OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program | Apply Online

FAQs: OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program

What is the OJJDP FY25 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) focused on improving reentry outcomes for youth returning to the community after confinement.

What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The central aim is to reduce reoffending and stabilize youths lives by ensuring youth receive structured services and supervision that match their needs and risk level, especially for youth assessed as moderate to high risk.

What kind of approach is OJJDP looking to fund?

OJJDP is looking to fund coordinated, end-to-end reentry efforts that begin before a young person is released, continue through the transition period, and extend into post-release support. The solicitation emphasizes comprehensive planning and follow-through across the entire reentry timeline, not a one-time intervention at the point of release.

Who is the program intended to serve?

The program is designed to support youth returning to the community after confinement, with a particular emphasis on youth assessed as moderate to high risk.

What types of services are expected under this program?

The funded work is described as covering two broad service phases: (1) reentry services delivered before, during, and after release from confinement, and (2) transitional supports to help youth navigate the immediate challenges of returning home and stabilizing in the community.

What does OJJDP mean by "end-to-end" reentry services?

It refers to reentry supports that start prior to release (planning and preparation), continue through release and the immediate transition period, and then extend into post-release stabilization and ongoing support in the community.

Does the program require partnerships or collaboration?

Yes. The opportunity supports applicants that can organize partnerships among government agencies and community stakeholders. The solicitation emphasizes collaboration with service providers and community-based organizations.

Who might be included as partners in a proposed project?

Partnerships may include government agencies and community stakeholders such as service providers and community-based organizations. The solicitation also notes that partnerships may include interested persons such as federal corrections and supervision agencies.

What kinds of transitional supports are mentioned in the opportunity description?

The description highlights transitional supports that help youth navigate coming home, reconnecting with family and school, accessing behavioral health or substance use treatment when needed, and meeting supervision or court-related requirements.

Is the focus only on services after release?

No. The opportunity is explicitly structured to support continuous planning and service delivery before release, during the transition, and after release.

What does "risk-informed" mean in the context of this grant?

Based on the description, services and supervision are expected to match a youths needs and risk level, with particular focus on youth assessed as moderate to high risk.

What types of applicants are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes state governments, county governments, and city or township governments, as well as federally recognized Native American tribal governments. Nonprofit organizations may apply, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education). The listing also includes an "Others" category, which may allow additional applicant types under conditions described in the full notice.

Can nonprofit organizations apply?

Yes. Both 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status are included as eligible applicants, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

Are tribal governments eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.

What does the "Others" eligibility category mean?

The listing includes an "Others" category, which typically signals that OJJDP may allow additional applicant types under specific conditions described in the full notice.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

Funding is offered as a grant.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 16.812.

What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $750,000 per award.

How many awards does OJJDP expect to make?

OJJDP anticipates making about 18 awards.

When was this opportunity created and when is the deadline?

The opportunity was created on February 18, 2026, and the closing date listed is March 30, 2026.

What category is this funding listed under?

The opportunity is listed in the Law, Justice and Legal Services category.

What level of project does the award size suggest?

Based on the description, the funding instrument and award scale suggest mid-sized, implementation-focused projects where applicants are expected to present a credible plan, demonstrate strong partnerships, and show the ability to deliver coordinated services to a defined target population of justice-involved youth.

What is the overall emphasis of the NOFO?

The NOFO emphasizes youth reentry initiatives that are comprehensive, risk-informed, and partnership-driven, with services spanning pre-release planning, in-facility engagement, and post-release stabilization and support.