Illinois e-News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 19, 2022

CONTACT: Cristin Evans

Cell: 773-615-6243

CHICAGO— The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) today announced a $255,000 funding opportunity to support justice-impacted individuals in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation, or parole conditions.

Supported with federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds (JAG), this opportunity will offer grants to local units of government in both rural and urban counties to support programs that assist in providing transportation to court proceedings, court-ordered services, probation appointments, employment, community service, and treatment.

“Justice-impacted individuals across Illinois are faced with significant barriers to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation,” said ICJIA Executive Director Delrice Adams. “Without transportation to complete drug testing, meet with a probation officer, attend court proceedings, or participate in a treatment program, individuals may become at increased risk for relapse, recidivism, or a period of incarceration.”

Transportation barriers are a concern in both rural and urban communities. With fewer local services in rural areas, individuals must travel longer distances to attend treatment or obtain employment. In urban communities, public transportation is not always available or reliable. In addition, some clients become at increased risk for violence when moving through gang territories.

Grants will be made in the amounts of $40,000 to $50,000 and must be expended between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. The application deadline for this program is November 10, 2022.

JAG funds may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, and information systems for criminal justice in areas of law enforcement, the courts, drug treatment/enforcement, community corrections, and other aspects of the justice system.

ICJIA is dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice through work in the areas of grants administration, research and analysis, policy and planning, and information systems and technology. Visit icjia.illinois.gov.