spent for discretionary programs, and

under the Children's Justice Act, $1.5 million is allocated for

programs to improve the handling of child abuse cases in Indian

Country.

    This year's planned scope of activities to benefit crime victims is

OVC's most comprehensive to date and includes the office's first major

demonstration project. Spurred on by the fast approaching millennium,

OVC seeks to create a blueprint for communities to build integrated,

inclusive environments where service providers work together in one

location to care for crime victims. It plans to offer communities the

information, training, tools, and technical assistance that they need

to create supportive, multi-disciplinary facilities designed especially

for victims. Appropriate to this goal, the theme of the program plan is

``Victim Services 2000: A Vision for the 21st Century.''

    Last year, OVC launched several major programs:

    <bullet> The National Crime Victims Agenda, a project to (1) serve

as a guide for long-term action to improve victims' rights and services

in future years, and (2) update the 1982 President's Task Force Report

on Victims of Crime by describing the progress on victims' issues

during the past fourteen years;

    <bullet> The publication of bulletins describing promising

practices that are currently used by diverse victim service providers,

including law enforcement, prosecution, medical, and corrections

personnel;

    <bullet> Projects to expand the capacity of the Federal criminal

justice system and Indian Country to respond to crime victims; and

    <bullet> The National Victim Assistance Academy, which offers

comprehensive, cutting edge training presented by leaders in the field

to victim service providers.

    Building on the achievements of past efforts and guided by

extensive input from its numerous constituent groups, OVC will fund the

following major FY96 initiatives:

    <bullet> The completion of the National Crime Victims Agenda

project and the publication of a long-term action plan for supporting

crime victims;

    <bullet> Victim Services 2000, a strategy to support communities in

implementing comprehensive, collaborative services for all crime

victims in a victim-centered environment that integrates many of the

promising practices identified by FY95 grantees;

    <bullet> An expanded National Victim Assistance Academy,

simultaneously conducted at three sites through an interactive video

hook-up, which will provide intensive education and training for policy

makers and practitioners, as well as a training of trainers seminar to

build expertise and promote leadership in the victim services field;

    <bullet> The new Training and Technical Assistance Center, which

will funnel resources to local, State, tribal, and Federal agencies to

strengthen their capacity to serve crime victims;

    <bullet> A major effort to improve the response of communities and

the juvenile justice system to victims of juvenile offenders and gang

violence; and

    <bullet> A comprehensive plan to expand victim-witness training in

the Federal system, including funding of full-time trainers for U.S.

Attorneys' Offices and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),

demonstration projects to improve services to white-collar crime and

bank robbery victims, and major new initiatives in Indian Country to

improve the handling of child abuse and domestic violence cases.

    Many programs in OVC's FY96 plan grew out of dozens of meetings

with constituent groups around the country and were developed in

partnership with other agencies. These include other bureaus in the

Office of Justice Programs (OJP); Department of Justice (DOJ) offices,

including the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, the Violence Against

Women Office, and the Office for Policy Development; as well as other

Federal agencies. For example, the TRIAD Program, which is a

partnership between older Americans and law enforcement personnel to

improve services to elderly crime victims, has been supported by OVC,

the Bureau of



[[Page 21288]]



Justice Assistance (BJA), and the Administration on Aging at the

Department of Health and Human Services. TRIAD was developed by the

American Association of Retired Persons, the International Association

of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriffs' Association and has

established over 260 local programs nationwide.

    Among the many other examples of collaboration is the Attorney

General's Indian Country Justice Initiative, which funds comprehensive

services for two Indian tribes. It is a cooperative effort between the

Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the Department of the

Interior, and various DOJ components, including the Criminal Division,

the Office of Tribal Justice, the Office of Policy Development, and

OVC, as well as other OJP bureaus.

    In this plan, the discretionary programs are separated into five

major categories: The Vision, Voices from the Field, Building Vital

Capacity in Victim Services, VOCA Enhancements, and Victim Assistance

in Indian Country.

    <bullet> The first category--``The Vision''--exemplifies the

overall theme and includes the National Crime Victims Agenda project,

the demonstration initiative Victim Services 2000, and the National

Victim Assistance Academy. Other programs in this section are designed

to fill gaps in existing services and gather information on promising

practices that have not yet been identified and examined.

    <bullet> Programs included under the heading ``Voices from the

Field'' offer resources to fund projects that are generated from the

field and will have a national impact on improving services to crime

victims. They may include demonstration projects, training efforts, and

materials such as films, curricula, brochures, and interactive training

packages.

    <bullet> The third category--``Building Vital Capacity in Victim

Services''--includes other programs designed to expand the ability of

local, State, and Federal agencies to serve crime victims. Examples of

these programs are the Trainers Bureau, which provides national experts

to local communities and agencies, and the Community Crisis Response

Program, which makes teams of trained crisis responders immediately

available to assist communities in the wake of major violent incidents.

    <bullet> Programs under ``VOCA Enhancements'' direct discretionary

funds to improve the effectiveness of State victim compensation and

assistance programs, which receive the vast majority of Crime Victims

Fund monies each year. A mentoring program and training conferences are

included.

    <bullet> Finally, ``Victim Assistance in Indian Country'' (VAIC)

encompasses a host of programs designed to meet the needs of tribal

communities in working with crime victims and enhancing system

capacities. One major project supports over 30 direct service programs

on Indian reservations. Another, the Children's Justice Act

Discretionary Grant Program for Native Americans, makes direct grants

to tribes to improve their response to child abuse cases and supports

the development of related training materials.

    Within each of the five categories, programs are designated as

competitive or non-competitive. Competitive programs are those for

which OVC is inviting proposals. Non-competitive programs include most

of the programs directed to support enhancements of services to Federal

crime victims, many continuations of current grants, collaborative

efforts in which OVC will participate but not award a new grant, and

specific programmatic activities that OVC will conduct internally.

    This plan is a summary of the projects OVC plans to support during

the coming funding cycle. The competitive projects are open to public

and private not-for-profit organizations. Recent legislation has

provided OVC with the authority to fund demonstration projects, but OVC

is not authorized to support research, evaluation, or prevention

activities. Most competitive programs, unless clearly designated for

local, State, or regional purposes, must be national in scope.

Anticipated funding levels, which are listed for some programs for FY97

and future years, are not guaranteed but are contingent upon the amount

of funding that becomes available in those years for discretionary

purposes.



Application Process



    A Program Announcement and Application Kit, which will be available

beginning May 20, 1996 will serve as a request for proposals. It will

contain detailed descriptions of competitive programs and complete

forms and instructions for developing an application. To receive a

Program Announcement and Application Kit, please call 202/307-5983 or

write to: Office for Victims of Crime, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite

200, NW, Washington, D.C. 20531.

    Competitive Programs. The Program Announcement and Application Kit

will describe for each competitive program: the purpose of the program,

background, goal, program strategy, eligibility requirements, award

period, award amount, and application due date. Application due dates

will vary for different programs. A panel of experts will be

established for most competitive program areas to review and rank the

applications. Awards will be made to organizations and agencies

offering the greatest potential for achieving the programs' goals on

the basis of information provided in the applicants' proposals and

assessments of past performance on OVC/OJP grants. Funding decisions

will be made by the Director of OVC. All applications for competitive

programs are due July 15, 1996 except for the Field Generated/National

Impact Projects and the Action Partnerships with Professional

Organizations. Applications for these two projects are due September 1,

1996.

    Non-Competitive Programs. OVC staff will contact applicants for

non-competitive programs to discuss application requirements and due

dates.

    Solicitation of Concept Papers. OVC invites eligible public and

private not-for-profit agencies to submit concept papers for potential

funding in FY97. Agencies submitting outstanding concept papers will be

invited to submit complete proposals for funding consideration. Concept

papers will be accepted on two dates: October 1, 1996 and February 1,

1997.

    We hope that the following program plan will generate creative and

comprehensive proposals from diverse applicants and will nurture

improved and expanded services needed to ensure justice and healing for

all crime victims.

