Children's Justice Act

The North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission (GCC), operating under the Department of Public Safety, has released its 2025 Request for Applications for the Children’s Justice Act (CJA) grant program. This initiative aims to enhance the investigation, prosecution, and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases across North Carolina. With a long-standing history of managing CJA funds since 1988, the GCC serves as the state’s primary administrative body for implementing federally funded programs to improve justice system responses to vulnerable populations, particularly children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The CJA program is funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau (CFDA #93.643). The primary goal of the CJA grant program is to reduce trauma to child victims during legal proceedings while ensuring fair treatment for the accused. The grant supports projects that fall into three priority areas: Priority A targets improvements to investigative and judicial handling of child abuse cases; Priority B (the current cycle's focus) supports experimental or demonstration programs that test innovative legal and administrative methods in child welfare cases; and Priority C focuses on reforming state laws and protocols to provide comprehensive child protections. In 2025, applicants are strongly encouraged to propose projects aligned with Priority B, particularly those that improve virtual legal access, court representation, and data-driven enhancements to child maltreatment case outcomes. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations and agencies, such as state and local government offices, tribal governments, law enforcement agencies, courts, nonprofit and faith-based organizations. Notably, the grant does not require a matching contribution, making it more accessible to a wide array of organizations. The maximum funding available per award is $109,477.60, with a period of performance running from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Awards are contingent upon GCC receiving the anticipated federal funding and may be adjusted based on federal or state-level changes. Applicants must submit their proposals through the North Carolina Enterprise Business Services (EBS) platform. Required components include a comprehensive project narrative, detailed budget, organizational and project-specific attachments, and relevant certifications. The application window opens on December 1, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM on January 31, 2026. Applications must be complete at the time of submission; incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Required documents include verification of nonprofit status (if applicable), conflict of interest and travel policies, indirect cost certifications, and more. Additionally, all personnel and contractual roles must be clearly outlined with associated documentation. Evaluation of submissions will be conducted by the Children’s Justice Act Task Force, which advises the Juvenile Justice Planning Committee. This body considers geographic distribution, prior funding history, economic need, and alignment with federal and state priorities when making funding recommendations. Projects demonstrating collaborative efforts and multidisciplinary approaches—such as memoranda of understanding with courts, law enforcement, or advocacy groups—are highly encouraged. Additionally, applicants proposing continuity or expansion of previously funded projects must justify the growth in budget or scope. Awarded projects will be required to submit semi-annual and annual performance reports, including a mid-year report due April 30 and a final report due October 30. All reporting must be completed in the EBS system and must align with project goals and objectives. Grantees are also required to comply with federal and state regulations regarding allowable costs, confidentiality, discrimination, and performance measurement. Public dissemination of project results is encouraged and must acknowledge federal funding. Applicants must carefully review the full grant guidelines and ensure full compliance to remain eligible for funding consideration.