Office of Refugee Resettlement; Services to Unaccompanied Alien Children, 32343-32358 [05-10961]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Administration for Children and Families
• Reclamation Bureau

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 105 (Thursday, June 2, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32343-32358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-10961]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families


Office of Refugee Resettlement; Services to Unaccompanied Alien 
Children

    Announcement Type: Cooperative Agreement--Initial.
    Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ORR-ZU-0007.
    CFDA Number: 93.676.
    Due Date for Letters of Intent: June 17, 2005.
    Due Date for Applications: July 18, 2005.
    Executive Summary: One of the functions of the Division of 
Unaccompanied Children's Services (DUCS) within ORR is to provide 
temporary shelter care and other related services to children in ORR 
custody. Shelter care services will be provided for the period 
beginning when DUCS accepts the child for placement and custody and 
ending when the child is released from custody, a final disposition of 
the child's immigration case results in removal of the child from the 
United States or the child turns 18 years of age. Shelter care and 
other child welfare related services in a State licensed residential 
shelter care program should be provided in the least restrictive 
setting appropriate to the UAC's age and special needs. While the 
majority of UAC remain in care for an average of 45 days, some will 
stay for shorter or longer periods of time. ORR is particularly 
interested in those facilities licensed for long term care as opposed 
to those facilities licensed as emergency shelters.
    This announcement provides the opportunity to fund providers of 
shelter (basic, group home, staff secure, secure, therapeutic group 
home, transitional and long-term foster care services) and those 
providers that conduct suitability assessments and provide 
recommendations on such assessments. In this announcement, providers 
are referred to as ``Recipients.'' The children, although placed in the 
physical custody of the Recipient, remain entirely in the custody of 
the Federal Government.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    Legislative Authority: This program is authorized by section 462 of 
the Homeland Security Act of 2002, (6 U.S.C. 279) which, in March 2003, 
transferred responsibility of the Unaccompanied Alien Children's 
Program from the Commissioner of the former Immigration and 
Naturalization Service (INS) to the Director of the Office of Refugee 
Resettlement (ORR) of the Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS).
    The Director of ORR is encouraged to use the refugee children 
foster care system established pursuant to section 412(d) of the 
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(d)) for the placement of 
UAC. All programs must comply with the Flores Settlement Agreement and 
regulations that will be published.

[[Page 32344]]

    Purpose and Objectives: One of the functions of the Division of 
Unaccompanied Children's Services (DUCS) within ORR is to provide 
temporary shelter care and other related services to children in ORR 
custody. Shelter care services will be provided for the period 
beginning when DUCS accepts the child for placement and custody and 
ending when the child is either released from custody, turns 18 years 
of age or a final disposition of the child's immigration case results 
in removal of the child from the United States. Shelter care and other 
child welfare related services should be provided to UAC in a State-
licensed residential shelter care program in the least restrictive 
setting possible. While the majority of children remain in care for an 
average of 45 days, some will stay for shorter or longer periods of 
time. ORR is particularly interested in those facilities licensed for 
long term care as opposed to those facilities licensed as emergency 
shelters.
    This announcement provides the opportunity to fund providers of 
shelter (basic, group home, staff secure, secure, therapeutic group 
home, transitional and long-term foster care services). In this 
announcement, providers are referred to as ``Recipients.'' The 
children, although placed in the physical custody of the Recipient, 
remain entirely in the custody of the Federal Government.
    The population level of UAC is expected to fluctuate as arrivals 
and case dispositions occur. Program content must address the 
specialized and individual needs of children in various developmental 
stages. The program also must plan to serve children during various 
stages of their immigration proceedings. Although the population of 
children is projected to consist primarily of adolescents, recipients 
are expected to be able to serve some children who are under 12 years 
of age. ORR is particularly interested in facilities that have a 
capacity to serve children under 12 and pregnant and parenting teens.
    Recipients of these funds are to facilitate the provision of 
assistance and services for each UAC including, but not limited to: 
Physical care and maintenance; provide routine and emergency medical/
mental health care; dental services; comprehensive orientation; 
education; recreation; individual and group counseling by licensed 
clinicians; access to religious services, legal services and other 
social services. Recipients may be required to provide other services 
if ORR determines in advance that a service is reasonable and necessary 
for a particular child.
    Recipients are expected to develop and implement an appropriate 
individualized service plan for the care and maintenance of each child 
in accordance with his/her needs as determined in an initial intake 
admission assessment and psychosocial assessment. In addition, 
Recipients are required to implement and administer a case management 
system which tracks and monitors children's progress on a regular basis 
to ensure that each child receives the full range of program services 
in an integrated and comprehensive manner.
    Basic shelter care services shall be provided in accordance with 
applicable State child welfare statutes and generally accepted child 
welfare standards, practices, principles, and procedures. Services must 
be delivered in an open type of setting without a need for 
extraordinary security measures. Recipients must have a behavioral 
management system that utilizes a strength-based approach/model that 
will be required in the implementation of the UAC program.
    Shelter services to special needs populations, such as victims of 
smuggling and trafficking, will require a higher level of security. 
Recipients that can offer placements for these populations should 
explain their ability and experience to provide such services.
    Recipients are, however, required to design programs and strategies 
to discourage runaways and prevent the unauthorized absence of children 
in their care as outlined in the Flores Settlement Agreement. Service 
delivery is expected to be accomplished in a manner which is sensitive 
to the culture, native language and special needs of these children.