Aileen Adams,

Director, Office for Victims of Crime.



Summary of Competitive Projects



    To facilitate applications, competitive projects which are

described in various places throughout the program plan are together

below:



1. Victim Services 2000 ($200,000 in FY96 and substantial continuation

of funding in FY97-2000)

2. Victims of Gang Violence ($125,000 in FY96 and in FY97)

3. Juvenile Court Response to Victims of Juvenile Offenders ($150,000

in FY96 and in FY97)

4. School Demonstration Projects to Assist Victims and Witnesses

($200,000 in FY97)

5. Sexual Victimization of Youth Symposium ($50,000 in FY96)

6. Assisting Disabled Victims of Crime Symposium ($50,000 in FY96)

7. Victim Assistance for Stalking Victims ($75,000 in FY96 and in FY97)

8. Cultural Considerations in Assisting Victims of Sexual and Physical



[[Page 21289]]



Violence ($75,000 in FY96 and in FY97)

9. Restitution: Promising Practices ($100,000 in FY96)

10. Sexual Assault Curriculum and Training Project ($100,000 in FY96

and in FY97)

11. Field Generated National Impact Projects ($550,000 in FY96 and in

FY97)

12. Concept Papers for FY97 ($600,000 in FY97)

13. State and Regional Conference Support Initiative ($75,000 in FY96)

14. Innovative Federal Victim and Witness Practices ($100,000 in FY96)

15. Capacity Building Technical Assistance (up to $10,000 per site in

FY96)

16. Action Partnerships with Professional Organizations ($120,000 in

FY97)

17. Resource Materials for Victim Organizations ($125,000 in FY96)

18. OVC ``Help'' Series ($30,000 in FY97)

19. Regional Technical Assistance Meetings for State VOCA

Administrators ($25,000 in FY97)

20. Children's Advocacy Centers in Indian Country ($50,000 in FY96)

21. Topic-Specific Monographs ($75,000 in FY96)



I. The Vision



A. Comprehensive Initiatives



1. The National Crime Victims Agenda ($125,000)--Non-Competitive

    The National Crime Victims Agenda report will be published in 1996.

The report will focus on promising practices in a variety of

disciplines and crime victim categories, and will encourage reforms

that build on the recommendations presented in the 1982 Final Report of

the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime. A funding priority for

OVC in 1997 is to support programs that implement key recommendations

of the Agenda report.

2. Victim Services 2000 ($200,000 in FY96 and Substantial Continuation

of Funding in FY97-2000)--Competitive

    Victim Services 2000 will support the development of a

comprehensive victim service system in at least two select

communities--one in an urban setting and the other in a rural area. The

purpose of this initiative is to support comprehensive, collaborative

services for all crime victims in a victim-centered environment.

Demonstration sites will involve victim service practitioners, criminal

justice and local emergency response personnel, support groups, medical

and mental health providers, clergy, schools, youth, and youth workers

as active participants in the planning and implementation of their

programs. Sites also will be encouraged to develop linkages with the

media, professional educators, legislators and other elected leaders,

community leaders, the private sector, professional associations, and

others to improve services to victims. The integration of recently

developed technologies, special service settings, community-based

programs, appropriate State and local laws, interagency linkages, and

an internal assessment process will be critical to the success of these

Victim Services 2000 laboratories, which will function as training

sites for other communities.

    The initiative will require three phases: community planning and

model development, component implementation, and training and

information dissemination. During the first phase, sites will conduct a

collaborative needs assessment and planning process, creating a model

for a comprehensive victim service environment in their communities and

a detailed plan for implementing the model. In subsequent years, they

will implement the plan by enhancing existing services, filling service

gaps, and integrating new promising programs and strategies into their

system of services. Once the demonstration sites are fully implemented,

they will assume two additional functions: to serve as a training

laboratory for victim service personnel from other communities and to

produce information useful to others wishing to replicate or adapt

their model.

    The solicitation for the initiative will be directed toward

communities that have already made substantial progress in developing a

comprehensive and coordinated system of victim services. Applicants are

expected to collaborate with other relevant public and private agencies

that serve crime victims locally and document these relationships

through written interagency agreements and commitments to share

resources. First year funding will be in the amount of $100,000 for

each site. Based upon grantee performance and availability of future

funds, substantial funding for four subsequent years is anticipated.

3. National Victim Assistance Academy

    In 1995, OVC initiated the National Victim Assistance Academy, the

first course of its kind to train victim practitioners and policy

makers. The Academy offered basic and advanced interdisciplinary victim

assistance training to students from across the country. In 1996, OVC

will expand the effort by weaving cutting edge and tested training

materials into a program that encourages excellence in leadership and

in daily practice. The Academy will offer specialized training topics,

basic and advanced instruction, and a train the trainer series to meet

the needs of victim service providers and criminal justice personnel at

local, tribal, State, and Federal levels. In addition, OVC will conduct

a program assessment and then craft a plan for building a

comprehensive, multi-faceted Academy that coordinates the best adult

education training technologies with OVC's resources and current

training programs.

    National Victim Assistance Academy Programs ($207,000)--Non-

Competitive. OVC will provide second year funding for a five-day

national victim assistance seminar for 120 victim service providers

from the Federal, State, tribal, and local levels. The seminar will

originate from a university campus located in Washington, D.C., and the

instruction will be simultaneously broadcast to two additional

campuses--one located in Kansas and the other in California. Each site

will accommodate 40 students. In addition, the seminar faculty will

conduct a two and one half day Train the Trainers program in

Washington, D.C. for 30 victim service professionals who may serve as

future seminar faculty in OVC or State sponsored victim service

provider courses.

    Train the Trainer Seminar Series ($450,000)--Non-Competitive.

Another major component of the Academy is a train the trainer seminar

series. Each year, several topics are identified for which there is an

evident shortage of qualified trainers to address the needs of the

field. For FY96, four topics have been identified to offer in this

series: Hate/Bias Crime, Victim Assistance in Community Corrections,

Responding to Staff Victimization in Correctional Agencies, and Death

Notification. The Train the Trainer Seminar Series is described in

greater detail below under ``Building Vital Capacity in Victim

Services, Comprehensive Initiatives.''

    Victim Assistance Training Strategies ($25,000)--Non-Competitive.

This project will assess the various strategies used by OVC to offer

training to the field, and lay the framework for an expanded Academy

which will include many of those strategies as Academy components. This

project is described below under ``Building Vital Capacity in Victim

Services, Non-Competitive Projects.''



[[Page 21290]]



4. Comprehensive Initiative To Improve Services to Victims of Gang and

Other Juvenile Violence

    In FY96, OVC will launch a multi-faceted initiative to address the

serious and growing problem of gang violence and its devastating impact

on individuals and communities. The initiative includes the following

component projects:

    Victims of Gang Violence ($125,000 in FY96 and in FY97)--

Competitive. This project will develop technical assistance materials

to help victim service providers better serve victims of gang-related

crime. Due to the fear of retaliation, revenge, and intimidation that

commonly accompany gang violence, crime victims or their survivors are

often afraid to exercise certain basic rights such as appearing in

court, making an impact statement, pursuing restitution, or

participating in other case events. In addition, these victims are

often blamed for the violence or dismissed as contributing to the

crime. This project will identify and document the successful ways

agencies and communities are serving these victims and their families

and describe practical applications for criminal justice and victim

services staff. A package of technical assistance materials will be

developed.

    Simultaneously, the grantee will work with the Office of Juvenile

Justice and Delinquency Prevention's (OJJDP) demonstration sites, which

are currently implementing that office's Comprehensive Community-Wide

Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention, and Suppression Program, and

assist them in developing policies, procedures, and services that

address the needs of the victims of gang violence. It is anticipated

that this assistance process will aid the grantee in developing the

technical assistance package and also provide ample opportunity for

pilot-testing the materials.

