What does BJA mean in US GOVERNMENT

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, or BJA, is a component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice. It provides grants and assistance to state, local and tribal agencies to help improve public safety, reduce crime and enhance the criminal justice system.

The BJA awards grants to state, local and tribal agencies that help implement programs with proven effectiveness at improving public safety outcomes. These grant programs support projects focusing on gender-based violence prevention, victim services and justice reform initiatives as well as other criminal justice priorities such as policing strategies and correctional operations.

Yes - in addition to providing grants for funding projects, BJA also funds technical assistance programs that provide guidance and expertise in areas such as evidence-based practices adoption, data driven decision making process improvement and program evaluation systems implementation.

Agencies interested in applying for funding should visit the Grants page on their website to find out more information about available grant opportunities as well as how to apply for them.

Eligible activities include those related to research studies; training related expenses; equipment purchases; staffing/personnel expenses such operating budgets; contract costs associated with direct services or program implementation; victim services activities; evaluations; assessment tools development; modification or development of treatment protocols or curricula; worksite changes or improvements necessary for implementation or delivery; technology systems enhancements related to implementation efforts; technical assistance activities provided by specialized entities assisting with project design or implementation support (e.g., management consultants); legal services required for compliance including consultation with attorneys experienced in Indian civil rights law if applicable; policy development including Tribal Codes if applicable; faculty replication models which may include immersion training workshops designed specifically to meet program objectives; pre-employment background checks if required by grant purpose(s); conference fees related to project activities (e.g., trainers' fees).