At a glance
The National Institute of Corrections will fund one 12-month cooperative agreement to improve behavioral health services in correctional settings, including a gap analysis, policy review, stakeholder focus groups, and development of a staff training e-course and supplemental materials. Nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education may apply, including faith-based, community, and tribal entities; federal, state, county, city, and other government organizations are not eligible. The total award is $150,000, and requests above that amount, including indirect costs, will not be considered. No cost share or match is required. Foreign governments and international organizations are not eligible, and foreign travel, equipment purchases, and construction are not allowed.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) acknowledges the pressing challenges facing behavioral health care within correctional settings nationwide. Correctional facilities increasingly contend with complex mental health and substance use issues among incarcerated individuals, yet existing behavioral health services are consistently limited by service gaps, inconsistent institutional policies, and insufficient staff training, as revealed through research and dialogue with NIC’s Mental Health Network. These shortcomings jeopardize the rehabilitation and well-being of those in custody, while also causing elevated staff stress, burnout, and organizational instability. Through this cooperative agreement, NIC will launch a comprehensive initiative to address these systemic concerns. The project will encompass an in-depth gap analysis of behavioral health services, a rigorous review of institutional policies to ensure alignment with national standards, and robust stakeholder engagement to inform program development. Input from corrections professionals and behavioral health experts will play a pivotal role in shaping project strategies and solutions. A primary outcome of these efforts will be the creation of a dynamic behavioral health training e-course designed for correctional staff. This curriculum will draw on evidence-based best practices—including trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral techniques, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and crisis intervention strategies. By equipping staff with practical, accessible tools rooted in the realities of correctional work, the initiative will enhance staff skills, foster professional development and wellness, and ultimately contribute to a safer and more stable correctional environment.
Who can apply
- Others