    Juvenile Court Response to Victims of Juvenile

Offenders ($150,000 in FY96 and in FY97)--Competitive. In 1995, OVC

funded three regional forums to assess the needs of victims of

juvenile offenders and to propose action steps to address these

needs. Although the recommendations generated by these forums are

not yet available, information learned in the assessment phase of

the project can serve as a starting point for focusing additional

resources on areas of identified need. One such area is information

and education on victim-related issues for juvenile court personnel

and probation staff.

    The recipient of this grant will conduct a nationwide survey of

practices and programs of juvenile courts that address the needs of

crime victims. From information gathered by the survey and through a

general search for additional promising practices, the grantee will

develop a training and technical assistance package. The package should

cover such topics as victims' legal and procedural rights, victim

impact statements, restitution orders, and other programs and services

that target victims of juvenile offenders for services or involve them

in the court process. While the package will be directed primarily

toward an audience of juvenile court personnel and probation staff, it

also should provide useful information for victim service providers who

work with victims of juvenile offenders. A training event will pilot-

test the materials.

    In FY97, court jurisdictions will be invited to submit applications

to receive intensive training and technical assistance from the

grantee. Applicants with extensive prior experience in providing

judicial education and training are encouraged to apply for this grant.

    Symposium on Gang Violence ($25,000)--Non-Competitive. Together

with OJJDP, OVC will co-sponsor a one-day meeting of gang violence

victims and victim service providers in conjunction with a larger

conference on gang violence being held in June 1996. Participants will

explore the strategies that seem to work in their communities, the

current connections that exist among organizations serving victims of

gang violence, the value in bringing these groups together, and the

role that government can play in helping to reduce gang violence.

Funding will cover expenses for victims of gang violence and for

service providers to attend a planning session and the gang violence

conference.

    School Demonstration Projects to Assist Victims and Witnesses

($200,000 In FY97)--Competitive. OVC plans to dedicate $200,000 to

support two demonstration programs located in schools to assist pre-

teen and teenage victims and witnesses of gang violence and other

juvenile crimes. The purpose of these projects is to establish

comprehensive programs for these young victims which can be replicated

in additional communities. To be eligible for the project, a school

should have or be willing to offer the following resources: an

acceptable course of study on victim issues, which includes material on

the impact of crime, presented in part by victims themselves; training

on peer support, crisis response, and mediation techniques; individual

and group counseling services; avenues for parental involvement;

liaison with local advocacy programs to support youth who must deal

with the court system; and support services for victimized teachers.

    Teleconference for Teachers on Staff Victimization. In FY97, OVC

anticipates funding a teleconference for teachers on the topic of staff

victimization, that is, victimization in the school and elsewhere that

occurs as a consequence of their professional role.



B. Competitive Projects



1. Issue Symposia ($100,000)

    OVC will fund two two-day symposia in the amount of $50,000 each on

important and emerging topics in the victims field. As a substantive

understanding of each topic is critical to the success of this program,

it is likely that separate awards will be made to applicant

organizations displaying the greatest depth of knowledge and experience

in each area. The purpose of the symposia is to stimulate discussion on

specific victim-related issues and to generate recommendations and

action plans for addressing the issues effectively. Between 15 and 20

experts in a given topic area will be invited to attend each event. The

symposium facilitator will survey the field for promising and model

practices, relevant research and/or evaluation findings, and available

statistics, and will provide this material to participants in advance

of the event. The agenda will include expert presentations, round-table

discussions, and the development of an action plan for the field that

outlines specific steps for outreach, training and technical

assistance, and public education. Specific recommendations for

practitioners also will be generated where appropriate. For each event,

the facilitator will report on the group's findings, recommendations,

and action plan. These highlights will be summarized in a short

monograph suitable for publication as an OVC bulletin. The symposia

topics are:

    Sexual Victimization of Youth. National-scope studies such as Rape

in America have documented the prevalence of sexual violence in the

lives of youth. Failure to intervene during these formative years can

lead to long lasting mental health problems and vulnerability to

further victimization. Nonetheless, adolescent and pre-adolescent

victims of sexual violence remain a population underserved by victim

assistance professionals. The symposium ``Sexual Victimization of

Youth'' will focus on effective means of reaching and assisting young

victims.

    Assisting Disabled Victims of Crime. Persons with physical and



[[Page 21291]]



developmental disabilities face increased vulnerability to crime

victimization, and at the same time, remain a population acutely

underserved by victim assistance providers. Passage of the Americans

with Disabilities Act has heightened the visibility of the issue and

prompted thought about how service providers can best extend the reach

of their services to disabled victims. ``Assisting Disabled Victims of

Crime'' will explore issues of service accessibility and

appropriateness, as well as legal considerations arising from the law.

2. Victim Assistance for Stalking Victims ($75,000 in FY96 and in FY97)

    Although almost every State has passed anti-stalking legislation

and developed a model code, communities are challenged with enforcing

the new laws. This project will build upon the model anti-stalking code

and recommendations developed by the National Criminal Justice

Association under grants from OVC, the National Institute of Justice

(NIJ), and BJA. The project will support a survey of promising

practices for effectively managing stalking cases in the criminal

justice system, with particular attention to protection and support for

victims. The grant recipient will produce a compendium of promising

practices in States and localities, with an in-depth focus on the case

management systems implemented at three model sites. The grantee will

examine strategies for coordination between victim assistance providers

and members of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement,

prosecutors, and judges. The grantee also will document innovative laws

and policies, relevant and reliable case law, and the use of technology

(e.g., special monitoring equipment) to protect victims. The grantee's

final compendium will describe key elements of a model system response

to stalking victims. Grant activities will cover two years with $75,000

available in FY96 and an additional $75,000 available for training and

technical assistance in FY97.

3. Cultural Considerations in Assisting Victims of Sexual and Physical

Violence ($75,000 in FY96 and in FY97)

    Female victims of sexual and physical violence come from many

cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The diversity of this population

presents victim advocates and criminal justice professionals with

unique challenges in outreach and service delivery. Language barriers,

cultural stigmas attached to being sexually victimized or battered, and

lack of awareness of the availability of services often deprive women

and their children of critical victim assistance services and criminal

justice protections. This program will train domestic violence and

sexual assault victim advocates, law enforcement, and attorneys to be

more responsive to the female victims of diverse cultural and ethnic

backgrounds. A major portion of the training will be devoted to

implementation of the Violence Against Women provisions of the Violent

Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.



4. Restitution: Promising Practices ($100,000)



    Restitution is a direct and positive way to hold offenders

accountable for the harm caused by their offenses. With widespread

support from many victims and members of the general public,

restitution has increasingly become mandatory for offenders in both

juvenile and adult courts at the local, State, and Federal levels. Yet

many jurisdictions find that orders of restitution are extremely

difficult to enforce. Barriers to enforcement include inadequate

administrative policies and practices, as well as the indigence of some

offenders. This project, jointly sponsored by OVC and BJA, will

identify promising approaches used in the criminal and juvenile justice

systems to establish and enforce orders of restitution and to ensure

that victims receive the payments due them. Such approaches might

include the use of efficient, simple-to-use software programs to track

and manage restitution orders; procedures for assessing victim losses

to determine appropriate amounts of restitution to order; and

strategies for collecting restitution payments. The grantee will

produce a compendium of promising practices and accompanying training

and technical assistance materials to assist jurisdictions that wish to

implement them. In addition, limited technical assistance will be

provided to sites seeking to improve their capacity to carry out court-

ordered restitution.

