Justice Reinvestment Initiative

JRI supports policymakers in creating a more effective justice system through a four-step approach: (1) analyzing criminal justice trends to understand factors driving jail and prison population growth; (2) developing and implementing policy options to generate savings and increase public safety; (3) quantifying savings and reinvesting in select communities and other prevention-oriented strategies; and (4) measuring the impact of policy changes and reinvestment resources and enhancing the accountability of criminal justice system actors and policies.

Administering Agency:

BJA

Learn More

Key Details:

Funding Overview:

Common Uses:

Program and legislative planning, stakeholder engagement and outreach, development of legislation, research and evaluation of data, collection of data, and administration of the program.

Issue Area(s): Criminal Justice, Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder

Eligibility: CBO/Other, City, County, State, Territory, Tribal

Key Usage Options: Administrative, Planning, Research/Evaluation, Screening/Assessment

Funding Amount/Range: Varies

Allocation Frequency: Annual

Funding/Expending Period: 3 years

Funding Type: Competitive Grant

How to Obtain: Application Process

Match Requirement: No

Notes:

The JRI process involves legislation, budget initiatives, and policy and practice reforms. Common legislative and policy reforms include: risk and needs assessments; graduated sanctions; problem-solving courts; good time and earned credits; penalty changes; streamlined parole processes; expanded parole eligibility; community-based treatment; mandatory supervision requirements; and accountability measures.

Community-based organizations are only eligible for Category 2 funding.