The VIRGIN ISLANDS FY 2017 Support for Adam Walsh Implementation Project

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (AWA) (42 U.S.C. § 16909, et seq.; Pub. L. 113-235, 128 Stat. 2130, 2193) authorizes the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) to administer sex offender management grants. These grants assist states, the District of Columbia, U.S. principal territories and tribal jurisdictions in developing and/or enhancing sex offender registration and notification programs that support substantial implementation of Title I of the AWA, known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). SORNA was enacted to protect the public from convicted sex offenders and offenders against children by establishing a comprehensive national system for the registration of those offenders.

The Virgin Islands Department of Justice (VIDOJ) will maintain substantial compliance with SORNA and ensure continuity and consistency of the application of procedures which are being implemented. VIDOJ will utilize grant funds for training to build knowledge of SORNA and best practices for SORNA implementation and educate the community about sexual offenders and registration requirements. ca/ncf