Children in Need of Services Grants Program

The Children in Need of Services Grants Program is administered by the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which serves as the State Administering Agency for criminal justice and victim assistance funding in Georgia. The program is supported by federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice, specifically the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The Council works in coordination with the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group, a governor appointed body that provides guidance and recommendations on juvenile justice initiatives across the state. The purpose of the program is to support prevention and intervention services for youth who are at risk of entering or becoming further involved in the juvenile justice system. The grant funds community based programming designed to serve youth ages eleven through seventeen who exhibit behaviors such as truancy, running away, or habitual disobedience. The program emphasizes alternatives to detention and aims to strengthen family and community supports, reduce recidivism, and decrease unnecessary out of home placements. Applicants are encouraged to design evidence supported or evidence based interventions tailored to local needs. Funding is provided to local government entities including county governments, city governments, and school districts. Awards are structured with different maximum amounts depending on whether the applicant is classified as rural or non rural. Rural applicants may receive up to fifty thousand dollars, while non rural applicants may receive up to one hundred thousand dollars. Funds may be used for program implementation, personnel for grant administration, training, travel, and supplies. However, restrictions prohibit use of funds for items such as office space, utilities, food, furniture, vehicles, weapons, general agency supplies, and construction. The program does not require any cost sharing or matching funds. Applications must be submitted through the Council’s online grants management portal. Applicants are required to complete a full application package including a project description, needs assessment, target population data, service delivery plan, staffing details, and evaluation strategy. Required attachments include a detailed budget worksheet, program timeline, process map, and supporting documentation such as letters of support or memoranda of understanding. Applications must be complete and follow all formatting and submission requirements to be considered for funding. Applications are evaluated based on completeness, clarity of measurable objectives, demonstration of need, and alignment between proposed costs and project goals. Priority is given to applicants demonstrating strong partnerships, particularly those involving schools and agencies addressing youth mental health and violence prevention. The Council retains full discretion in funding decisions and may adjust award amounts based on available funding and program priorities. The application deadline for this funding cycle is July twenty second, two thousand twenty six at four pm Eastern Time. The award period runs from October first, two thousand twenty six through September thirtieth, two thousand twenty seven. Award notifications are expected by mid September two thousand twenty six. This program is part of a recurring funding structure in which grantees may apply for continuation funding annually for up to three years, subject to performance and availability of funds. Program participants must comply with federal reporting requirements, including quarterly performance reporting and financial accountability standards.

Emphasize measurable outcomes strong partnerships especially with schools and alignment between budget and program goals ensure application completeness and evidence based programming