Application deadline: September 16, 2008 (Will be extended to September 23, 2008)
OVC is accepting applications for a Victim Justice Program Specialist position. Responsibilities include monitoring the activities of grantees and/or contractors to ensure compliance and coordinating national-scope training and technical assistance. For more information, visit USAJOBS. (OVC)

BJA, the National Crime Prevention Council, and the National Sheriffs' Association have joined together to Celebrate Safe Communities on October 2-4, 2008. This new initiative is designed to help local law enforcement agencies and their community partners kick off celebrations of Crime Prevention Month every October. (BJA)

During National Campus Safety Awareness Month (September 2008), NCJRS invites you to view the Campus Safety Awareness Special Feature. This online resource contains links to publications and resources focusing on crime and safety, the prevention of crime and violence, and the prevalence and prevention of substance abuse on campuses of higher education. (NCJRS)

In observance of National Preparedness Month (September 2008), NCJRS presents the Safety and Preparedness Special Feature. This online resource highlights citizen preparedness and volunteer opportunities as well as resources for military personnel and their families. (NCJRS)

In recognition of National Youth Courts Month (September 2008), NCJRS has created a Youth Courts Special Feature. This online resource contains links to publications and related resources focusing on youth courts. (NCJRS)

Deadline: October 10, 2008
The deadline for submitting nominations online for the 2009 National Crime Victims' Service Awards is fast approaching. OVC is accepting nominees via the online nomination form. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding support for victims and victim services. The honorees will be announced just before National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 26-May 2, 2009) commences. (OVC)

"Planning and Assessing a Law Enforcement Reentry Strategy" (NCJ 223915, 84 pp.), developed by the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the Police Executive Research Forum, addresses the challenges that are unique to those who are reentering society from prison and those who work with these individuals to keep them from returning to the criminal justice system. (COPS)

"National Drug Control Strategy: Data Supplement 2008" (NCJ 221951, 125 pp.) provides information on the availability and prevalence of illegal drugs and the criminal, health, and social consequences of their use. These data are vital to the implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy and for measuring the effectiveness of federal, state, and local drug control programs. (ONDCP)

The National Institute of Corrections has posted its Fiscal Year 2009 Adult Service Plan, "Technical Assistance, Information, and Training for Adult Corrections: All Corrections Disciplines, Jails, Prisons, and Community Corrections." This service plan presents the training programs, technical assistance opportunities, and information services available for correctional executives and practitioners working in federal, state, and local adult correctional agencies. (NIC)

"Crime Prevention Research Review No. 3: Does Neighborhood Watch Reduce Crime?" (NCJ 223916, 46 pp.) summarizes the findings of intensive national studies in both the United States and United Kingdom and discusses the policy implications for this popular citizens' movement. A national crime prevention survey in 2000 concluded that 41 percent of the American population lived in communities covered by Neighborhood Watch. (COPS)

"The Adventures of McGruff & Scruff in Indian Country: A Drug and Violence Prevention Comic-Activity Book" (NCJ 223595, 18 pp.) describes how children may respond to negative situations they might encounter. Through role playing, this publication provides outcomes and answers that will help children learn how to be safe and how to act if they encounter these situations. (BJA)

On September 24, 2008, at 2 p.m. ET, in commemoration of National Campus Safety Awareness Month, OVC is sponsoring a Web Forum Guest Host Session on best practices for responding to sexual violence on campus. Join S. Daniel Carter, Senior Vice President of Securities on Campus, Inc., and Margaret Mikkelsen, Executive Director of Students Active for Preventing Rape, for the session. (OVC)

The National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) enables government and industry partners to address the need for timely, accurate, and complete information sharing. NIEM provides a mechanism to define data exchange standards for information that is commonly shared across the justice, public safety, emergency management, intelligence, and homeland security communities. (BJA)

OJJDP has launched a new Web page that offers resources for child abduction victims and their families. Visitors may order print copies of the OJJDP publication, "You're Not Alone: The Journey From Abduction to Empowerment," featured during coauthor Elizabeth Smart's recent appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show. (OJJDP)

On October 5-8, 2008, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges will hold its annual Juvenile Probation and Justice Management Conference in Reno, Nevada. Under the theme "What Works? Evidence-Based Practice," sessions will address such topics as motivational interviewing and multisystemic therapy. (OJJDP)

Register now for OVC's upcoming training workshops, including Identity Theft: Supporting Victims’ Financial and Emotional Recovery, October 8-9, 2008, in San Diego, California (new location), and Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training, October 15-16, 2008, in Portland, Maine. To view course descriptions and learning objectives or to register, visit the OVC TTAC Web Site. (OVC)