Collins, King Announce More Than $400,000 to Support Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (JJAG) was awarded a total of $400,402 to carry out its ThreeYear Comprehensive Plan for addressing juvenile justice and delinquency prevention issues in the state, as well as to continue practices that have led to a reduction in system-involved youth.

“The Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group has worked for decades to promote policies that are fair and beneficial to youth in the justice system,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “This investment will help JJAG implement its evidenced-based Three Year Comprehensive Plan to prevent and reduce crime as well as rehabilitate offenders. By ensuring that juvenile justice is administered effectively and proportionately, JJAG’s recommendations will make a significant difference in the lives of many Maine youth and help guide them to a better future.”

The funding was awarded through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, a branch of the U.S. Department of Justice. The overarching aim of JJAG over the next three years is to continue successful practices, investigate and address the root causes of rising disproportionate minority contact in certain Maine communities, and broaden the systemic presence of restorative justice practices as a program of first resort for arrested youth. The funding will also be used to broaden JJAG public outreach initiatives, particularly through social media.