(1) In order to receive funds under RCW
13.40.500 through
13.40.540, local governments may, through their respective agencies that administer funding for consolidated juvenile services, submit proposals that establish community juvenile accountability programs within their communities. These proposals must be submitted to the department for certification.
(2) The proposals must:
(a) Demonstrate that the proposals were developed with the input of the local law and justice councils established under RCW
72.09.300;
(b) Describe how local community groups or members are involved in the implementation of the programs funded under RCW
13.40.500 through
13.40.540;
(c) Include a description of how the grant funds will contribute to the expected outcomes of the program and the reduction of youth violence and juvenile crime in their community. Data approaches are not required to be replicated if the networks have information that addresses risks in the community for juvenile offenders.
(3) A local government receiving a grant under this section shall agree that any funds received must be used efficiently to encourage the use of community-based programs that reduce the reliance on secure confinement as the sole means of holding juvenile offenders accountable for their crimes. The local government shall also agree to account for the expenditure of all funds received under the grant and to submit to audits for compliance with the grant criteria developed under RCW
13.40.520.
(4) The department, in consultation with the Washington association of juvenile court administrators and the state law and justice advisory council, shall establish guidelines for programs that may be funded under RCW
13.40.500 through
13.40.540. The guidelines must:
(a) Target referred and diverted youth, as well as adjudicated juvenile offenders;
(b) Include assessment methods to determine services, programs, and intervention strategies most likely to change behaviors and norms of juvenile offenders;
(c) Provide maximum structured supervision in the community. Programs should use natural surveillance and community guardians such as employers, relatives, teachers, clergy, and community mentors to the greatest extent possible;
(d) Promote good work ethic values and educational skills and competencies necessary for the juvenile offender to function effectively and positively in the community;
(e) Maximize the efficient delivery of treatment services aimed at reducing risk factors associated with the commission of juvenile offenses;
(f) Maximize the reintegration of the juvenile offender into the community upon release from confinement;
(g) Maximize the juvenile offender's opportunities to make full restitution to the victims and amends to the community;
(h) Support and encourage increased court discretion in imposing community-based intervention strategies;
(i) Be compatible with research that shows which prevention and early intervention strategies work with juvenile offenders;
(j) Be outcome-based in that it describes what outcomes will be achieved or what outcomes have already been achieved;
(k) Include an evaluation component; and
(l) Recognize the diversity of local needs.
(5) The state law and justice advisory council may provide support and technical assistance to local governments for training and education regarding community-based prevention and intervention strategies.
(6) For purposes of this section and RCW *
13.40.541 and
13.40.511, "referred youth" means a youth who:
(a) Was contacted by a law enforcement officer and the law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that he or she has committed a crime;
(b) Was referred to a program that allows youth to enter before being diverted or charged with a juvenile offense; and
(c) Would have been diverted or charged with a juvenile offense, if not for the program to which he or she was referred.
