Juvenile Justice Funding Trends
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Juvenile Justice Funding Trends
Updated July 1, 2025 (R44879) Jump to Main Text of ReportContents
Summary
Although juvenile justice is generally the purview of the states, the federal government has Although juvenile justice is generally the purview of the states, the federal government hasplayed a role through the administration of grant programs. Congress has influenced statesplayed a role through the administration of grant programs. Congress has influenced states
was the first comprehensive juvenile justice legislation passed by Congress. The JJDPA was the first comprehensive juvenile justice legislation passed by Congress. The JJDPA
prevent juvenile delinquency. Since its enactment, the JJDPA has undergone several key amendments, including a significant prevent juvenile delinquency. Since its enactment, the JJDPA has undergone several key amendments, including a significant
reorganization in 2002 (by the reorganization in 2002 (by the
programs were most recently amended and reauthorized by the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385programs were most recently amended and reauthorized by the Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385).
provided through the Juvenile Justice Programs account in the annual Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies provided through the Juvenile Justice Programs account in the annual Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
appropriations act. After the restructuring of juvenile justice grant programs in 2002, total funding for these programs began appropriations act. After the restructuring of juvenile justice grant programs in 2002, total funding for these programs began
to decline. This decline generally continued through FY2007, after which funding for these programs started to increase. For to decline. This decline generally continued through FY2007, after which funding for these programs started to increase. For
FY2010, Congress provided $424 million for juvenile justice programs—the largest appropriation since FY2003. Juvenile FY2010, Congress provided $424 million for juvenile justice programs—the largest appropriation since FY2003. Juvenile
justice funding then generally declined again from FY2010 through FY2017. After appropriating a low of $247 million for justice funding then generally declined again from FY2010 through FY2017. After appropriating a low of $247 million for
juvenile justice programs in FY2017, Congress increased juvenile justice funding annually from FY2018 through FY2023—juvenile justice programs in FY2017, Congress increased juvenile justice funding annually from FY2018 through FY2023—
the largest appropriation since FY2010—before decreasing it for FY2024. the largest appropriation since FY2010—before decreasing it for FY2024.
administered by the states. The federal government, though, seeks to influence statesadministered by the states. The federal government, though, seeks to influence states
administered by the Department of Justiceadministered by the Department of Justice
Prevention (OJJDP).Prevention (OJJDP).
Juvenile Justice Legislation and Grant Programs
A number of federally funded juvenile justice grant programs are authorized by the Juvenile A number of federally funded juvenile justice grant programs are authorized by the Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA, P.L. 93-415). Since its enactment, the Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA, P.L. 93-415). Since its enactment, the
JJDPA has been revised by several key amendments, including a significant reorganization in JJDPA has been revised by several key amendments, including a significant reorganization in
2002 (by the 2002 (by the
Most recently, its grant programs were amended and reauthorized by the Juvenile Justice Reform Most recently, its grant programs were amended and reauthorized by the Juvenile Justice Reform
Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385).
coordinate and administer federal juvenile justice efforts; (2) it created grant programs to assist coordinate and administer federal juvenile justice efforts; (2) it created grant programs to assist
states with their juvenile justice systems; and (3) it promulgated core mandates to which states states with their juvenile justice systems; and (3) it promulgated core mandates to which states
must adhere in order to be eligible for certain grant funding. Although the JJDPA has been must adhere in order to be eligible for certain grant funding. Although the JJDPA has been
amended several times over the past 40+ years, it continues to feature these three components.amended several times over the past 40+ years, it continues to feature these three components.
juvenile justice funding to states. However, other programs also administered by OJJDP have juvenile justice funding to states. However, other programs also administered by OJJDP have
contributed to overall federal juvenile justice funding.contributed to overall federal juvenile justice funding.
