The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) is offering funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) to support programs that address co-occurring behavioral health and substance misuse disorders, along with housing needs, for individuals involved in the justice system. This funding opportunity, titled "Addressing Co-occurring Disorders for People Who are Involved in the Justice System," aims to reduce ongoing criminal justice involvement by improving access to essential services such as mental health treatment, substance use interventions, and housing support.

A total of $1.4 million in federal funding is available for this opportunity, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. Funding will be allocated across six regions in Illinois, ensuring at least one project per region. Eligible applicants include Illinois local, tribal, and state government entities, which may apply as sole applicants or in partnership with nonprofit organizations under a lead-subgrantee model. The program period is 12 months, running from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the potential for up to 36 months of continued funding based on performance and fund availability.

The grant requires applicants to implement programs that focus on adults or juveniles within the justice system, including those in pretrial release, probation, or supervised release. Funded programs must include behavioral health and substance use interventions and offer housing assistance or referrals. While there is flexibility in program design, ICJIA encourages the use of Certified Peer Recovery Specialists, evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and specialized case management to better support individuals with co-occurring disorders. Programs serving rural communities or reentry populations are strongly encouraged.

Applications must be submitted online through AmpliFund by March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM CDT. A non-mandatory technical assistance session will be available on February 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM CDT, via YouTube. The application process includes submission of a performance plan, budget, and narrative detailing the proposed program and its alignment with JAG priorities. Evaluation criteria will focus on program design (28 points), problem statement (20 points), implementation plan (5 points), budget justification (16 points), project management (18 points), and performance objectives (8 points), with a total possible score of 100. A minimum score of 50 points is required for consideration.

Award announcements are anticipated by June 16, 2025, following review by the ICJIA Budget Committee. Successful applicants must comply with federal and state grant requirements, including GATA (Grant Accountability and Transparency Act) registration, financial risk assessment, and quarterly performance reporting. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Luisa Salazar at CJA.JAGNOFO2964@Illinois.gov or (312) 814-0707.