The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers general funds designated to support Prerelease and Post Incarceration Services (PAPIS) programs to provide direct services to incarcerated individuals nearing release into the community or previously incarcerated individuals living in the community.

This grant is intended specifically to facilitate case management, reentry planning, transitional housing, treatment, employment readiness, and employment placement for individuals returning to the community from a local or regional jail. Ideally, services start while an individual is incarcerated in a local or regional jail and continue after release. In addition to providing resources for basic needs, programs should incorporate research-informed practices that target individual criminogenic risk factors, needs, and strengths associated with both recidivism and successful reentry.

Applications for need-based funding for State Fiscal Year 2025 are now being accepted. The Prerelease and Post Incarceration Services (PAPIS) Grant Program Guidelines and Application Procedures provide detailed guidance to aid applicants in determining eligibility, developing itemized budgets and budget narratives, and completing other related forms. Using the guidance presented in this document, applicants can efficiently and effectively prepare complete applications.