by the JJDPA. Grant programs noted in this section have been congressionally authorized at some by the JJDPA. Grant programs noted in this section have been congressionally authorized at some
point in time and have received an appropriation at least once in the 10-year period from point in time and have received an appropriation at least once in the 10-year period from
FY2016 through through
not have separate authorizations of appropriations; these programs are not discussed in this not have separate authorizations of appropriations; these programs are not discussed in this
section, but they are included section, but they are included
since since
FY2016. State Formula Grant Program
The JJDPA authorizes OJJDP to make formula grants to The JJDPA authorizes OJJDP to make formula grants to
operation, coordination, and evaluation of projects that develop more effective juvenile operation, coordination, and evaluation of projects that develop more effective juvenile
delinquency programs and improve juvenile justice systems.delinquency programs and improve juvenile justice systems.
on each stateon each state
appropriations has expired, the program has continued to receive funding. For appropriations has expired, the program has continued to receive funding. For
program was appropriated $65 million (P.L. program was appropriated $65 million (P.L.
Title V Incentive Youth Promise Grants for Local Delinquency
Prevention The JJDPA authorizes OJJDP to make grants to states, which are then transmitted through The JJDPA authorizes OJJDP to make grants to states, which are then transmitted through
subgrants to units of local government (or nonprofits in partnership with units of local subgrants to units of local government (or nonprofits in partnership with units of local
government) for delinquency prevention programs for juveniles who have come into contact with, government) for delinquency prevention programs for juveniles who have come into contact with,
or are at risk to come into contact with, the juvenile justice system.or are at risk to come into contact with, the juvenile justice system.
Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385) amended the program and reauthorized its funding through FY2023. Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385) amended the program and reauthorized its funding through FY2023.
The JJDPA also authorizes OJJDP to make grants to eligible Indian tribes to support delinquency The JJDPA also authorizes OJJDP to make grants to eligible Indian tribes to support delinquency
prevention programs for at-risk youth or those who have come into contact with the juvenile prevention programs for at-risk youth or those who have come into contact with the juvenile
justice system. Traditionally, Congress dedicates amounts from the total appropriation for the justice system. Traditionally, Congress dedicates amounts from the total appropriation for the
Title V program for specific programs and purposes areas (e.g., the Tribal Youth program). While Title V program for specific programs and purposes areas (e.g., the Tribal Youth program). While
its authorization of appropriations has expired, the program has continued to receive funding. For its authorization of appropriations has expired, the program has continued to receive funding. For
119-4). Victims of Child Abuse Act Grants
The Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (Title II of the Crime Control Act of 1990, P.L. 101-647The Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (Title II of the Crime Control Act of 1990, P.L. 101-647)
authorizes several grant programs administered by OJJDP.authorizes several grant programs administered by OJJDP.
including state chapters, and for related training and technical assistance (34 U.S.C. §§20301-including state chapters, and for related training and technical assistance (34 U.S.C. §§20301-
20307). The CAC program was most recently reauthorized (through FY2028) via Section 3 of the 20307). The CAC program was most recently reauthorized (through FY2028) via Section 3 of the
Respect for Child Survivors Act (P.L. 117-354). For Respect for Child Survivors Act (P.L. 117-354). For
§§20321-20323) and Subtitle C authorizes training of judicial personnel to improve handling of §§20321-20323) and Subtitle C authorizes training of judicial personnel to improve handling of
child abuse and neglect proceedings (34 U.S.C. §§20331-20334). Funding for these activities was child abuse and neglect proceedings (34 U.S.C. §§20331-20334). Funding for these activities was
most recently reauthorized through FY2027 in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization most recently reauthorized through FY2027 in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization
Act of 2022 (Division W of P.L. 117-103). For Act of 2022 (Division W of P.L. 117-103). For
training program received nearly $5 million (training program received nearly $5 million (P.L. 119-4).6
Juvenile Mentoring Program
The Juvenile Mentoring Program was authorized by the Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency The Juvenile Mentoring Program was authorized by the Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency
Prevention Programs Act (P.L. 102-586). Grants under this program are awarded to local Prevention Programs Act (P.L. 102-586). Grants under this program are awarded to local
educational agencies (in partnership with public or private agencies) to establish and support educational agencies (in partnership with public or private agencies) to establish and support
mentoring programs to reduce delinquent behavior, improve scholastic performance, and reduce mentoring programs to reduce delinquent behavior, improve scholastic performance, and reduce
the 2002 JJDPA reauthorization (P.L. 107-273). For the 2002 JJDPA reauthorization (P.L. 107-273). For
million (P.L. million (P.L.
