Access to Justice for the Juvenile Offender Population: Opportunities for Judicial and Cultural Change - Phase II | INL18CA0060 WHPCOSTARICA 07302018

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Access to Justice for the Juvenile Offender Population: Opportunities for Judicial and Cultural Change - Phase II."

Which U.S. government agency is offering this opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity offered through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What is the main purpose of the program?

The program focuses on strengthening how the justice system responds to juvenile offenders, with an emphasis on restorative justice and alternatives to incarceration. The intent is to achieve measurable changes in judicial practice and institutional culture that lead to fairer outcomes for youth and improved community safety over time.

What kind of award mechanism is being used?

The program is structured as a discretionary cooperative agreement. This means the funder expects to remain actively involved during implementation rather than only providing funds with minimal engagement.

What outcomes is the project expected to produce?

Key expectations include increasing the number of juvenile offenders referred to alternative sentencing options and increasing the number who successfully complete those options. A central performance expectation is reduced recidivism through interventions that address underlying drivers of youth offending instead of relying primarily on punitive responses.

How does the opportunity define "access to justice" in this context?

The opportunity frames the work as an access-to-justice effort, especially for juveniles who face additional barriers because of social, economic, cultural, or health conditions.

Which juvenile populations are prioritized?

The grant places special priority on reaching particularly vulnerable juvenile populations, including migrants, youth with disabilities, afro-descendent and indigenous youth, and juveniles experiencing addiction.

Where is the project intended to operate?

The work is intended to concentrate on higher-need areas in Costa Rica, especially Limon, Pococi, Puntarenas, San Carlos, and the Southern Zone near the Panamanian border. The opportunity also allows for inclusion of other vulnerable areas as they are identified.

Why does the opportunity emphasize certain geographic areas?

The geographic focus signals that the project should be grounded in local realities and disparities, tailoring strategies to communities where the justice system may face capacity gaps and where youth may have fewer protective supports.

What does the opportunity mean by "alternatives to incarceration" or "alternative sentencing"?

Based on the description, the opportunity expects increased referral to and completion of options other than incarceration, supported by restorative justice approaches and reintegration services that make participation realistic and meaningful.

What types of reintegration activities are envisioned?

The scope places major emphasis on reintegration, including identifying education and employment options for participating youth, providing practical tools and strategies to help them engage with formal schooling and the labor market, and expanding access to drug treatment services.

How is addiction addressed in the project scope?

The opportunity specifically prioritizes juveniles experiencing addiction and envisions expanding access to drug treatment services as part of reintegration and reduced recidivism efforts.

How does the opportunity connect justice-system decisions with social supports?

The description implies a coordinated approach where diversion or alternative sentencing is linked with supports such as education pathways, job-related tools, and treatment services, making compliance more achievable for youth, including those with fragile family circumstances.

Does the opportunity include support for victims?

Yes. The opportunity highlights support for victims of juvenile offenses and expects restorative justice practices to be adapted to better address the specific needs of victims in juvenile cases.

What does "victim-centered" restorative justice mean here?

Within this opportunity, victim-centered restorative justice can include designing victim-centered processes, improving communication and support services, and ensuring restorative approaches are applied in ways that are safe, appropriate, and responsive to the harm experienced, while still recognizing the developmental realities of juveniles.

Is restorative justice presented as a single fixed model?

No. The opportunity explicitly indicates restorative justice should not be treated as one-size-fits-all and should be adapted to the needs of victims in juvenile cases.

What is the role of training in this program?

Training is a major component tied to sustainability and institutionalization. The project is expected to equip a larger group of Poder Judicial staff to apply restorative techniques and create continuity by training future staff as well.

What does sustainability mean for this opportunity?

Sustainability is described as leaving behind skills, processes, and internal capacity so the judiciary can continue and expand restorative approaches after the project ends, not only delivering services during the grant period.

Which institution is expected to build capacity under this project?

The opportunity specifically references strengthening capacity among Poder Judicial staff, indicating a judiciary-centered implementation and institutionalization focus.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The funding opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.703, categorized as law, justice, and legal services.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $650,000.

How many awards was the funder expecting to make?

The funder anticipated making one award.

When was the opportunity posted, and what was the original closing date?

The opportunity was posted on July 30, 2018, with an original closing date of September 29, 2018.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are described broadly as "others," with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.

What is the overall focus of the grant in practical terms?

In practical, on-the-ground terms, the grant aims to support more effective alternative sentencing, stronger reintegration supports (education, employment, treatment access), better victim services through tailored restorative justice, and a judiciary workforce trained to sustain these reforms in vulnerable regions of Costa Rica.