Officials from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, or JJAB, recently shared their core concepts and the actions that can be taken to benefit Kentucky. Part of their work revolves around reducing delinquency and recidivism among the Commonwealth’s youth. This is done partially through grants to community-based services.
David Fink, chairman of the board, said it’s important that JJAB gets feedback from people in every part of the state so they can best allocate funding.
“The services available in Rowan County, and the recommendations I make in Rowan County, are very different than the services that are available in Lexington. And so, it’s important that the community is more aware, so that they can inform JJAB of what is happening in their community and what services they need in their community,” said Fink.
The board works with the Department of Juvenile Justice to identify services that would be most helpful to Kentuckians.
Fink said one of JJAB’s highest priorities is to ensure the Commonwealth remains in compliance with the Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Act. When Kentucky is complying, the state can access over $500,000 to provide communities within the state resources to treat issues like substance abuse.
“We can then create treatment opportunities and intervention opportunities for early intervention and also to reduce recidivism in the state. And it’s hard to do that unless individuals from different parts of the state are giving us feedback,” said Fink.
Fink said JJAB cannot use their grant money to meet the specific requirements of Kentucky communities unless people from across the Commonwealth tell the board what they need.
JJAB meetings are taped and open to the public. Meeting information, including dates, times, and a link to join them virtually, is available at jjab.ky.gov.