5. Sexual Assault Curriculum and Training Project ($100,000 in FY96 and

in FY97)

    OVC will fund a three phased project to develop comprehensive

training for rape crisis counselors and victim advocates who are

responsible for providing services and securing rights for adult

victims of sexual assault. In phase one of the project, the grantee

will conduct an extensive literature search and review and develop a

comprehensive training curriculum and train the trainer guidebook for

program managers and statewide coalition leaders. The curriculum will

present effective service delivery strategies, including crisis

counseling, support groups, criminal justice advocacy, outreach, and

referral services. Since the curriculum and guidebook will build upon

existing training curricula and will include standard core elements,

these products can be developed concurrently with the literature

review. Phase two of the project will focus on the delivery of training

to service providers and victim advocates at national, regional, and

statewide training events. In the final phase of the project, it is

anticipated that the grantee will present the training as part of the

train the trainer component of the OVC National Victim Assistance

Academy. In addition, the grantee will assess the training and make

recommendations for modifications and further dissemination of

materials. Highlights of the training program will be summarized in a

short monograph suitable for publication as an OVC bulletin.

Continuation funding in FY98 will be considered, depending upon the

success of the project.



C. Non-Competitive Projects



1. Law School Clinics as Resources Against Family Violence ($25,000)

    In collaboration with the Violence Against Women Grants Office and

the American Bar Association, OVC will support regional training

conferences focusing on community responses to family violence. The

target audience of the conference series consists of victim advocates

and law school clinic personnel. The purpose of the grant is to

encourage law school clinics to develop or enhance clinical programs

that address family violence issues and to facilitate a recognition

among victim advocates of law schools as valuable resources. The

grantee will develop a monograph describing innovative services for

family violence victims which will be disseminated to law schools

nationwide.

2. Teleconference on Staff Victimization in Correctional Facilities

($50,000)

    A two-hour teleconference on staff victimization in juvenile and

adult correctional facilities will be conducted in collaboration with

the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and OJJDP. The

teleconference, transmitted via satellite, will allow participants to

view the event ``live'' on a television or a large projection screen

and ask questions of the experts by telephone during the program. OVC,

OJJDP, and NIC staff will jointly plan the teleconference agenda. They

will competitively contract for both the



[[Page 21292]]



production of short videotaped segments to highlight key elements of

the topic and the ``uplink'' transmission of the event. Sites will

register to serve as host sites, and each will designate a contact

person to coordinate the teleconference, duplicate camera-ready

materials for the participants, and submit participant evaluations to

OVC.

3. Domestic Violence Against Women Technical Assistance Program

    Last year, OVC provided seed money so that customized, multi-

disciplinary training could be provided to jurisdictions seeking to

create a coordinated response to family violence. In 1996, OVC will

continue to work with the Violence Against Women Grants Office to

provide Services*Training*Officers*Prosecutors (STOP) grantees

technical assistance, including site visits for family violence teams

to observe innovative programs in operation.

4. Safe Kids/Safe Streets: Community Based Approaches To Intervening in

Child Abuse and Neglect ($100,000 in FY97)

    OVC will join with other OJP Bureaus to support the Child Safe

Project, which will coordinate Federal, State, and local resources into

a comprehensive prevention and intervention program for child victims

and their families. This OJP-wide program will create systemic reforms

to improve services for abused children; provide training and technical

assistance support to practitioners who serve child victims and their

families; strengthen a continuum of family support services to assure

that assessment, counseling, and victim assistance services are

available; assure the uniformity of evaluation protocols across sites;

and provide prevention education and public information. OVC will

provide selected grantees with training, technical assistance, and

training materials on improving services for child victims. Assistance

will focus on expanding the availability of medical services to

sexually and physically abused children and mentoring or training

programs for communities wishing to establish a Children's Advocacy

Center. New technologies, use of specially trained nurse practitioners,

and coordination with facilities that are providing quality forensic

examinations and other medical services to child victims are some of

the approaches that will be utilized to improve medical services for

young victims.

5. Child Sexual Exploitation: Improving Investigations and Protecting

Victims ($189,000)

    OVC and OJJDP will jointly support the continuation of a project

that has developed a model for linking criminal justice personnel

across jurisdictional boundaries and sources of victim assistance when

sexually exploited children or youth are identified. During this phase,

the grantee will: develop a ``promising practices'' report to document

varying approaches to multi-jurisdictional collaboration; organize a

conference, in conjunction with the 1997 National Symposium on Child

Sexual Abuse, to bring together existing multi-jurisdictional teams;

and develop a videotape and users' guide to showcase models for multi-

jurisdictional collaboration.

6. FBI Victim-Witness Programs ($100,000)

    OVC will provide up to $100,000 to support one demonstration

victim-witness program in an FBI field office or resident agency. OVC

will work with the FBI's Victim-Witness Assistance Program to announce

the availability of the funding to field agencies. Applicant sites will

submit a proposed implementation plan and budget. The selected project

will identify, implement, and document promising practices for working

with crime victims. Information about the results of this demonstration

program will be distributed to other FBI field offices for possible

replication. OVC will provide funding for one year, with a possible

second year renewal.

7. U.S. Attorney Victim-Witness Program ($150,000)

    OVC and BJA will provide joint second year funding to support a

demonstration victim-witness assistance program in the Eastern District

of Wisconsin U.S. Attorney's Office. The purpose of the program is to

improve the capability of U.S. Attorneys' Offices to respond to the

rights and needs of Federal crime victims. Funds provide for the hiring

of a victim-witness counselor advocate, a community drug victim

specialist, and a victim-witness paralegal assistant. OVC and the U.S.

Attorney's Office will compile the program's promising practices and

disseminate them to other U.S. Attorneys Offices for replication.

8. National Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse ($37,000)

    OVC will support the participation of teams of Federal criminal

justice personnel nominated by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices to attend

the National Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse. OVC will also sponsor

workshops specific to the unique dynamics attendant to Federal sexual

abuse cases.

9. White-Collar Crime Victim Advocate Pilot Project ($100,000)

    OVC will support a pilot project in the Northern District of

California U.S. Attorney's Office to improve services for white-collar

crime victims. The project will identify, implement, and document

promising practices for working with white-collar crime victims. Funds

will be used to hire a white-collar crime victim advocate who will aid

in identifying and recovering assets for victims. The advocate will

work under the direction of the Chief of the Economic Crimes Division

and will work closely with other components including the Asset

Forfeiture Division, criminal investigators, the Financial Litigation

Unit, U.S. Marshals, and the Victim-Witness Coordinator. Funds will

also provide for computer support and travel. As part of the project, a

representative of the U.S. Attorney's Office will participate in an ad-

hoc working group which will: (1) Identify and assess materials and

practices that could benefit white-collar crime victims; (2) produce a

resource kit that includes a victim pamphlet, victim handbook, and

videotape; and (3) create a Victim-Witness Coordinator guide to

assisting white-collar crime victims. Information about the results of

this demonstration program will be distributed to other U.S. Attorneys

Offices for possible replication.

10. U.S. Parole Commission Interagency Agreement ($54,000)

    Through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Parole Commission,

OVC will fund a Victim-Witness Coordinator position to provide services

for victims and witnesses with respect to attendance at Federal parole

revocation hearings and notification of the results of those hearings.

The Victim-Witness Coordinator also will coordinate with the Federal

Bureau of Prisons when offenders are returned to prison to ensure that

victims of the original Federal offenses are notified of the offenders'

return to prison, any subsequent parole considerations, and the

offenders' eventual release. At the end of the first year of this

project, the Parole Commission will conduct an evaluation of the

effort, including a review of case files for victim and witness

appearance rates, and will survey victims, witnesses, and parole staff

through questionnaires or phone interviews. The results of this review

and survey may provide information



[[Page 21293]]



that can be used in State systems. The project might also document

promising practices for Federal cases in which post-release supervision

is provided by United States Probation Officers and in revocation

proceedings conducted by the Federal Courts.

11. Children's Advocacy Center Pilot Project ($95,000)

    Through funds provided to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the

District of Columbia, OVC will support the establishment of a

Children's Advocacy Center demonstration site for Federal prosecutors

and other agencies. The Center will showcase interagency services in a

child-oriented environment. The multi-disciplinary Center will reduce

the trauma to children by implementing a joint interview/assessment

process among key agencies, thus minimizing the number of interviews.

