DOC outlines RFP and funding plan for community justice centers as restorative work shifts
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Summary
Department of Corrections staff described an RFP for community justice services (RFP out Oct. 25, due Jan. 31) that sets a $100,000 base award and additional $75,000 for grantees colocated with correctional facilities; the plan will reallocate some pre-arraignment restorative work and affect local CJCs’ funding streams.
DOC officials told the Joint Justice Oversight Committee they will issue requests for proposals for community and restorative justice services to align grants with the department’s updated strategic plan.
Gail Crook, DOC director of innovation, said the RFPs are expected to be issued on Oct. 25 and due Jan. 31, with grants taking effect July 1. Under the proposal every grantee would receive a $100,000 base award; providers colocated with correctional facilities would receive an additional $75,000, and the remaining budget would be distributed proportionally by the population served in each probation and parole district.
Crook said the new procurement will move pre-arraignment restorative panels out of DOC’s scope of work and focus DOC grants on post-adjudication restorative work, reentry navigation and facility-based restorative practices. Committee members raised concerns that some counties could see funding reductions unless complementary funding streams (for example, from the Attorney General's budget) are secured to preserve pre-charge programs.
DOC staff said regional proposals can include subcontracting and that the state will evaluate subcontract structures case by case. Officials encouraged prospective applicants to prepare for the grant schedule and offered to provide more data to local stakeholders.
The committee did not vote on the funding plan and will continue oversight of the grant rollout and related transition issues.
