Children’s Justice Grants to States
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
This program encourages states to enact reforms which are designed to improve (1) the assessment and investigation of suspected child abuse and neglect cases, including cases of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child and the child's family; (2) the assessment and investigation of cases of suspected child abuse-related fatalities and suspected child neglect-related fatalities; (3) the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse and exploitation; and (4) the assessment and investigation of cases involving children with disabilities or serious health-related problems who are suspected victims of child abuse or neglect.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. Territory Government
- State
States (including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia), Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas.
Beneficiaries
- Infant and Toddler (0–3)
- Young Child (4–9)
- Pre-Teen (10–12)
- Teen (13–19)
Beneficiaries include victims of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Recipients are notified that funds have been awarded through a Notice of Award (NoA) issued by the Administration for Children and Families. Post award, the Division of Payment Management will establish an account from which a recipient may draw down award funds.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 90 to 120 days
Deadlines will be contained in the Program Instruction sent to each state and other eligible entities announcing the availability of funds under this program.
Program details & compliance
Description
The Children’s Justice Act (CJA) provides awards to states to improve the investigation, prosecution, and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child victim. CJA recipients are responsible for implementing the requirements of the CJA program to reform state processes for responding to child abuse and neglect. CJA funding supports states and territories in improving their approaches and responses to child abuse and neglect. The focus of the funding is to create systemic changes that prevent additional trauma to child victims, and to more effectively protect their rights.
Mission Categories
Primary: Families and Child Welfare Services
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Funds are to be used for (a) investigative, administrative, and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as cases involving suspected child maltreatment related fatalities and cases involving a potential combination of jurisdictions, such as interstate, federal-state, and state-tribal, in a manner which reduces the additional trauma to the child victim and the victim's family and which also ensures procedural fairness to the accused; (b) experimental, model, and demonstration programs for testing innovative approaches and techniques which may improve the prompt and successful resolution of civil and criminal court proceedings or enhance the effectiveness of judicial and administrative action in child abuse and neglect cases, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation cases, including the enhancement of performance of court-appointed attorneys and guardians ad litem for children, and which also ensure procedural fairness to the accused; and (c) reform of state laws, ordinances, regulations, protocols and procedures to provide comprehensive protection for children from abuse, including sexual abuse and exploitation, while ensuring fairness to all affected persons.
Required Documentation
Applications require certification and/or documentation that the state meets eligibility requirements described in section 107 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
Matching Requirements
There is no matching requirement. Each state receives a base amount of $50,000 with an additional amount based on the population of children under age 18 in each state.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act