Client Population

    It is anticipated that the client population will generally consist 
of males and females, 12 to17 years of age. Males represent a higher 
percentage of the total population of UAC. These UAC are primarily 
nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, 
People's Republic of China and India. However, Recipients can expect to 
provide services to significant numbers of children from various other 
countries. Recipients must also be prepared to provide child-care 
services to UAC under 12 years of age, as well as pregnant and 
parenting teens.

Definition of Unaccompanied Alien Child

    An unaccompanied alien child is a child who:
    (a) has no lawful immigration status in the United States;
    (b) has not attained 18 years of age; and
    (c) with respect to whom:
    (i) there is no parent or legal guardian in the United States; or
    (ii) no parent or legal guardian in the United States is available 
to provide care and physical custody (6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2).

Allowable Activities

    All programs will be required to follow minimum standards for 
licensed programs (Exhibit 1 of the Flores Settlement Agreement) which 
require that all Unaccompanied Alien Children be provided with the 
following as stated in Section IV of this announcement: proper physical 
care and maintenance; individualized need assessments; educational 
services by certified teachers; activities (recreation/leisure); 
medical and dental; mental health services (including psychiatric and 
psychological services, as well as specialized therapeutic services) 
on-site; at least one individual counseling session per week; group 
counseling sessions at least twice a week; acculturation and adaptation 
services; access to religious services (whenever possible); right to 
privacy; visitation and contact with family members; family 
reunification and release services; legal orientation and access to 
legal services; neighborhood community relations and escort; 
transportation services; interpretation and translation; orientation to 
program rules and regulations.
    All services should be culturally sensitive to the population being 
served.

Geographic Locations

    Applications will be awarded in two phases for the two groups 
identified below. Applications submitted pursuant to this announcement 
must plan for the delivery of services to a population as specified 
below, with a licensed capacity for future expansion. The shelter 
should be accessible to immigration courts, pro bono attorneys, 
national transportation hubs, and community mental health and medical 
resources/services. The facilities must be located within a 50 mile 
radius of the metropolitan areas identified below:

[[Page 32345]]



                                          Group I.--Geographic Location
                                          [Start Date October 1, 2005]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Type of
              Location by      Location by      facility or    Total number of  Funds available
   No.           state             city           services      beds required*  up to (millions   Budget periods
                                                  required                        in dollars)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........  Florida.........  Miami..........  Basic Shelter    42.............  2.53...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                               and/or Group                                       Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes.
2........  Georgia.........  Atlanta........  Basic Shelter..  24.............  1.57...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                                                                                  Sept 30, 2006.
3........  California......  San Diego......  Basic Shelter..  15.............  1.25...........  Oct 1, 2005--
                                                                                                  Sept 30, 2006.
4........  Arizona.........  Phoenix........  Basic Shelter..  120............  5.91...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                                                                                  Sept 30, 2006.
5........  Illinois........  Chicago........  Basic shelter    59 (54 shelter   2.895..........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                               and/or Group     and 5 foster                      Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes and        Home beds.
                                               Foster Care.
6........  Texas...........  Houston Site     Basic Shelter    32.............  1.76...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                              Two.             and/or Group                                       Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes.
7........  ................  Houston Site     Staff Secure     14.............  0.91...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                              Three.           Care.                                              Sept 30, 2006.
8........  ................  Houston Site     Basic Shelter    32.............  1.65...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                              Four.            and/or Group                                       Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes.
9........  ................  El Paso........  Basic Shelter    56.............  3.10...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                               and/or Group                                       Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes.
10.......  ................  Brownsville....  Basic Shelter    40.............  2.31...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                               and/or Group                                       Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes.
11.......  ................  Brownsville....  Staff Secure     5..............  0.30...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                                               Care.                                              Sept 30, 2006.
12.......  ................  Brownsville/     Basic Shelter    136............  4.47...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                              Harlingen.       and/or Group                                       Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Homes.
13.......  ................  Brownsville/     Transitional     36.............  1.32...........  Oct 1, 2005-
                              Harlingen.       Foster care.                                       Sept 30, 2006.
 
Subtotal Number of Beds and Amount of Money for Group I:       611 beds.......  $29.975
                                                                                 (million) .
14.......          Nationwide Network         Long Term        Supports up to   $980,000 for     Oct 1, 2005-
                                               Foster Care.     50 clients in    long-term        Sept 30, 2006.
                                                                care per         Foster care
                                                                applicant (two   (for a total
                                                                awards           of $1.96
                                                                available).      million for
                                                                                 this category).
                                              Transitional     Support 6 beds   $690,000 each    Oct 1, 2005-
                                               Foster Care.     each in          (for a total     Sept 30, 2006.
                                                                Tacoma, WA and   of $1.38
                                                                in Phoenix, AZ   million for
                                                                (two awards      this category).
                                                                available).
                                              To Conduct       Up to120         $1.9 million     Oct 1, 2005-
                                               Suitability      suitability      (for a total     Sept 30, 2006.
                                               Assessments      assessment       of $3.8
                                               and              cases per        million for
                                               Recommendation   applicant (two   this category).
                                               s.               awards
                                                                available).
Total Amount of Money for Group I:            $34.915
                                               (million) .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Could potentially be comprised of more than one agency.