Total Juvenile Justice Appropriations
Congress appropriates funding for programs authorized by the JJDPA as well as for other non-Congress appropriates funding for programs authorized by the JJDPA as well as for other non-
JJDPA juvenile justice grant programs through the Juvenile Justice Programs account in the JJDPA juvenile justice grant programs through the Juvenile Justice Programs account in the
annual Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Actannual Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Figure 1 shows shows
total appropriations for juvenile justice programs for the total appropriations for juvenile justice programs for the
FY2025.
Figure 1. Total Juvenile Justice Programs Appropriations,
taken from P.L. 107-77. FY2003 enacted taken from P.L. 108-7. FY2004 taken from P.L. 108-199. FY2005 taken taken from P.L. 107-77. FY2003 enacted taken from P.L. 108-7. FY2004 taken from P.L. 108-199. FY2005 taken
from P.L. 108-447. FY2006 taken from P.L. 109-108. FY2007 appropriation is based on FY2006 enacted minus a from P.L. 108-447. FY2006 taken from P.L. 109-108. FY2007 appropriation is based on FY2006 enacted minus a
1.28% rescission, as per P.L. 110-5. FY2008 enacted taken from P.L. 110-161. FY2009 enacted taken from P.L. 1.28% rescission, as per P.L. 110-5. FY2008 enacted taken from P.L. 110-161. FY2009 enacted taken from P.L.
111-8. FY2010 enacted taken from P.L. 111-117. FY2011 enacted based on a CRS analysis of the text of P.L. 112-111-8. FY2010 enacted taken from P.L. 111-117. FY2011 enacted based on a CRS analysis of the text of P.L. 112-
enacted taken from P.L. 113-76. FY2015 enacted taken from P.L. 113-235. FY2016 enacted taken from P.L. 114-enacted taken from P.L. 113-76. FY2015 enacted taken from P.L. 113-235. FY2016 enacted taken from P.L. 114-
113. FY2017 enacted taken from P.L. 115-31. FY2018 enacted taken from P.L. 115-141. FY2019 enacted taken 113. FY2017 enacted taken from P.L. 115-31. FY2018 enacted taken from P.L. 115-141. FY2019 enacted taken
from P.L. 116-6. FY2020 enacted taken from P.L. 116-93. FY2021 enacted taken from P.L. 116-260. FY2022 from P.L. 116-6. FY2020 enacted taken from P.L. 116-93. FY2021 enacted taken from P.L. 116-260. FY2022
enacted taken from P.L. 117-103. FY2023 enacted taken from P.L. 117-328. FY2024 enacted taken from enacted taken from P.L. 117-103. FY2023 enacted taken from P.L. 117-328. FY2024 enacted taken from P.L. 118-42. FY2025 enacted taken from P.L. 119-4.
Notes: Numbers are rounded. Amounts are in nominal Numbers are rounded. Amounts are in nominal
year budget authority. The FY2013 funding level also reflects sequestration pursuant to the Budget Control Act year budget authority. The FY2013 funding level also reflects sequestration pursuant to the Budget Control Act
of 2011 (P.L. 112-25). JJDPA = Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (P.L. 93-415of 2011 (P.L. 112-25). JJDPA = Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (P.L. 93-415). In nominal dollars, funding
however, overall funding fell by 38% to $348 million. The majority of this reduction came from however, overall funding fell by 38% to $348 million. The majority of this reduction came from
cuts to the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) program.cuts to the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant (JABG) program.
total funding for juvenile justice programs increased by almost 22% to $424 million, with funding total funding for juvenile justice programs increased by almost 22% to $424 million, with funding
for JJDPA programs increasing by 27% to $331 million over this same period. This was the for JJDPA programs increasing by 27% to $331 million over this same period. This was the
largest juvenile justice appropriation since FY2003.largest juvenile justice appropriation since FY2003.
