The Children’s Justice Act (CJA) program was established in 1986 by Congress as Section 109 of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) and provides grants to States to improve the investigation, prosecution and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect, particularly child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child victim. This also includes the handling of child fatality cases in which child abuse or neglect is suspected and some cases of children with disabilities and serious health problems who also are victims of abuse and neglect.
Since Fiscal Year 2000, $17 million in CJA formula funds have been made available annually for distribution to the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands. States must apply for the funds and meet certain eligibility requirements, including receipt of the CAPTA Basic State Grant (in MD, this goes to DHS) and establishment of a CJA Task Force (Children’s Justice Act Committee) as outlined in the legislation. In Maryland, the CJAC is one of three standing committees of the State Council of Child Abuse and Neglect (SCCAN) per MD Family Law § 5-7A-05. Maryland currently receives approximately $306,000 annually in CJA funding.
Typical CJA activities: