2025-2027 Juvenile Diversion Grant Program

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is offering funding through the 2025–2027 Juvenile Diversion Grant Program. ICJI is a state-level agency that works to enhance public safety by supporting initiatives aimed at crime prevention and youth intervention. This program is designed to support services that divert youth from the juvenile justice system by promoting restorative justice, preventing deeper system involvement, and supporting positive behavioral outcomes. The program's legal foundation is Indiana Code § 31-40-5-6, with a statutory mandate to prioritize rural counties and use evidence-based practices for service delivery. The Juvenile Diversion Grant Program targets youth either involved in or at risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system. The goals of the program include reducing recidivism, providing low-supervision alternatives to adjudication, and utilizing restorative justice practices defined by Indiana law. Grant-funded projects are expected to align with these objectives and include collaborative service planning with local or regional Justice Reinvestment Advisory Councils (JRACs). Services may include mental health support, counseling, family support, and placement advocacy, and must use risk screening tools to determine youth eligibility and program suitability. Funding is provided by the Indiana General Assembly through the state’s biennial budget. Grant amounts are based on county population using a tiered funding formula. All counties receive a $75,000 base award per grant, with an additional $5,000 to $15,000 depending on population size—rural counties receive higher add-ons. For example, counties with fewer than 25,000 people are eligible for a total of $90,000. Projects serving multiple counties must specify service distribution percentages and submit individual collaborative plans for each county. Eligible applicants include public entities, local and state government units, nonprofit organizations, and nongovernmental organizations that provide services to justice-involved or at-risk youth. Non-governmental entities must have an operating agreement or MOU with a referring agency prior to award. Prequalification is required, involving checks with the Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development, and Secretary of State. All grantees must collect and report participant-level data and meet rigorous monthly or quarterly reporting standards. Funding is disbursed upfront but subject to performance and documentation compliance. Applications must be submitted online through the IntelliGrants system no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, July 18, 2025. IntelliGrants training materials and user manuals are available on the ICJI website. A pre-application webinar will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET, offering an overview and Q&A opportunity. The grant period runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027, with funded programs required to be operational within 60 days of the start date. Final reports and proof of payment for all expenses are due within 30 days after the end of the grant term. Grant applications will be reviewed by the Youth Justice Oversight Committee's Grants work group based on completeness, alignment with funding priorities, fiscal responsibility, and organizational readiness. Required attachments include organizational budgets, job descriptions, audit records, sustainability plans, collaborative service plans, and letters of endorsement from juvenile justice stakeholders. The ICJI Helpdesk provides technical assistance during business hours via CJIHelpDesk@cji.in.gov or by phone at 317-232-1233. All applicants must comply with Indiana state ethics laws, drug-free workplace requirements, and employment eligibility verification.

Submit early to avoid technical issues; coordinate with JRAC for support.