The FY2025 Regional Children’s Advocacy Centers Program, administered by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), provides $5,000,000 in funding to support and strengthen four regional children’s advocacy centers (CACs). Each regional center will deliver coordinated training, technical assistance, and resources to CACs, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), and related organizations. The program’s primary goal is to improve the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect while enhancing trauma-informed care and child-focused services for victims and their families.
Eligible applicants include local public and private nonprofit children’s advocacy center agencies and organizations with at least five years of experience in providing regional or national training and technical assistance in child abuse and neglect cases. A maximum of $1,250,000 may be awarded to each regional center for a 12-month project period starting October 1, 2025. No cost-sharing or matching funds are required.
The program focuses on developing capacity in communities to establish child-focused, facility-based programs. Key activities include systematic training and technical assistance tailored to regional needs, resource development, and supporting state chapter organizations to provide localized assistance. Awardees will collaborate with VOCAA-funded partners, including national and tribal CAC programs, to create a coordinated strategic plan and align resources effectively.
Applications must include a proposal narrative, project design, and detailed budget addressing all aspects of the project. Applicants should highlight specific strategies, deliverables, and measurable objectives, such as increasing accredited CACs, developing training materials, and expanding technical support to MDTs. A strong emphasis is placed on integrating youth and family partnerships into program activities.
Submission involves a two-step process: an SF-424 form must be submitted through Grants.gov by March 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, followed by a full application in JustGrants by March 26, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. Applications will be evaluated based on their alignment with the program’s goals, project design, organizational capacity, and cost-effectiveness.
Awardees must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly financial reports and semi-annual performance updates. Additional program-specific conditions, such as adherence to OJJDP’s training standards and strategic planning processes, will apply. Successful applicants will be notified by September 30, 2025. For further assistance, applicants can contact the OJP Response Center or review the comprehensive guidelines in the program's Notice of Funding Opportunity.
