Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1995 Final Program Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 1995, and Request for Applications

Federal RegisterApr 27, 1995

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. ACF/ACYF/RHYP 95-1]

Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1995

Final Program Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for

Fiscal Year 1995, and Request for Applications

AGENCY: Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), Administration on

Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and

Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Notice of Fiscal Year 1995 Final Runaway and Homeless Youth

(RHY) Program Priorities, announcement of availability of financial

assistance, and request for applications for the Basic Center Program

for Runaway and Homeless Youth (BCP) and the Drug Abuse Education and

Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth (DAPP).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Family and Youth Services Bureau of the Administration

[[Page 20685]] on Children, Youth and Families is publishing final

program priorities and announcing the availability of funds for:

1. The Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth (BCP).

The purpose of the BCP is to provide financial assistance to establish

or strengthen locally-controlled centers that address the immediate

needs (outreach, temporary shelter, food, clothing, counseling,

aftercare, and related services) of runaway and homeless youth and

their families.

2. The Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and

Homeless Youth (DAPP). The purpose of the DAPP is to improve and expand

drug abuse prevention, education and information services to runaway

and homeless youth and their families.

This single announcement for the two programs has been developed in

order to save the field and the Federal government significant

resources. Also, the single announcement provides the field with the

application due dates for both programs, providing interested agencies

the means to forecast the workload and resources needed to apply for

these grants. Potential applicants should note that separate

applications must be submitted for each program applied for.

This announcement contains all the necessary information and

application materials to apply for funds under these grant programs.

The estimated funds available for new starts and the approximate number

of new grants that have been or are to be awarded under this program

announcement are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

New start

Fiscal funds Number

Program year available of new

(million) grants

------------------------------------------------------------------------

BCP...................................... 1995 $14.6 115

DAPP..................................... 1995 $4.5 45

TLP*..................................... 1995 $6.3 36

------------------------------------------------------------------------

*There will be no FY 1995 requests for applications for the Transitional

Living Program for Homeless Youth (TLP). FY 1995 funds for new TLP

programs have already been awarded based on an FY 1994 competition.

In addition to the competitive, new start grants, the

Administration on Children, Youth and Families anticipates providing FY

1995 non-competitive, continuation funds to current grantees, including

Demonstration Projects (DEMOS), as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Continuation

funds Number of

Program available continuation

(million) grants

------------------------------------------------------------------------

BCP......................................... $21.8 227

DAPP........................................ $6.6 72

TLP......................................... $6.6 36

DEMOS (rural)............................... $1.3 8

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grantees eligible for these continuation grants will receive

letters to that effect from the appropriate regional grants management

offices and should not submit their continuation applications in

response to this announcement. Only applications for new grants are

solicited through this announcement.

DATES: The deadlines or closing dates for RECEIPT by HHS of

applications for new grants under this announcement are as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Programs Closing dates

------------------------------------------------------------------------

BCP............................... June 16, 1995.

DAPP.............................. June 30, 1995.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if they are

received on or before the RECEIPT date at the address below. Please

note that this is a departure from the traditional approach of using

postmarks instead of receipt dates to determine eligibility of

applications for review.

ADDRESSES: Application receipt point: Department of Health and Human

Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of

Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Aerospace Building,

6th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Attn: Maiso Bryant, ACF-95-ACYF/RHYP.

Hand delivered applications are accepted during the normal working

hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on or prior to the

established closing date at:

Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary

Grants, 6th Floor, ACF Guard Station, 901 D Street, SW., Washington, DC

20047

Envelopes containing applications must clearly indicate the

specific program that the application is addressing: Basic Center

Program (BCP) or Drug Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration on Children, Youth and

Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, PO Box 1182, Washington, DC

20013; Telephone: 1-800-351-2293.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program announcement consists of six

parts. Part I provides general information for potential applicants who

wish to apply to operate programs serving runaway and homeless youth.

Part II contains the evaluation criteria against which all applications

will be competitively reviewed, evaluated and rated. Part III contains

specific information necessary to apply for funds under each of the two

programs. Part IV describes the application process. Part V provides

instructions on the assembly and submission of applications. Part VI

contains appendices to be consulted in preparation of applications. All

forms needed to prepare applications for the two programs are found in

Part VI, Appendix I, of this announcement.

The following outline is provided to assist in the review of this

Federal Register announcement:

Part I: General Information

A. Background on Runaway and Homeless Youth

B. Legislative Authority

C. Purpose, Goals and Objectives of the Federal Runaway and Homeless

Youth Grant Programs

1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

2. Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and

Homeless Youth

D. Definitions

E. Final Priorities

1. Public Comments in Response to the Proposed Priorities

2. Final Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 1995

a. Basic Center Program Grants

b. Transitional Living Program Grants

c. National Communications System

d. Support Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs

(1) Training and Technical Assistance

(2) National Clearinghouse on Runaway and Homeless Youth

(3) Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System

(RHYMIS)

(4) Monitoring Support for FYSB Programs

e. Research and Demonstration Initiatives

(1) Services for Youth in Rural Areas

(2) Analysis, Synthesis, and Interpretation of New Information

Concerning Runaway and Homeless Youth

f. Priority for a Comprehensive Youth Development Approach

g. Priorities for Administrative Changes

F. Eligible Applicants

G. Availability of Competitive New Start Funds

1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

2. Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and

Homeless Youth

H. Duration of Projects

I. Maximum Federal Award and Grantee Share of the Projects

[[Page 20686]]

Part II: Evaluation Criteria

Part III: Program Areas

A. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

B. Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and

Homeless Youth (DAPP)

Part IV: Application Process

A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees

B. Application Requirements

C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980

D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372

E. Availability of Forms and Other Materials

F. Application Consideration

Part V: Application Content, Instructions, Assembly and Submission

Part VI: Appendices

A. Basic Center Program Performance Standards

B. National Runaway Switchboard

C. National Clearinghouse on Runaway and Homeless Youth

D. Runaway and Homeless Youth Continuation Grantees

1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

2. Drug Abuse Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

E. Administration for Children and Families Regional Office Youth

Contacts

F. Training and Technical Assistance Providers

G. State Single Points of Contact

H. Basic Center Program Allocations by State

I. Forms and Instructions

Part I. General Information

A. Background on Runaway and Homeless Youth

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), within the

Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), administers

programs that support services to an adolescent population of

approximately 500,000 runaway and homeless youth. Many of these youth

have left home to escape abusive situations, or because their parents

could not supply their basic needs of food, shelter and a safe

supportive environment. Many live on the streets.

While living on the streets or away from home without parental

supervision, these youth are highly vulnerable. They may become victims

of street violence, or may be exploited by dealers of illegal drugs.