Program materials such as forms, letters, memoranda of agreement,

policies, procedures, brochures, and informational materials for child

victims and their families will be compiled and shared with other sites

wishing to replicate or develop similar services for child victims.

12. International Victim Assistance Summit ($15,000)

    OVC will provide funding to assist the National Organization for

Victim Assistance in organizing and implementing a summit on

international victim assistance issues involving expert leaders from

around the world.



II. Voices From the Field



A. Comprehensive Initiatives



1. Field Generated National Impact Projects ($550,000 in FY96 and in

FY97)--Competitive

    This program is designed to give the field wide latitude in making

proposals to improve practices and enhance crime victims' access to

rights and services. OVC invites the submission of proposals for

training and technical assistance projects that: (1) Address an area of

ongoing or emerging need; (2) are national in scope or will have a

national impact; and (3) will provide products or materials that may be

easily adapted, replicated, and disseminated to practitioners in the

field. Proposals must be congruent with OVC's discretionary funding

authority to support demonstration, training, and technical assistance

projects that improve the response to and services for crime victims.

Activities outside the scope of OVC's funding authority include

prevention, treatment for perpetrators, research, evaluation, and other

activities not directly linked to assisting crime victims. Proposed

projects may range from $50,000 to $100,000. Consideration will be

given to projects that warrant multi-year funding based on project

design. However, each phase should be capable of standing alone.

Examples of the kinds of activities that can be supported include, but

are not limited to:

    <bullet> One to two day symposia on promising practices in a given

topic area. Products will include an inventory of practices and

programs; a list of expert trainers/practitioners; and symposia

proceedings, and suggested strategies for action.

    <bullet> Training programs for trainers and practitioners in a

given program area. Train the trainer programs using existing and

demonstrated successful curricula as well as the development of new

training materials are encouraged. Products will include a survey of

promising practices for new programs or an update of the curricula for

existing programs; development and pilot-testing of training curricula

and participant manuals; and plans to train with or directly

disseminate the training products.

    <bullet> Compendia of promising practices and program guidelines.

Products will include a survey of the field; inventory and

identification of promising approaches; identification of core

programmatic elements and development of model programs or practices

briefs; and publication of a short bulletin.

    <bullet> Training videotapes with instructional booklets, for use

by a trainer or as stand-alone training aids.

    <bullet> Innovative applications of technology, such as interactive

computerized training materials, or instruction and guidance in using

other emerging technologies to inform, assist, or improve services to

crime victims.

    <bullet> Demonstration projects built on existing innovative

programs that can serve as learning laboratories or production of

information that enables others to replicate promising policies,

practices, or entire programs.

    Examples of topics might include, but are not limited to: victim

notification systems; training programs for judges, prosecutors, and

law enforcement officers; train the trainer programs using curricula

which have been demonstrated to be successful; victim assistance

programs tailored to meet the unique needs of campus, white-collar

crime, and bank robbery victims; and assistance practices that are

responsive to ``hidden'' or underserved victim populations.

    Applicants for train the trainer projects must include the

curriculum they intend to use. Proposals involving collaboration

between public, not-for-profit, and private sector organizations are

encouraged.

    OVC also is seeking to stimulate a response to crime victims from

diverse fields such as the religious community, private non-profit

agencies that link with the corporate community to address victim

issues (such as workplace violence), and partnerships between

organizations that result in expanded services for crime victims. In

order to draw diverse skill, experience, and knowledge from the range

of organizations that address crime victim issues, no more than two

proposals or more than $150,000 will be considered for award to any

single victim organization in a single year.



B. Competitive Programs



1. Solicitation of Concept Papers for FY97 ($600,000)

Innovative Training, Technical Assistance and Demonstration Projects

    In FY96, OVC anticipates funding five or six of the highest ranking

applications submitted under ``Field Generated National Impact

Projects,'' which is described above. OVC is also inviting the

submission of concept papers on victim-related topics. OVC will review

and rank the papers, and invite the highest ranking applicants to

submit full proposals for FY97 funding consideration. Concept papers

will enable OVC to explore new ideas without burdening prospective

applicants, and also permit OVC to project more accurately the nature

and amount of future grant awards. To be considered for funding,

concept papers must address program areas within OVC's funding

authority. Please see ``Field Generated National Impact Projects''

above. The examples provided, which illustrate permissible activities,

are not intended to limit innovative ideas or approaches; the examples

should not be construed as the only areas of interest or topics that

will be funded. OVC's Program Announcement and Application Kit will

give further guidance on preparing and submitting concept papers, which

are due October 1, 1996 or February 1, 1997 for two cycles of review

and funding.

Special Focus: Assisting the Victims of Crime in the Adjudicative and

Administrative Aspects of Criminal, Civil, and Tribal Courts

    OVC recognizes the central role courts play in ensuring the

delivery of justice, enhancing victims' perceptions that



[[Page 21294]]



justice has been done, and improving their sense of safety and redress.

In recent years, court personnel--judges, court administrators, and

clerks of court--have increasingly developed innovative strategies for

assisting the victims of crime in both adjudicative and administrative

aspects of criminal, civil, tribal, and juvenile courts. OVC seeks

concept papers from courts, court-related organizations, and other

agencies with relevant expertise to support activities that enhance or

demonstrate innovations in courts' responses to and activities with

victims of crime, and that can be replicated in other jurisdictions.

Such court activities can involve, but are not limited to: (1) The

development and delivery of education and training or curricula

development for court personnel, victim advocates, and victims, with

particular emphasis on increasing coordination with the prosecutor and

other components of the criminal justice system; (2) activities to

improve victims' access to justice, including the access of those

proceeding pro se in related civil/domestic relations matters; (3)

diagnostic services and referrals to appropriate community services;

(4) programs to increase the safety of victims and witnesses in cases

of stalking, threats, and intimidation and to reduce their exposure to

the offender and the offender's supporters throughout the trial period;

and (5) programs that ensure victims are kept informed of, prepared

for, and have the opportunity to be heard at the various stages of the

court process. Other issues of particular interest that proposed

projects might address are: the impact of the media in high profile

cases; gaining acceptance and understanding of the role of victim

advocates in the judicial system; and procedures that limit the trauma

of testimony by making accommodations to victims with special needs,

such as children and the disabled.

2. State and Regional Conference Support Initiative ($75,000)

    In FY96, OVC will continue its successful Conference Support

Training Initiative. This comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to

training has provided an opportunity for nearly 10,000 victim

assistance providers, crime victims, law enforcement officials,

prosecutors, and allied professionals to attend cost-effective State,

regional, and national victim assistance conferences. Over the past

three years, OVC has co-sponsored 35 State and regional victim

assistance conferences, as well as tracks of victim assistance training

at four national conferences of allied professions. Through this

initiative, OVC will continue to fund State and regional training

events. Priority funding consideration will be given to States that

have not previously participated in this project. A portion of the

training workshops must be devoted to Federal crime victim issues.

These issues may include bank robbery, bias/hate crimes, white-collar

crime, and crimes occurring on Federal lands or in Indian Country.

3. Innovative Federal Victim and Witness Practices ($100,000)

    OVC will entertain proposals for identifying promising practices in

addressing Federal victim and witness-related issues.



C. Non-Competitive Projects



1. Federal Crime Victim Assistance Fund ($75,000)

    Through an interagency agreement with the Executive Office of U.S.

Attorneys, OVC will provide financial assistance to victims of Federal

crime when other resources are not available. OVC will respond to

requests from individual U.S. Attorneys' Offices for assistance in

meeting the direct and immediate needs of Federal crime victims.

2. District Specific Training ($80,000)

    OVC will provide funding to Federal Districts to support training

conferences and seminars addressing Federal victims' rights issues and

compliance with the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness

Assistance. The purpose of this program is to allow U.S. Attorneys'

Offices to sponsor training events that meet local or regional needs.

3. Oklahoma City Federal Victim Assistance Program ($100,000 in FY96

and in FY97)

    Through an interagency agreement with the Executive Office of U.S.

