# 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

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## Record

- **Collection:** Federal Register
- **Document type:** Notice
- **Published:** April 27, 1995
- **Citation:** 60 FR 20684

## Text

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
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.
11. Applicant must agree to cooperate with any research or
evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and
Families.
Staff Background and Organizational Experience
1. As priority for funding will be given to agencies and
organizations that have documented experience in providing 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 brief description of current and
proposed staff skills and knowledge regarding developmental needs of
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.)
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
Drug Abuse Prevention 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: Up to $100,000 per year, which
equals a maximum Federal share of $300,000 for a 3-year project period.
Applicant Share of Project Costs: Drug Abuse Prevention Program
grantees must provide at least 25 percent of the total approved cost of
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the
ACF share and the non-Federal share. 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
project requesting $300,000 in Federal funds over a three-year project
period (based on an award of $100,000 per 12-month budget period) must
include a match of at least $100,000 (= 25 percent of $400,000, the
total approved cost of the project).

Part IV. Application Process

A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees

Potential grantees can receive informational assistance in
developing applications from the appropriate ACF Regional Youth
Contacts listed in Part VI, Appendix E, or from the Administration on
Children, Youth and Families in Washington, D.C. (see address at the
beginning of this announcement). Organizations may also receive
information and technical assistance in preparing applications from the
appropriate Training and Technical Assistance Provider grantee listed
in Part VI, Appendix F.

B. Application Requirements

To be considered for a grant, each application must be submitted on
the forms provided at the end of this announcement (see Part VI,
section I of this announcement) and in accordance with the guidance
provided below. The application must be signed by an individual
authorized both to act for the applicant agency and to assume
responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions
of the grant award.
If more than one agency is involved in submitting a single
application, one entity must be identified as the applicant
organization which will have legal responsibility for the grant.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, Public Law 96-511, the
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review and approval any reporting and record-keeping
requirements in regulations, including [[Page 20696]] program
announcements. This program announcement does not contain information
collection requirements beyond those approved for grant applications
under OMB Control Number 0348-0043.

D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372

This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
All States and Territories except Alabama, Alaska, Colorado,
Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana,
Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia,
Washington, American Samoa and Palau have elected to participate in the
Executive Order process and have established Single Points of Contact
(SPOCs). Applicants from these 19 jurisdictions need take no action
regarding E.O. 12372. Applications for projects to be administered by
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from the
requirements of E.O. 12372. Otherwise, applicants must contact their
SPOCs as soon as possible to alert them to the prospective application
and receive any necessary instructions. Applicants must submit any
required material to the SPOCs as early as possible so that the program
office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the award
process. It is imperative that the applicant submit all required
materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal
(or date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form
424, item 16a.
Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation
awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCS are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which they intend to
trigger the ``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they must be addressed
to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant
Promenade, SW, Washington, DC 20447.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included as Part VI, Appendix G, of this announcement.

Availability of Forms and Other Materials

A copy of the forms required to be submitted as part of each
application for a runaway and homeless youth grant, and instructions
for completing the application, are provided in Part VI, Appendix I.
The Basic Center Program Performance Standards as well as descriptions
of the National Runaway Switchboard and the National Clearinghouse on
Runaway and Homeless Youth are presented in Part VI, Appendices A, B
and C. Addresses of the State Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) to which
applicants must submit review copies of their proposals are listed in
Part VI, Appendix G.
Legislation referenced in Part I, section B, of this announcement
may be found in major public libraries and at the ACF Regional Offices
listed in Part VI, Appendix E, at the end of this announcement.
Additional copies of this announcement may be obtained from the ACF
Regional Offices or by calling the telephone number listed at the
beginning of this announcement. Further general information may be
obtained from the Training and Technical Assistance Providers listed in
Part VI, Appendix F.

