Seeking Peer Reviewers for the Children & Youth Program

Would you like to support community-based projects that seek to build safe, supportive, and accountable communities for children and youth? Consider becoming an OVW peer reviewer for the Children & Youth Program.

What is OVW peer review?

Every year, OVW receives thousands of applications requesting funding through our numerous discretionary grant programs. To help us determine which projects to fund, we turn to people with real on-the-ground experience. The peer review process provides an objective, independent review of applications that informs OVW funding decisions.

About Children & Youth Program peer review

For the 2025 fiscal year, OVW anticipates holding the Children & Youth Program peer review virtually.

Peer reviewers will be expected to attend and actively participate in a virtual training and orientation with the Children & Youth Program specialists the week prior to peer review. Learn more about the Children & Youth Program.

If you are invited to serve on a peer review panel for FY 2025, you will receive customized training and support throughout the process so that you can succeed as a peer reviewer. We are excited to welcome new peer reviewers at different career stages who bring diverse expertise and perspectives to this work.

The benefits of serving as a peer reviewer for this program include:

• The chance to support organizations that provide services to children & youth victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and sex trafficking;
• The space to connect with professionals in your field; and
• The opportunity to gain professional experience and insight into the federal grant review process.

What are the duties of a peer reviewer?

Selected peer reviewers must be able to dedicate one to two weeks to review, score, and discuss applications. Peer reviewers will be assigned to a panel to review and evaluate up to 10 applications and then discuss them as a panel. During the panel discussion, reviewers will document their scores and comments in a detailed written consensus report for each application.

Are peer reviewers compensated?

OVW peer reviewers receive $200 per application read and scored, and any travel, lodging, and per diem expenses.

How to apply

Prior experience as a peer reviewer is not required.

To apply, please email your current resume or curriculum vitae and a completed Peer Reviewer Recruitment Form to OVW.PeerReview@usdoj.gov and OVW.ChildrenYouth@usdoj.gov

If you do not have a resume, or would like support developing one, USAJOBS has a helpful resource.

For additional details call 202-307-6026 or visit our Peer Review webpage.