2024 Boards and Commissions

Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice

General Information

Formal Name:Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice
Contact Person:Erin Wasserburger; erin.wasserburger@nebraska.gov; 402-471-3998
Purpose:This group serves as an advisory committee to the Nebraska Crime Commission. Membership on the committee is established in Nebraska Statute and reflects the requirements of the JJDP Act.
How Many Affectable:193,089 youths 11-17 years of age in 2022. 480,998 youths 0-17 years of age in 2023.
How Many Served:6,100 youth served by Community-based Act and Juvenile Services funded programs.
Year Created:1985
Year Active:1985
Sunset Date:NA

Authorization

Authorization Citation:Neb. Rev. Stat. 43-2412; 43-2413
Parent Agency:Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

Memberships and Meetings

Number Of Members:13
Who Appoints:Governor
Legislative Approval:No
Qualifications Of Members:Geographically or professionally related to different capacities in working with Juveniles.
Per Diem:No
Expense Reimbursement:Yes
Term Length:1 to 3 years
Terms Rotate or Expire At Once:Terms Rotate

Meetings Required In:

Required FY 21-22:2
Held FY 21-22:4
Required FY 22-23:2
Held FY 22-23:4
Required FY 23-24:2
Held FY 23-24:3

Operations

Support Staff:Yes
Shared or Separate:Shared
FY 21-22 Budget:$30,000
FY 22-23 Budget:$30,000
FY 23-24 Budget:$30,000
Other Funding Sources:None
Spending Authority:Yes, the committee has the power to allocate and spend money on program objectives.

Accomplishments

Since July 1, 2020:The Nebraska Coalition for Juvenile Justice helps with funding recommendations through the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid and the Juvenile Services Commission Grant Program grants. These grants have a combined funding amount of $6,362,300 each year that is distributed to counties, tribes, and non-profit agencies. These funds assist with providing prevention and intervention type services for youth under the age of 19 at risk of becoming juvenile justice system involved across the state of Nebraska. An annual Governors report is completed by the Coalition outlining the accomplishments for the years. This report also includes a breakdown of the funding recommendations and allocations. Coalition members attend an annual conference sponsored by OJJDP in order to provide a voice for Nebraska and bring back innovative and new practices that could be implemented within the committee. Beginning in 2022, Nebraska was approached by OJJDP Administrator Liz Ryan about returning to participation in the Title II Part B Formula Grant Program, which brings additional funding to Nebraska for programs and interventions to reduce juvenile justice system involvement and improve outcomes for the young people in Nebraska. The Coalition and the Nebraska Crime Commission worked together to write a three-year plan, examine data, identify priority areas, and complete the application process. Nebraska was awarded a Title II Part B Formula Grant in December 2023. Moving forward, the Coalition will be instrumental in reviewing applications, guiding funding decisions, reviewing updated data, and recommending policy and programmatic changes through Title II and the state juvenile grants.