JUVENILE CORRECTIONS FUND USES

SB 305 renames the "Juvenile Community Corrections Act" to the "Juvenile Community Connections Act" and establishes the "Juvenile Community Connections Grant Fund" to fund community-based programs for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill directs funds to support research-based interventions for adjudicated delinquents (youth aged 18-22) and children referred to juvenile services, prioritizing programs that reduce recidivism, improve school attendance, and address trauma. It restricts administrative costs to 12% of funds, requires grantees (counties, municipalities, or nonprofits) to integrate volunteer services, and mandates annual reports to the legislature on program outcomes. The bill directly affects youth in the juvenile justice system and the agencies providing community-based services.