Second Chance Act
The Second Chance Act (SCA) supports state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations in their work to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning from state and federal prisons, local jails, and juvenile facilities. Passed with bipartisan support and signed into law on April 9, 2008, and reauthorized in 2018, SCA legislation authorizes federal grants for vital programs and systems reform aimed at improving the reentry process.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) funds and administers the Second Chance Act grants. Within OJP, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awards SCA grants serving adults, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awards grants serving youth. Since 2009, BJA and OJJDP have made more than 800 awards to grantees across 49 states.
In support of SCA grantees around the country, the National Reentry Resource Center works collaboratively with the Second Chance Act technical assistance (TA) providers.
Second Chance Act FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for grants?
Depending on the specific Second Chance Act grant program, state and local government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations may be eligible to apply. Please review the pages on each grant program to determine eligibility.
When can I apply for grants?
Solicitations for Second Chance Act applications are typically released throughout the first half of each calendar year. Please subscribe to updates from the National Reentry Resource Center to hear about these solicitations and other funding opportunities.
Second Chance Act Technical Assistance
SCA Orientation Webinars
Depending on the specific Second Chance Act grant program, state and local government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations may be eligible to apply. Please review the pages on each grant program to determine eligibility.
SCA Planning and Implementation Guides
Depending on the specific Second Chance Act grant program, state and local government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations may be eligible to apply. Please review the pages on each grant program to determine eligibility.