Attorneys, OVC will make funding available to aid victims of the Alfred

P. Murrah Federal building bombing. OVC will respond to requests from

the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Oklahoma for

financial assistance to support transportation to the trial in Denver,

Colorado, for temporary shelter, and for crisis counseling. OVC will

make an additional $100,000 available for this program in FY97.



III. Building Vital Capacity in Victim Services



A. Comprehensive Initiatives



1. OVC Resource Center ($350,000)--Non-Competitive

    The OVC Resource Center is a national clearinghouse of information

concerning victim and witness assistance programs, victim compensation

programs, and organizations from the private sector that assist victims

and witnesses. It serves a broad constituency of individuals and

organizations with professional, academic, and advocacy-related

interests in the welfare of crime victims, including victim service

providers, law enforcement agencies, clergy, prosecutors, health care

practitioners, legislators, researchers, and victims. Key projects

anticipated during FY96 include the establishment and distribution of

an OVC newsletter, the development of new Internet/World Wide Web-based

resources, and extensive conference activity. This initiative is

supported jointly by OVC and BJA.

2. Training and Technical Assistance Center

    In recent years, OVC has developed several new mechanisms to direct

training and technical assistance toward building the capacities of

victim service agencies, frequently in response to requests from

individual agencies for help in dealing with specific topics or

problems. The OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center will offer a

centralized access point for information about OVC's training and

technical assistance resources. It will develop and disseminate

training and technical assistance materials on topics of interest to

the field, and mobilize specialized teams to address these topics and

other identified areas of need. The Center also will assess and

evaluate the training and technical assistance provided by Center

components to ensure that high standards of quality are maintained.

During FY96, OVC will publish a Request for Proposal (RFP) to contract

services for FY97-2000.

    The Training and Technical Assistance Center will include:

    Capacity Building Technical Assistance--Competitive. OVC is

launching a technical assistance program designed to strengthen

community-based statewide and national victim assistance organizations,

coalitions, and support groups. There are currently over 8,000 local

victim service programs, hundreds of statewide coalitions, and nearly a

dozen national



[[Page 21295]]



victim organizations that have worked to make the criminal justice and

social service systems more responsive to the needs and rights of crime

victims. Although their accomplishments have been impressive, many

grassroots, volunteer-powered agencies need organizational development

assistance in order to ensure their continuation and nurture future

growth. Through this program, such agencies may request the assistance

of an expert or team of experts who can assess their current operations

and advise them on strengthening their organizational structure and

funding base, suggest strategies for networking and outreach, support

their capacity to seed new chapters or services, and provide leadership

and board development training. Interested organizations may apply to

OVC for Capacity Building Technical Assistance, following application

guidelines which will be described in the Program Announcement and

Application Kit. The five top-ranking applicants will receive up to

$10,000 in intensive, individualized technical assistance. This project

will be coordinated with OVC's organizational development resource kit

described below under the heading, ``Resource Materials for Victim

Organizations.''

    Trainers Bureau ($165,000 in FY96)--Non-Competitive. The Trainers

Bureau is a mechanism for supporting cost-effective training and

technical assistance to victim assistance programs and other agencies

that deal with crime victims. Since its creation in 1994, the program

has responded to more than 80 requests for a broad range of assistance.

During FY96, OVC will publish a Request for Proposal (RFP) to contract

services for FY97-2000. It is anticipated that this program will

continue without interruption, and public and private not-for-profit

agencies can continue to request assistance by contacting OVC for

application instructions. BJA is collaborating with OVC in supporting

this program.

    The Trainer's Bureau also will support a conference for OVC's

discretionary grantees that provides information on the best strategies

for developing and conducting effective training events, incorporates

new technologies, involves OVC grantees in summarizing their projects

and accomplishments, and focuses on OVC staff and grantee reciprocal

responsibilities. The purpose is to share information about all

projects, promote networking, and provide a forum to discuss future

activities that will improve the quality of OVC training and technical

assistance products and services.

    Community Crisis Response (CCR) ($25,000)--Non-Competitive. Through

CCR, which was formerly called Immediate Response to Emerging Issues

(IREP), OVC will continue to provide rapid response to requests for

emergency training or technical assistance from communities and

Federal, State, and local agencies responding to a major crisis

involving multiple victims. Communities and agencies can continue to

request assistance by contacting OVC for application instructions.

    Victim Assistance Partnerships and Strategies for the 1996

Olympics--Non-Competitive. OVC will provide support to public and

private partnerships in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding communities to

assist them in addressing the increased and special needs of people

victimized during the 1996 Olympic Games. The designated lead local

agency will convene a planning committee of Federal, State, and local

officials and victim advocates to develop a crisis response plan and

protocols and to facilitate memoranda of understanding among the

relevant agencies to carry out the plan.

    Conference and Meeting Support ($80,000)--Non-Competitive. This

program will support logistics, planning, and travel-related costs for

OVC-sponsored conferences and meetings. These events are likely to

include:

    <bullet> Focus groups that highlight major emerging issues. One

topic OVC anticipates exploring through a focus group is victim

assistance from the religious community. Since many victims and

survivors seek counsel and support from their religious leaders,

members of the clergy have a tremendous potential to assist crime

victims. This focus group will recruit participants from the widest

possible diversity of religious training institutions. A project

advisory committee will be identified from staff of seminaries, bible

colleges, rabbinical schools, and clerical training institutions, as

well as from religious leaders who are involved in victim issues and

victim advocates. Additional focus groups on other topics also may be

convened.

    <bullet> Meetings with OVC's various constituent groups, including

State VOCA grantees.

    <bullet> Support for Regional Coordination Initiative activities.

    <bullet> Funding for unanticipated conferences and events that OVC

may wish to conduct in the course of the year.

3. Regional Coordination Initiative--Non-Competitive

    This initiative is designed to promote networking and collaboration

among victim service professionals on a regional basis. It mobilizes

teams of Regional Field Coordinators (RFCs), selected from experienced

victim service providers, to develop and implement regional training

and technical assistance projects on victims issues. Each of four

regional teams plans and organizes a training or technical assistance

activity that their group will sponsor during the year. Activities are

selected based upon input gathered from victim service providers and

allied professionals throughout each region. Funding for team

activities will be provided through the Training and Technical

Assistance Center.

4. Train the Trainer Seminar Series ($450,000)--Non-Competitive

Hate/Bias Crime ($150,000 in FY96 and in FY97)

Victim Assistance in Community Corrections ($100,000)

Responding to Staff Victimization in Correctional Agencies ($100,000)

Death Notification ($100,000)



    OVC will sponsor a series of training for trainers seminars using

curricula on topics of special interest that have already been

developed through previous OVC grants. Between two and four seminars

will be offered on each topic.

    Using the curricula they have already developed, pilot-tested, and

delivered, the Education Development Center will offer training on

Hate/Bias Crime; the American Probation and Parole Association will

present seminars on Victim Assistance in Community Corrections; the

National Victim Center will offer training on Responding to Staff

Victimization in Correctional Agencies; and Mothers Against Drunk

Driving will provide seminars on Death Notification. Respective

grantees will: (1) Update the existing training package to produce

comprehensive and user-friendly instructor and participant training

manuals; (2) develop a plan for recruiting ``strategically placed''

individuals and supporting their attendance through scholarships at a

training seminar; (3) produce a plan and instruments for assessing the

impact of the training; (4) conduct train the trainer seminars; and (5)

prepare a final report that presents the project assessment and makes

recommendations for further improvements or training.

    Since the focus of the project is to integrate the training

information into policies and procedures, the recruitment



[[Page 21296]]



process is crucial to the project's success. Grantees should therefore

present a plan to attract certified trainers or individuals who are

strategically located within a national, State, or local training

academy or other system. Participating trainees must commit to

disseminating the information through in-service training in their

organizations, at State or local training academies, or via other means

that channel the information to allied professionals in community,

State, or national arenas.

