Children’s Justice Act Grants are dedicated funds to make improvements to the investigation, prosecution, and overall handling of child abuse and neglect cases are authorized under Section 107 of CAPTA. The grants are commonly referred to as “Children’s Justice Act grants.” Funds are made available to improve systems related to the investigation, prosecution, and overall handling of child abuse and neglect cases with particular focus on cases involving child sexual abuse and exploitation, child abuse or neglect related fatalities, or maltreatment of children with disabilities. Grantees awarded must spend the funds by September 30, 2024. Mini-grant applications for funds shall have an objective that meets one or more of the following mandatory categories: (1) improve the handling of child abuse and neglect cases, especially those involving child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child victims; (2) improve the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases, especially those involving child sexual abuse and exploitation; and (3) improve the handling of cases of suspected child abuse or neglect related fatalities, as well as those involving child maltreatment victims with disabilities and child maltreatment victims with serious health related problems. Under federal guidance, states are not permitted to use Children’s Justice Act grants for child abuse prevention programs or treatment services but must use them to support system improvements. Examples of eligible grant applications include but are not limited to funding hold multi-disciplinary team training, protocol development or peer review of forensic interviews; provide training and cross-training on relevant topics (e.g., advanced forensic interviewing topics or extended/multi-session) or for certain individuals (e.g., mandatory reporters of child abuse or neglect, court appointed special advocates, and guardians ad litem); support administration of or provide training related to Children’s Advocacy Centers; attend a conference or training focused on child maltreatment investigations, fund time-limited demonstrations of model initiatives or programs; buy certain equipment (e.g., digital cameras, recording equipment); and make facility modifications for interviewing (e.g., family-friendly environments for interviewing).