F. Application Consideration

All applications which are complete and conform to the requirements
of this program announcement will be subject to a competitive review
and evaluation process against the specific criteria outlined in Part
II of this announcement and the specific Minimum Requirements for
Project Design contained in Part III of this announcement. This review
will be conducted in Washington, DC, by teams of non-Federal experts
knowledgeable in the areas of youth development and human service
programs. Applications for Basic Center Program grants will be reviewed
competitively only with other applications from the same State.
Applications for Drug Abuse Prevention Program grants will be reviewed
as part of a national competition.
Non-Federal experts will review the applications based on the
Evaluation Criteria listed in Part II of this announcement and the
specific Minimum Requirements for Project Design contained in Part III
of this announcement, and will assign a score to each application. Both
Central and Regional office staff will conduct administrative reviews
of the applications and the results of the competitive reviews and will
select those applications to be recommended for funding to the
Commissioner, ACYF.
The Commissioner will make the final selection of the applicants to
be funded. As required by runaway and homeless youth legislation,
priority for funding will be given to agencies with demonstrated
experience in providing direct services to runaway and homeless youth.
However, current grantees ending three-year funding periods, and
applying as new applicants for funds under this program announcement,
are reminded that when the current project periods end so does the
funding agency's obligation for future awards. Criterion 3, Approach,
requires applicants to specifically discuss how their projects will be
maintained after termination of Federal support.
In addition to scores assigned by non-Federal reviewers and
Regional Office Reviewers, consideration will be given to adequate
geographic distribution of services, and the Commissioner may show
preference for applications proposing services in areas that would not
otherwise be served. The Commissioner also may elect to consider
applicants' past performance in providing services to runaway and
homeless youth and also may elect not to fund any applicants having
known management, fiscal, reporting (as under the RHYMIS), or other
problems which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide
effective services.
Grant awards for Basic Center Program and Drug Abuse Prevention
Program Grants will be made by September 30, 1995. Successful
applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial
Assistance Award which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the
terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the
budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal
share to be provided, and the total project period for which support is
contemplated. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will
be notified of that decision in writing by the Commissioner of the
Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Every effort will be
made to notify all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after
final decisions are made, including grantees whose three-year project
periods end in FY 1995.
Applicants applying for more than one runaway and homeless youth
grant (Basic Center Program (BCP), Drug Abuse Prevention Program
(DAPP)) [[Page 20697]] must submit separate and complete applications
for each program. BCP and DAPP applications that combine the two
programs in a single proposal will not be reviewed.

Part V. Application Content, Instructions, Assembly, and Submission

A. Content, Instructions, and Assembly of Applications

Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424, REV 4-88)
(page i). Follow the instructions in Part VI, Appendix I. In Item 8 of
Form 424, check ``New.'' In Item 10 of the 424, clearly identify the
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number and Title for the
program for which funds are being requested (93.623, Basic Center
Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth; 93.657, Drug Abuse Education
and Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth). In Item 11 of
the 424, identify the Program Area (IIIA or IIIB) and the program name
[(Basic Center Program (BCP) or Drug Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP))]
which the application is addressing.
2. Budget Information (Standard Form 424A, REV 4-88) (pages ii-
iii). Follow the instructions in Part VI, Appendix I.
3. Budget Justification (Type on standard size plain white paper)
(pages iv-v). Provide breakdowns for major budget categories and
justify significant costs. List amounts and sources of all funds, both
Federal and non-Federal, that will be used for this project.
4. Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (Standard Form 424B, REV
4-88) (pages vi-vii). Certification Regarding Drug-Free and Smoke-Free
Workplace, Certification Regarding Debarment, Certification Regarding
Lobbying, and Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke. Of
these forms, only the Standard Form 424B and the Certification
Regarding Lobbying need to be signed and returned with the application.
By signing and submitting its application each applicant is certifying
its compliance with the Drug-Free and Smoke-Free Workplace and
Debarment certification requirements included in this announcement.
5. Program Narrative Statement (pages 1 and following; 40 pages
maximum, double-spaced). Use the Evaluation Criteria in Part II as a
way to organize the Narrative. Be sure to address all the specifics
contained in the appropriate Program Area Description in Part III,
especially the information described under Minimum Requirements for
Project Design.
The pages of the narrative statement must be numbered and are
limited to 40 typed pages, double spaced, printed on only one side,
with at least \1/2\ inch margins. Applications which contain a program
narrative statement longer than 40 double-spaced pages will not be
reviewed or considered for funding. In addition, please note that
previous attempts by applicants to circumvent space limitations or to
exceed page limits by using small print have resulted in negative
responses from reviewers because of the difficulty in reviewing the
application. It is in the best interest of the applicants to ensure
that the narrative statements are easy to read, logically developed in
accordance with evaluation criteria, and adhere to page limitations.
6. Organizational Capability Statement (pages OCS-1 and following;
3 pages maximum). Applicants must provide a description (no more than
three pages, double-spaced) of how the applicant agency is organized
and the types, quantities and costs of services it provides, including
services to clients other than runaway and homeless youth. For the
prior year, list all contracts with or funds received from juvenile
justice, probation and/or welfare agencies. Provide an organizational
chart showing any superordinate, parallel, or subordinate agencies to
the specific agency that will provide direct services to runaway and
homeless youth, and summarize the purposes, clients and overall budgets
of these other agencies. If the agency has multiple sites, list these
sites, including addresses, phone numbers and staff contact names, if
different than those on the SF 424. If the agency is a recipient of
funds from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families for
services to runaway and homeless youth for programs other than that
applied for in this application, show how the services supported by
these funds are or will be integrated with the existing services.
7. Supporting Documents (pages SD-1 and following). The maximum for
supporting documentation is 10 pages, double spaced, exclusive of
letters of support or agreement. These documents might include resumes,
photocopies of newsclippings, evidence of the program's efforts to
coordinate youth services at the local level, etc. Documentation over
the ten page limit will not be reviewed. Applicants may include as many
letters of support or agreement as are appropriate.

