Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Program

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) of Georgia has released the FY27 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Program, a funding opportunity aimed at reducing out-of-home placements for adjudicated youth. This initiative is grounded in Georgia’s broader criminal justice reform efforts and reflects a sustained commitment to public safety through community-based interventions. Originally recommended by the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform and launched under the guidance of former Governor Nathan Deal, the program supports local jurisdictions in adopting evidence-based practices that reduce juvenile recidivism and improve long-term outcomes for youth. Eligible applicants are restricted to local county commissions or boards of commissioners within Georgia, who must apply on behalf of juvenile courts. The program prioritizes counties with the highest commitment rates to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). To qualify, applicants must comply with state planning requirements such as the Georgia Service Delivery Strategy Act and meet a range of administrative, background check, and internet safety standards. The program explicitly prohibits the promotion or instruction of religion and mandates policies for appropriate youth-adult relationships, further ensuring safety and inclusivity. This grant opportunity allows for both new and continuation applications. New applicants can request up to $350,000, while continuation applicants may apply for up to $750,000 for program enhancements. The award period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. New programs may opt into a two-month planning period to hire staff and establish contracts, while all continuation services must begin within 30 days of the award. Funding is reimbursement-based, with limited advance payment available to first-time grantees. Applicants must budget at least 70% of the funds for direct, evidence-based services, with a maximum of 30% allocated for indirect or administrative costs. Applications are due by April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time and must be submitted through the CJCC’s online portal. The application package must include a detailed proposal narrative, job descriptions, signed contracts for any subcontracted services, and a program timeline covering the grant period. Evaluation criteria focus on the clarity and quality of objectives, the degree of need, the appropriateness of the intervention model, and prior performance for returning applicants. The CJCC may request clarifications or negotiate budgets prior to issuing awards. Selected programs must adhere to monthly and quarterly reporting protocols and participate in statewide evaluations. Reports include financial documentation, youth outcome data, and cost-savings metrics. Required tools include the Pre-Disposition Risk Assessment (PDRA), Detention Assessment Instrument (DAI), and, when available, the Juvenile Needs Assessment (JNA). Programs are expected to demonstrate model fidelity and may undergo site visits and audits. Support services eligible for funding include life skills, mentoring, educational support, and job training. Meals and light snacks are allowable costs within reason, and motivational tools are capped at $25 per youth. Questions about programmatic or fiscal requirements should be directed to Chelsea Benson at [email protected]. For technical issues with the application system, contact Stephanie Mikkelsen at [email protected]. The RFP was released on February 17, 2026, and the application window closes on April 30, 2026. Funded projects will be notified after the review and approval process is completed, but applicants should await official notification before making funding assumptions. Future cycles are expected, and grantees may reapply each year, contingent on performance, need, and funding availability.