Deadline:  February 5, 2025
Award Amount:  Up to $400,000 for up to 36 months
Match:  None
Eligible Entities:  State, County, City or township, special district, county governments, Tribal organization/governments, Nonprofits, Private institutions of higher education, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education.
Description: With this funding opportunity, OJJDP seeks to implement youth defense system efforts that strengthen and improve the representation of youth involved in the juvenile justice system. This program supports organizations providing public defense services through a combination of direct grants and national training and technical assistance to implement sustainable system improvements that result in improved youth outcomes, reduced recidivism, safer communities, cost savings, and increased public confidence in the juvenile justice system. ​Studies and numerous state assessments conducted by national organizations reveal that nearly every state falls short of its constitutional obligation to provide effective legal representation for children. Few children in this country currently receive access to a qualified youth defender. ​