B. Application Submission

To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed
original and two additional copies of the application, including all
attachments, to the application receipt point specified below. The
original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed
in black ink. Each copy must be stapled (back and front) in the upper
left corner. All copies of a single application must be submitted in a
single package.
Because each application will be duplicated by the government, do
not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic
inserts, maps, brochures or any other items that cannot be processed
easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind,
clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the
application, including supporting documentation.
The closing dates for receipt of applications for the grant
programs contained in this announcement are:

Program and Closing Date

BCP, June 16, 1995
DAPP, June 30, 1995

Applications should be submitted to the following address:
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 will be accepted
during the normal working hours of 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday.)
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);
Drug Abuse Prevention Program (DAPP).
Deadline. Applications will be considered as meeting the deadline
if they are received on or before the RECEIPT date at the above
address. Please note that this is a departure from the traditional
approach of using postmarks instead of actual receipt dates to
determine eligibility of applications for review.
Late Applications. Applications which do not meet the criteria
stated above and are not received by the RECEIPT date are considered
late [[Page 20698]] applications. The Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will notify each late applicant that its application
will not be considered in the current competition.
Extension of Deadline. The ACF may extend the deadline for all
applicants because of acts of God such as earthquakes, floods or
hurricanes, etc., or when there is a widespread disruption of the
mails. However, if ACF does not extend the deadline for all applicants,
it may not waive or extend the deadline for any applicants.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Number 93.623, Basic Center
Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth; Number 93.657, Drug Abuse
Education and Prevention Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth)

Dated: April 13, 1995.
Joseph A. Mottola,
Deputy Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

