The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is making federal funds available for planning and implementation of programs which are evidence-based (research and data-driven) and able to be sustained following completion of the grant funding and system change initiatives that support the uplifting of youth development. These federal funds are available for projects under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act Title II Formula Grants Program from the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impact on communities across the Commonwealth causing a major disruption in our normal day-to-day routine. The disproportionate effect of the pandemic on young people has exacerbated inequalities and risks reducing the productive potential of normal adolescent development. Furthermore, youth serving agencies now must recognize that many youth will come into services with multiple service needs to include trauma, homelessness, loss of education, income, and exposure to family and community violence. Through this solicitation, DCJS is affording the opportunity for the creation of a system response to help assist with the safe transitioning of our youth from isolation to socialization.

This announcement provides guidance to aid applicants in determining eligibility, developing a program narrative, developing the itemized budget and budget narrative, and completing other related forms. Using the guidance presented in this document, applicants should be able to efficiently and effectively prepare complete applications in the On-line Grant Management System (OGMS).

Registration in OGMS is required. Registration for and information about OGMS and information can be found at: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/grants/ogms-training-resources.

To aid localities with their grant application preparation, DCJS will facilitate two training webinars on the following dates