CHICAGO – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced that $255,000 will be available for those in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation, or parole conditions, and State Senator Robert Peters is encouraging justice-impacted individuals to apply.

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 Nov. 10, 2022.

“It’s no secret that our criminal justice system isn’t working, as it often punishes people for being poor, rather than focusing on community safety,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Those who are low-income don’t always have dependable transportation, which means their life, their arrival to court, is in someone else’s hands. This program would help eliminate those obstacles.”  

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

In both rural and urban communities across the state, transportation barriers are a concern. 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.

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.

Learn more about this grant opportunity at icjia.illinois.gov.