Children’s Justice Act Committee (CJAC)

The Children’s Justice Act (CJAC) Grant Program, administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) in Maryland, is designed to improve the investigative, administrative, and judicial handling of cases involving child abuse and neglect, particularly in cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation. Funding for the program is provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), specifically Section 107, as amended. The overarching mission of CJAC is to enhance the effectiveness of the child welfare system at the critical intake and investigative stages, while minimizing further trauma to child victims and ensuring fairness to all parties involved. The CJAC Program is rooted in a federal mandate requiring each state to maintain a Children's Justice Act Committee to oversee and guide improvements in child abuse case handling. Maryland’s Committee functions as a standing body under the Maryland State Council on Child Abuse and Neglect, responsible for identifying systemic issues and recommending reforms. These recommendations are formalized through a three-year assessment and drive the funding priorities outlined in each grant cycle. The FFY 2026 program is aligned with the Committee’s 2024–2026 assessment and seeks to support innovative, front-end solutions to complex child welfare challenges across Maryland. Eligible applicants for the CJAC program include state and local law enforcement, state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, Child Advocacy Centers, and State’s Attorney’s Offices. Nonprofits must demonstrate 501(c)(3) or (4) status and provide required IRS documentation. All applicants must comply with System of Award Management (SAM.gov) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) requirements throughout the grant lifecycle. The program will allocate approximately $282,000 in total funding, with anticipated sub-awards ranging from $50,000 to $75,000. Grant funds may be used for personnel, operating expenses, travel, equipment, and contractual services directly related to improving child abuse case handling. Direct services are explicitly disallowed under this solicitation. The application process for CJAC is conducted through GOCPP’s Grants Management System (GMS). All applications must be submitted online by July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM. Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants must request a GMS User ID no later than June 17, 2025. Submissions must follow strict narrative and budget formatting guidelines outlined in the NOFA and associated application instructions. Required application components include organizational information, a needs justification, project design, goals and objectives, data collection plan, budget and sustainability plan, among other required attachments. Letters of support, proof of nonprofit status, and a W-9 form are also mandatory for consideration. Submissions will be evaluated on criteria such as program design, alignment with CJAC priorities, and the applicant’s past performance and financial capacity. Awards will be announced in September 2025, and the performance period will begin October 1, 2025, and end September 30, 2026. Grant reimbursements will be processed quarterly, with reporting obligations due within 15–30 days after each quarter's end. While there is no matching fund requirement, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate sustainability plans for long-term impact. Applicants may seek assistance from designated program and grants staff, including a scheduled technical assistance webinar and open contact lines for programmatic and GMS-related questions. The CJAC grant is a recurring, annual funding opportunity. The next expected release cycle is anticipated to open in May 2026. Applications must directly address one or more CJAC priority areas, including law enforcement improvements, multidisciplinary team support, and enhancements to forensic interviewing practices. Each priority area includes specific suggested activities and desired outcomes, ensuring that funded programs are evidence-based, trauma-informed, and aligned with Maryland’s broader crime prevention and child protection strategies.

Ensure strict narrative formatting; adhere to character limits; use application checklist to avoid disqualification.