Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) seeks to fund several Massachusetts cities and towns, acting either individually or in concert, to pilot or expand multidisciplinary approaches to diversion of children, adolescent and/or young adults formally entering the criminal justice system. This means funding of community based activities that intervene prior to the execution of an arrest or an arraignment through coordinated programs of prevention and/or alternative case processing. This solicitation is focused on services delivered to clients. That is, MPS seeks to fund activities, projects or programs that can claim a direct diversionary impact on identifiable individuals through their operation. Successful proposals must provide a method of identifying these individuals within the limitations of confidentiality. Proven or promising programming delivered in innovative ways will be the critical factor in successful grant applications and in possible future renewals of funding. As with all state funding, future rounds will be subject to appropriation of funds. Target population(s): The pilot is intended to prevent juveniles (ages 11 to 18) and/or emerging adults (ages 18 to 24) from penetrating into the criminal justice system. The grant will fund efforts targeted to at-risk population(s) and their families. Eligible Applicant(s): One or more Massachusetts cities and towns, acting either individually or in concert. NOTE: A single local governmental unit must act as the sole fiscal agent for the proposed programs and services. Police, public health, school and other local governmental departments are eligible to serve as lead applicants. General Project Description: The MPS announces a competitive grant program to be administered by the Office of the Commissioner of Probation to cities and towns, acting either individually or in concert, to pilot or expand multidisciplinary approaches to divert juveniles and emerging adults from the juvenile and criminal justice systems prior to arrest or arraignment. We seek to fund coordinated programs for prevention and intervention serving youths and their families, such as: (a) connecting youth to mental health services; (b) providing youth development activities and mentoring; (c) engaging youth with their communities; (d) promoting school safety, family home visits, juvenile diversion programs and restorative justice and mediation programs; and (e) providing assistance for families and schools to navigate the legal system.
