Juvenile Justice Training, Technical Assistance and Support

The Juvenile Justice Training, Technical Assistance and Support grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Bureau of Youth Intervention Services. This funding opportunity supports the advancement of juvenile justice reform in Illinois through robust training and technical assistance activities. The program intends to build the capacity of stakeholders across the juvenile justice continuum, promoting equitable and evidence-based interventions that reduce youth recidivism, support rehabilitation, and improve community outcomes. This grant stems from federal funding and underscores IDHS’s commitment to enhancing systems that interact with justice-involved youth. Through training and technical assistance, the awardee will be tasked with designing, delivering, and evaluating initiatives that support the implementation of best practices, policy alignment with state and federal goals, and continuous quality improvement. The scope may include training on trauma-informed care, adolescent development, legal updates, and culturally responsive practices, among other relevant areas. The total available funding for this opportunity is $350,000, with one award anticipated. While the application is considered open on a rolling basis, meaning there is no set deadline, applicants must follow all formal state grant application protocols. Submissions must be made via the official application portal linked through the DHS website. All applications are expected to comply with standard state and federal grant regulations, including approved indirect cost rates and reporting requirements. Matching funds are not required for this grant. Eligible applicants are expected to be organizations with expertise in juvenile justice systems and a demonstrated history of delivering large-scale training or technical assistance programs. While the NOFO does not specify detailed eligibility types, it is inferred that nonprofits and higher education institutions with relevant capacity and experience may qualify. Applicants should ensure alignment with the funder’s strategic priorities and demonstrate a clear understanding of the juvenile justice landscape in Illinois. Though there is no formal technical assistance session or Q&A period for this grant, interested parties may contact Karrie Rueter at [email protected] for further clarification. No pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers are mandated. The program remains open without a close date, although applicants are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited and only one award will be issued. Because this is a rolling opportunity without a defined deadline, there is no stated recurrence; however, future updates may be posted on the Illinois DHS funding portal. Interested applicants should monitor the site regularly for any changes or additional funding announcements. The performance period is not detailed in the current documentation, so awardees will need to confirm this upon selection and award negotiation.