Boards and Councils
There are two entities which serve to advise the Governor, State legislature and the Division of Criminal Justice on criminal and juvenile justice issues.
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Council is comprised of up to 33 citizens, system professionals, and youth members, who are appointed by the governor and charged with the responsibility of administering the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act program.
The Council is responsible for:
- Setting funding priorities
- Approving and denying grant applications under each program (Formula, JABG, Title V, and Challenge Grants)
- Developing recommendations to the governor on the state of juvenile justice and suggestions on how to improve the system
- Monitoring justice trends
- Approving an annual juvenile justice plan
- Funding and policy decisions
In October 2005, the JJDP Council revisited its mission, vision and values resulting in the following mission statement:
The Colorado Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Council provides statewide leadership and advocacy to improve the juvenile justice system, prevent delinquency, ensure equal justice and accountability for all youth while maximizing community safety.
Furthermore, the Council began the process of reviewing juvenile justice statistics and data in an effort to establish its priorities over the next several years.
The business of the council is conducted by committees which focus on specific issues and activities and meet throughout the year. They include: Minority Over Representation, Mental Health, Youth, and Executive Committees.
The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Board derives its existence and authority from Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.); the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) and from the Governor's Executive Order (B 001 05), dated January 10, 2005.
The JAG Board is currently comprised of members who are appointed by the governor and charged with the responsibility to:
- Advise the Division of Criminal Justice on issues related to federal block grant monies designated to improve the criminal justice system and reduce drug abuse and violent crimes;
- Review the State plan for the JAG Program funds; and
- Review applications from state and local agencies for funding from the federal JAG Program to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice.