OJJDP FY 2022 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program | O OJJDP 2022 171234

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): OJJDP FY 2022 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program

1) What is the OJJDP FY 2022 Second Chance Act Youth Reentry Program?

It is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), administered under the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). The program is designed to support youth reentry efforts focused on reducing recidivism for young people returning to their communities after confinement and while under community supervision.

2) What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The stated purpose is to reduce recidivism among youth reentering the community after confinement, while promoting the fair administration of justice and advancing public safety. In practical terms, the grant supports communities in building stronger and fairer reentry systems so youth leaving secure placement can stabilize, reconnect with family and supports, and avoid returning to the justice system.

3) Which federal agency is offering and administering this opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) through OJJDP and is administered under the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

4) What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity was offered as a cooperative agreement. That generally means awardees work in closer coordination with the federal agency than they would under a standard grant.

5) What is the program focused on: confinement, release, or supervision?

The program targets the transition period when youth return home from confinement, including the time when they are under community supervision. It is centered on the reentry phase and the supports needed to help youth successfully reintegrate.

6) What kinds of challenges does the program aim to address for youth returning from confinement?

The opportunity highlights common obstacles during reentry, including interrupted schooling, unstable housing, unmet mental health or substance use needs, limited job readiness, strained family relationships, and stigma related to system involvement.

7) What broader DOJ/OJP priorities does this program align with?

The program is framed around DOJ and OJP priorities such as promoting civil rights and racial equity, increasing access to justice, supporting crime victims and people impacted by the justice system, strengthening community safety, protecting the public from evolving threats, and improving trust between law enforcement and communities.

8) Does the program emphasize equity and civil rights in reentry work?

Yes. The description signals an emphasis on equitable reentry practices consistent with civil rights principles. It also aligns with OJP equity priorities, implying applicants are expected to consider how race, ethnicity, and other factors can shape outcomes and to design interventions that address disparities and improve access to supportive services.

9) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services.

10) What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program is listed under CFDA number 16.812.

11) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is O-OJJDP-2022-171234.

12) When was the opportunity originally posted and when were applications due?

The original posting date was April 1, 2022, and the original application deadline was May 17, 2022.

13) How many awards were anticipated?

OJJDP anticipated making approximately 22 awards.

14) What is the maximum award amount?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) was $1,000,000 per award.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes state governments, county governments, and city or township governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other Native American tribal organizations; and nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

16) Are nonprofit organizations eligible even if they are not 501(c)(3) organizations?

Yes. Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status are eligible, provided they are not institutions of higher education.

17) Are institutions of higher education eligible as nonprofits?

The eligibility description states that nonprofit organizations are eligible as long as they are not institutions of higher education.

18) Are tribal entities eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other Native American tribal organizations are included in the eligible applicant categories.

19) Why does the eligibility list include both government agencies and community-based organizations?

The opportunity reflects that youth reentry is typically coordinated across multiple systems and partners. The description notes that reentry work often involves juvenile justice agencies, probation or community supervision, behavioral health providers, education partners, workforce programs, and local nonprofits that offer mentoring and family services.

20) What kinds of approaches does the program generally support?

The program supports coordinated, community-based approaches that help youth successfully reenter after confinement, reduce repeat justice involvement, and strengthen public safety, while advancing priorities around equity, access to justice, and community trust.