Justice Dept. Stalls on Youth Program Funds

The Justice Department said today that it will continue a freeze on funding for juvenile justice programs despite unanimous disapproval by the Senate, which called the action illegal and a “slap in the face of Congress.”

Department spokesman Patrick Korten said the program’s money will stay on ice until Atty. Gen. Edwin Meese III decides whether he will go along with the Office of Management and Budget, which is expected to ask Congress to rescind the funding.

The freeze was imposed last Friday--keeping on hold most of the $70 million allocated for fiscal year 1986 for juvenile justice programs nationwide, including shelters for runaways and drug treatment clinics.

A Justice Department source said earlier that the OMB is expected to make its request to Congress next month to rescind funding for about 40 government agencies and that the freeze on juvenile justice money was imposed in anticipation of the request.

Programs Will End

If the money is rescinded, the programs will be eliminated. To retain the programs, Meese will have to appeal the OMB’s decision to Congress. Korten said he does not know when Meese will make that decision.

President Reagan has repeatedly tried to phase out the programs, saying the states and private groups can better manage them. In its proposed 1986 budget, the Administration eliminated funding for the programs. Each time, Congress has restored funding.

The Senate, in the press late Thursday for adjournment, unanimously passed a resolution by Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) disapproving the informal freeze.