                                         Group II.--Geographic Location
                                           [Start Date March 1, 2006]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Type of
              Location by      Location by      facility or    Total number of  Funds available   Budget period
   No.           state             city           services      beds required*  up to (millions     of awards
                                                  required                        in dollars)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........  California......  Los Angeles....  Basic Shelter    24.............  1.76...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                                               and/or Group                                       28, 2007.
                                               Homes.
2........                    San Diego......  Group Homes....  9..............  0.75...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                                                                                                  28, 2007.
3........                    San Francisco..  Basic Shelter    16.............  1.33...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                                               and/or Group                                       28, 2007.
                                               Homes.
4........                    Phoenix........  Group Homes....  24.............  1.19...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                                                                                                  28, 2007.
5........  Arizona.........  Phoenix........  Therapeutic      6..............  0.218..........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                                               Group Homes.                                       28, 2007.
6........  Texas...........  Houston Site     Basic Shelter..  16.............  0.90...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                              One.                                                                28, 2007.
7........  Texas or NY.....  One location...  Therapeutic      6..............  0.33...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                                               Group Home.                                        28, 2007.
8........  Texas...........  Mc Allen or      Basic Shelter    32.............  1.10...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                              Southeast        and/or Group                                       28, 2007.
                              Texas.           Homes.

[[Page 32346]]

 
9........  Texas or Indiana  One or two       Secure Care....  6..............  0.40...........  Mar 1, 2006-Feb
                              locations.                                                          28, 2007.
                                                              ----------------------------------
Total Number of Beds and Money for Group II:                   139 beds.......  $7.968
                                                                                 (million) .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\*\ Could potentially be comprised of more than one agency.


    Note: ORR could change the number of beds in any location (up or 
down) any time based on its needs and availability of funds.

    The geographical location of the primary recipient is not 
restricted to a selected area of service. However, the recipient must 
be able to substantiate that the facility, network of local affiliates 
or their sub-recipient(s) are located in the designated geographic 
service area/s. The recipient must be able to deliver the required 
services effectively and appropriately and ensure that local service 
provider organizations are licensed under applicable State law to 
provide basic shelter care and related services to dependent children.
    Agencies are encouraged to partner with other licensed agencies in 
order to meet capacity needs of the designated geographical area. For 
example, in a geographical area requiring 32 beds, two agencies can 
collaborate and propose a shelter with 24 beds and a group home with 8 
beds.

Provision of Care (Minimum Standards for Licensed Programs)

    Licensed programs shall comply with the Flores Settlement 
Agreement, all applicable state child welfare laws and regulations and 
all state and local building, fire, health and safety codes and shall 
provide or arrange for the services listed below for each child in 
their care. In addition, recipients shall comply with ORR's policies 
and procedures and cooperative agreement.
    The applicants must cover in detail the following service areas:
    1. Care and maintenance: Proper physical care and maintenance, 
including suitable living accommodations, culturally appropriate food, 
clothing, and personal grooming items.
    2. Medical: Appropriate routine medical and dental care, family 
planning services, and emergency health care services, a complete 
medical examination (including screening for infectious disease) within 
48 hours of admission, excluding weekends and holidays, unless the 
child was recently examined at another facility; appropriate 
immunizations in accordance with the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) 
and Centers for Disease Control and prevention; administration of 
prescribed medication and special diets; and appropriate mental health 
interventions when necessary.
    3. Assessment: Individualized assessment which includes: (1) 
Various initial intake and assessment forms (initial intake, admission 
assessment, psychosocial assessment, individual service plan); (2) 
essential data relating to the identification and history of the child 
and family; (3) identification of the child's mental health and medical 
special needs, including any specific issues which appear to require 
immediate intervention; (4) an educational assessment and plan; (5) an 
assessment of family relationships and interaction with adults, peers 
and authority figures; (6) a statement of religious preference and 
practice; (7) an assessment of the child's personal goals, strengths 
and weaknesses; and (8) identifying information regarding immediate 
family members, other relatives, godparents or friends who may be 
residing in the United States and may be able to assist in family 
reunification.
    4. Education: Educational services Monday through Friday, 
appropriate to the child's level of development, and communication 
skills in a structured classroom setting which concentrates primarily 
on the development of basic academic competencies, and secondarily on 
English Language acquisition or skills (ELT). The educational program 
shall include instruction, educational materials and other reading 
materials in such languages as needed. Basic academic areas should 
include Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Reading, Writing and 
Physical Education. The Recipient shall provide children with 
appropriate reading materials in their native languages for use during 
the children's leisure time. Educational services should serve both 
short and long-term needs of those served and should be provided by 
state/county certified teachers. Vocational instruction should be 
encouraged.
    5. Recreation/Leisure: Activities according to a recreation and 
leisure time plan that includes daily outdoor activities, weather 
permitting, at least one hour per day of large muscle activity and one 
hour per day of structured leisure time activities (this should not 
include time spent watching television). Activities should be increased 
to a total of five hours daily on days when school is not in session, 
including weekends. Preference will be given to those with on-site 
recreational facilities/space.
    6. Mental Health: Referral to or provision of mental health 
services, such as crisis intervention, including protocols and 
standards for emergency mental health situations; on-site or outpatient 
psychotherapy and counseling; psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and 
medication management; psychological evaluation and assessment; 
therapeutic residential treatment; in-patient psychiatric care and 
other clinical interventions identified as appropriate by ORR. 
Bilingual mental health services are preferred.
    7. Individual Counseling: At least one (1) individual counseling 
session per week conducted by a licensed clinician, trained case 
managers with social work experience with the specific objectives of 
reviewing the child's progress, establishing new short-term objectives, 
and addressing the developmental, immediate concerns and special needs 
of each child.
    8. Group Counseling: Programs shall conduct group counseling 
sessions/community meetings at least twice a week. This is usually an 
informal process and takes place with all the children present. It is a 
time when new children are given the opportunity to get acquainted with 
the staff, other children, and the rules of the program. Community 
meetings shall be open forums where everyone has a chance to speak. 
Daily program management is discussed and decisions are made about 
recreational activities, etc. Social work staff shall have a curriculum 
for group therapy that may be altered depending on the needs of the 
population. Group

