On November 14, a Congressional Conference Committee on Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations finalized its funding levels for Federal Fiscal Year 2012 (FY12), also known as a “conference report,” for a number of federal programs, including juvenile justice programs. In keeping with the Senate proposal, and in contrast to the House proposal, the Conference Committee maintained the JABG and JJDPA Title II and Title V funding streams.
The Committee, however, made additional cuts:
- Title II at $40 million (the Senate proposal was $45 million)
- Title V at $20 million (the Senate proposal was $33 million)
- JABG at $30 million (this matches the Senate proposal)
Title V is entirely set aside for tribal youth ($10m), gang education/prevention ($5m) and EUDL ($5m).
Despite a clear indication from Members of Congress that they continue to value the federal juvenile justice programs, clearly the Conference Committee’s decisions are devastating on many levels. For almost 40 years, states have demonstrated the wisdom and results of the federal-state partnership on delinquency prevention and juvenile justice. These proposed cuts – down 54% in the last two years – may destabilize and jeopardize states’ ability to maintain protections for youth, reduce delinquency, and further improve youth and family success, and promote community safety.
In this dire economic and partisan climate, getting our message to the right people at the right time has been an unprecedented challenge. Yet, the end result of the FY 2012 cycle would be much worse if CJJ members and allies had not spoken up and spoken out over the last several months. The response from you, your allies and colleagues in the states was remarkable, and led to an increased showing of leadership from members of Congress and the Administration. While we continue to develop ways to have even greater impact, we honor and are thankful for the collective impact had by SAGs and allies at the national, state and local levels.
The CJJ executive board, government relations committee, members and allies will be regrouping to consider all possible ways to strengthen, renew and increase our efforts to support your important work in the states.
Simultaneously, it is imperative that CJJ and its members pivot toward the FY 2013 budget cycle, which has already started. We believe in you and your work on behalf of youth, families and communities, and will continue to develop and communicate the robust evidence that demonstrates the value and effectiveness of the core federal juvenile justice programs. Our challenge is to powerfully convey evidence of our work on behalf of children, youth, families and communities in a sustained campaign, undergirded by a diverse coalition and compelling stories of effectiveness. This will be aimed at rejuvenating our principal champions, and inspiring new champions to join us in both the Congress and the Administration.
Please count on CJJ, and let us know your thoughts and concerns. We will stay in close touch, and welcome your ideas and input at any time.
Sue Kamp, CJJ National Chair
[1] skamp@sover.net
Nancy Gannon Hornberger, CJJ Executive Director
[2] nancy@juvjustice.org or 202-467-0864, ext. 111
Tara Andrews, CJJ Deputy Executive Director
[3] andrews@juvjustice.org or 202-467-0864, ext. 109
[1]: mailto:skamp@sover.net
[2]: mailto:nancy@juvjustice.org
[3]: mailto:andrews@juvjustice.org