Publication Date:
May 17, 2012
Current as of:
Children's Justice Act (CJA) Overview
The Children’s Justice Act (CJA) provides grants to states and territories to strengthen the investigation, prosecution, and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases—especially child sexual abuse and exploitation—while minimizing trauma to victims. This includes cases involving child fatalities and children with disabilities or serious health issues.
Funding and Eligibility
- Annual Allocation: In FY 2026, $17 million was distributed to all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories from the Crime Victims Fund.
- Allocation Formula: Each state receives $50,000 plus an additional amount based on its population of children under 18.
- Annual Allocation Tables (PDF): Allocation-tables for detailed state-by-state funding.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- States must receive the CAPTA State Grant.
- States must establish a CJA Task Force to recommend improvements in handling child abuse cases.
Funding Source
Funds come from fines and fees collected from federal crime convictions and are administered by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). Grants are awarded by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families under Section 107 of CAPTA.
Typical CJA Activities
- Training for law enforcement, child protective services, health professionals, prosecutors, and judges.
- Enhancing child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary programs.
- Supporting child fatality review teams and annual reporting.
- Promoting laws that improve system responses, such as:
- Allowing indirect child testimony.
- Making courtrooms less intimidating for children.
- Increasing penalties for sexual offenses.
- Shortening trial processes and permitting victim impact statements.
Task Force Role
States must maintain a multidisciplinary Task Force to:
- Recommend policies and training to reduce trauma for victims.
- Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of state systems every three years and propose improvements.
Files
- PDF PI-26-01 (264.21 KB)
- PDF PI-26-01 Tentative Allocation Tables (102.69 KB)