The OJJDP FY25 Juvenile Justice System Reform and Reinvestment Initiative is a grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). It supports states in developing innovative, evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system while reinvesting cost savings into effective prevention and intervention programs. The initiative emphasizes youth-focused, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate approaches.

The program offers a total of $4,860,000, with up to three awards anticipated. Each award may be as high as $1,620,000, and the performance period is 36 months, beginning October 1, 2025. Eligible applicants include state governments and their associated entities, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications proposing collaborative projects among multiple entities are encouraged but must designate a single applicant. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to analyze statewide data, engage diverse stakeholders, and design reforms tailored to identified needs. Expected outcomes include reduced recidivism, improved youth outcomes, cost efficiency, and alignment of resources to community needs. Stakeholder committees should include representatives from juvenile courts, probation, mental health professionals, youth-serving organizations, and families of justice-involved youth.

The application process requires two steps. The SF-424 form must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 3, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The full application, including a detailed proposal narrative, budget detail form, and performance metrics, must be submitted through JustGrants by March 17, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. Applicants must ensure registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov well in advance of the deadlines.

Evaluation criteria include problem identification (10%), project goals and objectives (10%), design and implementation (45%), capabilities and competencies (25%), and budget clarity and cost-effectiveness (10%). Applications must integrate strategies for youth and family partnerships, detailed data collection, and performance measures, with clear deliverables such as reports on policy changes and their outcomes.

Successful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2025. Awardees must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and final financial and performance reports. Compliance with federal civil rights laws and DOJ grant conditions is required. Applicants are encouraged to review OJP’s Application Resource Guide for further details and ensure compliance with all submission requirements.