generally continued through FY2017. From FY2010 to FY2017, total funding for juvenile justice generally continued through FY2017. From FY2010 to FY2017, total funding for juvenile justice
programs decreased by nearly 42%, from $424 million to $247 million. Contributing to this drop, programs decreased by nearly 42%, from $424 million to $247 million. Contributing to this drop,
Congress eliminated funding for the Challenge Congress eliminated funding for the Challenge
FY2014. During this time period, Congress also started appropriating funding for programs that FY2014. During this time period, Congress also started appropriating funding for programs that
had not previously been funded under the Juvenile Justice Programs account, including funding had not previously been funded under the Juvenile Justice Programs account, including funding
for missing and exploited children programs and child abuse training programs for judicial for missing and exploited children programs and child abuse training programs for judicial
personnel and practitioners.personnel and practitioners.
juvenile justice funding annually from FY2018 through FY2023. Congress increased funding for juvenile justice funding annually from FY2018 through FY2023. Congress increased funding for
juvenile justice programs to nearly $283 million for FY2018, which included funds for a new juvenile justice programs to nearly $283 million for FY2018, which included funds for a new
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative. Congress again increased juvenile justice program funding to Opioid Affected Youth Initiative. Congress again increased juvenile justice program funding to
$287 million in FY2019, and it set aside money for an initiative serving children exposed to $287 million in FY2019, and it set aside money for an initiative serving children exposed to
violence.violence.
FY2020 and included a new set-aside from the JJDPA Title V Incentive Grant program for grants FY2020 and included a new set-aside from the JJDPA Title V Incentive Grant program for grants
to prevent trafficking of girls. Congress continued to increase funding for FY2021 through to prevent trafficking of girls. Congress continued to increase funding for FY2021 through
FY2023, when it appropriated $400 million for juvenile justice programs—the largest FY2023, when it appropriated $400 million for juvenile justice programs—the largest
appropriation since the $424 million provided in FY2010. Congress most recently decreased appropriation since the $424 million provided in FY2010. Congress most recently decreased
funding for juvenile justice programs, appropriating $375 million for funding for juvenile justice programs, appropriating $375 million for
$10 million reduction in funding for the JJDPA Title II State Formula Grants and a $10 million $10 million reduction in funding for the JJDPA Title II State Formula Grants and a $10 million
reduction for the JJDPA Title V Incentive Grantsreduction for the JJDPA Title V Incentive Grants
relative to FY2023 levels. Historical Appropriations by Program
Table 1 provides a breakdown of funding for the Juvenile Justice Programs account by program provides a breakdown of funding for the Juvenile Justice Programs account by program
for the 10-year period from for the 10-year period from
to year. In addition, Congress sometimes provides funding for programs as a specific line item in to year. In addition, Congress sometimes provides funding for programs as a specific line item in
the Juvenile Justice Programs account, but in other years funding for those programs is provided the Juvenile Justice Programs account, but in other years funding for those programs is provided
as a set-aside from another program in the account. For example, the Community-Based Violence as a set-aside from another program in the account. For example, the Community-Based Violence
fiscal years and fiscal years and
other years. By contrast, some programs, when funded, have consistently been funded through other years. By contrast, some programs, when funded, have consistently been funded through
set-asides from the Title V program (e.g., the Tribal Youth program).set-asides from the Title V program (e.g., the Tribal Youth program).