Part VI. Appendices

Appendix A. Basic Center Program Performance Standards

Program Performance Standards

I. Purpose
The Program Performance Standards established by the Bureau for its
funded centers relate to the basic program components enumerated in
section 317 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and as further
detailed in the Regulations and Program Guidance governing the
implementation of the Act. They address the methods and processes by
which the needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families are
being met, as opposed to the outcome of the services provided on the
clients served.
The terms ``program performance standard,'' ``criterion,'' and
``indicators'' are used throughout both the instrument and the
instructions. These terms are defined as follows:
Program Performance Standard: The general principle against which a
judgment can be made to determine whether a service or an
administrative component has achieved a particular level of attainment.
Criterion: A specific dimension or aspect of a program performance
standard which helps to define that standard and which is amenable to
direct observation or measurement.
Indicator: The specific documentation which demonstrates whether a
criterion (or an aspect of a criterion) is being met and thereby the
extent to which a specific aspect of a standard is being met.
Fourteen program performance standards, with related criteria, are
established by the Bureau for the projects funded under the Runaway and
Homeless Youth Act. Nine of these standards relate to service
components (outreach, individual intake process, temporary shelter,
individual and group counseling, family counseling, service linkages,
aftercare services, recreational programs, and case disposition), and
five to administrative functions or activities (staffing and staff
development, youth participation, individual client files, ongoing
project planning, and board of directors/advisory body).
Although fiscal management is not included as a program performance
standard, it is viewed by FYSB as being an essential element in the
operation of its funded projects. Therefore, as validation visits are
made, the Regional ACF specialist and/or staff from the Office of
Fiscal Operations will also review the project's financial management
activities.
FYSB views these program performance standards as constituting the
minimum standards to which its funded projects should conform. The
primary assumption underlying the program performance standards is that
the service and administrative components which are encompassed within
these standards are integral (but not sufficient in themselves) to a
program of services which effectively addresses the crisis and long-
term needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families.
The program performance standards are designed to serve as a
developmental tool, and are to be employed by both the project staff
and the Regional ACF staff specialists in identifying those service and
administrative components and activities of individual projects which
require strengthening and/or development either through internal action
on the part of staff or through the provision of external technical
assistance.
II. Program Performance Standards and Criteria
The following constitute the program performance standards and
criteria established by the Bureau for its funded centers. Each
standard is numbered, and each criterion is listed after a lower case
letter.
1. Outreach
The project shall conduct outreach efforts directed towards
community agencies, youth and parents.
2. Individual Intake Process
The project shall conduct an individual intake process with each
youth seeking services from the project. The individual intake process
shall provide for:
a. Direct access to project services on a 24-hour basis.
b. The identification of the emergency service needs of each youth
and the provision of the appropriate services either directly or
through referrals to community agencies and individuals.
c. An explanation of the services which are available and the
requirements for participation, and the securing of a voluntary
commitment from each youth to participate in project services prior to
admitting the youth into the project.
d. The recording of basic background information on each youth
admitted into the project.
e. The assignment of primary responsibility to one staff member for
coordinating the services provided to each youth.
f. The contact of the parent(s) or legal guardian of each youth
provided temporary shelter within the timeframe established by State
law or, in the absence of State requirements, preferably within 24 but
within no more than 72 hours following the youth's admission into the
project.
3. Temporary Shelter
The project shall provide temporary shelter and food to each youth
admitted into the project and requesting such services.
a. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall be in
compliance with State and local licensing requirements.
b. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall
accommodate no more than 20 youth at any given time.
c. Temporary shelter shall normally not be provided for a period
exceeding two weeks during a given stay at the project.
d. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall make
at least two meals per day available to youth served on a temporary
shelter basis.
e. At least one adult shall be on the premises whenever youth are
using the temporary shelter facility.
4. Individual and Group Counseling
The project shall provide individual and/or group counseling to
each youth admitted into the project.
a. Individual and/or group counseling shall be available daily to
each youth admitted into the project on a temporary
[[Page 20699]] shelter basis and requesting such counseling.
b. Individual and/or group counseling shall be available to each
youth admitted into the project on a non-residential basis and
requesting such counseling.
c. The individual and/or group counseling shall be provided by
qualified staff.
5. Family Counseling
The project shall make family counseling available to each parent
or legal guardian and youth admitted into the project.
a. Family counseling shall be provided to each parent or legal
guardian and youth admitted into the project and requesting such
services.
b. The family counseling shall be provided by qualified staff.
6. Service Linkages
The project shall establish and maintain linkages with community
agencies and individuals for the provision of those services which are
required by youth and/or their families but which are not provided
directly by the centers.
a. Arrangements shall be made with community agencies and
individuals for the provision of alternative living arrangements,
medical services, psychological and/or psychiatric services, and the
other assistance required by youth admitted into the project and/or by
their families which are not provided directly by the project.
b. Specific efforts shall be conducted by the project directed
toward establishing working relationships with law enforcement and
other juvenile justice system personnel.
7. Aftercare Services
The project shall provide a continuity of services to all youth
served on a temporary shelter basis and/or their families following the
termination of such temporary shelter both directly and through
referrals to other agencies and individuals.
8. Recreational Program
The project shall provide a recreational-leisure time schedule of
activities for youth admitted to the project for residential care.
9. Case Disposition
The project shall determine, on an individual case basis, the
disposition of each youth provided temporary shelter, and shall assure
the safe arrival of each youth home or to an alternative living
arrangement.
a. To the extent feasible, the project shall provide for the active
involvement of the youth, the parent(s) or legal guardian, and the
staff in determining what living arrangement constitutes the best
interest of each youth.
b. The project shall assure the safe arrival of each youth home or
to an alternative living arrangement, following the termination of the
crisis services provided by the project, by arranging for the
transportation of the youth if he/she will be residing within the area
served by the project; or by arranging for the meeting and local
transportation of the youth at his/her destination if he/she will be
residing beyond the area served by the project.
c. The project shall verify the arrival of each youth who is not
accompanied home or to an alternative living arrangement by the
parent(s) or legal guardian, project staff or other agency staff within
12 hours after his/her scheduled arrival at his/her destination.
10. Staffing and Staff Development
Each center is required to develop and maintain a plan for staffing
and staff development.
a. The project shall operate under an affirmative action plan.
b. The project shall maintain a written staffing plan which
indicates the number of paid and volunteer staff in each job category.
c. The project shall maintain a written job description for each
paid and volunteer staff function which describes both the major tasks
to be performed and the qualifications required.
d. The project shall provide training to all paid and volunteer
staff (including youth) in both the procedures employed by the project
and in specific skill areas as determined by the project.
e. The project shall evaluate the performance of each paid and
volunteer staff member on a regular basis.
f. Case supervision sessions, involving relevant project staff,
shall be conducted at least weekly to review current cases and the
types of counseling and other services which are being provided.
11. Youth Participation
The center shall actively involve youth in the design and delivery
of the services provided by the project.
a. Youth shall be involved in the ongoing planning efforts
conducted by the project.
b. Youth shall be involved in the delivery of the services provided
by the project.
12. Individual Client Files
The project shall maintain an individual file on each youth
admitted into the project.
a. The client file maintained on each youth should, at a minimum,
include an intake form which minimally contains the basic background
information needed by FYSB; counseling notations; information on the
services provided both directly and through referrals to community
agencies and individuals; disposition data; and, as applicable, any
follow-up and evaluation data which are compiled by the center.
b. The file on each client shall be maintained by the project in a
secure place and shall not be disclosed without the written permission
of the client and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian except to project
staff, to the funding agency(ies) and its(their) contractor(s), and to
a court involved in the disposition of criminal charges against the
youth.
13. Ongoing Center Planning
The center shall develop a written plan at least annually.
a. At least annually, the project shall review the crisis
counseling, temporary shelter, and aftercare needs of the youth in the
area served by the center and the existing services which are available
to meet these needs.
b. The project shall conduct an ongoing evaluation of the impact of
its services on the youth and families it serves.
c. At least annually, the project shall review and revise, as
appropriate, its goals, objectives, and activities based upon the data
generated through both the review of youth needs and existing services
(13a) and the follow-up evaluations (13b).
d. The project's planning process shall be open to all paid and
volunteer staff, youth, and members of the Board of Directors and/or
Advisory Body.
14. Board of Directors/Advisory Body (Optional)
It is strongly recommended that the centers have a Board of
Directors or Advisory Body.
a. The membership of the project's Board of Directors or Advisory
Body shall be composed of a representative cross-section of the
community, including youth, parents, and agency representatives.
b. Training shall be provided to the Board of Directors or Advisory
Body designed to orient the members to the goals, objectives, and
activities of the project.
c. The Board of Directors or Advisory Body shall review and approve
the overall goals, objectives, and activities of the project, including
the written plan developed under standard 13.
[[Page 20700]]

