Juvenile Crime Prevention Council to help allocate funding

Enhancing juvenile crime prevention programs is a key operation of Sampson’s Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC). To further that goal, the council is seeking proposals from local organizations that may need funding to pursue programs for that initiative.

“The JCPC studies risk factors and needs of Juvenile Court-involved youth in this county, ” a release from the JCPC noted in a proposal request announcement. “The JCPC anticipates funds from the NC Department of Public Safety Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Such programs will serve delinquent and at- risk youth beginning on, or after, July 1, 2025. The county can approve programs for one or two year funding awards, dependent on county approval and programs meeting all requirements.”

The Request for Proposals, or RFP, noted the anticipated annual allocation from that funding is approximately $214, 815; which, according to Crystal Bennett, JCPC area consultant, is received by the county to fund programs which make a request and meet the designated requirements.

Use of these funds, however, does require a 10 percent local match from organizations approved for funding.

An RFP, per www.wrike.com, “being a formal document for a new project that invites contractors to submit competitive offers, or bids, to do work. RFPs are most commonly used for complex projects in areas like construction, marketing, nonprofit and government.”

“The Sampson County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council strategizes an intervention and prevention programmatic response to juvenile delinquency to enhance public safety within the county,” Bennett said, about the role of the JCPC. “Members are designated by NC Legislation, representing leadership presence from sectors in the community that have a pulse on existing and emerging needs, as well as county commissioner designees who are typically community-based volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of youth and families.

“In their annual strategic planning process,” Bennett added, “the Sampson County JCPC assesses needs and gaps in services, recommends funding evidenced-based programs that interrupt a juvenile court trajectory or prevent deeper penetration in the Juvenile Justice system, conducts monitoring and evaluation activities; to ensure that funded programs are reaching the target population and meeting measurable objectives.”

Only local public agencies, 501c3 non-profit corporations and local housing authorities, will be considered for funding, according to the RFP.

To be considered for funding, non-profit organizations, government agencies and other interested parties can submit proposals for programs that address risk factors for delinquency or repeat delinquency; such as, youth with prior referrals and adjudications, school behavior problems, substance abuse concerns, negative peer relationships and gang association-involvement.

Some of the listed program for funding include, mentoring services, Teen Court, substance abuse counseling, parent/family skill building and psychological assessments. While true, programs that involve family counseling, group homes and juvenile structured days won’t be considered.

To apply for funding, interested entities must complete and submit an online application by accessing NC ALLIES at — www.cp.ncdjjdp.org/CP. Also of note, incomplete applications/required supporting documents will not be considered for funding. Prospective applicants are also required to complete New Applicant Training for proposal consideration.

The deadline for proposal submissions is Monday Jan. 13, 2025, by 5 p.m. The full RFP and details for applicants are on — www.sampsoncountync.gov/News-articles/Sampson-County-Juvenile-Crime-Prevention-Council-Request-for-Proposals

For further information, other technical assistance about applying for JCPC funds or about the program application workshop, contact Bennett at crystal.bennett@ncdps.gov or 919-710-5331.