Massachusetts FY2021 Formula Grant Title II Program

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), Office of Grants and Research (OGR) is applying for FY 2021 Title II Formula Grant funds with this submission of the Commonwealth’s year three of the current Three Year Plan which is being submitted with no changes to the current Three Year Plan.

The primary purpose of the Formula Grant Program is to ensure the Commonwealth’s compliance with the core requirements of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDP Act) of 2002 and to address other priorities of the Act. The Formula Grant program strives to effectively serve the needs of at-risk and system-involved juveniles in accordance with the delineated “program areas” of the JJDP Act. Funds from the Formula Grant Program are dedicated to compliance activities, State Advisory Group (SAG) activities, and Formula Grant- related sub-awards. Salaries for the Commonwealth’s Juvenile Justice Specialist/Compliance Monitor and DMC Reduction Specialist are provided by the Formula Grant.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has determined that many of Massachusetts’ court holding facilities are not compliant with the Separation from Adult Inmates core requirement of the JJDP Act.  As a result, there is a penalty on the federal award which substantially reduces the amount of Formula Grant funds available to allocate towards delinquency prevention, intervention, and system improvement projects.

Despite limited Formula Grant resources, the JJAC and EOPSS will continue work to help the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children. Through funding projects and OGR staff, and engaging in “no cost” activities, the JJAC and EOPSS intend to address the following priorities: (1) regaining compliance with the Separation core requirement of the JJDP Act; (2) addressing RED; (3) reduce gaps in diversion; (4) provide trauma-informed responsive care; and (5) system data collection and sharing needs. The JJAC and EOPSS will seek to convene stakeholders and raise awareness on issues such as trauma-informed practices and juvenile substance use. The JJAC and EOPSS will also continue to work closely with the Commonwealth’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) which has overlapping priorities and more impressive resources. Such collaboration, along with JJAC member and OGR expertise, will be leveraged to optimize efforts relating to the above issues. Progress on the priorities will be measured based on the objectives and timelines referenced in this Plan.