Appendix B. National Runaway Switchboard

The National Runaway Switchboard:
Facilitates communication among youth, their families and
youth and community-based resources through conference calling
services.
Provides crisis intervention counseling and message
delivery services to at-risk youth and their families.
Provides information and referral services to at-risk
youth and their families on youth serving agencies using a computerized
national resource directory.
Conducts an annual conference for local switchboard
service providers.
The Switchboard distributes information brochures, posters, a
newsletter, and public service announcements. For more information,
contact the National Runaway Switchboard, 3080 North Lincoln, Chicago,
IL 60657.

Appendix C. National Clearinghouse on Runaway and Homeless Youth

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) established NCRHY in
June 1992 in response to the need for a central source of information
on runaway and homeless youth and the provision of services to that
client population. As a national resource for youth service
professionals, policymakers and the general public, NCRHY offers the
following specific services:
Through its information line, bibliographic and FYSB program
databases and special mailings, NCRHY distributes information about
successful program approaches, available resources and current
activities relevant to runaway and homeless youth organizations.
NCRHY develops semi-annual briefing packages to inform the field
about new developments, ideas and issues related to services to runaway
and homeless youth. It also produces informational packets on FYSB
programs and reports on critical issues, best practices and model
programs.
NCRHY facilitates FYSB-sponsored forums, bringing together experts
in the field to discuss critical issues and develop strategies for
addressing the causes and consequences of runaway episodes and
homelessness.
NCRHY will assist FYSB in collaborating with national, State and
local organizations on youth-related policy and program initiatives.
For more information, please contact the National Clearinghouse on
Runaway and Homeless Youth, P.O. Box 13505, Silver Spring, Maryland
20911-3505, telephone (301) 608-8098.

Appendix D. Runaway and Homeless Youth Continuation Grantees

The following grantees are expected to receive continuation grants
in FY 1995 and are NOT eligible to apply for funds under this
announcement.