Usually lacking marketable skills, they may be drawn into shoplifting,

prostitution, or dealing drugs in order to earn money for food,

clothing, and other daily expenses. Without a fixed address or regular

place to sleep, they often drop out of school, forfeiting their

opportunities to learn and to become independent, self-sufficient,

contributing members of society. As street people, they may try to

survive with little or no contact with medical professionals, the

result being that their health problems may go untreated and may

worsen. Without the support of family, schools, and other community

institutions, they may not acquire the personal values and work skills

that will enable them to enter or advance in the world of work at other

than the most minimal levels. Finally, as street people, they may

create substantial law enforcement problems, endangering both

themselves and the communities in which they are located. All these

problems, real and potential, call for a comprehensive, nationwide,

community-based program to address the needs of runaway and homeless

youth.

B. Legislative Authority

Grants for the Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

are authorized by Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHY

Act), 42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq. The RHY Act was enacted as Title III of

the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (Pub. L.

93-415), and amended by the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1977 (Pub.

L. 95-115), the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-509),

the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1984 (Pub. L. 98-473), the Anti-Drug

Abuse Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-690), and the Juvenile Justice and

Delinquency Prevention Act Amendments of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-586). Grants

for coordinating, training and technical assistance, research,

demonstration, evaluation and service projects are authorized under

Part D of the RHY Act.

Grants for the Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for

Runaway and Homeless Youth are authorized under section 3511 of Public

Law 100-690, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Anti-Drug Abuse Act),

which established the Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for

Runaway and Homeless Youth, as amended by Public Law 102-132.

C. Purpose, Goals and Objectives of the Federal Runaway and Homeless

Youth Grant Programs

1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

The overall purpose of the BCP is to provide financial assistance

to establish or strengthen community-based centers that address the

immediate needs (outreach, temporary shelter, food, clothing,

counseling, aftercare, and related services) of runaway and homeless

youth and their families. Services supported by this program are to be

outside the law enforcement, the child welfare, the mental health, and

the juvenile justice systems. The program goals and objectives of Part

A of the RHY Act are to:

a. Alleviate problems of runaway and homeless youth,

b. Reunite youth with their families and encourage the resolution

of intrafamily problems through counseling and other services,

c. Strengthen family relationships and encourage stable living

conditions for youth, and

d. Help youth decide upon constructive courses of action.

2. Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless

Youth

The overall purpose of the DAPP is to help communities address the

problem of drug abuse among runaway and homeless youth through the

prevention, early intervention, and reduction of drug dependency. The

specific goals and objectives of the program, as set forth in Section

3511 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, are to:

a. Provide individual, family, and group counseling to runaway

youth and their families and to homeless youth for the purpose of

preventing or reducing the illicit use of drugs by such youth;

b. Develop and support peer counseling programs related to the

illicit use of drugs by runaway and homeless youth;

c. Develop and support community education activities related to

the illicit use of drugs by runaway and homeless youth, including

outreach to individual youth;

d. Provide runaway and homeless youth in rural areas with

assistance (including the development of community support groups)

related to the illicit use of drugs;

e. Provide information and training regarding issues related to the

illicit use of drugs by runaway and homeless youth to individuals

providing services to these youth;

f. Support research on illicit drug use by runaway and homeless

youth, the effects on such youth of drug abuse by family members, and

any correlation between such use and attempts at suicide; and

g. Improve the availability and coordination of local services

related to drug abuse for runaway and homeless youth.

Specifics regarding grant awards in each of these two programs are

found in Part III, Sections A and B, of this announcement.

D. Definitions

1. Under Part A of the RHY Act, which authorizes the BCP, the term

[[Page 20687]] homeless youth means a person under 18 years of age who

is in need of services and without a place of shelter where he or she

receives supervision and care. This definition applies to all Basic

Center projects and can be found in 45 CFR 1351.1(f).

2. The term public agency means any State, unit of local

government, combination of such States or units, or any agency,

department, or instrumentality of any of the foregoing. This definition

applies to all runaway and homeless youth programs and can be found in

section 3601(8) of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, incorporating by reference

section 103(11) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act

of 1974, as amended.

3. The term runaway youth means a person under 18 years of age who

absents himself or herself from home or place of legal residence

without the permission of parents or legal guardian. This definition

applies to all Basic Center programs and can be found in 45 CFR

1351.1(k).

4. The term shelter includes host homes, group homes and supervised

apartments. This definition applies to all BCP programs and is

referenced in section 322(1) of the RHY Act. As currently understood in

the field:

Host homes are facilities providing shelter, usually in the home of

a family, under contract to accept runaway and/or homeless youth

assigned by the BCP service provider, and are licensed according to

State or local laws.

Group homes are single-site residential facilities designed to

house BCP clients who may be new to the program or may require a higher

level of supervision. These dwellings operate in accordance with State

or local housing codes and licensure.

5. The term State means any State of the United States, the

District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin

Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern

Marianas. This definition applies to all runaway and homeless youth

programs and can be found in section 3601(10) of the Anti-Drug Abuse

Act, incorporating by reference section 103(7) of the Juvenile Justice

and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended.

6. The term temporary shelter means the provision of short-term

(maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention

services on a 24 hour basis. This definition applies to all Basic

Center Program grantees and can be found in 45 CFR 1351.1(o).

E. Final Priorities

Section 364 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHY Act)

requires the Department to publish annually for public comment a

proposed plan specifying priorities the Department will follow in

awarding grants and contracts under the RHY Act. The proposed plan for

FY 1995 was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, January 5,

1995, and requested comments and recommendations from the field.

1. Public Comments in Response to the Proposed Priorities

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) received 14 written

responses from a number of sources, principally Runaway and Homeless

Youth Program grantees, in nine different States. The responses were

generally supportive and the following summarizes the major issues

raised:

a. A number of respondents suggested that the change in the

proposal due date from the ``mailing receipt date'' of FY 1994 to the

``actual receipt date'' of FY 1995 would be unfair to potential

grantees from distant or insular areas. The FYSB appreciates these

concerns.

The ``mailing receipt date'' of FY 1994 was the date by which

proposals had to be delivered to the U.S. Postal Service and given a

date stamp. In FY 1994, agencies had only 34 days in which to prepare

and submit their proposals. That is, only 34 days intervened between

the publication date of the Federal Register solicitation and the

``mailing receipt date'' for the proposals. The FYSB considered this a

minimal time for proposal preparation and submission. Those proposals

that were delivered to the U.S. Postal Service on the mailing receipt

date itself typically arrived in Washington, DC., for review only

several days and in some cases several weeks later. These late arrivals

occasioned some disruptions in the review process.

