BJA FY 20 Collaborative Mental Health and Anti-Recidivism Initiative | BJA 2020 17972

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BJA FY 20 Collaborative Mental Health and Anti-Recidivism Initiative?

This is a discretionary federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It funds a statewide pilot program intended to reduce repeat incarceration (recidivism) among people with serious mental illness by improving coordination across state systems such as corrections and behavioral health.

What problem is this grant trying to address?

The opportunity is based on a widely recognized challenge in state prison systems: many incarcerated individuals have untreated or undertreated mental health conditions, and they often return to custody at higher rates when they leave prison without stable access to treatment, medications, benefits, housing supports, and coordinated community services. The initiative aims to break this cycle through statewide collaboration and continuity of care.

What is the main goal of the initiative?

The central goal is to reduce recidivism among individuals with serious mental illness by ensuring they do not fall through gaps between corrections, clinical care, and community-based supports, particularly during the transition from incarceration back into the community.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to state governments.

Which federal agency is offering the funding?

The funding is offered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this grant?

The Funding Opportunity Number is BJA 2020 17972.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 16.745.

How many awards did BJA anticipate making?

BJA anticipated making a single award, meaning one state would be selected to implement a statewide demonstration or model pilot.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) is $1,000,000.

When was the opportunity posted and when was it originally due?

The opportunity was posted on March 23, 2020, and the original closing date was May 22, 2020.

Is this intended to be a statewide program or a local program?

It is intended to fund the creation of a statewide pilot program. The selected applicant is expected to function as a statewide demonstration or model pilot rather than a multi-site national program.

What does BJA mean by a "collaborative" anti-recidivism effort?

The initiative emphasizes that reducing recidivism for people with serious mental illness is not a corrections-only responsibility. Instead, it is framed as a shared systems challenge requiring coordinated planning and service delivery across agencies and across time (before incarceration when possible, during incarceration, and after release).

Which state agencies are expected to be involved?

BJA’s intent is to support one state in building a collaborative effort that formally partners key agencies such as the state Department of Mental Health or Behavioral Health and the Department of Corrections, along with other relevant entities as needed.

What kinds of activities is the grant meant to support?

In practical terms, the grant is meant to help a state organize an integrated approach to (1) identifying incarcerated individuals with serious mental illness, (2) delivering or coordinating appropriate treatment while in custody, and (3) creating strong handoffs to community care at release.

What does "continuity of care" mean in the context of this grant?

Continuity of care refers to ensuring that people with serious mental illness have coordinated treatment and support that carries across settings and time, including during incarceration and through reentry into the community, so there are fewer disruptions in services, medications, and connections to care.

What types of reentry supports are highlighted as important?

The description highlights structured reentry supports that address common drivers of recidivism for this population, including medication continuity, connection to outpatient treatment, access to crisis services, supportive housing, and other wraparound supports.

What does the "full justice continuum" mean here?

The initiative emphasizes comprehensive care spanning the full justice continuum: services and planning before incarceration when possible, effective treatment and continuity of care during incarceration, and structured reentry supports after release.

Does the grant focus only on treatment during incarceration?

No. The initiative is designed to support coordination before incarceration when possible, during incarceration, and after release, with the goal of preventing gaps that can contribute to re-incarceration.

What does the grant say about the role of community-based supports?

Community-based supports are treated as central to reducing recidivism for people with serious mental illness, especially during reentry. The opportunity notes the importance of coordinated community services and stable access to treatment, medications, benefits, and housing supports after release.

What kinds of coordination mechanisms might a statewide pilot include?

The description indicates the pilot can include formal interagency agreements, shared protocols, coordinated case planning, and defined reentry pathways that connect corrections, behavioral health, and community services.

What funding activity categories are associated with this opportunity?

The listing reflects multiple activity categories tied to the cross-cutting nature of the work, including criminal justice and legal services, employment and training-related reentry needs, and data or statistical elements used to measure outcomes such as reduced re-incarceration.

Why does the opportunity mention data or statistical elements?

Statewide pilots aimed at reducing re-incarceration commonly include measurement of outcomes. The opportunity notes data or statistical elements as part of the broader work typically associated with statewide pilots intended to track results like reduced recidivism.

Who is the target population for this initiative?

The initiative targets people with serious mental illness who are involved with the justice system, particularly those who are incarcerated and at risk of cycling back into custody due to gaps in treatment and community supports.

What is meant by "serious mental illness" in the grant description?

The opportunity uses the term "serious mental illness" to describe the target population but does not provide a specific clinical definition within the provided information.