D.1: Basic Center Programs for Runaway and Homeless Youth Grantees
Ineligible for New FY 1995 Funding

Region I

Connecticut

The Bridge Family Center, Inc., 90 North Main Street, West Hartford, CT
06107, David Johnson, (203) 521-8035
The Youth Shelter, One Salem Street, Cos Cob, CT 06830, Shari Shapiro,
(203) 661-2599
Youth Continuum (Douglas House Shelter), P.O. Box 2033, New Haven, CT
06521, David Sorensen, (203) 562-3396

Maine

New Beginnings, 436 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240, Robert Rowe, (207)
795-4077

Massachusetts

Life Resources, 199 State St., 5th Flr., Boston, MA 02104, David
Kaufer, (508) 584-0500
Concord-Assabet Family and Adolescent Services, Inc., 56 Winthrop
Street, Concord, MA 01742, Stephen A. Joffe, (508) 371-3006
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc., 99 Day Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, Ernest
M. Pletan-Cross, (508) 345-0658
The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, 47 West Street, Boston, MA 02111,
Sister Barbara Whelan, (617) 423-9575
Brookline Community Mental Health Center, 43 Garrison Road, Brookline,
MA 02146, Cynthia Price, (617) 277-8107
ServiceNet, Inc., 17 New South Street, Northampton, MA 01060, James
Reis, (413) 586-8680

New Hampshire

Community Youth Advocates, 88 Pleasant Street, Claremont, NH 03743,
Rodney Minckler, (603) 543-0427

Rhode Island

Stopover Services of Newport County, 2538 East Main Road, Portsmouth,
RI 02871, Peter Marshall, (401) 683-1824

Region II

New Jersey

Atlantic County Department of Social Services, 101 So. Shore Road,
Northfield, NJ 08225, Don Leeds, (609) 645-5862
Somerset Youth Shelter, 49 Brahma Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807,
Jeffrey Fetzko, (201) 526-6605
Together, 7 State Street, Glassboro, NJ 08028, Susan Sasser, (609) 881-
6100
Tri-County Youth Services (Project Youth Haven), 435 Main Street,
Paterson, NJ 07501, Gail Manning, (201) 881-0280
Ocean's Harbor House, 2445 Windsor Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08754, Lynn
Hahm, (201) 929-0660
Youth Coordinating Council, Kennedy Memorial Hospital, 2201 Chapel
Avenue West, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002, Ruth Hoskins, (609) 667-6525

New York

Family and Community Services, 41 West Main Street, Cobleskill, NY
12043, Tom Meyer, (518) 234-3581
Oneida County Community Action Agency, 303 West Liberty Street, Rome,
NY 13440, Treva Wood, (315) 339-5640
Cortland County Community Action Program (Time Out Program), 23 Main
Street, Cortland, NY 13045, Lenn Ann Underwood, (607) 753-6781
The Salvation Army, 749 S. Warren Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, Roberta
Schofield, (315) 479-1323
Westchester County Youth Bureau, 150 Grand Street, 6th Flr., White
Plains, NY 10601, Toni Collarini, (914) 285-2745
County of Nassau, One West Street, Mineola, NY 11501, Ann M. Irvin,
(516) 571-5893
Dutchess County YMCA, Eastman Park, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, Karen
Pietrasanta, (914) 485-1001
Center for Youth Services, 258 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607,
Frank Petrus, (716) 473-2464
Hillside Children's Center, 1183 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620,
James Cotter, (716) 473-5150
Catholic Charities of Ogdensburg, 380 Arlington Street, Watertown, NY
13601, Ann Boulter-Davis, (315) 788-4330
Society for Seamen's Children (Center for Youth and Families), 25 Hyatt
Street, Staten Island, NY 10301, Ann Deinhardt, (718) 447-7740
Putnam County Youth Bureau, 110 Old Route Six Center, Carmel, NY 10512,
Robert Bondi, (914) 225-6316
Family and Children's Service of Niagara, 826 Chilton Avenue, Niagara
Falls, NY 14301, Gerald Kozak, (716) 693-9961

Puerto Rico

Centros Sor Isolina Ferre, Box 213, Playa Station, Ponce, PR 00734,
Sister Rosita Bauza, (809) 843-1910
Centro De Servicios A La Juventud, Box 9368 Cotto Station, Arecibo, PR
[[Page 20701]] 00613, Nidna Torres-Martinez, (809) 878-6776
The Salvation Army, 1327 Americo Miranda Avenue, Caparra Terrace, Rio
Piedras, PR 00921, Nestor Nuesch, (809) 781-6883

Region III

Delaware

Aid in Dover, 838 Walker Rd., Suite 2B-1, Dover, DE 19901, Beverly
Williams, (302) 734-7610

District of Columbia

Sasha Bruce Youthwork, 1022 Maryland Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC
20002, Deborah Shore, (202) 675-9340

