The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Coordination in New Orleans, Louisiana, is offering a grant opportunity for organizations to operate a Juvenile Assessment Center and provide support for prevention and intervention services aimed at system-impacted youth. The grant is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, with a total funding amount of up to $3,775,000 available for the selected recipient. The grant period will last for two years, with projects expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and conclude before January 1, 2027.

The primary purpose of this grant is to establish a local Juvenile Assessment Center that adheres to best practices in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Office of Youth and Families, the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court, and the Youth Justice Collaborative. The selected organization will be responsible for implementing services that address the needs of young people who are impacted by the juvenile legal system, thereby enhancing the support available to them and their families.

Eligible applicants for this grant include non-profit organizations with 501c3 status, universities, and schools. Priority will be given to those organizations that have demonstrated experience working with the Orleans Parish juvenile legal system and with youth and families affected by it. Additionally, the organization must designate a current staff member as the primary applicant, who must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.

The funding can be utilized for a variety of purposes related to the establishment and operation of the Juvenile Assessment Center, as well as for prevention and intervention services. There is no matching requirement for this grant, allowing organizations to fully utilize the awarded funds without needing to provide additional financial contributions.

Submission requirements include a detailed proposal outlining the organization’s qualifications, experience, and plans for the assessment center. The application process will involve answering specific questions that assess the organization’s capacity to meet the objectives of the grant. Evaluation criteria will focus on the applicant's experience, proposed strategies, and ability to collaborate with relevant stakeholders.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 5, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure that their proposals are comprehensive and align with the goals of the grant. For further information, applicants can contact Kate Hoadley at the Office of Criminal Justice Coordination via email or phone. This grant represents a significant opportunity for organizations dedicated to improving the lives of youth in the New Orleans area through targeted support and intervention services.