In FY 1995, approximately 60 days will intervene between the

publication date of the solicitation and the actual receipt date of the

proposals by HHS in Washington, DC. The FYSB considers 60 days to be

fully adequate for proposal preparation, mailing, and delivery.

b. A number of respondents supported the proposal to establish a

minimum grant level of $75,000 per year, while a somewhat larger number

suggested that runaway and homeless youth in rural States, such as in

Region VIII, miGht be deprived of services if all or almost all of a

State's allocation went to just one site, leaving youth in distant

sections of the State completely unserved. The FYSB will adopt the goal

of increasing funding to individual sites now receiving very small

awards when possible, but will not establish a minimum at this time.

c. Most respondents agreed with the proposal to establish

consolidated youth services demonstration programs that combined the

services of the three traditional programs: the BCP, the DAPP, and the

TLP. However, the proposal in the Administration's FY 1996 budget to

consolidate all of the RHY programs into a single program, along with a

variety of different proposals by the Congress, suggests to FYSB that

it would be preferable to postpone implementation of this demonstration

effort.

To the extent feasible, ACYF addressed these and all other public

comments in preparing the final priorities. The final program

priorities below reflect the changes made in the proposed priorities in

light of the comments received.

2. Final Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 1995

The final priorities are similar to those of earlier years in that

the Department will award 90 percent or more of the funds appropriated

under the BCP and approximately 90 percent of the funds appropriated

under the DAPP and the TLP to grantees providing direct services to

runaway and homeless youth.

The final priorities are further similar to those of earlier years

in that the Department will award continuation funding to the National

Communications System, to the ten Regional Training and Technical

Assistance providers, and to a number of related program support

activities.

The Final Program Priorities differ from those of earlier years in

two major ways:

The Family and Youth Services Bureau is adopting an

approach to youth services that emphasizes comprehensive youth

development over attempts to correct discrete dysfunctional behaviors

of youth and their families, and

The FYSB is adopting administrative changes designed for

more efficient delivery of services and more stability among service

providers.

a. Basic Center Program Grants

Approximately 340 Basic Center grants, of which about one-third

will be competitive new starts and two-thirds will be non-competitive

continuations, will be funded in FY 1995.

Eligible applicants for the new starts are current grantees with

project periods [[Page 20688]] ending in FY 1995 and otherwise eligible

applicants not holding current grants. The applications will be

reviewed by State, and awards will be made during the last quarter of

FY 1995 (July - September 1995).

Section 385(a)(2) of the Act requires that 90 percent of the funds

appropriated under Part A (The Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant

Program) be used to establish and strengthen runaway and homeless youth

Basic Centers. Total funding under Part A of the Act for FY 1995 is

approximately $40.5 million. This sum, which is an increase over the FY

1994 level, triggers the provision in the Act calling for a minimum

award of $100,000 to each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto

Rico, and a minimum award of $45,000 to each of the four insular areas:

the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the

Northern Marianas.

b. Transitional Living Program Grants

Part B, section 321 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as

amended, authorizes grants to establish and operate transitional living

projects for homeless youth. This program is structured to help older,

homeless youth achieve self-sufficiency and avoid long-term dependency

on social services. Transitional living projects provide shelter,

skills training, and support services to homeless youth ages 16 through

21 for a continuous period not exceeding 18 months.

In FY 1995, approximately $12.9 million is available for TLP direct

service grants. Approximately $6.3 million has already been awarded as

new start FY 1995 funding to applicants that were successful in the

competition conducted at the end of FY 1994, and the remaining $6.6

million will be awarded as continuation funding to TLP grants awarded

in FY 1994. Further, it is projected that all potential FY 1996 TLP

funds will be awarded in the form of continuation grants. In

consequence, no applications for new start Transitional Living Program

grants will be solicited in FY 1995 for use of FY 1996 funds.

c. National Communications System

Part C, section 331 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as

amended, mandates support for a National Communications System to

assist runaway and homeless youth in communicating with their families

and with service providers. In FY 1994, a five-year grant was awarded

to the National Runaway Switchboard, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois, to

operate the system. Non-competitive continuation funding will be

awarded to the grantee in FY 1995.

d. Support Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs

(1) Training and Technical Assistance

Part D, section 342 of the Act authorizes the Department to make

grants to statewide and regional nonprofit organizations to provide

training and technical assistance (T&TA) to organizations that are

eligible to receive service grants under the Act. Eligible

organizations include the Basic Centers authorized under Part A of the

Act (The Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Program) and the service

grantees authorized under Part B of the Act (The Transitional Living

Grant Program). Section 3511 of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, which

authorizes the Drug Abuse Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless

Youth (DAPP), also authorizes support for T&TA to runaway and homeless

youth service providers. The purpose of this T&TA is to strengthen the

programs and to enhance the knowledge and skills of youth service

workers.

In FY 1994, the Family and Youth Services Bureau made ten

Cooperative Agreement Awards, one in each of the ten Federal Regions,

to provide T&TA to agencies funded under the three Federal programs for

runaway and homeless youth (the BCP, the TLP, and the DAPP). Each

Cooperative Agreement is unique, being based on the characteristics and

different T&TA needs in the respective Regions. Each has a five-year

project period that will expire in FY 1999.

Non-competitive continuation funding will be awarded to the ten

T&TA grantees in FY 1995.

(2) National Clearinghouse on Runaway and Homeless Youth

In June 1992, a five-year contract was awarded by the Department to

establish and operate the National Clearinghouse on Runaway and

Homeless Youth. The purpose of the Clearinghouse is to serve as a

central information point for professionals and agencies involved in

the development and implementation of services to runaway and homeless

youth. To this end, the Clearinghouse:

Collects, evaluates and maintains reports, materials and

other products regarding service provision to runaway and homeless

youth;

Develops and disseminates reports and bibliographies

useful to the field;

Identifies areas in which new or additional reports,

materials and products are needed; and

Carries out other activities designed to provide the field

with the information needed to improve services to runaway and homeless

youth.

Non-competitive continuation funding will be awarded to sustain the

Clearinghouse in FY 1995.

(3) Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS)

In FY 1992, a three-year contract was awarded to implement the

Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS)

across three FYSB programs: The BCP, the TLP, and the DAPP. In FY 1993,

using an existing computer-based, information gathering protocol, the

contractor began providing training and technical assistance to these

grantees in the use of the RHYMIS. The data generated by the system are

used to produce reports and information regarding the programs,

including information for the required reports to Congress on each of

the three programs. The RHYMIS also serves as a management tool for

FYSB and for the individual programs.

