OJJDP FY24 Second Chance Act Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children | O OJJDP 2024 172012

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "OJJDP FY24 Second Chance Act Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children."

2) Which federal office is offering this funding?

The funding is offered by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

3) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-OJJDP-2024-172012.

4) What is the CFDA number associated with this grant?

The CFDA number listed is 16.831.

5) What is the overall purpose of this program?

The purpose is to help states and local communities build, strengthen, or expand coordinated services for incarcerated parents (in the juvenile or adult system) who have minor children under age 18, while also ensuring meaningful support for children affected by parental incarceration.

6) Who is the program intended to serve?

The program is intended to serve incarcerated parents (whether in the juvenile or adult system) who have minor children under age 18, and the children impacted by parental incarceration.

7) What ages qualify as "minor children" under this solicitation?

Minor children are described as children under age 18.

8) Is this program focused on public safety, family outcomes, or both?

Both. The intent is public-safety focused and family-focused at the same time by reducing recidivism and preventing violent crime, while addressing the needs created by parent-child separation and supporting child wellbeing.

9) What kinds of activities does OJJDP expect applicants to support?

Based on the description, the solicitation is aimed at practical interventions and service models that respond to the needs of both the incarcerated parent and the child. This typically includes helping parents maintain healthier family connections when appropriate, supporting reentry planning and reunification, and providing services that reduce the likelihood of reoffending, alongside supports to stabilize children and caregivers during incarceration and during transitions back into the community.

10) Does the solicitation address both incarceration and reentry?

Yes. The opportunity supports efforts that connect incarceration, reentry planning, and child and family services into a more intentional continuum of care.

11) Does this funding apply only to adults in prison or jail?

No. The description explicitly includes incarcerated parents in either the juvenile system or the adult system.

12) What problem or need is this program trying to address?

The program is framed around the understanding that incarceration can create significant disruption for children and caregivers, and that coordinated reentry and family-centered services can reduce risk factors associated with later delinquency or victimization, while also reducing reoffending and violence risk.

13) What is the funding mechanism and broad program area?

Awards are offered as grants under the broad funding activity area of Law, Justice and Legal Services.

14) How many awards does OJJDP anticipate making?

OJJDP anticipates making about five awards.

15) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $750,000 per award.

16) When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on March 5, 2024.

17) What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was April 15, 2024.

18) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes state governments, county governments, city or township governments, federally recognized tribal governments, other tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits), and other eligible entities as defined by the solicitation.

19) Are units of local government specifically encouraged or highlighted?

Yes. The description specifically highlights units of local government as a target applicant type, while also listing multiple eligible categories, suggesting a strong interest in partnerships and community-rooted approaches.

20) Does the solicitation suggest partnerships across systems?

Yes. The description suggests approaches that can coordinate services across corrections, courts, child welfare, and community-based supports.

21) What outcomes is OJJDP trying to influence through this program?

The underlying logic described is that when incarcerated parents receive appropriate programming and reentry support, and when their children have stable, supportive services and caregiving arrangements, communities can see reductions in reoffending and violence risk alongside improved child outcomes.

22) Is the program limited to services for the incarcerated parent only?

No. The program is explicitly designed to address the needs of both the incarcerated parent and the child, including the child and caregiver situation during incarceration and during community transitions.

23) Does the solicitation mention maintaining parent-child connections?

Yes. It references helping parents maintain healthier family connections when appropriate, and planning for reunification and successful reentry.

24) What is the overall program approach described in the opportunity summary?

The approach described is a coordinated, family-centered continuum of care that intentionally links incarceration-related programming, reentry planning, and child and family services, with the dual goals of improving safety and improving family/child wellbeing.