2022 Montana Title II Formula Grants Program Year 2 of 3-Year Plan

Montana's FY22 Title II program will fund agencies and organizations throughout the state that support the needs of youth ages 0-17 and their families through evidence-based or promising programs and practices. Many of these children have significant risk factors for delinquency, are currently involved in the juvenile justice system, or are at risk of suspension/expulsion. Therefore, the broad purpose of this project is to identify youth in need of services and implement programs that will create positive outcomes in their lives. The Youth Justice Council, Montana's state advisory group, has chosen to prioritize delinquency prevention; mentoring, counseling, and training programs; school programs; diversion; and Native American Tribe programs. Programs funded under these priority areas will provide services including, but not limited to: age-appropriate prevention or early intervention courses and activities (social-emotional learning, positive youth development, drug/alcohol classes, etc.), individual mentorship, job training, transitional assistance for older foster care youth, academic support, outdoor activities, leadership training, and restorative interventions designed to reduce suspensions and prevent involvement in the juvenile justice system.

MBCC hopes to achieve the following outcomes:

Continue to make progress, with guidance from the SAG, on the goals and objectives outlined in MBCC’s FY21-23 Title II and R/ED plans.
Provide delinquency prevention and diversion services to children and teens, especially those with significant risk factors for delinquency.
Improve academic success and reduce suspensions, expulsions, and dropouts in schools within Title II service areas
Provide evidence-based and trauma-informed services that address the needs outlined in MBCC’s Title II Three-Year Plan.
Collect and analyze state, county, and local data to reduce racial/ethnic disparities, provide targeted community-based services, and inform juvenile justice system improvement efforts.
Provide delinquency prevention and diversion services to children and teens, especially those with significant risk factors for delinquency.
Educate stakeholders on the needs of at-risk and justice-involved youth.

To accomplish these outcomes, Montana anticipates funding four Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, two Boys and Girls Clubs, CASA Missoula, YWCA Missoula, Friendship House of Christian Service, the Center for Restorative Youth Justice, Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources, and Chippewa Cree Tribal Court. Service areas will include the following counties: Yellowstone, Hill, Silver Bow, Gallatin, Park, Missoula, Flathead, and Ravalli. The Chippewa Cree Tribal Court will serve youth on Rocky Boy’s Reservation. Some youth in Arlee, Montana on the Flathead Reservation will also be served by YWCA Missoula.