[[Page 32347]]

goals should include learning problem solving skills, socializing and 
cultural adaptation techniques, didactic instruction, assertiveness 
training, anger reduction, interpersonal learning, relaxation and 
stress reduction, building group cohesiveness, and the proper 
expression of thoughts and feelings.
    9. Acculturation: Acculturation and adaptation services should 
include information regarding the development of social and inter-
personal skills which contribute to the ability to live independently 
and responsibly.
    10. Orientation: Upon admission, a comprehensive orientation 
regarding program intent, services, rules (written and verbal), 
expectations and the availability of legal assistance.
    11. Religious Access: Whenever possible, access to religious 
services of the child's choice.
    12. Visitation: Visitation and contact with family members 
(regardless of the family's immigration status) that is structured to 
encourage such visitation. The staff shall respect the child's privacy 
while reasonably preventing the unauthorized release of the child. 
Visitation includes unlimited access to children by their retained 
attorneys.
    13. Right to Privacy: A reasonable right to privacy, which includes 
the right to (1) wear his or her own clothes, when available; (2) 
retain a private space in the residential facility, group or foster 
home for the storage of personal belongings; (3) Children have the 
right to make phone calls to family including to their country of 
origin (4) talk privately on the phone, as permitted by the house rules 
and regulations; (5) visit privately with guests, as permitted by the 
house rules and regulations; and (6) receive and send uncensored mail 
unless there is a reasonable belief that the mail contains contraband.
    14. Family Reunification and Release Services: Family reunification 
and release services designed to identify appropriate sponsors in the 
United States. Provision of reunification services will be monitored 
and evaluated. For those facilities currently serving children, 
preference will be given to those that have a demonstrated record of 
successful, thorough and expedient reunification and release services.
    15. Legal Services Orientation: Legal services information 
regarding the availability of free legal assistance, the right to be 
represented by counsel at no expense to the government, the right to a 
removal hearing before an Immigration Judge, the right to apply for 
political asylum or to request voluntary departure in lieu of removal. 
Private space should be provided by the Recipient for legal 
consultation. Children have the right to make phone calls to family 
including to their country of origin.
    16. Cultural Sensitivity: Service delivery is to be accomplished in 
a manner which is sensitive to the age, culture, religion, dietary 
needs, native language and the individual needs of each child.
    17. Rules: Program rules and discipline standards shall be 
formulated with consideration for the range of ages and maturity in the 
program and shall be culturally sensitive to the needs of unaccompanied 
alien children. A positive strength-based behavior management approach 
should be used. Children shall not be subjected to corporal punishment, 
humiliation, mental abuse or punitive interference with the daily 
functions of living, such as eating or sleeping. Any sanctions employed 
shall not: (a) adversely affect either a child's health, or physical or 
psychological well-being; or (b) deny a child regular meals, sufficient 
sleep, exercise, medical care, correspondence privileges, or legal 
assistance.
    18. Service Plan: A comprehensive and realistic Individual Service 
Plan for the care of each child must be developed in accordance with 
the child's needs as determined by the initial intake, admission 
assessment, and psychosocial assessments. Individual Service Plans 
shall be implemented and closely coordinated through an operative case 
management system.
    19. Language Capacity: Programs shall hire and maintain staff that 
speaks the major languages of the children under their care. Access to 
other languages should also be available, if necessary.
    20. Record Keeping: Programs shall develop, maintain and safeguard 
individual client case records. Agencies and organizations are required 
to develop a system of accountability which preserves the 
confidentiality of client information and protects the records from 
unauthorized use or disclosure. The records of clients served under 
this program are ORR's records.
    21. Reporting to ORR: Programs shall maintain adequate records and 
make regular reports as required by ORR that permit ORR to monitor and 
enforce the Flores Settlement Agreement, Federal requirements, ORR's 
policies and procedures and other requirements and standards as ORR may 
determine are in the best interests of the children. Recipient will 
have the capability to maintain detailed electronic client data 
information on the ORR Internet web-based database.
    22. Transportation/Escort: Recipient will provide transportation to 
and from the facility to other locations and/or facilities throughout 
the United States. Transport will also include trips to and from local 
airports. Costs for regularly anticipated escorted transportation 
should be reflected in the proposed budget.
    23. Training: Staff-training should comply with state licensing 
requirements and individualized training plans. A training plan should 
be submitted with your attached proposal.
    24. Vocational program or activities: Opportunity for children to 
receive vocational training in some useful and appropriate skills.
    The provision of services will include a structured, safe and 
productive environment which meets or exceeds respective state 
guidelines, the Flores Settlement Agreement and ORR's minimum standards 
for services designed to serve children in ORR's care and custody.

Program Design

    The applicants must set forth in detail information concerning the 
following:
    1. Overview: A comprehensive overview of the applicant agency, 
agency qualifications and history, including philosophy, goals and 
history of experience with respect to the provision of child welfare, 
social service, cross cultural/international or related services to 
children under 18 years of age from various cultural backgrounds and 
with various language capabilities.
    2. Management Plan: a. A plan for overall fiscal and program 
management and accountability.
    b. A description of the organizational structure and lines of 
authority (organization chart).
    c. A comprehensive program staffing plan and information regarding 
staff qualifications (education, relevant professional experience for 
some positions needed) and languages each staff speaks.
    d. A comprehensive plan for coordination of activities between the 
various program components and coordination with other community and 
governmental agencies.
    e. Staff supervisory model.
    f. Provisions for staff training.
    g. Proposed staff schedule(s).
    h. A description of the role(s) and responsibility(ies) of the 
proposed consultants and the rationale for their use.
    i. Listing of all federal, state, or local funded grants and/or 
contracts received.
    3. Individual Service Plans--Applicants shall describe in detail:

[[Page 32348]]

    a. The methodology regarding the development of individual client 
service plans;
    b. The process to ensure that service plans will be periodically 
reviewed and updated; and
    c. The staff that will have responsibility for the development or 
updating of the plans.
    4. Case Management--Describe in detail the case management system 
for tracking and monitoring client progress on a regular basis to 
ensure that each child receives the full range of program services in 
an integrated and comprehensive manner. Identify the staff positions 
responsible for coordinating the implementation and maintenance of the 
case management system.
    5. Structure and Accountability--Applicants must fully describe:
    a. The plan for developing and maintaining internal structure, 
control and accountability through programmatic means.
    b. Utilization of daily logs to track program activities.
    c. Ability to produce statistical reports to track referral 
demographics and performance.
    d. Ability to maintain a comprehensive database on program 
demographics and the statistical data regarding UAC in your program.
    6. Characteristics of Program Site:
    Residential/Office Facility. Applicants are required to set forth 
in detail comprehensive information regarding:
    a. A physical description of the proposed facility including the 
proposed allocation of office space (description must be about an 
existing facility. New constructions will not be considered);
    b. Documentation that the facility meets all relevant zoning, 
licensing, fire, safety and health codes required to operate a 
residentially based social service program. Copies of relevant 
documents must be submitted at the time of application;
    c. Facility ownership or leasing agreements must be fully explained 
and documented.
    d. Applicants should submit a copy of their licenses, along with a 
description of how their licenses support ORR's needs (capacity, ages, 
sex, length of stay, etc.) and what types of services the license 
covers.

Levels of Care and Custody

    Levels of care are specific to geographic locations identified in 
Section 1. All minimum standards apply. The applicants must apply for 
the appropriate level of care as indicated in the sections below. 
Applicants can apply for one or more of the levels of care as long as 
they have appropriate levels of care in the different geographic 
locations.
    Shelter Care: Recipients shall provide shelter care, which could 
include basic shelter, group home, staff secure, secure, and 
transitional/long-term foster care, in addition to other related 
services to unaccompanied alien children. Each level of care will 
provide children with a structured, safe, and productive environment 
which meets or exceeds respective State guidelines and standards for 
similar care. The design of the shelter care program and facility 
should be in full compliance with the Flores Settlement Agreement, 
including the Minimum Standards for Licensed Programs, which are 
indicated in this announcement, and State licensing requirements.
    a. Basic Shelter Care and Group Homes: Shelter Care: The Recipient 
operates a licensed shelter care facility designed to serve the 
majority of unaccompanied alien children for an average of 45 days. 
Facilities are generally located in major immigration apprehension 
areas and provide a full range of on-site services. Basic shelter care 
facilities typically house between 16 and 80 children, depending on 
state licensing requirements.
    Group Homes: The Recipient operates licensed group homes designed 
to serve the majority of unaccompanied alien children, with an emphasis 
on the ability to serve specific sub-sets of the population, including 
but not limited to children of a tender age, pregnant and parenting 
teens, and children with other special needs. Group homes are generally 
located in major immigration apprehension areas and provide a full 
range of on-site services (including education). Group homes typically 
house between 6 and 18 children, depending on state licensing. 
Generally, unaccompanied alien children will remain in group homes for 
an average of 45 days.
    Areas where Basic Shelter Care or Group Home programs are needed: 
Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, 
CA; Phoenix, AZ; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; El Paso, TX; Brownsville/
Harlingen, TX and McAllen, TX.
    b. Transitional Foster Care: The Recipient operates licensed, 
trained foster homes that are designed to serve the majority of 
unaccompanied alien children, but are typically reserved for children 
of a tender age, pregnant/parenting teens, and children with other 
special needs. Transitional foster care provides children with a 
family-style living environment where children are integrated into a 
domestic atmosphere. The foster care agency is responsible for 
providing a full range of on-site services, including education that 
must meet or exceed State licensing requirements.
    Areas where Transitional Foster Care is Needed: Harlingen/
Brownsville, Texas, Chicago, Illinos.
    c. Staff Secure Care (Medium Secure): The Recipient operates a 
structured, licensed shelter care facility designed to serve a unique 
population: UAC who require close supervision but do not need placement 
in junevile correction facilities. The population may include with 
delinquent behavior; UAC with serious behavior problems; and UAC who 
present a flight risk. As an alternative to secure detention, the 
staff-secure Recipient significantly reduces/eliminates the use of 
physical restraints and facilitates a ``safe-haven shelter'' atmosphere 
rather than a ``juvenile detention'' environment. In addition to 
compliance with ORR/DUCS shelter care standards, policies, and 
procedures, the Recipient provides the following:
    (1) Heightened level of staff supervision, communication and 
services for a small population of 20 youth or fewer. The Recipient is 
required to maintain stricter security measures and higher staffing 
ratios than many shelters/group homes in order to control problem 
behavior and discourage flight. If there is an escape from a staff 
secure facility, the Recipient must provide a detailed corrective 
action plan to the Project Officer, in addition to completing and 
submitting to ORR a Significant Incident Report.
    (2) Effective monitoring so that entry to and egress from the 
building can be controlled. A staff secure facility may have a security 
fence and secure entrance(s) and exit(s). However, the Recipient does 
not utilize lock-down procedures typically associated with traditional 
juvenile correctional (detention) facilities (e.g., strip searches, use 
of mechanical restraints, cell-like sleeping rooms, lack of privacy, 
razor wire, etc.)
    (3) The Recipient's program design is consistent with ORR's 
interest to ensure the child's timely appearance before the immigration 
court and to protect the child's well-being and that of others in the 
shelter. The Recipient provides this heightened level of staff 
supervision for any and all required community trips (medical, dental, 
immigration court). Recreational and educational field trips are 
limited and must be specifically approved by the Project Officer. 
Security and accountability are