Maryland

Walden/Sierra, Inc., St. Andrews Church Road, P.O. Box 1238,
California, MD 20619, Carl Loffler, (301) 475-4464
Southern Area Youth Services, 4305 St. Barnabas Road, Temple Hills, MD
20748, Robert Jones, (301) 702-9731
Youth Resources Center, (Second Mile House), 4307 Jefferson Street,
Hyattsville, MD 20781, Holger Kjeldsen, (301) 864-9735
Fellowship of Lights, Inc., 1300 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD
21202, Ross Pologe, (301) 837-8155
Boys & Girls Home of Maryland, Inc., 9601 Colesville Road, Silver
Spring, MD 20901, Quanah Parker, (301) 589-8444

Pennsylvania

Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center, 200 Charles Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15238, Russell Simms, (412) 782-4457
Youth Services of Bucks County, Neshaminy Manor Center, Almshouse
Building, Doylestown, PA 18901, Roger Dawson, (215) 257-2945
Centre County Youth Service, 410 South Fraser Street, State College, PA
16801, Norma Keller, (814) 237-5731
Valley Youth House Committee, 827-829 Linden Street, Allentown, PA
18101, David Gilgoff, (215) 691-1200
Whale's Tale, 250 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Christopher
Smith, (412) 661-1800
Family and Children's Services, 2022 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601,
Jackie Sutton, (814) 944-3583
Youth Services, Inc., 410 N. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104,
Laurien D. Ward, (215) 222-3262

Virginia

Seton House, Inc., 642 North Lynnhaven Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23452,
Kathy Jeffries, (804) 498-4673
Children, Youth and Family Services, 116 West Jefferson Street,
Charlottesville, VA 22902, Cathy Bodkin, (804) 296-4118
Family and Children's Services, 1518 Willow Lawn Drive, Richmond, VA
23230, Richard J. Lung, (804) 282-4255
Loudoun County Youth Shelter, 16450 Meadowview Court, Leesburg, VA
22075, Jerry Tracy, (703) 771-5300
Alternative House, 2136-G Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027, Jim
Warwick, (703) 698-7062
The Campagna Center (This Way House), 418 South Washington Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314, Katherine L. Morrison, (703) 549-0111

Region IV

Alabama

Group Homes, Inc., 1426 S. Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, George
Hoyt/Martha Nachman, (334) 262-2953
Family Connection, Inc., P.O. Box 1261, Alabaster, AL 35007, Susan
Johnston, (205) 663-6301
Marshall County Attention Home, P.O. Box 952, Guntersville, AL 35976,
Ramona Collins, (205) 582-0377

Florida

Crosswinds Youth Services, P.O. Box 540625, Merritt Island, FL 32954-
0625, Jan Lokay, (305) 452-8988
Family Resources, Inc. (Youth & Family Connection), P.O. Box 13087, St.
Petersburg, FL 33733, Jane Harper, (813) 893-1150
Lutheran Ministries (Gulf Coast Youth and, Family Services), 4610 W.
Fairfield Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506, Neil Pape, (904) 453-2772
Switchboard of Miami (Family P.A.C.T.), 75 SW. 8th Street, Miami, FL
33130, Shirley Aron, (305) 358-1640
Corner Drugstore (Interface), 1300 Northwest 6th Street, Gainesville,
FL 32601, Karen Crapo, (904) 334-3800
Miami Bridge, Inc., 2810 NW. South River Drive, Miami, FL 33125,
Chilton Harper, (305) 635-8953
Lutheran Ministries (Lippman Family Center), 221 Northwest 43rd Court,
Oakland Park, FL 33309, Donald Carey, (305) 568-2801
YMCA Youth and Family Services, 41 N. School Avenue, Sarasota, FL
34237, Jack Greer, (813) 955-5596
Anchorage Children's Home (Hidle House), 707 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Panama
City, FL 32401, Barbara Cloud, (904) 763-7102
Orange County Department of Human Services, 1718 East Michigan Avenue,
Orlando, FL 32806, Mike Robenson, (407) 836-7675
Lutheran Ministries (Gulf Coast/Currie House), 3507 Frontage Road,
Tampa, FL 33607-1776, Richard Eissfeldt, (813) 288-9550

Georgia

The Alcove, 507 East Church Street, Monroe, GA 30655, Gail Bayes, (404)
267-9156
Tri-County Protective Agency, P.O. Box 1937, Hinesville, GA 31313, Rita
Campbell, (912) 368-9200
Safe Harbor Children's Shelter, P.O. Box 1313, Brunswick, GA 31521,
Kate Minnock, (912) 267-6000
Open Arms (The Bridge), P.O. Box 71562, Albany, GA 31708, April Lott,
(912) 432-3378
Children's Emergency Shelter, 127 West Church Street, Cartersville, GA
30120, Teresa Ramey, (404) 387-1143
Greenbriar Children's Center, 3709 Hopkins Street, Savannah, GA 31405,
Yvette Johnson-Hagins, (912) 234-3431

