State could run community programs for referred young people

The department could use fund money to contract for or operate community programs. Programs could serve young people adjudicated delinquent or children or youth referred by the department for services. The department could use up to 25 percent of the fund for direct contracts or department-run programs. It could use up to 10 percent more if reasonable efforts find no satisfactory proposals in a community where a program is needed, or if a program must be canceled under its contract.

Local governments and private organizations could apply for grants from the fund. Counties, municipalities, and private organizations could apply alone or together. Programs would serve young people adjudicated delinquent or children or youth referred by the department. Programs would provide prevention, intervention, or diversion services, and give priority to young people adjudicated delinquent. Applicants would need to show support for prevention, intervention, and diversion work, and use volunteer services as much as feasible. Private applicants would need local government support; a private organization that is not nonprofit would need the secretary's approval for a grant. A class A county, alone or with a municipality in that county, could receive no more than 49 percent of money appropriated to the fund.

The bill would repeal Section 33-9A-5 of the Juvenile Community Corrections Act.