The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, is a grant initiative designed to provide formula funds to support gun violence reduction programs and initiatives across Georgia. The program is administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and has a total funding amount of $2,233,491 available for distribution. The primary focus of this grant is to facilitate a comprehensive collaboration among various local entities, including first responders, community service boards, health departments, local court representatives, treatment providers, child welfare offices, and non-profit organizations. These collaborations aim to implement strategies that redirect individuals with behavioral health needs away from punitive measures and towards rehabilitative services.

The purpose of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program is to address the underlying behavioral health issues that may contribute to gun violence. The program emphasizes behavioral health deflection, which involves redirecting individuals from traditional criminal justice responses, such as incarceration, to supportive and rehabilitative services. By promoting interventions that support recovery and reintegration into society, the program seeks to reduce potential violence and improve community safety.

Funding from this grant can be utilized by local and regional agencies to support initiatives related to gun violence reduction, specifically through behavioral health deflection. Eligible uses of the funds include the adoption or expansion of promising and evidence-based programs that aim to prevent or reduce crime and violence, with a particular emphasis on addressing behavioral health needs that may lead to gun violence.

Eligibility for this grant is limited to specific organizations, including community service boards, health departments, treatment providers, local child welfare offices, non-profits, and community representatives focused on gun violence reduction. Additionally, units of local government in Georgia may apply on behalf of first responders, public defender offices, courts, and school systems. All proposals must target the risk factors associated with behavioral health needs and aim to implement effective strategies for reducing gun violence.

Submission requirements for the grant are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, applicants are encouraged to visit the CJCC website for more information regarding the application process. The evaluation criteria for proposals will likely focus on the effectiveness of the proposed programs in addressing gun violence through behavioral health deflection, as well as the collaboration among local entities.

The application deadline for this grant is set for October 18, 2024. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of this timeline and to prepare their proposals accordingly. For further inquiries or assistance, interested parties can contact Rachel Kilgore at the CJCC via email or phone. This grant opportunity represents a significant funding source for organizations committed to reducing gun violence through innovative behavioral health strategies in Georgia.