Kentucky

YMCA Center for Youth Alternatives, 1410 South First Street,
Louisville, KY 40208, Kevin Connelly, (502) 635-5233
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, 200 East Main Street,
Lexington, KY 40507, Pam Miller, (606) 252-3126

Mississippi

Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 2248, Jackson, MS 39225-2248, Linda Raff,
(601) 355-8634
Mississippi Children's Home Society, P.O. Box 1078, Jackson, MS 39215,
Christopher Cherney, (601) 352-7784
Mississippi Children's Home Society, (Warren County Children's
Shelter), P.O. Box 1078, Jackson, MS 39215, Christopher Cherney, (601)
352-7784

North Carolina

Youth Focus, Inc., 301 E. Washington St., Ste. 202, Greensboro, NC
27401, Charles Hodierne, (910) 333-6858
Lee County Youth Services, P.O. Box 57, Sanford, NC 27331-0057, Todd
Edwards, (919) 774-9515
Haven House, 401 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27608, Michael
Rieder, (919) 856-6368
Catholic Social Services, P.O. Box 10962, Winston Salem, NC 27108,
David Harold, (910) 727-0705
Buncombe Shelter, Inc. (Trinity Place), 12 Ravenscroft Drive,
Asheville, NC 28801, Dean Vick, (704) 253-7233

South Carolina

Dept. of Youth Services (Crossroads), 4360 Headquarters Road, N.
Charleston, SC 29405, Greg Leighton, (803) 744-3381
Dept. of Youth Services (Hope House), 1940 Shivers Road, Columbia, SC
[[Page 20702]] 29210, Marilyn McEachern, (803) 731-1694
Dept. of Youth Services (Greenhouse), 529 N. Wise Drive, Sumter, SC
29150, Howard McFadden, (803) 775-3311

Tennessee

Child and Family Services, 114 Dameron Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917,
Charlie Gentry, (615) 524-7483
Gardner House, 317 Oak Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403, Tom Edwards,
(615) 755-2725
The Family Link, P.O. Box 40437, Memphis, TN 38174-0437, Marian
Carruth, (901) 725-7270

Region V

Illinois

Youth Outreach Services, 6417 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60634,
William Southwick, (312) 777-7112
Teen Living Programs (Foundation House), 3179 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL
60657, Deborah Hinde, (312) 883-0025
The Harbour, 1480 Renaissance Drive, Park Ridge, IL 60068, Mary
Eichling, (708) 297-8540
LaSalle County Youth Service Bureau, 424 West Madison Street, Ottowa,
IL 61350, Dave McClure, (815) 433-3953
Project OZ, 502 South Morris Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61701, Peter
Rankaitis, (309) 827-0377
Aunt Martha's, 4343 Lincoln Highway, Matteson, IL 60443, Daniel Strick,
(708) 747-2701
Travelers and Immigrants Aid, 208 S. LaSalle, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL
60604, Sid Mohn, (312) 528-7767

Indiana

Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph County, 2222 Lincoln Way West, South
Bend, IN 46628, Bonnie Strycker, (219) 235-9231
Stopover, Inc., 2236 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201-2099,
Elizabeth Malone, (317) 635-9301
Clark County Youth Shelter, 118 East Chestnut Street, P.O. Box 886,
Jeffersonville, IN 47131, Candice Chaney, (812) 284-5229
Monroe County Youth Service Bureau, 1310 East Atwater Avenue,
Bloomington, IN 47401, Tim Tilton, (812) 333-3506
Crisis Center, Inc. (Alternative House), 101 N. Montgomery Street,
Gary, IN 46403, Shirley Caylor, (219) 938-7070

Michigan

Comprehensive Youth Services (The Harbor), 3061 Commerce Drive, Suite
2, Port Huron, MI 48060, Sally Currie, (313) 385-7010
Cory Place, 1218 Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708, Raul Gonzales,
(517) 895-5563
Saginaw County Youth Council, P.O. Box 3191, Saginaw, MI 48605, Ronald
Spess, (517) 752-5175
Northeast Michigan Community, Service Agency, 2373 Gordon Road, Alpena,
MI 49707, John Swise, (517) 356-3474
League of Catholic Women (Off The Streets), 10612 E. Jefferson,
Detroit, MI 48201, David Suttner, (313) 831-1000
Advisory Centers (The Bridge), 1115 Ba

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A95-10089. Public record. Not legal advice.