5. TRIAD/Elder Abuse ($50,000 in FY96 and $200,000 in FY97)--Non-

Competitive

    In 1994, OVC entered into a partnership with BJA and the

Administration on Aging at the Department of Health and Human Services

to support regional TRIAD conferences. These training conferences have

stimulated the growth of over 260 TRIAD programs in 44 States around

the country. TRIAD is a joint effort of the American Association of

Retired Persons, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and

National Sheriffs' Association to build a coordinated service response

to elderly crime victims. This successful training will be continued in

FY96 and FY97.

6. Reproduction and Distribution of Training Materials for Federal

Personnel ($80,000)--Non-Competitive

    OVC will set aside funding for the reproduction and dissemination

of various training manuals and informational materials, including

monographs, videos, and the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and

Witness Assistance.

7. Automated Victim Assistance Case-Tracking/Notification System

($100,000)--Non-Competitive

    OVC will support the development, testing, and use of a specialized

computer program that tracks victim, defendant, case, and service

agency information. The system would be designed to: send victims

timely notification of case proceedings and dispositions; provide

victim service referrals; generate victim-related statistics; and

ensure compliance with the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and

Witness Assistance. OVC will reimburse the Executive Office of U.S.

Attorneys for expenses incurred by their Management Information Systems

and/or by U.S. Attorneys' Offices.



B. Competitive Programs



1. Action Partnerships With Professional Organizations ($120,000 in

FY97--Amounts up to $15,000 per Grant Will Be Awarded Depending on the

Activities Pursued by Applicant Organizations)

    OVC seeks to join with national professional and membership

organizations to support projects that provide information and training

to their membership for the purpose of improving their response to

crime victims. OVC is seeking proposals that specify techniques by

which applicant organizations will disseminate the information to their

membership and encourage its understanding, use, and integration into

the daily practice of those who work with crime victims. Organizations

of medical, mental health, legal, and criminal justice personnel, as

well as the clergy and other allied professionals, are invited to

propose one or more of the following activities: (1) Training tracks or

a series of workshops at national conferences; (2) and sharing

information through periodicals, special monographs or descriptions of

model practices, ``codes of ethics,'' membership mailings,

teleconferences, videotapes, new communication technologies, and other

avenues for reaching the range of professionals who assist crime

victims. OVC is particularly interested in projects that result not

only in information dissemination but in increased interaction between

the membership of two or more groups. This project is a new component

of OVC's Training and Technical Assistance Center.

2. Resource Materials for Victim Organizations ($125,000)

    This project will support the development of a training and

resource kit designed to strengthen community-based statewide and

national victim organizations, coalitions, and support groups. Family

members of homicide victims and survivors of other violent crimes often

turn to self-help organizations for critical and long-term support

services, including peer support, criminal justice advocacy, and

referrals. Self-help groups, typically staffed primarily or even solely

by volunteers--many of whom are survivors--have continual and pressing

needs for training and technical assistance on a variety of topics.

    The resource kit will be used to provide training and technical

assistance that strengthens community-based statewide and national

victim assistance organizations, coalitions, and support groups. The

kit will cover such topics as: advocacy within the criminal and

juvenile justice systems; working in the legislative, political, and

media arenas; fund-raising and management techniques for volunteer

organizations; strategies for networking; ways to strengthen

organizational structure; techniques for leadership and board

development; and outreach to underserved and minority populations. The

grantee will identify an advisory committee of representatives of the

major support groups for family members of homicide victims and

survivors of other violent crimes, who will help shape the contents of

the kit. The materials will be pilot-tested in several different

settings. After they have been revised, they will be printed and

disseminated to groups nationwide. OVC anticipates funding a second

phase of this project which will provide funding to several support

groups to use the training and resource kit with paid and volunteer

staff members.

3. OVC ``Help'' Series ($30,000 in FY97)

    OVC will fund the development of a packet of crime-specific

brochures that succinctly capture the best known information on a

variety of crime-related topics and identify national resources and 800

numbers. The packet will complement the OVC Resource Center display;

accompany responses to victims' letters, as appropriate; and serve as

general public awareness material. Individual brochures will address

the topics of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, drunk

driving, and child abuse, with an edition specially tailored for

children (ages 6-11 and 12-16 years).



C. Non-Competitive Projects



1. Regional Seminars for Establishing Community and Institutional

Crisis Response Teams ($100,000 in FY97)

    OVC will provide continuation funding to organize, conduct, and

assess a series of three regional training seminars on establishing

community and institutional crisis response teams. The regional

training will assist participants in preparing a community or

institutional crisis response plan that is flexible enough to

appropriately address many possible crime-related crises. The plan must

address both chronic crises, such as multiple victimizations on one

college campus, and acute crises, such as hostage situations. The

training also will assist in identifying key professionals to serve on

the crisis response team.



[[Page 21297]]



2. Victim Assistance Training Strategies ($25,000)

    As presented in 1995, the National Victim Assistance Academy

consisted of a one week (40 hour), intensive block of training provided

to approximately 40 victim service providers. In an effort to ensure

that OVC is pursuing the most effective approach to building a training

academy, this project will assess the basic elements of an effective

academy, including: relevant target population, training practices and

methodologies, technological pathways, and the relation of the academy

to existing or potential State and national accreditation processes for

victim service personnel. Options in all of these areas will be

examined, as well as their respective cost implications. With input

from OVC on the office's current training priorities and issues related

to content, training sites, and number of participants, a

recommendation report will be produced that can guide the process of

building a multi-faceted Victim Assistance Academy that will enhance

the quality of victim services in future years.

3. Resources for National Crime Victims Rights Week, 1997 ($30,000)

    Each year since 1982, National Crime Victims Rights Week (NCVRW)

has been formally designated and commemorated at the Federal level

during the month of April. NCVRW provides the nation the opportunity to

acknowledge the plight of crime victims and to recognize the numerous

reforms that have been instituted to advance their rights and respond

to their unique needs. This project will support collaborative efforts

between OVC and victim service organizations to make materials

available to victims service providers, advocates, elected leaders, and

the general public to assist in the commemoration of the national

event.

4. Children's Advocacy Center Mentoring Program ($50,000)

    Children's Advocacy Centers (CAC) are assisting communities across

the country in improving the handling of child victim cases by creating

special child-friendly environments, adjusting criminal justice

procedures to the needs and abilities of children, and adopting multi-

disciplinary approaches. In FY95, OVC joined with OJJDP and the

National Children's Advocacy Network to produce a video illustrating

``best medical practices'' for medical examinations; to conduct a

conference to facilitate shared resources between CACs and family

violence programs; and to support a specialized training track on

family violence at the National Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse. In

FY96, OVC will continue this joint effort with OJJDP by supporting a

mentoring program that enables communities to connect with existing

CACs and receive ongoing assistance in establishing or improving CACs

or multi-disciplinary teams in their own communities.

5. Battered Women's Justice Project ($90,000)

    In FY95, OVC funded the Battered Women's Justice Project to analyze

the Full-Faith and Credit provisions of the Violence Against Women Act

and provide: (1) An in-depth State-by-State analysis of enforcement

efforts; and (2) training and technical support for State and Federal

prosecutors to implement these provisions. OVC is working closely with

the Violence Against Women Office and the Violence Against Women Grants

Office on this program and plans to continue this jointly funded effort

in FY96.

6. Domestic Violence In Kentucky: Model Law Enforcement Response

($20,000)

    OVC has worked closely with the Community Oriented Policing

Services Office (COPS) and the Violence Against Women Grants Office to

establish a demonstration program in Kentucky to implement the Full-

Faith and Credit provisions of the Violence Against Women Act. This

program is both an intra-state and inter-state enforcement effort.

7. Office of Legal Education Victim Rights and Legal Issues Instructor

($100,000)

    OVC will support an attorney instructor who will draft litigation

series chapters and course material and present classroom instruction

on Federal victims' rights legislation, case law and policy, and

prosecutors' duties and responsibilities to Federal crime victims. OVC

will make funding available through an interagency agreement with the

Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys.

