Juvenile Justice (Title II) Formula Grant Program

The Juvenile Justice (Title II) Formula Grant Program is administered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP). This program operates under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended, and is designed to support state and local efforts in improving juvenile justice systems and preventing youth from entering the justice system. The goal is to facilitate the development and coordination of innovative, effective policies and programs that address juvenile delinquency, promote positive youth development, and strengthen the capacity of the juvenile justice system through collaborative approaches. Funding is available for a variety of programmatic areas, with the current focus areas for FFY 2027 including the deinstitutionalization of status offenders (DSO), reducing racial and ethnic disparities (R/ED), and promoting alternatives to detention. These efforts aim to eliminate the secure detention of status offenders, reduce overrepresentation of minority youth in the justice system, and enhance community-based alternatives to incarceration. Allowable projects include family therapy programs, 24-hour reporting centers, community-based youth development initiatives, and programs that offer pre-adjudicatory housing or peer-led diversion services. The use of funds must be consistent with the federal program areas outlined in the grant documentation. Eligible applicants include state agencies, units of general local government (e.g., counties, cities, school districts), tribal governments, and private nonprofit agencies—provided such agencies have first sought and been denied funding from a unit of local government. Entities like law enforcement departments must apply through their city or county government, while school districts may apply directly. Specific documentation, such as denial letters, is required for nonprofit applicants. New agency administrators must complete subgrantee registration by March 20, 2026, and all applications must be submitted by April 24, 2026, using the state’s IntelliGrants system. Applications will be evaluated on several criteria including budget alignment, clarity of purpose, data-driven problem statements, measurable objectives, and sustainability plans. Letters of support are required for all new applicants and for any projects involving alternatives to detention. The grant period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Projects may be renewed annually for up to three years, contingent on satisfactory performance and continued federal funding. Allowable costs include personnel, training, equipment, supplies, and travel related to program implementation. However, unallowable costs include land or vehicle purchases and most construction expenses, unless they meet strict federal exceptions. All programmatic expenses must directly support the goals outlined in the application narrative. Post-award, subgrantees are required to submit financial and programmatic progress reports according to established deadlines. Noncompliance with reporting may affect future funding eligibility. For further assistance, applicants may contact Jerode Oliver for programmatic questions and the Grants Accounting team for financial inquiries.

Ensure all performance indicators are quantifiable; avoid including prohibited costs such as vehicle purchases or construction.