Program Description
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Criminal Justice Program assists local governments and non-profit entities with the development of programs and projects designed to address particular crime related community problems. The program also coordinates the grant application review and priority setting process required by the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office (CJD), which provides funding for the program. In addition, applicants for CJD grant funds receive assistance with the development of Community Plans, designed to allow local governments the freedom to examine their own problems and develop their own solutions with CJD funding assistance.
Oversight Responsibilities
CJD develops guidelines and rules, monitors grant program operations and fiscal compliance, and administers the grants awarded by the Governor.
At the regional level, NCTCOG's Criminal Justice Policy Development Committee (CJPDC) provides overall policy guidance to the Criminal Justice Program. The Committee is also responsible for reviewing and setting priorities for all criminal justice funding requests. The Committee is composed of local professionals in the criminal justice, juvenile justice, social services, and substance abuse fields, elected officials, and interested citizens. Committee members are appointed by NCTCOG's Executive Board, with approximately 1/3 of the members appointed each year.
Funding Sources
- Criminal Justice Planning Fund (421) / The source of the 421 fund is a biennial appropriation by the Texas legislature from court costs and fees collected by the State. Funds may be utilized for a wide range of projects designed to reduce crime and improve the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
- Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Fund (JJDP) / The JJDP Act (Section 5601 et. seq. of title 42, U.S. Code) provides to Texas an annual formula grant through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Eligible programs must address one or more of the "need statements" included in the "Governor's Criminal Justice Plan for Texas."
- Title V Delinquency Prevention Fund / Texas receives an annual formula grant to implement the Title V program through the JJDP Act. Funds are available to implement comprehensive community plans, designed to reduce risk factors that contribute to delinquent behavior.
- Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) / The VOCA crime victim assistance program (Victims of Crime Act of 1984, as amended, 421 USC 10601 et. seq.), provides funds that operate projects with the primary mission of providing services directly to victims of crime.
- Violence against Women Act Fund (VAWA) / The VAWA program (Sections 2001 through 2006 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended by Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994) provides funds to operate projects with the primary purpose of reducing and preventing violence against women.
- Safe and Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act Fund (SDFS) / The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (Public Law 103-382, title IV), establishes the program and provides an annual formula grant to Texas through the U.S. Department of Education. Funds are awarded to address the common goals of drugs and weapons - free neighborhoods, individual responsibility, respect for others' rights, and promotion of school attendance, discipline and learning.
Contact Information
Staff Contacts
Fax: 817-608-2372
Email
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