DOJ announces $211 million in grants for county criminal justice systems focused on reentry and mental health treatment

Key Takeaways

On August 24, the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announced $211 million in federal funding opportunities for state and local governments seeking to improve their criminal justice systems. The funding is allocated across five different grants that target reentry, substance use, crisis response and behavioral health programs. 

Counties should note that the application process requires two steps – an initial application on Grants.gov followed by a more substantive application on JustGrants that is due a week later. The application deadlines range from September 24 to October 2, 2026. 

BJA FY26 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes

• This program provides funding to improve academic and vocational education programs available to people in prisons and jails and to expand workforce development and career pathways so that participants have better job prospects and lower recidivism rates after release.
• Anticipated Amount: $20 million across 20 different awards, each with a $1 million maximum
• Application Deadline: Sept. 24 (Grants.gov) | Oct. 1 (JustGrants)

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BJA FY26 Second Chance Act Family-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program

• This program funds family-centered treatment for parents who have substance use disorders and either have minor children or are pregnant, whether they're receiving treatment while incarcerated or through an alternative-to-incarceration program.
• Anticipated Amount: $8 million for government entities across eight different awards, each with a $1 million maximum
• Application Deadline: Sept. 24 (Grants.gov) | Oct. 1 (JustGrants)

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BJA FY26 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program

• This program supports law enforcement efforts to investigate illegal opioid distribution while also expanding access to naloxone, diversion programs and substance use treatment and recovery services both in the community and within correctional facilities. Counties apply under a subcategory based on population size (urban, suburban or rural).
• Anticipated Amount: Up to $1.6 million each for 24 urban counties, $1.3 million each for 26 suburban counties and $1 million each for 13 rural counties
• Application Deadline: Sept. 24 (Grants.gov) | Oct. 1 (JustGrants)

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BJA FY26 Smart Reentry Demonstration Program

• This program helps state, local and tribal governments build comprehensive, collaborative reentry strategies, including a strategic plan and a specific intervention designed to reduce recidivism among people returning to the community from adult correctional facilities.
• Anticipated Amount: $6,805,353 across 7 different awards, each with a $1.1 million maximum
• Application Deadline: Sept. 24 (Grants.gov) | Oct. 1 (JustGrants)

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BJA FY26 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative

• This program funds crisis stabilization centers, mental health and substance use treatment services and electronic health record or technology upgrades, all aimed at reducing the burden on law enforcement and connecting people to treatment from the point of arrest through their reentry into the community.
• Anticipated Amount: $38 million across 13 awards, each with a $3 million maximum
• Application Deadline: Sept. 25 (Grants.gov) | Oct. 2 (JustGrants)

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