Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Diversion, Intervention, and Prevention Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Diversion, Intervention, and Prevention Grant Program using federal funds authorized under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Title II Formula Grants Program. These funds originate from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and are distributed at the state level to support local initiatives that address youth delinquency. The program is structured as a competitive solicitation and is managed through the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS), which serves as the required submission portal for all applicants. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support a continuum of evidence-based or promising programs that are trauma-informed and aligned with the science of adolescent development. Funded projects must demonstrate the ability to meet the needs of youth involved in or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Eligible programming includes community-based services, mentoring initiatives, and school-based interventions. Projects are expected to be grounded in research and data, and applicants must demonstrate that their approach reflects best practices and measurable outcomes. Funding priorities for this program are clearly defined and include reducing disproportionality within the juvenile justice system, addressing behavioral health needs of youth, supporting youth within their home communities, and increasing family engagement and community involvement. Applicants proposing to expand or replicate existing programs must provide evidence of prior success and measurable progress. Additionally, all proposed programs must incorporate a trauma-informed approach and include a sustainability plan demonstrating how services will continue beyond the grant period. The total anticipated funding available for this opportunity is approximately $500,000 in federal funds. The grant period spans two years, from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028. Funds are distributed on a cost-reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur expenses before seeking reimbursement. There is no matching requirement for this grant. However, strict limitations apply to allowable costs, including prohibitions on construction, vehicle purchases, lobbying, and certain personnel expenses not directly tied to grant activities. Administrative and financial compliance with federal guidelines is mandatory. Eligibility for this program is limited to local units of government within the Commonwealth of Virginia. State agencies are explicitly excluded. While nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations are not eligible to apply directly, they may participate as implementation partners under the direction of an eligible locality. Applicants must maintain an active System for Award Management registration and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. They must also be in good standing with state and federal agencies and comply with all regulatory and certification requirements. The application process requires submission through OGMS and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, goals and objectives, budget documentation, and required certifications. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria including program design, demonstrated need, sustainability, and cost effectiveness. Each application is scored out of 100 points across defined categories. The Criminal Justice Services Board is expected to make final award determinations in October 2026, and those decisions are final. The application deadline is August 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. An optional informational webinar is scheduled for July 15, 2026 to assist applicants. Technical assistance is available through DCJS staff, and applicants may contact the designated grant coordinator for program-specific questions. Funded projects must comply with ongoing reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and programmatic reports, and must adhere to all federal and state grant management policies throughout the award period.

Ensure program is evidence-based and trauma-informed; clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and prior success if expanding programs; include a strong sustainability plan; align proposal with stated priority areas and scoring criteria