The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant Program for Adult and Juvenile Correctional Facilities. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support the implementation or planning of evidence-based residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, including those offering Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), within Virginia’s correctional facilities and aftercare programs. The initiative aims to reduce drug addiction and associated violence by breaking the cycle of substance abuse and enhancing reentry success through continued treatment.

Planning grants offer funding to help facilities or organizations develop a comprehensive, evidence-based SUD treatment program. Activities under a planning grant may include hiring consultants, researching treatment models, and engaging in partnerships necessary for program design. Implementation grants, in contrast, fund the actual execution of SUD treatment programs within jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers, or aftercare services. All programs must incorporate community partnerships and ensure a wraparound approach to treatment and reentry services.

The RSAT grant period begins September 1, 2025. Planning grants are funded for a 10-month period ending June 30, 2026, and applicants may request up to $18,750 in federal funds. Implementation grants span 34 months through June 30, 2028, and applicants may request up to $337,500 (approximately $112,500 annually). A 25% match is required for both grant types and may be provided in cash or in-kind contributions. All expenditures, including match, must be allowable and clearly justified in the application.

Eligible applicants include facilities and programs that provide or intend to provide direct SUD treatment services within a correctional setting or serve individuals transitioning from such settings. Applicants must meet several compliance conditions, including active registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM), absence of federal or state debarments, and adherence to all licensing requirements. Implementation grant applicants must meet additional conditions such as maintaining separate housing units for participants (except certain pretrial populations), conducting drug testing, and ensuring connection to aftercare services.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, through the DCJS Online Grants Management System (OGMS). The funding opportunity number is 549603. Technical assistance is available from Patricia Shaw (patricia.shaw@dcjs.virginia.gov, 804-908-1749). Review criteria include clarity, budget justification, project need, program design, goals, sustainability, and adherence to grant guidelines. Bonus points are available for projects serving rural areas or jails with fewer than 100 inmates.

Award determinations will be made by the Criminal Justice Services Board in June 2025 and must be approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Selected projects will be required to submit quarterly financial and programmatic reports, comply with civil rights training and certifications, and may be asked to provide memorandums of understanding with partner agencies.