BJA FY25 Adult Treatment Court Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice administers the Adult Treatment Court Program as part of its broader mission to enhance public safety, reduce crime, and support justice system improvements. This funding opportunity supports jurisdictions in addressing substance use disorders among individuals involved in the criminal justice system through structured court-supervised treatment programs. Adult Treatment Courts integrate substance use disorder treatment, mandatory drug testing, judicial oversight, and recovery support services to reduce recidivism and overdose fatalities while improving long-term recovery outcomes. The primary purpose of this program is to prevent overdoses and reduce the use of opioids, stimulants, and other substances among high-risk individuals within the justice system. The program emphasizes evidence-based treatment, coordinated supervision, and access to recovery support services. Funded activities may include planning and implementing new treatment courts, enhancing existing programs, or expanding services statewide. The program is structured into three categories: Planning and Implementation, Enhancement, and Statewide efforts, each designed to address different levels of program maturity and scale. Funding supports a wide range of allowable activities, including court operations, treatment services, case management, data systems, training, and recovery support such as housing and employment services. Programs must include mandatory drug testing, structured sanctions and incentives, and coordinated supervision. However, funds cannot be used for activities outside program scope, including violations of federal law, certain legal services for undocumented individuals, or prohibited expenses such as entertainment or monetary incentives. Additionally, participants classified as violent offenders are not eligible for services funded through this program. A cost-sharing requirement applies to all awards, requiring recipients to contribute at least 25 percent of total project costs through cash or in-kind contributions. Federal funding may cover up to 75 percent of total costs. A match waiver may be requested in cases of fiscal hardship. Awards are expected to support a 48-month period of performance, with projects beginning in October following the award cycle. Total program funding exceeds $48 million, with individual award ceilings varying by category, up to $2.5 million for statewide projects. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and tribal governments, as well as other local government units and state agencies, depending on the funding category. Applicants must demonstrate authority to operate treatment courts and coordinate with key partners such as prosecutors, treatment providers, and supervision agencies. Applications require submission through a two-step process involving Grants.gov and JustGrants, including a proposal narrative, budget, timeline, and supporting documentation such as memoranda of understanding and letters of support. Applications are evaluated through a multi-stage review process including basic eligibility screening, peer review, and programmatic and financial assessment. Evaluation criteria include the strength of the project design, alignment with program goals, organizational capacity, and sustainability planning. Successful applicants must report performance data regularly and demonstrate progress toward reducing recidivism and improving treatment outcomes. The application timeline includes a Grants.gov submission deadline followed by a JustGrants deadline, both in spring. Awards are typically announced after review, with projects beginning later in the year. This program is part of an ongoing federal effort and is expected to recur annually, providing continued opportunities for jurisdictions to expand treatment court capacity and improve justice system outcomes.

Align proposal closely with evidence based treatment practices and clearly demonstrate coordination with justice and treatment partners; ensure strong data collection and evaluation plan; clearly justify budget and sustainability strategy