BJA FY25 Veterans Treatment Court Program

The Veterans Treatment Court Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, aims to support jurisdictions in establishing, enhancing, or expanding Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs). These specialized court programs target high-risk, high-need veterans involved in the justice system who are coping with substance use disorders (SUD), mental health disorders (MHD), co-occurring disorders (MHSUD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The VTC model integrates judicial supervision with coordinated behavioral health treatment, mandatory drug testing, and recovery support services, aiming to reduce recidivism and overdose fatalities while supporting veterans in achieving long-term recovery. The program offers three categories of funding. Category 1 supports the planning and implementation of new VTCs, with anticipated awards of up to $950,000 over four years. These grants are intended to build core program capacity, including treatment access, case management, judicial oversight, and supportive services such as peer recovery, transitional housing, and employment support. Category 2 provides enhancement funding up to $1 million for operational VTCs seeking to scale services, enhance treatment capacity, or improve court functions based on needs assessments. Category 3 offers up to $2.5 million for state agencies to expand VTC services statewide through infrastructure projects, program audits, data analysis, or technical assistance initiatives. Allowable costs under this program include personnel, training, recovery support services, court operations, treatment access (including for veterans not eligible for VA services), and essential supplies such as drug testing and overdose prevention equipment. Training-related travel costs are also allowed, with expectations for core team participation in approved trainings. Unallowable costs include entertainment, stipends, gift cards, and any activity that violates federal civil rights or immigration laws. The program explicitly prohibits using funds in violation of the Controlled Substances Act, including medical marijuana activities. Eligible applicants for Categories 1 and 2 include state, county, city, and tribal governments, along with other local government units. Category 3 is limited to state agencies, including state criminal justice and substance use agencies. Applicants must demonstrate authority to operate the court, and collaboration with partners is encouraged via MOUs. Cost sharing is not required under this NOFO. Applications must be submitted in a two-step process: the SF-424 through Grants.gov by April 27, 2026, and the full application through JustGrants by May 4, 2026. Evaluation criteria include need, goals, design, implementation plan, organizational capacity, and sustainability. Projects will be assessed on their potential to improve justice and recovery outcomes for veterans. Recipients will submit quarterly performance and financial reports to measure progress toward program goals such as reducing recidivism and increasing access to treatment. The award period is expected to begin on October 1, 2025, and last 48 months. The program is recurring, with anticipated future cycles based on continued funding availability and performance. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center or the Grants.gov and JustGrants service desks. This grant opportunity was released on March 18, 2026.

Ensure MOUs are signed and roles are clear; emphasize sustainability and data collection; align with VA coordination best practices.