OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act Addressing the Needs of Incarcerated Parents and Their Minor Children."

Which agency is offering this funding?

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is offering this discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-OJJDP-2025-172513.

What is the main purpose of this grant?

The purpose is to help jurisdictions develop new, or expand existing, programs inside juvenile and adult detention or correctional facilities that directly support incarcerated parents and their minor children, with a focus on strengthening parent-child relationships and parenting capacity during incarceration.

What outcomes is this program trying to influence?

The solicitation emphasizes reducing risk factors associated with antisocial behavior, later juvenile justice involvement, and future recidivism, while promoting healthier child development and resilience through stronger parent-child relationships.

What types of settings can these funded programs operate in?

The opportunity is intended for programs operating inside juvenile and adult detention or correctional facilities.

What kinds of activities or programming does the solicitation highlight?

Examples described include structured parenting education and coaching, family engagement and visitation enhancements, coordinated family-focused case planning, and reentry-related supports designed to keep the parent-child bond intact and stable before, during, and after release.

Does the funding focus only on the parent, or on the family system more broadly?

The solicitation focuses on improving interactions and relationships among incarcerated parents, their children, and the broader support network, including other family members and community connections.

How does this opportunity connect to the Second Chance Act?

The NOFO is framed around improving reentry outcomes, with a specific emphasis on the family system and the stability of the parent-child relationship before, during, and after release.

Why is there a focus on children of incarcerated parents?

The description notes that children can experience instability, trauma, and behavioral challenges when a parent is incarcerated, and that supporting the parent-child relationship can be an important lever for long-term public safety and well-being.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments.

What does it mean that the opportunity lists "others" as eligible?

It indicates that additional applicant types may qualify depending on the solicitation's detailed eligibility rules and any required partnerships described in the full NOFO.

Which kinds of applicants are specifically highlighted as a key audience?

The description specifically highlights units of local government, signaling that counties and municipalities that operate or oversee detention facilities, jails, and related family service systems are a key audience for this funding.

What type of award is this?

Funding is provided through grants.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $750,000 per award.

How many awards does OJJDP expect to make?

OJJDP anticipates making approximately 5 awards.

What is the application deadline?

The original application closing date is March 30, 2026.

When was this opportunity created or posted?

The opportunity was created on February 18, 2026.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The associated Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 16.831.

Is this grant limited to juvenile justice facilities only?

No. The description states the funding supports programs inside both juvenile and adult detention or correctional facilities.

What is the core idea behind the funded programming?

The core idea is to strengthen parent-child relationships and parenting capacity during incarceration in ways that support responsible parenting, improve outcomes for children, and reduce the likelihood of future justice involvement for both the parent and the child.

What is meant by "reentry-related supports" in this context?

As described, reentry-related supports are supports designed to keep the parent-child bond intact and stable before, during, and after release, aligning family-centered programming with improved reentry outcomes.

Is the focus only on creating new programs?

No. The funding is intended to help jurisdictions develop new programs or expand existing programs.

What general problem is this funding trying to address in correctional settings?

The description frames it as helping detention and correctional settings move beyond basic incarceration management by investing in family-centered programming that supports parenting, improves child outcomes, and reduces future justice involvement.