Grants Unit
The Grants Unit is responsible for planning inter-agency programs and coordinating policy development initiatives to improve Connecticut's criminal justice system and enhance community safety. The Unit plans and manages the allocation of federal grant funds to support initiatives and projects that use a coordinated multi-disciplinary approach to ensure victim safety, improve offender accountability and reduce re-victimization.
Unit Functions
Plan distribution of federal grant funds, technical assistance and other resources to aid local governments, state agencies and community based organizations in creating safer communities.
Ensure project and program accountability through oversight and monitoring of grant funded activities.
Assist grant projects in developing data collection processes to comply with federal grant program requirements and document outcomes.
Assess cost effective strategies for reducing victimization and recidivism to support integration of planning and state budget development.
Communicate the value and impact of criminal justice initiatives through progress updates posted on websites, publications and reports.
Convene inter-agency forums and workgroups to assess emerging trends and issues.
Develop an inter-agency resource for identifying and tracking information on federally funded criminal justice initiatives operating throughout the state.
Grants
and Programs Administered by OPM CJPPD
Federal Grant Programs
- Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
- Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Local VCP Grant Program
- Edward Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) Grant Program
- National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP)
- STOP Violence Against Women (STOP VAW) Formula Grant Program
- Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP)
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT)
- Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
- Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)
- Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funds (CESF)
State-Funded Programs
Grants and Programs for Criminal Justice Stakeholder Awareness
Active Federal Grant Programs and Solicitations
Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Procedure for Grants Funded by DOJ
About our Unit Lead Valina Carpenter
Valina is a Policy Development Coordinator in the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, where she utilizes her extensive experience in victim services to create impactful legislative and policy recommendations. With a diverse background in victim services, including serving as the Deputy Director at the State of CT Office of Victim Services, she has been a dedicated advocate for crime victims and their families for over 25 years. Additionally, Valina shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven's Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice, specializing in victims’ rights and service administration. Valina is not only a leader in her field, but also a tireless advocate, committed to making a meaningful difference through her work and educational initiatives. She holds a Master of Arts from Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Smith College.
Email address: valina.carpenter@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 418-6220