BJA Grant: Second Chance Act Pay for Success for Reentry and Recidivism Reduction

The Second Chance Act (SCA) of 2007 (Public Law 110-199), reauthorized by the First Step Act of 2018, provides a comprehensive response to assist in the transition individuals make from prison, jail, or juvenile residential facilities to their communities so that the transition is more successful and promotes public safety. SCA and reentry-focused grant funding is designed to help communities develop and implement comprehensive and collaborative strategies that address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism reduction. “Reentry” is not a specific program but rather an ongoing process that starts from the moment an individual is initially incarcerated and continues throughout that individual’s transition from incarceration and reintegration into the community.

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to implement programming and services to enhance or implement clinical services and other evidence-based responses to improve reentry, reduce recidivism, and address the treatment and recovery needs of people with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders who are currently involved in the criminal justice system or were formerly involved. There are two categories for funding:

Performance-based and Outcomes-based Contracting for Reentry Services
Performance-based and Outcomes-based Contracting for Permanent Supportive Housing

The Pay for Success Program is part of the Second Chance Act suite of program in FY 2023. This year, a range of programs for states, local government units, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations are being competed, including:

Community Reentry
Improving Adult and Juvenile Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry
Improving Adult Reentry, Education, and Employment Outcomes
Improving Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Outcomes for Adults in Reentry
Pay for Success
Smart Supervision
Swift, Certain, and Fair Supervision and HOPE Institute

Not all entities are eligible for all programs. Applicants are encouraged to review each solicitation in its entirety to determine their eligibility, if it fits their proposal, and if taking advantage of another funding opportunity could further enhance a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with substance use and other co-occurring disorders treatment and recovery support needs that have come in contact with the justice system. Additional details on the SCA suite and other BJA programs can be found on the DOJ Grants Program Plan.