Implementing Alternatives to Incarceration in Morocco

Background
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State is seeking to assist the Kingdom of Morocco in implementing a community corrections/ATI system to address overcrowding and pretrial detention rates by developing a streamlined and effective ATI/community corrections regime within the framework of Morocco’s draft ATI law. The goal is to improve the capacity of the justice and corrections sectors to provide equitable and efficient access to justice throughout the country.

Grant Details
The project aims to provide technical assistance and program support to reduce prison overcrowding and recidivism in Morocco by expanding the use of alternatives to incarceration (ATI) under or in anticipation of Morocco’s draft ATI reform law. The project will involve conducting a needs assessment for DGAPR and MOJ staff, judges, and prosecutors, developing a plan to address identified gaps, delivering training for lawyers, prosecutors, judges, probation officers, local NGOs, developing judicial training curricula and manual on alternative sanctions.

The project will also include conducting a feasibility study on implementing electronic monitoring initiatives, running a public sensitization campaign, hosting coordination workshops between DGAPR, MOJ, and other relevant stakeholders, as well as developing a case database for use by the DGAPR and MOJ that will monitor cases that qualify for or utilize alternative sanctions. The project will target the MOJ and DGAPR, including lawyers, judges, probation officers, senior leadership, other relevant ministries, members of civil society (such as NGOs and women’s associations), potential alternative sanctions partners (i.e. beneficiaries of community service sentences), public and private institutions.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit/non-governmental organizations (NGOs), U.S.-based educational institutions subject to section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code; foreign-based non-profits/non-governmental organizations (NGOs); foreign-based educational institutions. Applicants must demonstrate business registration in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Period of Performance
The initial project implementation length is 24-36 months with an estimated start date of October 1, 2024.

Grant Value
The total available funding is $1.5 Million U.S. Dollars with anticipated award amounts ranging from a minimum of $1.25 Million to a maximum of $1.5 Million U.S. Dollars.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed in Morocco.