[[Page 32349]]

maintained during transport through procedures, staffing patterns, and 
effective communication rather than bars, locks and restraints 
associated with typical juvenile detention centers.
    (4) The Recipient must have the capability to control the behavior 
and flight of a specific child when needed and maintain constant and 
continuous supervision of the minor. For example, the Recipient should 
incorporate constant supervision rather than 15 minutes or 30 minute 
bed checks. In order to prevent flight and/ or protect the safety of 
staff and children, the use of physical (hands-on) restraint is 
authorized in cases where children are attempting to flee or cause harm 
to self or others. However, the facility should not exceed the level of 
restraint permitted by the Recipient's shelter license. Staff must be 
trained and be competent in the use of behavioral management techniques 
and other alternatives to mechanical restraints.
    (5) The Recipient provides (or has access to) specialized services 
for children with substance abuse problems, anger management issues, 
and/or other special behavior needs. The Recipient also has timely 
access to bilingual mental health services. The Recipient is expected 
to provide complete case management services, including the preparation 
and processing of reunification packets. The Recipient monitors the 
length of stay, timely family reunifications and releases, and 
regularly evaluates the child's progress for transfer to a less 
restrictive setting.
    Areas where Staff Secure Care Programs are needed: Houston, TX; 
Brownsville, TX.
    d. Secure Care (Full-Service): Secure Detention: One location with 
6 beds. The Recipient provides secure shelter care in a non-traditional 
setting. The license should enable the facility to provide secure care 
as listed in this section. Rather than operating a traditional juvenile 
detention center, the Recipient provides a full range of program and 
case management services in a secure but shelter care setting. The 
Recipient operates a facility that is able to maintain control of a 
specialized population of 6 children who have exhibited the following 
behavior: violent or criminal behavior that endangers others (e.g., 
serious assault; carrying weapons in support of violence); serious 
escape history/risk; serious sex offender; extremely disruptive 
behavior in shelter or disruptive behavior in staff secure setting. In 
addition to meeting child welfare standards and services and the staff 
secure levels of care and programming, the Recipient accomplishes the 
following:
    (1) Recipient has capability to physically and safely restrain a 
violent child during an emergency (i.e.: self harm, harm to others) or 
escape attempt. Staff must be trained and competent in the use of 
behavioral management techniques and other alternatives to physical and 
hard restraint, which should only be used as a last resort. 
Nonetheless, the use of soft and hard restraints is authorized in 
emergencies and for escape precautions during transport, when needed. 
Recipients should use only soft restraints (like nylon) , rather than 
hard restraints (like metal hand-cuffs, metal shackles, and metal belly 
chains) depending on need and previous background of the minor. The 
Recipient practices a ``zero tolerance'' policy for escapes from a 
secure care facility or from secure transport.
    (2) In accordance with state detention and safety standards, the 
facility, rooms, and windows are secure. The American Correctional 
Association's ``Standards for Small Juvenile Detention Facilities'' 
(ACA, 3rd ed. 1991) and its published supplements should be used by the 
Recipient as a guide. The Recipient will direct special attention to 
the publication's mandatory standards for small detention facilities 
and provide the Project Officer an Action Plan regarding the current 
status of compliance with these Standards. It is understood that in 
this non-traditional secure setting some standards may not be 
applicable.
    Areas where Secure Care Programs are needed: Texas and Indiana
    e. Therapeutic Group Home: Recipient operates a licensed 
therapeutic group home to serve a sub-set of the UAC population. There 
are certain UAC who do not require the intensive mental health 
placement of a residential treatment center (RTC), but would benefit 
from placement in a small, supervised, therapeutic environment. 
Children who may qualify for placement in a therapeutic group home 
include:
    1. Children being discharged from a residential treatment center.
    2. Children with mild cognitive impairments.
    3. Children with documented mental health issues, such as 
depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
    4. Children with a history of family violence, sexual abuse/
assault, and/or physical/emotional abuse.
    5. Children on psychiatric medication.
    6. Children with behavior management concerns.
    7. Children requiring more intensive supervision and therapeutic 
services.
    Applicants should describe in detail a staffing structure, behavior 
management program, recreational program, and educational and 
therapeutic services that are specifically geared toward the children 
described in the above paragraph. All group home staff must have child 
welfare experience and should preferably have some mental health 
professional experience. The group home environment should be designed 
to look and feel like a home. Therapeutic services, at a minimum, 
should include bi-lingual individual and group counseling; psychiatric/
psychological evaluation and care; and psychotherapy. Applicants must 
demonstrate relationships and collaboration with community-based bi-
lingual mental health providers for therapeutic services that are not 
available on-site. A sample psycho-educational and clinical group 
counseling schedule should be provided, including which staff will 
facilitate the groups. A sample recreational program schedule should 
also be provided which outlines internal and external activities (both 
on and off-site).
    Applicants should also include documentation and a description of 
the behavioral management program they intend to use (program should be 
based on a reward and progressive privilege system). Applicants must 
demonstrate an ability and willingness to work with children with 
mental health issues and/or behavior management concerns. In addition, 
applicants must be equipped to work with children that other shelter 
care providers do not have the specialized resources and staff to 
serve. Applicants should expect to get children transferred from other 
shelter care providers, but should not plan to transfer children out of 
the group home, unless such a transfer is clearly documented and 
justified. All transfers must be ultimately approved by ORR.
    Areas where Therapeutic Group Home Programs are needed: Two 
locations: One location in Phoenix, AZ and another location in either 
TX or NY.
    f. Long Term Foster Care and Suitability Assessments: The Recipient 
or Sub-Recipient will be responsible for the provision of child 
welfare-related services, including suitability assessments and long-
term foster care placement, to UAC in the custody of ORR/DUCS, who have 
been approved for such services by ORR/DUCS. Service delivery is 
expected to be accomplished in a manner which is sensitive to the 
culture, the native language and the complex needs of this population.