Table 1. Juvenile Justice Appropriations by Program,
Program
FY2016
FY2017
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2022
FY2023
FY2024
FY2025
State Formula Grants
58
55
60
60
63
67
70
75
65
65
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Juvenile Mentoring Program Grant
90
80
94
95
97
100
102
107
104
104
Title V Incentive Grants for Local Delinquency Prevention
18
15
28
25
42
49
50
65
55
55
Tribal Youth Program
(10)
—
(5)
(5)
(5)
(10)
(14)
(17)
(16)
(16)
Gang Prevention
(5)
(4)
(4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Community-Based Violence Prevention Initiative
—
(8)
(8)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Children of Incarcerated Parents Web Portal
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
(1)
—
—
Girls in the Juvenile Justice System
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(2)
(3)
(5)
(6)
(5)
(5)
Opioid Affected Youth Initiative
—
—
(8)
(9)
(10)
(10)
(12)
(13)
(11)
(11)
Children Exposed to Violence Initiative
—
—
—
(8)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(10)
(9)
(9)
Prevention of Trafficking of Girls
—
—
—
—
(2)
(2)
(4)
(5)
(4)
(4)
Vulnerable and At-Risk Youth Initiative
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3)
(2)
—
—
Victims of Child Abuse Act
20
21
21
23
27
30
33
41
41
41
Community-Based Violence Prevention Initiative
8
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Training for Judicial Personnel
2
2
2
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
Missing and Exploited Children
72
73
76
82
88
94
99
105
103
103
Improving Indigent Defense
3
2
2
—
—
3
3
3
3
3
Total Juvenile Justice Appropriation
270
247
283
287
320
346
360
400
375
375
115-141. FY2019 enacted taken from P.L. 116-6. FY2020 enacted taken from P.L. 116-93. FY2021 enacted taken from P.L. 116-260. FY2022 enacted taken from P.L. 117-115-141. FY2019 enacted taken from P.L. 116-6. FY2020 enacted taken from P.L. 116-93. FY2021 enacted taken from P.L. 116-260. FY2022 enacted taken from P.L. 117-
103. FY2023 enacted taken from P.L. 117-328. FY2024 enacted taken from P.L. 118-42103. FY2023 enacted taken from P.L. 117-328. FY2024 enacted taken from P.L. 118-42. FY2025 enacted taken from P.L. 119-4.
Notes: Numbers in parentheses are nonadds that have been set aside from other grant programs. Amounts may not add to totals due to rounding. Amounts are in Numbers in parentheses are nonadds that have been set aside from other grant programs. Amounts may not add to totals due to rounding. Amounts are in
Grants. An earlier version of this report was authored by former CRS Analyst Emily J. Hanson.
Footnotes
| 1. |
For more information on the legislative history of juvenile justice and details on the grant programs outlined in this report, refer to CRS Report RL33947, Juvenile Justice: Legislative History and Current Legislative Issues. |
| 2. |
In this report, the term state includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). |
| 3. |
34 U.S.C. §11131. |
| 4. |
There are four core requirements with which—unless for specified exceptions—states must generally comply: states must keep status offenders (such as truants) out of secure detention or correctional facilities; states cannot detain or confine juveniles in facilities in which they would have contact with adult inmates; juveniles cannot be detained or confined in any jail or lockup for adults; and states must show that they are working to address racial and ethnic disparities within their juvenile justice systems. |
| 5. |
34 U.S.C. §11313. |
| 6. |
CASA is funded out of the State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance account rather than the Juvenile Justice Programs account; training for judicial personnel to improve handling of child abuse and neglect proceedings is funded out of the Juvenile Justice Programs account. |
| 7. |
For more information on the Juvenile Mentoring Program and youth mentoring, see CRS Report RL34306, Vulnerable Youth: Federal Mentoring Programs and Issues. |
| 8. |
Although the authorization for the JABG program was not a part of the JJDPA, it nevertheless was administered by OJJDP. The JABG program authorized the Attorney General to make grants to states and units of local government to strengthen their juvenile justice systems, including holding juveniles accountable for their actions. Authorization for this program expired in FY2009, but Congress continued to provide appropriations through FY2013. |
| 9. |
The Challenge Grants program authorized OJJDP to make discretionary grants to state, local, and tribal governments and private entities to carry out programs to develop, test, or demonstrate promising new initiatives that may prevent, control, or reduce juvenile delinquency. The program last received appropriations in FY2010. |
| 10. |
Funding for this purpose was previously provided under the State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Account from FY2012 to FY2016. |