Non-competitive continuation funding for the RHYMIS will be an

option in FY 1995.

(4) Monitoring Support for FYSB Programs

In FY 1992, FYSB began developing a comprehensive monitoring

instrument and set of site visit protocols, including a peer-review

component for the BCP, the TLP, and the DAPP. Pilot implementation of

the instrument and related protocols began in FY 1993. Also in FY 1993

a new contract to provide logistical support for the peer review

monitoring process was awarded, including nationwide distribution of

the new materials. Use of the new instrument and peer review process

during the first full year of operation has resulted in identification

of a number of strengths and weaknesses among individual grantees.

These findings have been used by the Regional T&TA providers as a basis

for their activities.

Non-competitive continuation funding for the logistical contractor

will be provided in FY 1995, and a new contract for the effort may be

solicited in FY 1996.

e. Research and Demonstration Initiatives

Section 315 of the Act authorizes the Department to make grants to

States, localities, and private entities to carry out research,

demonstration, and service projects designed to increase knowledge

concerning and to improve services for runaway and homeless youth.

These [[Page 20689]] activities are important in order to identify

emerging issues and to develop and test models which address such

issues.

(1) Services for Youth in Rural Areas

Because of geographic distances, population density and, in some

cases, cultural differences, it is difficult to provide effective

services to runaway and homeless youth in rural areas. In many such

areas, scarcity of funds and other resources precludes funding of

separate, autonomous Basic Center programs. The need exists for

innovative and effective models for the provision of runaway and

homeless youth services in rural areas, including Indian reservations.

The new models should make services accessible to youth without setting

up inordinately expensive service agencies in low populated areas. In

FY 1993, first-year funding was awarded to eight grants to develop such

models. Non-competitive continuation funding was provided in FY 1994

and will be provided in FY 1995.

(2) Analysis, Synthesis, and Interpretation of New Information

Concerning Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs

Over the past few years, considerable new knowledge and information

has been developed concerning the runaway and homeless youth programs

administered by FYSB, and concerning the youth and families served. The

main sources of this new information are the Runaway and Homeless Youth

Management Information System (RHYMIS), the results of RHY monitoring

visits, and a number of evaluation studies underway or recently

completed. The RHYMIS, monitoring reports, and the evaluation studies

contain descriptions of FYSB's grantee agencies, along with detailed

data on the youth and families served, such as demographic profiles,

presenting problems, services provided, and service outcomes. There is

need for analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of this new

information that will be useful in development of RHY plans and

policies for the Family and Youth Services Bureau.

A contract will be awarded in FY 1995 to analyze, synthesize, and

develop the program and policy implications of the new information now

becoming available. The study will be developed within a context of the

most significant, current comprehensive theories of youth development.

Proposals to conduct the study will be solicited from the eight Master

Contractors for the ``Policy and Program Studies'' consortium recently

established by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

f. Priority for a Comprehensive Youth Development Approach.

Over the past several decades, the Federal government has

established many programs designed to alleviate discrete problems

identified among American youth. Examples are programs for school

dropout prevention, juvenile delinquency prevention, abuse and neglect

prevention, adolescent pregnancy prevention, youth gang prevention,

drug abuse prevention, and compensatory programs to improve the

performance of minority and non-English-speaking youth in the public

schools. Among these many programs are the BCP, the DAPP, and the TLP.

A shared feature of all these programs is their emphasis on

undesirable behavior, with a number of negative consequences. Youth

``problems'' are commonly used to define and blame, even to punish, the

youth. Further, the labeling of a youth as a drug abuser or a

delinquent may lead to interventions too narrow to take into account

the full array of causes leading to the abuse or delinquency, such as

parental neglect, school failure, or poverty. Practicing youth workers

are well aware that ``single-problem'' youth are rare, and that

interventions from many different perspectives, and supports, including

funding, from many different sources, are required to effectively help

troubled youth.

The disjointed services that often follow from this Federal pattern

of categorical funding to correct undesirable behavior (funding that

targets a single problem behavior of the youth) may be avoided if

interventions are viewed from a ``developmental'' perspective. A

developmental perspective views adolescence and youth as the passage

from the almost total dependence of the child into the independence and

self-sufficiency of the young adult. The various changes, stages, and

growth spurts of the passage may be considered as the youth's natural,

healthy responses to the challenges and opportunities provided by

functional families, peers, neighborhoods, schools and churches. The

tasks of youth services providers are seen, thus, not as correcting the

``pathologies'' of troubled youth, but rather as providing for the

successive ``needs'' of maturing individuals: The psychological need to

develop a clear self-identity; the sociological need to resolve

disagreements through talking and not through flight or fighting; the

economic need to prepare for and enter into a career; and the familial

needs for sharing, for trusting, for giving love and receiving love,

for commitment, and for all that establishing a family entails.

This developmental approach will become central to all FYSB

activities and programs over the next two years.

g. Priorities for Administrative Changes

To support the increased emphasis on youth development, a number of

management or administrative changes will be implemented over the

coming years:

The Regional Offices have and will continue to play a

significant role in the assessment of grant applications. This role

includes Regional staff involvement (1) as chairpersons for peer review

panels and (2) in conduct of administrative reviews of new start

applications that take into account knowledge about the applicants'

experience, effectiveness, and potential and of the geographic

distribution of the grantees in their respective States and Regions.

Final funding decisions will remain the responsibility of the

Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

The Administration on Children and Families (ACF) will

change the deadline for receipt of a Runaway and Homeless Youth grant

application from the postal date of the application to the actual

receipt date of the application by ACF. Applicants should carefully

examine receipt dates in this announcement to assure that they meet

deadlines in the manner prescribed.

Efforts will be continued to avoid the problems of gaps in

financial support between the expiration of one grant and the beginning

of a new grant for current grantees that are successful in competition.

Where possible, FYSB will attempt to increase minimum

grant funding levels to amounts sufficient to support the required

youth services. However, no minimum levels will be established at this

time and the recommendations of Regional staff will be considered in

this matter. We suggest that all applicants examine carefully the

program announcements to ensure that they request sufficient funds.

F. Eligible Applicants

The various legislative Acts authorizing the runaway and homeless

youth programs addressed in this Federal Register announcement identify

``eligible applicants'' differently. Accordingly, the definition

appropriate to each individual program is found in Part III of this

announcement as a part of each program area description.

