This grant funds Illinois juvenile justice councils to enhance system effectiveness, reduce youth involvement and disparities, and expand community-based alternatives using data-driven, equitable approaches.
Funder: Illinois Department of Human Services
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026: Full application deadline (projected) | September 2026: Deadline to submit questions for NOFO (projected)
Funding Amounts: Estimated $80,000 total; typically one award; project period ~9 months.
Summary: Supports Illinois local juvenile justice councils to improve system effectiveness, reduce youth involvement, address disparities, and expand community-based youth programs.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; eligibility is limited to government or nonprofit organizations with experience as a Juvenile Justice Council in Lake County, IL.
This grant program is designed to support local juvenile justice councils (JJCs) in Illinois, particularly those established under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act. The primary aims are to enhance the effectiveness of local juvenile justice systems, reduce unnecessary youth involvement, address and reduce racial and ethnic disparities (RED), and implement or expand community-based youth-serving programs. Funding is awarded to councils, local government units, or nonprofit agencies to develop, implement, expand, or maintain programs that divert youth from deeper justice system involvement, provide alternatives to detention, and support youth with problematic sexual behaviors. The program emphasizes data-driven, collaborative planning and a racial equity lens in all activities.