Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Formula Grant

The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (Title II) Formula Grant, administered locally by the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs (OJPP), is designed to support initiatives that deter youth from entering or becoming further involved with the juvenile justice system. Funding originates from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), which allocates resources annually to the Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS). ODYS then passes through a portion of these funds to Franklin County using a population-based formula. The intent is to implement effective local solutions to juvenile delinquency and system disparities. OJPP, serving as the Metropolitan County Criminal Justice Services Agency, facilitates this grant with oversight from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board. The agency plays a critical role in the local justice infrastructure, focusing on coordinated services, reentry planning, domestic violence response, and efforts to combat overdose and youth delinquency. Through this grant program, OJPP seeks to increase the availability and quality of evidence-based or promising programs that support at-risk youths aged 10 to 17 in Franklin County. Emphasis is placed on reducing racial and ethnic disparities, minimizing first-time juvenile justice system contacts, and improving outcomes for youth. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include public or private agencies with demonstrated experience in youth services. This includes juvenile courts, schools, school districts, educational service centers, social service agencies, and community-based organizations. All applicants must provide services within Franklin County and target communities with demonstrated need, particularly those highlighted in the Rise Together Blueprint for Addressing Poverty. Agencies must also adhere to Title II program requirements such as the use of evidence-based practices, incorporation of trauma-informed care, family engagement, and ongoing pre- and post-program evaluation to monitor youth progress. Funding is available in two main categories: Positive Youth Development (PYD), focusing on fostering protective factors and positive environments for at-risk youth, and Racial and Ethnic Disparities (RED), aimed at addressing overrepresentation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system. Applicants may only request up to $40,000 and only one proposal may be submitted per organization. Between five and seven awards are anticipated. The funding period will begin on January 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2026. This is a reimbursement-based grant, and quarterly financial and programmatic reporting is required to receive funds. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on September 12, 2025, via email to Haley Cappone, Grants Specialist at haley.cappone@franklincountyohio.gov. Late or non-compliant applications will not be considered. The application must be submitted using the template provided by ODYS, available on the Franklin County OJPP website. Scoring is based on multiple evaluation criteria, with additional weight given to need, geographic diversity, and programmatic effectiveness. While total score determines competitiveness, the final funding decision also considers broader county priorities. Post-award conditions include participation in orientation, ongoing performance reporting, and compliance with federal audit and financial guidelines. OJPP will also collect de-identified demographic data for inclusion in the Franklin County Commissioners’ dashboard. To ensure transparency and oversight, agencies receiving $1 million or more in federal funds annually must undergo audits in accordance with applicable federal guidance. All applicants are expected to maintain robust financial management and internal controls.

Avoid AI tools, ensure use of evidence-based practices, and provide robust outcome tracking and family engagement.