INDIANA – The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) announced more than $57 million in grant funding to organizations across the state dedicated to supporting crime victims, strengthening community-based services, and improving outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, representing one of the largest annual investments administered by ICJI.
“Every Hoosier deserves access to safety, support, and opportunities to thrive,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “These investments strengthen the organizations that are on the front lines serving victims of crime, supporting families in crisis, and helping young people build bright futures.”
| Lawrence | Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office | $87,470.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence | Lawrence County CASA Program | $192,000.00 |
Through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant Program, 167 organizations will receive a combined $49.5 million to provide critical services to victims of crime throughout Indiana. VOCA funding supports a statewide network of providers offering crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, legal assistance, emergency shelter, and other essential services.
Grant funding will support initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Victim advocacy and case management services;
- Emergency shelter and housing assistance;
- Mental health counseling and trauma-informed care;
- Legal assistance; and
- Services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking.
Also receiving grants locally are:
| County | Organization / Office | Funding Amount |
| Bartholomew | Columbus Regional Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, Inc. | $800,000.00 |
| Bartholomew | Court Appointed Advocates for Children, Inc. | $750,000.00 |
| Bartholomew | Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office | $200,000.00 |
| Dubois | Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition, Inc. | $375,000.00 |
| Dubois | Crisis Connection, Inc. | $170,385.80 |
| Dubois | Dubois County Prosecutor’s Office | $82,892.78 |
| Jackson | Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office | $140,000.00 |
| Monroe | Middle Way House, Inc. | $800,000.00 |
| Monroe | Monroe County CASA, Inc. | $267,062.46 |
| Monroe | Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office | $145,000.00 |
| Scott | CASA of Scott County, Inc. | $141,830.34 |
| Washington | RBR Alliance, Inc. | $800,000.00 |
| Washington | CASA of Washington County Indiana, Inc. | $96,885.41 |
VOCA is federally funded through deposits into the Crime Victims Fund, which consists of fines, fees, and penalties paid by individuals convicted of federal crimes. In recent years, declines in federal prosecutions and settlement amounts have significantly reduced deposits into the fund, resulting in less funding available to states and local service providers. For Indiana, available VOCA funding declined by approximately 30% compared to the previous grant cycle.
To help address the ongoing decline in federal VOCA funding, ICJI is encouraging communities to adopt regional service models, deepen partnerships among victim service providers, and pursue additional funding opportunities. These efforts are designed to maximize available resources while ensuring victims across Indiana continue to have access to high-quality services and support.
Despite the reduction, ICJI received 197 applications requesting nearly $68 million in funding, demonstrating the continued need for victim services across the state.
“Even as federal funding becomes more limited, the need for victim services remains as strong as ever,” Huntsinger said. “We are committed to working alongside providers and communities to find innovative ways to sustain these critical services, strengthen partnerships, and ensure victims and survivors across Indiana can access the support they need to recover and move forward.”
A complete list of 2026 VOCA award recipients is available at on.in.gov/VOCA-2026.
Additionally, 23 organizations will receive a combined $500,000 through the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) Program to support residential domestic violence programs that provide emergency shelter and services to survivors of domestic violence and their dependents. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SSBG is intended to supplement other funding sources and help ensure victims have access to safe housing and supportive services during times of crisis.
A complete list of 2026 SSBG award recipients is available at on.in.gov/SSBG-2026.
ICJI also awarded a combined $8 million to 25 organizations serving 31 counties through its Juvenile Behavioral Health, Juvenile Diversion, and Juvenile Community Alternatives grant programs. The funding was appropriated by the Indiana General Assembly in 2023 to support evidence-based programs that improve outcomes for youth and strengthen communities.
The grants will help address behavioral health challenges, expand diversion opportunities, and increase access to community-based alternatives that reduce justice system involvement while promoting accountability, rehabilitation, and long-term success.
“Early intervention and community-based support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” Huntsinger said. “By investing in programs that address behavioral health needs, strengthen families, and provide positive alternatives, we are helping young Hoosiers build brighter futures while enhancing public safety for all.”
Juvenile justice grant award recipients are listed under their respective grants:
- Juvenile Behavioral Health Competitive Grant Program
- Juvenile Diversion Grant Program
- Juvenile Community Alternatives Grant Program
The grants were approved by the ICJI Board of Trustees on June 5.