[[Page 32350]]

    Up to 50 foster care beds (placements) and 120 suitability 
assessment referrals will be awarded to each applicant for a total of 2 
awards. Public or private organizations which are incorporated as not-
for-profit under the laws of their State and which meet the following 
requirements are eligible. The applicant shall:
    1. Be a national agency with nationwide service capability 
(nationwide network of providers) to coordinate comprehensive 
multilingual, multicultural services for UAC.
    2. Have a nationwide network of affiliate foster care programs that 
provide residential and case management services to UAC.
    3. Have a nationwide network of affiliate agencies that have 
experience conducting home suitability assessments and support services 
for Chinese and Indian children, as well as unaccompanied alien 
children of other nationalities that require such services.
    Due to security and child welfare concerns, Suitability Assessments 
(SA) of unaccompanied minors joining relative sponsors may be required 
prior to any family reunification decision. The SA shall be completed 
and will be the basis for the Recipient recommendation to ORR/DUCS. 
Final family reunification decisions are at the discretion of ORR/DUCS, 
but will be based on the SA recommendation. The Recipient or Sub-
Recipient may conduct a suitability assessment of the family unit, 
taking into account the principle that children should be reunited with 
relatives whenever possible and appropriate.
    The Recipient shall ensure that long-term foster care services are 
provided in accordance with applicable State child welfare statutes, 
regulations and generally accepted child welfare standards, practices, 
principles and procedures until release from Federal custody, removal 
to country or origin, or until the age of 18. Long-term foster care 
referrals are generally reserved for children who will be in Federal 
custody for more than four months. The Recipient shall, after careful 
review of the case (including, but not limited to, consideration of the 
child's ethnicity, education level, medical/mental health status, 
family relationships, reunification potential, age and religion), 
assign cases appropriate for long-term foster care to a Sub-Recipient 
provider of foster care services.
    Applicants for long-term foster can include up to 12 transitional 
foster care beds in their submission.
    Areas where Long Term Foster Care Program and Suitability 
Assessment are needed: Nationwide.
    Please see the table under Geographic Locations that specifies the 
locations (cities and state or nationwide), type of facilities or 
services, total number of beds required by location or service and 
available maximum funds for each location or services. Please note also 
that there are two groups since the awarding periods vary.
    Type of facilities required: as specified in the table under 
Geographic location for each location.
    Example: In Miami, Florida services required are basic shelter and/
or group homes and total number of beds required is 42. The total 
amount of fund available for this area and services is $2,530,000.

II. Award Information

    Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative Agreement.
    Substantial Involvement with Cooperative Agreement: ORR directs and 
supports grantees in the design and implementation of program 
activities, services and facilities; designing protocols or procedures; 
assisting in the selection of contractors (if applicable); key project 
staff; providing guidance in the collection and analysis of data and 
modification of project activities.
    Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $42,883,000.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 26 to 27.
    Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $5,910,000 per budget 
period.
    Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $3,300,000 per budget period.
    Average Projected Award Amount: $1,580,185 per budget period.
    Length of Project Periods: 60 month project with five 12 month 
budget periods.
    60 month project with five 12 month budget periods. Project periods 
for Group I: October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2010; for Group II: March 
1, 2006 to February 28, 2011.
    Awards will be for one-year budget period for Group I starting 
October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006 and for Group II starting March 
1, 2006 to February 28, 2007.
    Applications for continuation grants funded under these awards 
beyond the one-year budget period may be entertained on a non-
competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, satisfactory 
performance of the project, capacity needs and a determination that 
continued funding is in the best interest of the Government.
    There could be multiple awards for each location depending on the 
types of services required as indicated in each location but the total 
funding will not exceed $42,883,000.
    Based on the availability of funds and need for bed space, there 
could be supplements of awards for each location. As long as quality 
services are provided by each organization and there is a need for 
beds, continuation/renewals may apply every budget year until the end 
of the project period.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

     Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other 
than institutions of higher education
     Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the 
IRS, other than institutions of higher education
     For-profit organization other than small businesses
    Additional Information on Eligibility: Non-profit organizations 
(including faith-based and community organizations) incorporated under 
state law which have demonstrated child welfare, cross cultural/
international, social services or related experience and are 
appropriately licensed facilities (at the time of submission of the 
application) for the provision of shelter care, foster care or group 
home care, staff secure, secure, therapeutic group home and related 
services to dependent children are eligible to apply.
    For-profit organizations incorporated under state law which have 
demonstrated child welfare, cross cultural/international, social 
services or related experience, and are appropriately licensed (at the 
time of submission of the application) for the provision of shelter 
care, foster care or group home care, staff secure, secure, therapeutic 
group home and other related services to dependent children are 
eligible to apply. These organizations must clearly demonstrate that 
they are only charging the program actual costs incurred and will not 
realize a profit at the expense of the government.
     No organization/agency is guaranteed an award.
     Final award and budget approved may differ from initial 
request.
    The Director of ORR reserves the right to award more or less 
funding to any individual applicant or in total for all applicants 
based on the quality of the applications and the best interest of the 
Government. In cases where ORR proposes to award an amount less than an 
organization's application request, the organization will be required 
to submit a revised budget and budget narrative showing how the 
organization proposes to spend the amount ORR is proposing to award to 
the organization. If an organization fails to submit a

[[Page 32351]]

commensurate revised budget within the time requested, the agency will 
forfeit the award.

