The purpose of the JAIBG program is to give funds to States and local governments for developing programs that promote greater accountability in the juvenile justice system. The FY 1998 appropriation for the JAIBG program totals $250 million. Funds are available to States on a formula basis that provides for a minimum allocation of 0.5 percent of available funds to each State and for remaining fund allocation to each eligible State based on the State's population of people under 18 years of age. The guidance manual provides an overview of the legislation that created the JAIBG program, the Juvenile Accountability Block Grants Act of 1997, and reviews major requirements for program participation. The guidance manual also identifies program purpose areas, describes application and award processes, and considers the role of designated State agencies and requirements of State recipients and local subgrantees. Relevant definitions are included, and supplemental information on the JAIBG program is appended.