The Juvenile Justice of Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) of 1974, as amended in 2018, created the Title II Part B Formula Grant Program and established the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support state and local delinquency prevention and intervention efforts and juvenile justice system improvements.
As the designated state agency (DSA) for Title II grant funds, ADECA works within JJDPA purpose areas to help address delinquency prevention and intervention efforts across Alabama.
To remain eligible to receive a formula grant under JJDPA’s Title II, Part B Formula Grant Program, Alabama must:
- Prepare and administer a comprehensive three-year juvenile justice and delinquency prevention plan to satisfy 33 statutory requirements.
- Establish a State Advisory Group (SAG) on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
- Maintain compliance with four core requirements of the JJDPA.
2021-2023 Alabama Comprehensive Three-Year Plan
FY2021 Juvenile Justice 3-Year Plan
Alabama State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (SAG)
As required by the JJDPA and for continued Title II Part B Formula Grant funding, each state must establish a State Advisory Group to serve in an advisory capacity for the designated state agency and carry out purposes of the Act.
The Alabama SAG is appointed by the Governor to participate in the development of the three-year plan, review grant applications, and advise ADECA on juvenile justice matters.
If you are interested in serving as member of the State Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, please contact Buffy Smelley. Buffy.smelley@adeca.alabama.gov.
Core Requirements of the JJDPA
The JJDPA requires states to monitor and maintain compliance with four core requirements as a condition of continued funding. The core requirements are 1) Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders, 2) Removal of Juveniles from Adult Jails and Lockups, 3) Separation of Juveniles from Adult Inmates, and 4) Racial and Ethnic Disparities. If a state fails to demonstrate full compliance, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention reduces state allocations by 20% for each finding of non-compliance with a core requirement.
- Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders: Status and non-offenders may not be in secure custody in adult detention centers. Status offenders may not be held in juvenile secure confinement for extended periods of time.
- Removal of Juveniles from Adult Jails and Lockups: Delinquent juvenile offenders may not be in secure custody in adult detention centers, unless under allowed exceptions.
- Separation of Juveniles from Adult Inmates: All juveniles (status, non-offenders, delinquents) must be sight and sound separated from adult inmates.
- Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities (R/ED): States must access and address the disproportionate contact of minority youth at key points in the juvenile justice system.
By monitoring for compliance with the core requirements of the JJDPA, Alabama will continue to receive Title II Part B Formula Grant funds to support state and local efforts to prevent and reduce delinquency and improve outcomes for system-involved youth.
Juvenile Justice Documents
State of Alabama Disclosure Statement
Certificate of Compliance with the Beason-Hammon Act
Confirmation of Background Checks
