Juvenile Justice System - Big Changes to State Funding Proposed

According to John Kelly of Youth Today, President Obama has proposed dramatic changes to the way federal funds are passed to state juvenile justice systems. 
The gist of it is this: Title II Formula Grants have historically awarded states money in exchange for compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA). That meant compliance with key provisions, such as not putting status offenders (e.g., runaways and truants) in detention; not putting kids in jails with adults; keeping kids out of "sight and sound" of adult inmates when they are locked up with them; and finally, working to reduce disproportionate minority representation in the juvenile justice system. 
In their place -- and also in place of Juvenile Accountability Block Grants (a mainstay of local juvenile justice funding) -- a new pot of funds would be created, called the "Juvenile Justice System Incentive Grants." The new program would be competitive, and eligible applicants would have to comply with the JJDPA. 
Funds from the new program would have to be used by states to make progress on the following "key indicators:"

• engagement in community-based juvenile strategic planning;
• implementation of evidence-based strategies and practices;
• employment of diversion strategies; and
• reduction of disproportionate minority contact. 

Coupled with social impact bonds, the new proposal could dramatically change the face of juvenile justice funding in America. Would more states stop complying with the JJDPA? Would some states end up losing significant sources of support for their juvenile justice systems? 
What do you think? Leave a comment here, or drop by our LinkedIn group on juvenile justice reform and adolescent substance abuse treatment and participate in the discussion. 

Photo: Steve Wampler.