The bill proposes to rename the "Juvenile Community Corrections Act" to the "Juvenile Community Connections Act" and amends various sections of the act to reflect this change. It establishes that funds from the Juvenile Community Connections Fund can be utilized to operate programs that provide services for adjudicated delinquents, children, or youth. The bill also introduces a local panel system to determine the next steps for delinquents sentenced to juvenile facilities, allowing for a more community-based approach to juvenile justice.

Key amendments include the creation of a local panel to screen and identify suitable candidates for community-based programs, which will consist of representatives from various local entities. The bill also expands the definitions related to the act, including clarifying the terms "child," "delinquent," and "youth," and specifies that the funds can be used for prevention, intervention, and diversion services. Additionally, it allows for a higher percentage of fund allocation for administrative costs and emphasizes the importance of volunteer services in these programs.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 33-9A-1, 33-9A-2, 33-9A-3, 33-9A-4, 33-9A-5, 41-4-3, 41-13-2