Diverting Children, Adolescents and Young Adults from Criminal Justice System Involvement

The Massachusetts Probation Service, under the Trial Court Commissioner of Probation, is offering grant funding through solicitation BD-27-1107-TCOCP-TCOCP-131283 to support the diversion of children, adolescents, and young adults from the criminal justice system. The program focuses on funding community-based activities and multidisciplinary approaches that intervene before an arrest or arraignment occurs. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts cities and towns acting individually or collectively, or community-based providers who partner with a local government unit as a fiscal agent via a Memorandum of Understanding. The period of performance is scheduled from July 13, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Awards are made on a rolling basis, with preference given to applicants with prior funding, evidence-based approaches, and comprehensive collaboration plans involving law enforcement, schools, and government agencies. Applications must detail target populations, specific activities, evidence of performance, and realistic milestone mapping. Budget requests must include personnel, fringe benefits, travel, supplies, and contractual costs, with administrative expenses capped at 5 percent of the total grant value. Success is measured by outcomes such as reduced school disciplinary issues and increased community connection. The response deadline is November 6, 2026, with the primary point of contact being Keisha Dixon.