BJA FY25 Second Chance Act Family-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program

The Second Chance Act Family-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program is a federal grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This program is rooted in the legislative authority of the Second Chance Act of 2007 and the First Step Act of 2018, both of which aim to enhance public safety by improving the reentry outcomes of justice-involved individuals. This specific program provides targeted support for parents who have substance use disorders (SUD), are pregnant or have minor children, and are currently under correctional supervision—either in a facility or through community-based alternatives to incarceration. The primary objective is to reduce recidivism and improve the well-being of both the parents and their children through structured, family-oriented treatment programs. The funding opportunity supports state, local, and tribal governments as well as nonprofit organizations in delivering comprehensive treatment and recovery services tailored to families. The initiative focuses on providing clinically appropriate, family-based treatment interventions. Applicants are expected to integrate validated assessment tools to design individualized treatment plans that meet the unique needs of both the parents and their families. These programs must include a broad array of wraparound services such as early childhood intervention, family counseling, medical and mental health care, parenting skills training, legal aid, and educational or vocational support. Programs operating within correctional settings must be administered separately from the general population and ensure continuity of care if participants are transferred to another facility. For community-based alternatives to incarceration, applicants must serve individuals charged with nonviolent drug or drug-related offenses. All treatment providers must be licensed or certified and approved by their respective state or tribal authority. Additionally, these applicants must coordinate efforts with their Single State Authority for Substance Abuse and ensure treatment is provided in a residential setting, excluding hospitals and intensive outpatient programs. If participants do not complete the program successfully, they must serve an appropriate sentence related to their original offense. The anticipated total funding available under this opportunity is $10 million, with up to $1 million available per award. The BJA expects to make approximately six awards to government entities and four awards to nonprofit organizations, each covering a period of performance of 36 months starting June 1, 2026. Applicants are not required to provide a cost share or match. However, all applicants must submit a signed Mandatory Treatment Service Provider Certification (Appendix A) and a Chief Executive Assurance to Collect and Report Recidivism Indicator Data (Appendix B). Nonprofit applicants must also provide a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with correctional agencies to confirm facility access and data-sharing arrangements. The application process involves two steps: submission of the SF-424 in Grants.gov by May 4, 2026, and submission of the full application in JustGrants by May 11, 2026. Required application materials include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, treatment provider certification, recidivism data assurance, and any relevant attachments such as staff resumes, MOUs, and letters of support. Applicants are also encouraged to address priority considerations such as supporting law enforcement or addressing urban disorder and homelessness. Award notifications will be issued via JustGrants, and successful applicants will be required to submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and a final evaluation report. Continuation funding may be available in future fiscal years based on performance and federal appropriations. The grant is not subject to Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review), and applicants experiencing technical submission issues may request a waiver under specific conditions. The program is part of a broader set of Second Chance Act funding opportunities offered by the BJA to enhance reentry outcomes and public safety.

Highlight alignment with BJA priority areas (e.g., public safety, family-based recovery, urban order) to strengthen competitiveness.