Juvenile Community Alternatives Planning Grant Program 2025-2026

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is accepting applications for the 2025–2026 Juvenile Community Alternatives (JCA) Planning Grant Program. This initiative is authorized by Indiana Code § 31-40-5-6 and aims to support counties in developing cost-effective, research-based alternatives to secure detention and out-of-home placement for youth in the justice system. The program's core goals include reducing youth confinement, preventing placement in Department of Correction facilities, decreasing recidivism, and improving outcomes for children through local collaboration and planning. Eligible applicants include public entities, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and nongovernmental agencies that serve youth involved in the juvenile justice system. To qualify, applicants must prequalify through a compliance review with the Indiana Department of Revenue, Department of Workforce Development, and Secretary of State. Nongovernmental applicants are also required to have a signed collaboration plan or operating agreement with referring entities and to submit letters of support. Each planning effort must be coordinated and overseen by a local or regional Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council (JRAC) or equivalent collaborative body that includes juvenile justice stakeholders. Each Indiana county is eligible for up to $20,000 in funding for the 12-month grant period, which runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Funds are provided in advance (not on a reimbursement basis) and may be used for planning efforts, collaborative activities, site visits, technical assistance, and preparation for the implementation of evidence-based or promising practice diversion programs. Programs must begin operation within 60 days of the start date, and all final reports and documentation are due within 30 days of the end of the grant period. Allowable costs include personnel, benefits, supplies, travel for planning purposes, and technical assistance related to model program development. Administrative costs are permitted up to 10% of the budget and must be included in time allocations, not as separate budget line items. Unallowable costs include direct client assistance, lobbying, fundraising, real estate purchases, construction, vehicle purchases, and indirect cost rates. Applicants must complete and submit their application through IntelliGrants by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 17, 2025. A webinar will be held on March 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET to review the application process and answer questions. Attendance is encouraged but not required. Applications must include a problem statement, collaboration plan, timeline, proposed use of funds, and anticipated outcomes. Required attachments include job descriptions (if seeking personnel funding), audit records, and any other documentation requested. Applicants must also commit to quarterly performance and fiscal reporting, maintaining documentation such as meeting minutes, receipts, and contractor deliverables. For technical assistance, applicants can contact the ICJI Helpdesk at CJIHelpDesk@cji.in.gov or call 317-232-1233. Additional training resources, including user guides and webinar recordings, are available on the ICJI website.