8. Federal Prosecutor and Victim-Witness Coordinator Travel ($200,000)

    OVC will provide funding to allow victim-witness coordinators and

prosecutors from U.S. Attorneys' Offices to attend various training

conferences. These funds, to be made available through an interagency

agreement with the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, will cover

travel-related expenses.

9. Federal Law Enforcement Training Center ($125,000)

    OVC will continue to support victim assistance training to law

enforcement officers from over 70 Federal agencies. This agreement will

provide funding for a trainer to present both basic and advanced

courses at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

10. FBI Agreement ($273,000)

    Through an interagency agreement with the FBI, OVC will support

skill development training of Victim-Witness Coordinators at the

investigative level. The agreement will provide for training for FBI

Victim-Witness Coordinators and fund a full-time trainer at the FBI

Academy.

11. Federal Interagency Agreements ($100,000)

    OVC will make funding available to various Federal agencies to

enhance their capacities for responding to victim and witness needs.

OVC will use funds to support requests for training or production and

distribution of informational materials.

12. Federal Travel ($130,000)

    OVC will provide funding to allow non-U.S. Attorney Federal

criminal justice personnel to both attend and train at OVC-sponsored

training sessions.

13. Developing and Marketing of Products ($50,000 in FY96 and $110,000

in FY97)

    OVC is developing a minimum of 35 monographs and publications to

disseminate descriptions of promising practices, that is, innovative

and outstanding service strategies and programs that address the needs

of crime victims. In addition, OVC will update the civil legal remedies

bulletin, which informs victims of ways to pursue recovery and justice

through civil procedures. The updated version will address current

State laws and improved procedures and practices. Other products that

will be reproduced and disseminated include the National Bias Crimes

Training Guides, elder abuse training materials, and a guidebook for

communities on responding to sexual abuse.



IV. VOCA Enhancements



A. Non-Competitive Programs

1. National Technical Assistance Conference for State VOCA Victim

Compensation and Victim Assistance Administrators ($100,000)

    In FY96, OVC will provide funding to expand and enhance its support

of



[[Page 21298]]



national-scope training and technical assistance for State VOCA victim

compensation and assistance administrators. Grant awards will be made

to the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) and the

National Association of Crime Victim Compensation Boards (NACVCB)

jointly to plan and conduct a national training and technical

assistance meeting. The meeting will bring VOCA victim compensation and

assistance administrators together to receive guidance and technical

assistance to advance their administration of the Federal VOCA grant

programs. The grantees will work together to develop the conference

agenda, identify presenters, and manage other conference activities. A

major purpose of the grant is to foster ongoing collaboration and

coordination among compensation and assistance programs. Compensation

and assistance administrators throughout the country will be consulted

by the grantees concerning conference dates, presenters, and agenda.

2. Mentor Program for State VOCA Victim Compensation and Assistance

Programs ($50,000)

    OVC will continue support for a newly established mentoring program

to provide for on-site, expert assistance for State VOCA victim

compensation and assistance programs. Participating ``mentors'' are

drawn from a pool of VOCA administrators who have demonstrated

proficiency in a range of program management and operational areas.

Technical assistance is customized to meet the specific needs of VOCA

victim compensation and assistance administrators. OVC will make

$50,000 available to continue in this effort. Approved on-site

assistance will be short-term, generally lasting between one and three

days.



B. Competitive Program



1. Regional Technical Assistance Meetings for State VOCA Administrators

($25,000 in FY97)

    In FY97, OVC will continue to support regional training and

technical assistance meetings for State VOCA compensation and

assistance administrators. The purpose of this initiative is to fund a

number of regional State VOCA administrators' meetings to address

training and information needs. These meetings may focus exclusively on

victim assistance or victim compensation, or on a combination of the

two. Federal funds will be used to support coordination, materials,

meeting space, consultants, and other costs associated with planning,

delivering, and assessing each meeting.



V. Victim Assistance in Indian Country



A. Comprehensive Initiatives



1. Victim Assistance in Indian Country Promising Practices ($25,000)--

Non-Competitive

    OVC will provide funding to the National Institute of Justice to

assess the efficacy of VAIC programs.



B. Competitive Programs



1. Children's Advocacy Centers in Indian Country ($50,000)

    OVC will provide funding to assist two tribes in establishing

Children's Advocacy Centers to serve as demonstration sites. In

creating child-focused, multi-disciplinary settings, the centers will

allow for a coordinated strategy to meet the needs of child victims and

the criminal justice system. OVC will make funding available through

OJJDP under a cooperative agreement with regional Children's Advocacy

Centers.

2. Topic-Specific Monographs ($75,000)

    OVC will make funds available for the development of bulletins,

fact sheets, and monographs on issues relevant to Native American child

victims. Topics will include jurisdictional issues, child interviewing

techniques, reporting procedures, child protection teams, psychological

evaluations, cultural sensitivity, and tribal-Federal coordination.



C. Non-Competitive Programs



1. Victim Assistance in Indian Country ($767,000)

    OVC will make funding available to 18 States to support on-

reservation victim assistance programs in Indian country. OVC currently

funds 32 such programs, enabling tribal communities under Federal

jurisdiction to establish domestic violence shelters, crisis counseling

programs, court advocacy networks, and other victim services.

2. Children's Justice Act Discretionary Grant Program for Native

Americans ($717,000)

    OVC will provide third year funding to continue projects designed

to improve the investigation and prosecution of child physical and

sexual abuse cases in tribal communities. The programs have helped to

establish special tribal child abuse prosecution units, develop

interdisciplinary child abuse protocols, revise tribal legal codes,

sponsor training, and support a variety of other initiatives designed

to aid in the handling of child abuse cases.

3. Training and Technical Assistance for Children's Justice Act

Grantees ($200,000)

    OVC will award continued funding to the National Indian Justice

Center (NIJC) to provide training and technical assistance to tribes

and tribal organizations in improving the handling of child physical

and sexual abuse cases. NIJC will assess the needs of new Children's

Justice Act grantees; develop plans to meet those needs; provide on-

site and telephonic technical assistance to both new and continuation

grantees; and produce a monograph which describes promising practices

that have been implemented to assist child victims in Indian Country.

4. Tribal Court Appointed Special Advocate Programs ($50,000)

    OVC will support the continuation of Court Appointed Special

Advocate (CASA) programs in Indian Country. The programs will enable

tribal court systems to assign advocates to represent the best

interests of Native American children. Funding will be made available

through OJJDP under a cooperative agreement with the National CASA

Association.

5. Attorney General's Indian Country Justice Initiative ($273,000)

    OVC will make funding available to support the Attorney General's

Indian Country Justice Initiative at the Pueblo of Laguna in New Mexico

and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in Montana. This interagency

initiative, which funds comprehensive services for two Indian tribes,

is a collaborative effort between the Administrative Office of the U.S.

Courts, the Department of the Interior, and various DOJ components,

including the Criminal Division, the Office of Tribal Justice, the

Office of Policy Development, and OVC, as well as other OJP bureaus.

OVC will support Children's Justice Act and CASA projects, as well as

victim-witness programs, at each site. OVC will work closely with the

DOJ Criminal Division to implement these projects.

6. Tribal and Federal Judges Training ($50,000)

    Through an interagency agreement with the Federal Judicial Center

and DOJ's Office of Policy Development, OVC will support a program to

educate tribal and Federal judges on the handling of child sexual abuse

cases in Indian country. The program will provide legal education on

Federal procedural law involving the Federal



[[Page 21299]]



Rules of Evidence, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures, and the

Major Crimes Act; issues of prosecutorial discretion; and relevant

tribal law regarding child sexual abuse. Funding also will support the

development of a program manual for tribal and Federal judges.



[FR Doc. 96-11485 Filed 5-8-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4410-18-P