[[Page 20690]]

Basic Center Program grantees with one or two years remaining on

their current awards and the expectation of continuation funding in FY

1995 may not apply for new Basic Center grants. Drug Abuse Prevention

Program grantees with one or two years remaining on their current

awards and the expectation of continuation funding in FY 1995 may not

apply for new Drug Abuse Prevention Program grants. All remaining

eligible applicants may apply for new grants for either or both of

these two programs.

Applicants may refer to Part VI, Appendix D, for a listing of

current grantees that are ineligible to apply under the respective

grant programs.

Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit

proof of its non-profit status with its application. Proof can include

a copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's

(IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in section

501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, or a copy of the currently valid IRS tax-

exemption certificate, or a copy of the articles of incorporation

bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association

is domiciled.

G. Availability of Competitive New-Start Funds

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families expects to award

approximately 540 new and continuation grants to serve runaway and

homeless youth in FY 1995. Dollar amounts to be awarded by fiscal year

and program are as follows:

1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families expects to award

approximately $36.4 million in Basic Center Program grants in FY 1995.

Of this total, approximately $21.8 million will be awarded in the form

of non-competitive continuations to current grantees, and the remaining

approximately $14.6 million will be available for competitive, new-

start awards. In accordance with the RHY Act, the funds will be divided

among the States in proportion to their respective populations under

the age of 18. The FY 1995 funding level, which is an increase over the

FY 1994 level, triggers the provision in the Act calling for a minimum

award of $100,000 to each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto

Rico, and a minimum award of $45,000 to each of the four insular areas:

the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the

Northern Marianas.

The funds available for both continuations and new starts in each

of the States and insular areas are listed in the Table of Allocations

by State (Part VI, Appendix H). In this Table, the amounts shown in the

column labeled ``New Starts'' are the amounts available for competition

in the respective States.

Current Basic Center Program grantees having one or two years

remaining in their project periods will receive instructions from their

respective ACF Regional Offices on the procedures for applying for

these continuation grants and should not respond to this announcement.

These grantees are listed in Part VI, Appendix D.1, have project

expiration dates in FY 1996 or 1997, and are not eligible to apply for

new Basic Center grants.

Current Basic Center Program grantees with project periods ending

by September 30, 1995, and all other eligible applicants not currently

receiving Basic Center funds may apply for the new competitive grants

under this announcement.

The number of new awards made within each State will depend upon

the funds available (i.e., the State's total allotment less the amount

required for non-competing continuations), as well as on the number of

acceptable applications. Therefore, where the amount required for non-

competing continuations in any State equals the State's total

allotment, no new awards will be made.

All applicants under this announcement will compete with other

applicants in the State in which their services would be provided. In

the event that an insufficient number of acceptable applications is

approved for funding from any State or jurisdiction, the Commissioner,

ACYF, will reallocate the unused funds.

Further information on the BCP application requirements is

presented in Part III, Section A, and in Part IV.

2. Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless

Youth

In FY 1995, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families

expects to award approximately $4.5 million in new competitive Drug

Abuse Prevention Program grants and $6.6 million in non-competing

continuation DAPP awards.

Further information on the DAPP application requirements is

presented in Part III, Section B, and in Part IV.

H. Duration of Projects

This announcement solicits applications for projects of up to three

years duration (36-month project periods) for the BCP and the DAPP.

Initial grant awards, made on a competitive basis, will be for one-year

(12-month) budget periods. Applications for continuation grants beyond

the one-year budget periods, but within the 36-month project periods,

will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis,

subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the

grantees, and determination that continued funding would be in the best

interest of the government.

I. Maximum Federal Award and Grantee Share of the Project

The maximum amount of Federal funds for which an applicant can

apply is specified in the program descriptions found in Part III of

this announcement.

The legislation authorizing runaway and homeless youth programs

requires that grantees provide a non-Federal match for Federal funds.

In some cases, this non-Federal share is a percent of the total cost of

the project and, in some cases, it is a percent of the Federal share.

Specific non-Federal share requirements for each Priority Area are

found in Part III of this announcement.

The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions.

Federal funds provided to States and services or other resources

purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match project grants.

Applicants which do not provide the required percentage of non-Federal

share will not be funded. For-profit applicants for Basic Center

Program grants are reminded that no grant funds may be paid as profit

to any recipient of a grant or sub-grant (45 CFR 74.705).

Part II. Evaluation Criteria

The five criteria that follow will be used to review and evaluate

each application under the BCP and the DAPP and should be used in

developing the program narratives. The point values following each

criterion heading indicate the numerical weight each criterion will be

accorded in the review process. Note that the highest possible value

BCP and DAPP applications can receive is 105 points. See Criterion 4

for more specific information.

Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance (15 Points)

Pinpoint any relevant physical, economic, social, financial,

institutional, or other problems requiring a solution. Demonstrate the

need for the assistance and state the goals or service objectives of

the project. Supporting documentation or other testimonies from

concerned interests other than the applicant may be used. Give a

precise location of the project [[Page 20691]] site(s) and area(s) to

be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be

attached. (The applicant should refer to Part I, Section C, of this

announcement for a description of each program's purpose.)

Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points)

Identify the results and benefits to be derived from the project.

State the numbers of runaway and homeless youth and their families to

be served, and describe the types and quantities of services to be

provided. Identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained,

and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success

of the project.

Criterion 3. Approach (35 Points)

Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project and

detail how the proposed work will be accomplished. Describe any unusual

features of the project, such as extraordinary social and community

involvements, and how the project will be maintained after termination

of Federal support. Explain the methodology that will be used to

determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if

the results and benefits identified are being achieved.

Criterion 4. Staff Background and Organizational Experience (20 Points)

List the organizations, cooperators, consultants, or other key

individuals who will work on the project along with a short description

of the nature of their effort or contribution. Summarize the background

and experience of the project director and key project staff and the

history of the organization. Demonstrate the ability to effectively

manage the project and to coordinate activities with other agencies.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss staff and organizational

experience in working with runaway and homeless youth populations and

may include information regarding their past performance under RHYP

grants. Applicants may refer to the staff resumes and to the

Organizational Capability Statement included in the submission.

Legislation authorizing each of the Federal Runaway and Homeless

Youth Programs requires that priority for funding be given to agencies

with experience in providing direct services to runaway and homeless

youth. In line with this requirement, BCP and DAPP applicants having

three (3) or more years of continuous effort serving runaway and

homeless youth in one or more areas set forth in section 312 of the Act

are eligible to receive an additional five (5) points on this

criterion.

