BJA FY25 National Initiatives: Justice and Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) within the U.S. Department of Justice is offering funding through the Fiscal Year 2025 National Initiatives: Justice and Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program. This initiative supports three categories of training and technical assistance programs aimed at improving justice and mental health responses. These include the Collaborative Crisis Response and Intervention Training (CRIT) Program, the Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Health Response Program, and the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP). With a total anticipated funding of $8.35 million, individual awards in each category range from $2.75 million to $2.8 million. The performance period for awards is 24 months, beginning October 1, 2025. Applications are due by April 3, 2025, with an earlier submission of initial materials required by March 27, 2025. The primary objectives of this funding opportunity are to enhance the capacity of justice systems to respond to individuals with behavioral health disorders, co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, and related conditions. Emphasis is placed on collaboration between law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, and community organizations. TTA programs must follow evidence-based, customizable, measurable, and strategic principles. Applicants will design initiatives that improve deflection, diversion, training, and collaboration, tailored to the specific goals of each category. Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and tribal organizations. Each application must be submitted by a single entity, though partnerships are encouraged. Applications must comply with federal requirements, including active registration in SAM.gov, and all submissions must adhere to guidelines detailed in the Grants.gov and JustGrants systems. Applicants are required to submit a proposal narrative, budget detail form, and additional documents detailing organizational capacity, previous experience, and plans for data collection and evaluation. The program highlights priority areas such as addressing racial disparities, implementing trauma-informed approaches, and utilizing evidence-based practices. Specific deliverables include model policies, training materials, and toolkits that enhance crisis response systems. Awards will be evaluated based on relevance, effectiveness, applicant capacity, and budget justification. Peer and programmatic reviews will consider alignment with BJA priorities and demonstrated ability to achieve intended outcomes. Recipients must meet quarterly reporting requirements and adhere to federal financial and administrative conditions. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the NOFO in detail, ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, and submit proposals that address the identified needs of the justice and mental health landscape. This program represents a significant opportunity to foster systemic improvements in managing behavioral health crises and advancing community safety.