Juvenile Awareness Group

What is JAG?
(Juvenile Awareness Group)

JAG is a group of individuals from the community who meet to improve the quality of life for the youth in Cuming County through organized educational programming to deter them from the court system. JAG is made up of school officials, Region 4 Behavioral Health representatives, Elkhorn/Logan Valley Health Department representatives, mental health professionals, local Health and Human Services workers, clergy, law enforcement, county officials, parents and youth who meet once every other month in various locations in Cuming County.

JAG History
The Cuming County Juvenile Awareness Group was formed in 2004 to administer funds received by HHS (Health and Human Services) to provide services to county youth. The committee hired a part-time coordinator to oversee community service hours assigned by the court.

In 2005, JAG applied for a three-year grant to expand the program to include a youth diversion program. Through the youth diversion program, education is used to deter youth with minor criminal violations from behaviors that may eventually lead them deeper into the court system, thus saving tax dollars. After screening by the County Attorney, these youth are offered the diversion program instead of being processed through the court system. Youth who choose to accept the diversion program have their criminal record wiped clean to benefit them when applying for scholarships and advancing their careers.

Today, one-third of the diversion coordinator’s salary is paid by a renewing Nebraska Crime Commission Grant. The program not only saves tax dollars for citizens, but it also improves the lives of at-risk youth who commit a minor crime in Cuming County. Over the seven years of existence, JAG has not only created a diversion program, but it has also introduced TeamMates Mentoring Program and conducts various youth prevention programs and presentations in the County.

Major JAG Accomplishments

• Ongoing Cuming County youth diversion program
• Keep a Clear Mind Program – drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention program for 4^th – 6^th graders in the county.
• TRAILS Program introduced to 3^rd graders within Cuming County helps children develop resiliency traits that build a strong foundation for healthy habits and positive decision-making skills needed when confronted with alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
• 
• Save a Life Tour – Presentation involving a drug induced driving simulator for 7^th – 12^th grades.
• Public Service Announcement contest for 9^th – 12^th grades – topics: cyber bullying, cyber safety, texting and driving, alcohol and drug prevention. Scholarships were given to improve the technology departments at the students’ schools.
• Valley Hope, O’Neill, Nebraska, counselors’ presentation on drug and alcohol prevention.
• Ron Brown presentation.
• Nebraska State Patrol – roll over simulation and internet safety
• Ongoing TeamMates Mentoring Program

How YOU Can Help
If you are concerned about youth in your area, volunteer to be a mentor or a JAG member by contacting:

Cuming County Juvenile Awareness Group
West Point – Beemer –Bancroft
TeamMates Chapter
200 S Lincoln St., Rm 51
West Point, NE 68788
402-372-6010
vog.e1329995356n.ytn1329995356uocgn1329995356imuc@1329995356sytla1329995356fb1329995356

Wisner
TeamMates Chapter
402-529-3338
ten.m1329995355ocpg@1329995355pwset1329995355ammae1329995355t1329995355

Youth volunteers are welcomed.
In-kind or case donations are also appreciated.
Also, check out these prevention links!