Criterion 5. Budget Appropriateness (10 Points)

Demonstrate that the project's costs (overall costs, average cost

per youth served, costs for different services) are reasonable in view

of the anticipated results and benefits. (Applicants may refer (1) to

the budget information presented in Standard Forms 424 and 424A and in

the associated budget justification, and (2) to the results or benefits

expected as identified under Criterion 2.)

The Program Narrative information provided by the applicant in

response to the priority area description identified in Part III of

this announcement should be organized and presented according to these

five evaluation criteria.

Part III. Program Areas

A. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

Eligible Applicants: Any State, unit of local government,

combination of units of local government, public or private agency,

organization, institution, or other non-profit entity is eligible to

apply for these funds. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible

to apply for Basic Center grants. Non-Federally recognized Indian

Tribes and urban Indian organizations are also eligible to apply for

grants as private, non-profit agencies.

Grantees (including subgrantees) with current Basic Center grants

who are eligible to apply for non-competitive continuation funding in

FY 1995 may not apply for competitive new Basic Center grants under

this announcement. Applicants may refer to Part VI, Appendix D.1 for a

listing of current grantees which are ineligible for grants under this

priority area.

As required by runaway and homeless youth legislation, priority for

funding will be given to agencies with demonstrated experience

establishing and operating centers that provide direct services to

runaway and homeless youth in a manner that is outside the law

enforcement system, the child welfare system, the mental health system

and the juvenile justice system. Demonstrated experience providing

direct services means three (3) or more years of continuous effort

serving runaway and homeless youth in one or more areas set forth in

section 312 of the Act. Applications claiming credit for this

preference must include a statement of no more than one page

documenting the relevant experience.

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives: The Administration on

Children, Youth and Families will award approximately 115 new service

grants to establish or strengthen existing or proposed runaway and

homeless youth Basic Centers. These programs must be locally controlled

efforts that provide temporary shelter, counseling and related services

to juveniles who have left home without permission of their parents or

guardians or to other homeless juveniles.

Applications are solicited under this program area to provide

direct services that fulfill the program purposes, goals and objectives

set forth in the legislation and as specified in Part I, section C.1 of

this announcement.

Background: The Runaway Youth and Homeless Youth Act of 1974 was a

response to widespread concern regarding the alarming number of youth

who were leaving home without parental permission, crossing State

lines, and who, while away from home, were exposed to exploitation and

other dangers of street life.

Each Basic Center funded under the authorizing legislation is

required to provide outreach to runaway and homeless youth; temporary

shelter for up to fifteen days; food; clothing; individual, group, and

family counseling; and related services. Many Basic Centers provide

their services in residential settings with a capacity for no more than

20 youth. Some centers also provide some or all of their shelter

services through host homes (usually private homes under contract to

the centers), with counseling and referrals being provided from a

central location.

Currently, approximately 60,000 youth annually receive shelter for

an average of 12 nights and other ongoing services through ACYF-funded

Basic Centers. The primary presenting problems of these youth include

conflict with parents or other adults, including physical and sexual

abuse; other family crises such as divorce, death, or sudden loss of

income; and personal problems such as drug use, or problems with peers,

school attendance and truancy, bad grades, inability to get along with

teachers, and learning disabilities.

Low self-esteem is a major problem among this population. Half have

a poor self image; somewhat less than half are depressed; and 10

percent are possibly suicidal.

After receiving ongoing services from shelter programs,

approximately one half of the youth return to their families. One-third

are provided alternative, but safe, long-term living arrangements. Five

percent return to the streets, and 10 [[Page 20692]] percent leave the

centers with no known destination.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: As part of addressing the

evaluation criteria outlined in Part II of this announcement, each

applicant must address the following items in the program narrative

section of the proposal.

Objectives and Need for Assistance

1. Applicant must specify the goals and objectives of the project

and how implementation will fulfill the purposes of the legislation

identified in Part I, section C.1. of this announcement.

2. Applicant must describe the conditions of youth and families in

the area to be served, with an emphasis on the incidence and

characteristics of runaway and homeless youth and their families. The

discussion must consider matters of family functioning, along with the

health, education, employment, and social conditions of the youth,

including at-risk conditions or behaviors such as drug use, school

failure, and delinquency.

3. Applicant must discuss the existing support systems for at-risk

youth and families in the area, with specific references to law

enforcement, health and mental health care, social services, school

systems, and child welfare. In addition, other agencies providing

shelter and services to runaway and homeless youth in the area must be

identified.

4. Within the context of the existing support systems, applicant

must demonstrate the need for the center and indicate the objectives

that the program would work toward fulfilling.

5. Applicant must describe the area to be served by the proposed

center, and must demonstrate that the center is or will be located in

an area which is frequented by and/or easily accessible by runaway and

homeless youth.

Results and Benefits Expected

1. Applicant must specify the numbers of runaway and homeless youth

and their families to be served, the number of beds available for

runaway and homeless youth and the types and quantities of services to

be provided.

2. Applicant must describe the anticipated changes in attitudes,

values and behavior, and improvements in individual and family

functioning that will occur as a consequence of the services provided

by the center.

3. Applicant must discuss the expected impact of the project on the

availability of services to runaway and homeless youth in the local

community and indicate how the project will enhance the organization's

capacity to provide services that address the needs of runaway and

homeless youth in the community.

Approach

1. Applicant must describe how the center's youth development

approach or philosophy underlies and integrates all proposed

activities, including provision of services to runaway and homeless

youth and involvement of the youth's parents or legal guardians.

2. Applicant must describe how runaway and homeless youth and their

families will be reached, and how services will be provided in

compliance with the Program Performance Standards listed in Part VI,

Appendix A.

3. Applicant must include detailed plans for implementing direct

services based upon a youth development approach and upon identified

goals and objectives. Applicant must identify the strategies that will

be employed and the activities that will be implemented, including

innovative approaches to securing appropriate center services for the

runaway and homeless youth to be served, for involving family members

as an integral part of the services provided, for periodic review and

assessment of individual cases, and for encouraging awareness of and

sensitivity to the diverse needs of runaway and homeless youth who

represent particular ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual

orientations, or are street youth.

4. Applicant must describe the center's plans for conducting an

outreach program that, where applicable, will attract members of ethnic

and racial minorities and/or persons with limited ability to speak

English.

5. Applicant must describe the center's plans and procedures for

intake and assessment of the youth upon arrival at the center.

6. Applicant must describe the center's plans for contacting the

parents or other relatives of the youth they serve, for ensuring the

safe return of the youth to their parents, relatives or legal guardians

if it is in their best interests, for contacting local governments

pursuant to formal or informal arrangements established with such

officials, and for providing alternative living arrangements when it is

not safe or appropriate for the youth to return home.

