BJA FY 2026 Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative
This grant funds coordinated efforts among public safety, justice, and health agencies to improve mental health and substance use treatment, reduce crime and recidivism, and restore community safety.
Funder: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Due Dates: September 25, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,000,000 per award; no minimum; project periods and number of awards vary.
Summary: Supports comprehensive, coordinated interventions to address untreated mental illness and substance use, aiming to reduce crime, recidivism, and burdens on law enforcement.
Description
This federal grant opportunity supports the development and implementation of comprehensive service networks to address untreated mental illness and substance use disorders. The initiative aims to reduce the burden on law enforcement and the justice system, restore community order in areas affected by homelessness, mental illness, and substance use, decrease recidivism, reduce crime, and improve public safety and public confidence. Funded projects must coordinate direct interventions across public safety, justice, mental health, and substance use agencies, increasing access to treatment through civil commitment, institutional treatment, and step-down approaches from pre-arrest through reentry. The program emphasizes sustainable, appropriate care and accountability measures to ensure compliance with treatment plans, moving beyond temporary interventions.
