BJA FY 23 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes

OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. The Second Chance Act (SCA) of 2007 (Public Law 110-199), reauthorized by the First Step Act of 2018, provides a comprehensive response to assist in the transition individuals make from prison, jail, or juvenile residential facilities to their communities so that the transition is more successful and promotes public safety. SCA's reentry-focused grant funding is designed to help communities develop and implement comprehensive and collaborative strategies that address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism reduction. "Reentry" is not a specific program but rather an ongoing process that starts from the moment an individual is initially incarcerated and continues throughout that individual's transition from incarceration and reintegration into the community. With this solicitation, BJA seeks to improve educational and employment programs that serve individuals during incarceration and throughout their period of reentry into the community. The Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes Program promotes an evidence-based and data-informed approach that will provide meaningful opportunities, interrupt the cycle of unemployment, improve economic mobility, and promote reentry success for formerly incarcerated adults. The Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes Program is part of the Second Chance Act suite of program in FY 2023. This year, a range of programs for states, local government units, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations are being competed, including: Community Reentry Improving Adult and Juvenile Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry Improving Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Outcomes for Adults in Reentry Pay for Success Smart Supervision Swift, Certain, and Fair Supervision and HOPE Institute Not all entities are eligible for all programs. Applicants are encouraged to review each solicitation in its entirety to determine their eligibility, if it fits their proposal, and if taking advantage of another funding opportunity could further enhance a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with substance use and other co-occurring disorders treatment and recovery support needs that have come in contact with the justice system. Additional details on the SCA suite and other BJA programs can be found on the DOJ Grants Program Plan.