7. Applicant must describe the type of shelter that will be

available, the shelter capacity of the center and the system of staff

supervision to be implemented in the shelter.

8. Applicant must describe the center's plans for ensuring proper

coordination with law enforcement personnel, health and mental health

care personnel, social service personnel, and welfare personnel.

9. Applicant must describe the center's plans for ensuring

coordination with the schools to which runaway and homeless youth will

return, and for assisting the youth to stay current with the curricula

of these schools.

10. Applicant must describe the center's procedures for dealing

with youth who have run from foster care placements.

11. Applicant must describe procedures for dealing with youth who

have run from correctional institutions, and must show that procedures

are in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

12. Applicant must describe the center's plans and procedures for

providing aftercare services and for ensuring, whenever possible, that

aftercare services will also be provided to those youth who are

returned beyond the State in which the center is located.

13. Applicant must agree to gather and submit program and client

data required by FYSB's Runaway and Homeless Youth Management

Information System (RHYMIS). If applicant is a current recipient of a

BCP or DAPP grant (expiring in FY 1995), applicant must describe the

extent to which he or she now gathers and submits required data to the

RHYMIS.

While the computer software and training for the implementation of

the RHYMIS will be provided by FYSB to grantees, applicant should

include a request for funds in its budget for any computer equipment

needed for implementation of the RHYMIS. To determine whether an

agency's current computer equipment is adequate, or whether purchase of

an upgrade or of new equipment is necessary, potential applicants are

invited to contact the RHYMIS Technical Support Group at Information

Technology Incorporated, Bethesda, MD, telephone: 1-800-392-2395.

14. Applicant must agree to cooperate with any research or

evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and

Families.

15. Applicant must describe how the activities implemented under

this project will be continued by the agency once Federal funding for

the project has ended. The applicant must describe specific plans for

accomplishing program phase-out for the last two quarters of the 36-

month project period in the event the applicant does not receive a new

award.

[[Page 20693]]

Staff Background and Organizational Experience

1. As priority for funding will be given to agencies and

organizations that have documented experience in establishing and

operating centers that provide direct services to runaway and homeless

youth, applicant must include a brief description of the organization

and its experience in providing services to this client population.

2. Applicant must include a description of current and proposed

staff skills and knowledge regarding runaway and homeless youth and

indicate how staff will be utilized in achieving the goals and

objectives of the program. Information on proposed staff training and

brief resumes or job descriptions may be included.

3. Applicant must describe procedures for maintaining

confidentiality of records on the youth and families served. Procedures

must insure that no information on the youth and families is disclosed

without the consent of the individual youth, parent or legal guardian.

Disclosures without consent can be made to another agency compiling

statistical records if individual identities are not provided or to a

government agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges

against an individual runaway or homeless youth.

4. Applicant must describe how the project has established or will

establish formal service linkages with other social service, law

enforcement, educational, housing, vocational, welfare, legal service,

drug treatment and health care agencies in order to ensure appropriate

referrals for the project clients when needed.

5. Applicant must describe how community and other support will be

secured to continue the project at the conclusion of the Federal grant

period.

Budget Appropriateness

1. Applicant must discuss and justify the costs of the proposed

project in terms of numbers of youth and families to be served, types

and quantities of services to be provided, and the anticipated outcomes

for the youth and families.

2. The applicant must describe the fiscal control and accounting

procedures that will be used to ensure prudent use, proper

disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this

program announcement.

Duration of Project: This announcement solicits applications for

Basic Center projects of up to three years duration (36-month project

periods). Initial grant awards, made on a competitive basis, will be

for one-year (12-month) budget periods. Applications for continuation

grants beyond the one-year budget periods, but within the 36-month

project periods, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-

competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory

progress of the grantee, and determination that continued funding would

be in the best interest of the government.

Federal Share of Project Costs: Priority will be given to

applicants which apply for less than $200,000 per year. The maximum

Federal share for a 3-year project period is $600,000.

Applicant Share of Project Costs: Basic Center grantees must

provide a non-Federal share or match of at least ten percent of the

Federal funds awarded. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-

kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their

match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a three-year

project requesting $300,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of

$100,000 per 12-month budget period) must include a match of at least

$30,000 (=$10,000 per budget period).

B. Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless

Youth (DAPP)

Eligible Applicants: Any State, unit of local government (or

combination of units of local government), public or non-profit private

agency, organization, institution, or other non-profit entity is

eligible to apply for these funds. Federally recognized Indian Tribes

are eligible to apply for DAPP grants. Non-Federally recognized Indian

Tribes and urban Indian organizations are also eligible to apply for

grants as private, non-profit agencies.

Grantees (including subgrantees) with current DAPP grants with 12

or more months remaining in their project periods may not apply for new

DAPP grants under this announcement. Applicants may refer to Part VI,

Appendix D.2. for a listing of current grantees which are ineligible to

apply for grants under this priority area. No more than one grant per

legal entity (organization) will be awarded under this priority area.

Organizations submitting more than one application for DAPP funds must

understand that only one application will be considered for funding.

Legislation authorizing each of the Federal Runaway and Homeless

Youth Programs requires that priority for funding be given to agencies

with experience in providing direct services to runaway and homeless

youth. In line with this requirement, applicants which have three (3)

or more years of continuous effort serving runaway and homeless youth

in one or more areas set forth in Section 312 of the Act are eligible

to receive an additional five (5) points in this criterion.

Applications claiming credit for this preference must include a

statement of no more than one page documenting the relevant experience.

Empirical or applied research experience is not considered direct

service.

Program Purpose, Goals and Objectives: The Administration on

Children, Youth and Families will award approximately 45 new grants to

support services within a community to maintain, improve and/or expand

drug abuse prevention, early intervention, and reduction of drug

dependency services to runaway and homeless youth and their families.

Applications are solicited under this priority area to carry out direct

service projects designed to address the issue of drug abuse among

runaway and homeless youth in the applicant's community as required by

the goals and objectives set forth in the legislation and specified in

Part I, section C.2. of this announcement.

