Juvenile Diversion Grant Program

The Juvenile Diversion Grant Program, administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), is a two-year initiative supported through the Indiana General Assembly’s biennial budget. Established under Indiana Code § 31-40-5-6, the grant aims to enhance outcomes for youth engaged in or at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. The program prioritizes early intervention and community-based alternatives to formal adjudication, aiming to minimize youth penetration into the legal system while safeguarding public safety and youth well-being. This is accomplished through evidence-based services designed to address the individual risks and needs of youth, as determined by structured risk screening tools. Core objectives of the program include preventing further legal system involvement, offering the least restrictive alternatives aligned with a child’s risk of reoffending, emphasizing restorative justice practices, and reducing recidivism through research-supported services. The definition of restorative justice, as outlined in Indiana Code § 31-37-8.5-1, centers on services that repair harm caused to victims and the community, focusing on accountability and reintegration. The Youth Justice Oversight Committee has played a key role in shaping best practice guidance, including developing a Diversion Resource Toolkit and Diversion Program Directory to support applicants in designing effective programs. Eligible applicants include public entities, state and local government units, nonprofit organizations, and nongovernmental organizations that serve youth affected by the juvenile justice system. To be considered for funding, entities must be in good standing with the Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development, and Secretary of State. Non-governmental applicants must have signed memorandums of understanding and data sharing agreements with relevant referral partners. Additionally, all applicants must submit a collaborative service plan in accordance with IC 31-40-5-5 and agree to monthly reporting of outcomes, which will be evaluated using defined performance metrics. The award period spans from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Projects must begin operations by August 30, 2026, or risk termination of funding. Awards may consist of upfront payments and reimbursements, depending on the needs outlined in the application. Funding is allocated based on county population: small counties (under 25,000 residents) may receive up to $150,000, medium counties (25,000–50,000 residents) up to $85,000, and large counties (over 50,000 residents) up to $80,000. Multi-county applications are permitted, but service proportions per county and individualized collaborative plans are required. Applications must be submitted via IntelliGrants using the designated PDF template by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 16, 2026. A required webinar will be held on January 15, 2026, and questions may be submitted to [email protected] until January 21, 2026. Answers to all submitted questions will be published on February 2, 2026. Applicants must submit various required attachments, including a completed application and budget, internal control policy, collaborative plans, signed MOUs or DSAs, job descriptions, and contractor proposals. All applicants are evaluated using a standardized scoring rubric, with bonus points awarded to those serving counties under 25,000 residents. Award notifications will be issued by June 8, 2026. Awardees are required to maintain financial documentation for three years after the grant concludes and report all program and fiscal data monthly via IntelliGrants. The program does not include a separate planning grant; however, applicants needing planning time should explain their plans and timelines in their proposals. Late or incomplete submissions may result in disqualification from funding consideration.

Only required attachments will be reviewed. Extra materials may result in score penalties.