Montana's FY23 title II program will support efforts to advance the mission of the youth justice council: to improve the juvenile justice system by serving the best interests of montanas youth,…

Montana's FY23 title II program will support efforts to advance the mission of the youth justice council: to improve the juvenile justice system by serving the best interests of montanas youth, families, and citizens by supporting research-based programs with positive outcomes. The montana board of crime control (mbcc) intends to maintain and monitor for compliance with the jjdp act, provide training and technical assistance, improve policies and procedures, and award grant funds to evidence-based and promising programs. The youth justice council has chosen to prioritize community-based programs; delinquency prevention; mentoring, counseling, and training programs; school programs; mental health/substance use treatment; and native american tribe programs. Programs are designed to incorporate best practices and target multiple risk and protective factors related to delinquency. Services include, but not limited to: age-appropriate prevention or early intervention courses and activities (social-emotional learning, positive youth development, drug/alcohol classes, etc.), individual mentorship, job training, assistance for foster care youth, academic support, positive recreational opportunities, leadership training, and restorative interventions. These activities are expected to prevent delinquency, divert youth from system involvement, reduce recidivism, improve outcomes for justice-involved youth, and increase public safety. Programs also collect data on positive secondary outcomes such as improved family relationships, school attendance, self-esteem, etc. Potential subrecipients completed their applications but have not yet been awarded. Mbcc anticipates awarding 14 agencies: families first learning lab (missoula), casa of missoula, friendship house of christian service (billings), ywca of missoula, billings public schools, center for restorative youth justice (kalispell), chippewa cree tribal court (box elder), bitterroot ecological awareness resources (hamilton), big brothers big sisters (butte, yellowstone, and kalispell), and boys and girls clubs (havre, missoula, and great falls). The service area will cover eight counties, the rocky boys reservation, and a portion of the flathead reservation. Despite montanas smaller population, title II funds are in high demand. This grant serves hundreds of at-risk children and youth ages 0-17 each year. Many of these youth have experienced poverty, trauma, family dysfunction, and substance use/mental health issues. If awarded, FY23 title II funds will allow montana to continue to provide evidence-based programming tailored to the needs of our most vulnerable youth and their families.