FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Juvenile justice officials in Kentucky are launching an incentive fund for local programs that supervise young offenders in the community.
Officials say the program is aimed at cutting taxpayer costs and reserving secure juvenile justice facilities for only the most serious offenders.
The incentive fund is an outgrowth of the overhaul of Kentucky’s juvenile justice system that took effect in 2015. The legislation called for better use of community interventions to protect public safety and hold offenders accountable.
As a result, the state Department of Juvenile will award up to $1 million in grants this year to local judicial districts that provide community-based services, treatment programs or alternatives to out-of-home placement.
Programs may include family and community reintegration and prevention services, community work projects and job skills and employment training.
