The Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, authorized by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022, is designed to provide formula funds aimed at supporting initiatives and programs that reduce gun violence. This grant is administered by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) in Georgia and is available to all counties within the state. The total funding available for this program is $761,883, with the potential for more than $1 million in total program funding. The deadline for applications is set for October 11, 2024.

The primary purpose of the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program is to enhance the capacity of existing accountability courts to assist individuals who are at a higher risk of becoming involved in violent crime. The program specifically supports the implementation of peer support programming, which is considered a crucial component of the continuum of care aimed at addressing the impacts of violence. This includes funding for specialists' certifications and training necessary for effective peer support initiatives.

Eligibility for this grant is limited to units of local government in Georgia, which can apply on behalf of accountability courts serving "less-than-$10,000 jurisdictions." These jurisdictions are defined as those that did not qualify for direct Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding due to not meeting federal formula thresholds in the fiscal years 2021 and 2022. Additionally, community service boards, health departments, treatment providers, local child welfare offices, non-profits, and community representatives focused on gun violence reduction through behavioral health deflection are also eligible to apply.

The application process requires that all proposals aim to adopt or expand promising and evidence-based programs that prevent or reduce crime and violence, particularly gun violence. The focus should be on addressing behavioral health needs that may contribute to violent behavior. There is no matching requirement for this grant, making it accessible for eligible applicants.

While specific submission requirements and application questions are not detailed in the provided information, interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Rachel Kilgore at the CJCC for further guidance. She can be contacted via email at Rachel.Kilgore@cjcc.ga.gov for any inquiries related to the application process.

The evaluation criteria for this grant will likely focus on the effectiveness of proposed programs in addressing gun violence and the ability to meet the needs of individuals at risk. The timeline for the grant application process includes a deadline of October 11, 2024, for submissions, and applicants should ensure they are prepared to meet this deadline to be considered for funding.

Overall, the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program represents a significant opportunity for local governments and organizations in Georgia to secure funding aimed at reducing gun violence through targeted interventions and support programs.