Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Pilot Program

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), under the authority of Governor Mike Braun and Executive Director Douglas W. Huntsinger, is currently accepting applications for the 2025–2027 Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Program. This initiative is designed to address behavioral health challenges among youth in Indiana, with a strong focus on diversion from the juvenile justice system through community-based or school-based mental health services. The program prioritizes early intervention and aims to minimize formal court involvement and out-of-home placements. Created under Indiana Code § 31-40-6-5, the program offers funding to support evidence-based activities such as the use of validated screening and mental health assessment tools, partnerships with law enforcement to create diversion initiatives, the establishment of crisis stabilization services including mobile crisis units, and comprehensive case management for youth and families. It also encourages the development of telehealth-based mental health services and emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration and resource optimization, particularly in rural areas. Eligible applicants include public entities, units of state and local government, nonprofit organizations, and nongovernmental organizations that serve youth either already involved in or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. Applicants must meet threshold requirements, including good standing with state agencies, operational agreements with referring agencies (for non-governmental entities), and engagement in collaborative planning with local or regional Justice Reinvestment Advisory Councils (JRACs) or similar bodies. Each grantee must also submit monthly or quarterly performance reports through the IntelliGrants portal and maintain detailed case-level data for evaluation purposes. The grant application process must be completed online via IntelliGrants, with a submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, July 18, 2025. The application opened upon RFP release, with technical assistance provided by the ICJI Helpdesk during standard business hours. The award period spans from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, and funded projects must become operational within 60 days of the start date. Awardees must submit all final reports and proof of payment no later than 30 days following the conclusion of the grant period. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of allowable costs, including personnel, supplies, linguistically appropriate services, telehealth implementation, and technical assistance for model fidelity. However, unallowable costs include direct financial assistance to clients, real estate, construction, fundraising, indirect costs, and vehicle purchases. Administrative costs are capped at 10% of the total grant budget and must be integrated within the budget justification. Applications will be evaluated by ICJI and the Youth Justice Oversight Committee’s (YJOC) Grants Workgroup. Evaluation criteria include eligibility, alignment with statutory goals, financial integrity, risk assessment, and compliance with state ethics and legal standards. Required attachments include organizational budgets, sustainability plans, implementation timelines, letters of endorsement, collaboration plans, audits, job descriptions for funded roles, and any relevant supporting documentation. A webinar offering an overview of the RFP and Q&A session will be held on June 23, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET. Registration is not required. Contact information for technical support is CJIHelpDesk@cji.in.gov, with phone service available via 317-232-1233.

Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Review JRAC guidance and IntelliGrants training.