This funding opportunity seeks to implement youth defense system efforts that strengthen and improve the representation of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. This program supports organizations providing public defense services through a combination of direct grants and national training and technical assistance to implement sustainable system improvements that result in improved youth outcomes, reduced recidivism, safer communities, cost savings, and increased public confidence in the juvenile justice system.
The goal of this program is to implement youth defense system improvements that strengthen youth defense and support improved positive youth outcomes.
Objective 1: Ensure youth have access to high-quality, specialized legal representation at all points in the juvenile justice system.
Objective 2: Ensure that all individuals providing youth defense services in the juvenile justice system have access to the resources, tools, and information necessary to provide high-quality specialized services.
Eligibility
The types of entities that are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity are listed below:
- Government Entities
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Educational Organizations
- Public- and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), other than institutions of higher education
On January 23, 2025, at 2 p.m. ET, OJJDP will hold a webinar to provide a detailed overview of this funding opportunity and allow interested applicants to ask questions. Register to participate.