BJA FY 17 Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents | BJA 2017 11401

Opportunity Information: Apply for BJA 2017 11401

The BJA FY 17 Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number BJA 2017 11401) is a discretionary grant program offered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It focuses on reducing the trauma and negative consequences children may experience when a parent is arrested, recognizing that the impact can be serious whether the child witnesses the arrest directly or learns about it afterward. The program description highlights how children, depending on their age and the nature of their relationship with the arrested parent, can experience intense emotional responses such as shock, fear, anxiety, or anger. It also notes a specific concern that these experiences may shape a child s perceptions of law enforcement, potentially generating resentment or distrust toward officers or the justice system more broadly.

This opportunity sits within the Law, Justice and Legal Services activity area (CFDA 16.738) and is structured as a grant award. The goal is to support approaches that safeguard children s well being during and after a parental arrest, which can include improving how arrests are handled when children may be involved, strengthening coordination between law enforcement and child serving systems, and promoting practices that reduce harm while maintaining officer safety and lawful enforcement. While the source summary does not list detailed program requirements, the stated problem framing makes clear that BJA intended to fund work that addresses both the immediate moment of arrest and the downstream effects on children, such as emotional distress, instability, and potential long term impacts on trust in public institutions.

Eligibility is broad and includes state, county, and city or township governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; 501(c)(3) nonprofits (other than institutions of higher education); and small businesses. This range of eligible applicants suggests BJA anticipated proposals that could come from justice agencies themselves, cross system partnerships, research or training entities, and community based organizations with relevant expertise in child welfare, behavioral health, victim services, family support, or justice system training and reform.

Key dates and funding parameters are straightforward. The opportunity was created on December 20, 2016, with an original application closing date of February 16, 2017. The award ceiling was set at $300,000, and BJA expected to make one award. With a single anticipated award at a relatively moderate ceiling, the grant was likely designed for a focused project, pilot, demonstration effort, or the development and implementation of a targeted model that could later be replicated by other jurisdictions if successful.

In practical terms, the grant opportunity can be understood as an effort to encourage law enforcement and community partners to treat the presence or needs of children as a critical consideration during parental arrest events. It emphasizes that the arrest process is not only a law enforcement action but also a moment that can be deeply destabilizing for a child. By supporting work intended to reduce fear and anxiety, prevent unnecessary exposure to traumatic situations, and mitigate negative attitudes toward law enforcement that may arise from poorly managed arrest experiences, the program aims to promote both child well being and healthier long term community relationships with the justice system.

• The Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BJA FY 17 Safeguarding Children of Arrested Parents" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.738.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 20, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 16, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Small businesses.

Apply for BJA 2017 11401

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