BJA Solicits Applications for FY'08 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program Grants

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, has released its solicitation for fiscal year 2008 applications for Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program grants. The program was authorized by the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004 (MIOTCRA) and promotes coordination among criminal justice, juvenile justice, mental health, and substance abuse agencies.

The deadline for applications is May 6, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Visit the BJA website to download the applicant eligibility requirements, instructions on registering for the online grant application system, and other application materials.

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to increasing public safety through innovative cross-system collaborations that improve responses to people with mental illnesses who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Eligible applicants are states, units of local government, American Indian tribes, and tribal organizations.

There are three types of grants available under this program:

• Planning ($50,000 maximum award for 12 months)
• Planning and Implementation ($250,000 maximum award for 36 months)
• Implementation and Expansion ($200,000 maximum award for 24 months)

The Council of State Governments Justice Center, coordinator of the Criminal Justice / Mental Health Consensus Project, provides technical assistance on behalf of BJA for the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program. The Consensus Project website features information on the program and MIOTCRA, including snapshots of the 2006 and 2007 grantees, frequently asked questions, and a toolkit of resources that can be used to inform 2008 applications.