Activities that may be maintained, improved and/or expanded through

a DAPP grant include but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Improving networking and service coordination to increase the

availability of services to runaway and homeless youth;

2. Expanding outreach activities, particularly street-based

outreach programs;

3. Providing individual, family, group, and/or peer prevention and

intervention counseling related to alcohol and other drug use;

4. Strengthening intake and assessment procedures for substance

abuse at runaway and homeless youth shelters;

5. Coordinating services with drug treatment facilities and making

referrals to treatment that are geared to the runaway and homeless

youth population;

6. Providing aftercare and follow-up services to runaway and

homeless youth with substance abuse problems who have received shelter

and/or non-residential services;

7. Increasing staff knowledge and skills related to working with

runaway and homeless youth with substance abuse problems by improving

or accessing training opportunities;

8. Improving programming to address the unique cultural needs and

concerns of minority runaway and homeless youth; [[Page 20694]]

9. Involving and educating parents, siblings and peers of runaway

and homeless youth receiving drug abuse prevention services;

10. Developing and implementing programs designed to reduce drug

involvement among the target population by improving coping skills and

reducing stress factors arising from such problems as homelessness,

family dysfunction, and peer pressure; and

11. Establishing linkages with community mental health programs

that will provide comprehensive substance abuse counseling and/or

treatment to runaway and homeless youth.

Efforts that will not be funded under this priority area include

research and demonstration projects on illicit drug use by runaway and

homeless youth, and the direct provision of drug treatment services

such as those services provided in a medical setting or by medical

personnel.

This priority area is specifically targeted to runaway and homeless

youth. Potential applicants interested in providing drug abuse

prevention services to high-risk youth other than those who are

runaways or homeless are encouraged to contact the Center for Substance

Abuse Prevention (CSAP). For information on CSAP grant programs and

other drug abuse prevention resources, applicants should contact the

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345,

Rockville, Maryland 20847-2345; telephone: 1-800-729-6686.

Background: Abuse of drugs has had an increasingly severe effect on

runaway and homeless youth. In 1994, approximately 20 percent of youth

entering the Basic Centers identified alcohol and other illicit drugs

as a personal problem. Approximately the same percentage identified

substance abuse by household members as a problem.

The Drug Abuse Education and Prevention Program (DAPP) provides

Federal Assistance to comprehensively address the problem of drug

involvement among runaway and homeless youth. Since the program's

inception in 1989, ACYF has awarded approximately $90 million in

discretionary grants to approximately 475 agencies and organizations

located throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico and the

Virgin Islands.

While varying degrees of success have been reported by DAPP

grantees, many of the most promising programs have implemented one or

more of the following components:

1. Candid discussions between youth and street-wise peer counselors

and/or recovering youth substance abusers who can discuss addiction and

recovery from their personal experience;

2. Sessions in which youth obtain accurate facts on any and all

aspects of substance abuse and treatment;

3. Presentation of decision-making and self-assertiveness skills

and techniques that assist youth in making independent choices and

avoiding drug-involved friends and environments;

4. Counseling and/or other strategies for helping youth to

understand both the underlying causes of drug use and the effect of

drugs on them, their families, their peers and their communities;

5. Educational information that portrays the consequences of

overdosing, the effects of drug withdrawal, and the increased chances

of contracting the HIV virus and AIDS; and

6. The provision of specific and realistic information on various

treatment options that are available, assistance in enrolling in such

programs, and appropriate follow-up by the service provider.

Minimum Requirements for Project Design: As a part of addressing

the evaluation criteria outlined in Part II of this announcement,

applicants must address the following items in the program narrative

sections of their applications.

Objectives and Need for Assistance

1. Applicant must specify the goals and objectives of the program

and how implementation will fulfill the requirements of the legislation

identified in Part I, Section C.2., of this announcement.

2. Applicant must discuss the rates of illicit drug use by

juveniles, specifically addressing the incidence related to runaway and

homeless youth in the community(ies) to be served and the availability

(or lack) of services for runaway and homeless youth in those

communities.

3. Applicant must identify the extent to which the proposed

projects or activities will provide services in geographic areas where

similar services are unavailable or in short supply.

4. Applicant must demonstrate an understanding of the issues

related to alcohol and other drug abuse among runaway and homeless

youth and the provision of services to that population.

Results and Benefits Expected

1. Applicant must identify the number of runaway and homeless youth

and their families to be served, the types and quantities of services

to be provided and how units of service will be defined and measured.

2. Applicant must discuss how the project will enhance or increase

the capacity of the applicant to provide services to address the

illicit use of alcohol and other drugs by runaway and homeless youth.

3. Applicant must describe the extent to which the project will

maintain, increase or improve the community's level of services and/or

the coordination of services for runaway and homeless youth.

4. Applicant must discuss the expected impact of the project on the

availability of services to homeless youth in the local community and

indicate how the project will enhance the organization's capacity to

provide services to address youth homelessness in the community.

Approach

1. Applicant must describe how the project's youth development

approach or philosophy underlies and integrates all proposed

activities, including provision of services to runaway and homeless

youth and involvement of the youth's parents or legal guardians.

2. Applicant must describe how the program will maintain, improve,

and/or expand direct alcohol and other drug abuse prevention,

intervention and reduction services in their community.

3. Applicant must include detailed plans for implementing direct

services based upon identified goals and objectives. Applicant must

identify the strategies that will be employed and the activities that

will be implemented. These should include innovative approaches to

securing appropriate drug treatment services for the runaway and

homeless youth to be served, for involving family members as an

integral part of services provided, and for encouraging awareness of

and sensitivity to the diverse needs of runaway and homeless youth who

represent particular ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual

orientations, or who are street youth.

4. Applicant must identify, when appropriate, the short-term

prevention and intervention strategies to be used with runaway and

homeless youth in temporary emergency shelters and explain the follow-

up efforts to be implemented with the youth once they leave the

shelters.

5. Applicant must discuss how the proposed project will be

integrated with other services to runaway and homeless youth that are

provided by the applicant or that are available in the community. In

addition, applicant is encouraged to show evidence of collaboration

with other agencies in the development of a comprehensive approach to

service [[Page 20695]] delivery for runaway and homeless youth.

Applicant must identify the organizations with which it will work and

describe the contributions of these organizations to the project. A

letter of commitment that indicates the level of responsibility and

involvement must be included for each participating agency.

6. Applicant must identify and explain how the program will provide

alcohol and other drug abuse prevention services to address the

particular needs of runaway and homeless youth who are members of

ethnic and racial minority groups, persons with limited ability to

speak English and/or who are street youth.

7. Applicant must discuss the extent, if any, to which the project

will incorporate new or innovative techniques.

8. Applicant must discuss plans for evaluating the project,

including assessing the outcomes and accomplishments of the program and

the service delivery models being implemented.

9. Applicant must describe how the activities implemented under

this project will be continued by the agency once Federal funding for

the project has ended. The applicant must describe specific plans for

accomplishing program phase-out for the last two quarters of the

program project period in the event the applicant does not receive a

new award.

10. Applicant must agree to gather and submit program and client