D.Y.S. Diversion Grant Funding

The Department of Youth Services (D.Y.S.) has supported community‑based programs for court‑involved youth for more than ten years. Then, in 2008, after updates to the Alabama Juvenile Code and the Right‑Sizing Juvenile Justice Initiative, D.Y.S. created a formal competitive process for applying for diversion grants. Today, the D.Y.S. Diversion Program supports nearly 50 community programs in 56 counties, serving about 4,778 youth each year. Overall, these programs aim to provide alternatives to state custody and reduce commitments to D.Y.S. by building local diversion options for juvenile courts.

Furthermore, the Department uses data to identify needs, distribute resources, and guide decisions that support community‑based programs. Moreover, programs receiving D.Y.S. funding, and aiming to divert youth from state commitment, are reviewed through the D.Y.S. Diversion Grant Application process.

Finally, this document provides a brief overview of the available grant programs, instructions for applying, required annual report forms, and other helpful resources for stakeholders and the public.