2. Cost Sharing/Matching

    None.

3. Other

    All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27, 
2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal 
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant 
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a 
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when 
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after 
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant 
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide 
electronic portal (www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for 
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award, 
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block 
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
    Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may 
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number 
on-line at https://www.dnb.com.
    Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to 
submit proof of their non-profit status. Proof of non-profit status is 
any one of the following:
     A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the 
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt 
organizations described in the IRS Code.
     A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
     A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney 
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the 
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net 
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
     A certified copy of the organization's certificate of 
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit 
status.
     Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above 
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by 
the parent organization that the applicant organization is a local non-
profit affiliate.
    When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your 
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
    Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with 
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents 
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,'' 
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at: 
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
    Disqualification Factors: Applications that exceed the ceiling 
amount will be considered non-responsive and will not be considered for 
funding under this announcement.
    Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements 
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will 
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
    Other Disqualification Factors: Group 1 applications will be 
considered non-responsive and will not be considered for competitive 
review if lacking copies of one of the following documentation items: a 
physical description of the proposed facility, including the proposed 
allocation of existing office space (new construction will not be 
considered); the facility license; the ownership or lease agreement for 
the facility; and, that the facility meets all zoning, licensing, fire, 
safety, and health codes required to operate a residentially-based 
social service program.
    Group 2 applicants applications will be considered non-responsive 
and will not be considered for competitive review if lacking copies of 
one of the following documentation items: a physical description of the 
proposed facility, including the proposed allocation of existing office 
space (new construction will not be considered); proof of application 
for license; the ownership or lease agreement for the facility; and, 
that the facility meets all zoning, licensing, fire, safety, and health 
codes required to operate a residentially-based social service program. 
Awards will be contingent upon subsequent documentation of an approved 
license. An approved license must be submitted no later than January 1, 
2006.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Address To Request Application Package

    Sylvia M. Johnson, Grants Officer, Office of Grants Management, 
Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services, 901 D Street, SW., 4th Floor West, Washington, DC 
20447.
    Phone: 202-401-4524.
    E-mail: sjohnson@acf.hhs.gov.
    URL: http//www.Grants.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    Letters of intent are encouraged but not required. Letters of 
intent to apply are due 15 calendar days after publication of the 
announcement. Letters should state the funding opportunity number, the 
applicant's name and contact information, the location of the proposed 
site and the type of service(s) applicants are applying for. Letters of 
intent should be sent to the attention of Tsegaye Wolde at Office of 
Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, 370 
L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., 6th Floor East, Washington, D.C., 20447. 
Letters may also be sent by facsimile to: 202-401-1022 or by e-mail to: 
twolde@acf.hhs.gov.
    Each application must include the following components:
Table of Contents
    a. Abstract of the Proposed Project--very brief, not to exceed one 
page (would be suitable to use in announcing the grant award, if 
selected) and which identifies the type of project, the target 
population, and the major elements of the work plan.
    b. Completed Standard Form 424--signed by an official of the 
organization applying for the grant who has authority to legally 
obligate the organization.
    c. Standard Form 424A--Budget Information--Non Construction 
Programs.
    d. Narrative Budget Justification--for each object class category 
required under Section B, Standard Form 424A.
    e. Project Narrative--A narrative that addresses issues described 
in the ``Application Review Information'' and the ``Evaluation 
Criteria'' sections of this announcement.
    Applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies 
(not the original) of specific salary rates or amounts for individuals 
specified in the application budget.
Application Format
     Submit application materials on white 8.5 x 11 inch paper 
only. Do not use colored, oversized or folded materials.
     Please do not include organizational brochures or other 
promotional materials, slides, films, clips, etc.
     The font size may be no smaller than 12 pitch and the 
margins must be at least one inch on all sides.
     Number all application pages sequentially throughout the 
package,

[[Page 32352]]

beginning with the abstract of the proposed project as page number one.
     Please present application materials either in loose-leaf 
notebooks or in folders with page two-hole punched at the top center 
and fastened separately with a slide paper fastener.
Page Limitation
     Each application narrative should not exceed 40 pages 
double-spaced.
     Attachments and appendices should not exceed 40 pages and 
should be used only to provide supporting documentation such as 
administration charts, position descriptions, resumes, and letters of 
intent or partnership agreements.
     A table of contents and an executive summary should be 
included but will not count in the page limitations.
     Each page should be numbered sequentially, including the 
attachments and appendices.
     This limitation of 40 pages should be considered as a 
maximum, and not necessarily a goal.
     Application forms are not to be counted in the page limit. 
Any pages that go beyond the 40 page limit will not be considered in 
the review process.
     Please do not include books or videotapes as they are not 
easily reproduced and are therefore inaccessible to the reviewers. The 
review panel will not consider submitted material which exceeds the 40 
page limit.
    You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper 
format.
    To submit an application electronically, please use the https://
www.Grants.gov/Apply site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to 
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and 
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF 
will not accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission.
    Please note the following if you plan to submit your application 
electronically via Grants.gov:
     Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly 
encouraged.
     When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you 
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the 
application process through Grants.gov.
     We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior 
to filing your application to fully understand the process and 
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to 
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties 
are encountered an applicant can still send in a har