About the JJAG

Like most states and territories, Maine is an active participant in the national juvenile justice initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to help states craft effective responses to the problems of juvenile crime and violence.

As part of this initiative, Maine receives funds to improve its juvenile justice system. The Maine Juvenile Justice Advisory Group was established in response to the federal Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974. Text of the authorizing statute.

The Maine Department of Corrections acts as the JJAG's administrative and fiscal agent. Maine JJAG oversees the state's participation in the federal juvenile justice initiative.

The JJAG's priorities are guided by its three year plan. The plan provides the framework for JJAG's course of action in terms of funding priorities, research directions, and legislative policy. The JJAG's current strategic plan involves the following priorities:

To promote effective, system level responses that further the goals of the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Act;
To promote the development of gender specific services for Maine's juvenile justice system;
To ensure that youth are not detained for lack of appropriate alternatives;
To reduce delinquency and youth violence by providing community members with skills, knowledge, and opportunities to foster a healthy and nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of productive and responsible citizens;
To provide information and training to legislators, juvenile justice professionals, and the general public to benefit youth and all those involved with Maine's juvenile justice system; and
To maintain compliance with the core requirements of the JJDP Act and to monitor the compliance of JJAG grantees.

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About the JJAG