1. a. A State/Community Partnership Grant Program is established within the Youth Justice Commission established pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1995, c.284 (C.52:17B-170) to support, through grants allocated to county youth services commissions established pursuant to P.L.1995, c.282 (C.52:17B-180), facilities, sanctions and services for juveniles adjudicated or charged as delinquent and programs for prevention of juvenile delinquency. This program is established in order to:
 
   (1) Encourage development of sanctions and services for juveniles adjudicated and charged as delinquent and programs for prevention of juvenile delinquency that protect the public, ensure accountability and foster rehabilitation;
 
   (2) Increase the range of sanctions for juveniles adjudicated delinquent;
 
   (3) Reduce overcrowding in State juvenile institutions and other facilities to ensure adequate bed space for serious, violent and repetitive offenders;
 
   (4) Reduce overcrowding in county detention facilities;
 
   (5) Provide greater access to community-based sanctions and services for minority and female offenders;
 
   (6) Expand programs designed to prevent juvenile delinquency; and
 
   (7) Promote public safety by reducing recidivism.
 
   b.   The Youth Justice Commission shall administer the State/Community Partnership Grant Program and shall:
 
   (1) Establish criteria and procedures for grant applications and disbursement by regulation;
 
   (2) Determine how best to allocate Partnership funds;
 
   (3) Set standards and procedures for eligibility, operation, supervision and evaluation;
 
   (4) Advise and assist county youth services commissions in preparation of county plans and grant applications;
 
   (5) Award grants;
 
   (6) Set standards for and determine eligibility for continued Partnership funding;
 
   (7) Collect and provide information about community-based services and sanctions; and
 
   (8) Monitor and evaluate implementation of county plans and the provision of services, sanctions and programs provided pursuant to this act.

   L.1995,c.283,s.1; amended 2025, c.35, s.81.