1. a. A State/Community Partnership Grant Program is established within the Juvenile 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 bedspace 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 Juvenile 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.