# Announcement of the Availability of Financial Assistance and Request for Applications To Support Child Welfare Training Projects

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A97-17655

## Record

- **Collection:** Federal Register
- **Document type:** Notice
- **Published:** July 8, 1997
- **Citation:** 62 FR 36610

## Text

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
[Program Announcement No. CB 97-11]

Announcement of the Availability of Financial Assistance and
Request for Applications To Support Child Welfare Training Projects

AGENCY: Administration on Children, Youth and Families, ACF, DHHS.

ACTION: Announcement of the availability of financial assistance and
request for applications to support child welfare training projects.

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

SUMMARY: The Children's Bureau (CB) within the Administration on
Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and
Families, announces the availability of fiscal year 1997 funds for
competing new discretionary grants to public and private non-profit
accredited institutions of higher learning to develop and improve
educational and training programs and to assist child welfare agencies
to enhance skills and build capacity of staff to achieve planned
outcomes.
This announcement contains forms and instructions for submitting an
application.

CLOSING DATE: The closing time and date for the receipt of applications
under this announcement is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone), on August 22,
1997. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. of the closing date will be
classified as late. Post marks and other similar documents DO NOT
establish receipt of an application.

DEADLINE: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington,
D.C. 20447. Attention: Children's Bureau Discretionary Training Funds
Program (Specify Priority Area 1, 2, 3, or 4).
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant courier, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline
receipt date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EST), at
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mailroom,
2nd Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal
holidays). Attention: Children's Bureau Discretionary Training Funds
Program (Specify Priority Area 1, 2, 3, or 4). Any application received
after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for
competition. Applicants using express/overnight services should allow
for two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of
applications.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to
ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt. Envelopes containing applications must
clearly indicate the specific priority area that the application is
addressing.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the above
criteria are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of Deadlines: ACF may extend the deadline for all
applicants because of acts of God such as floods, 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 applicant.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The ACYF Operations Center, Technical
Assistance Team (telephone number 1-800-351-2293) is available to
answer questions regarding application requirements and to refer you to
the appropriate contact person in ACYF for programmatic questions.

INTENT TO APPLY: If you plan to submit an application, within two weeks
of the receipt of this announcement, send a post card or call in the
following information: the name, address and telephone number of the
contact person; the name of the organization; and the priority area(s)
in which you may submit an application to: Administration on Children
Youth and Families, Operations Center, 3030 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite
240, Arlington, VA 22201, ATTN: Child Welfare Training Program. The
telephone number is 1-800-351-2293. This information will be used to
determine the number of expert reviewers needed and to update the
mailing list of persons to whom the program announcement is sent.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This program announcement consists of five
parts. Part I provides information on the Children's Bureau. Part II
describes the review process and funding decisions, additional
requirements for the grant applications, and the programmatic
priorities for which applications are being requested. Part III
provides information on the application requirements. Part IV describes
the evaluation criteria. Part V provides the instructions for the
development and submission of applications.

Outline of Announcement

Part I: General Information
A. Background
B. Statutory Authority Covered Under This Announcement
Part II: Review Process and Priority Areas
A. Eligible Applicants
B. Review Process and Funding Decisions
C. Evaluation Process
D. Structure of Priority Area Descriptions
E. Available Funds
F. Grantee Share of Project Costs
G. Priority Areas
H. Priority Area Descriptions
Part III. Application Requirements
A. Objectives and Needs for Assistance
B. Results and Benefits
C. Approach
Priority Area 1
Priority Area 2
Priority Area 3
Priority Area 4
D. Staff Background and Organizational Experience
E. Budget Appropriateness
Part IV: Evaluation Criteria
A. Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance
B. Criterion 2: Results and Benefits Expected
C. Criterion 3: Approach
D. Criterion 4: Staff Background and Organizational Experience
E. Criterion 5: Budget Appropriateness
Part V: Instructions for the Development and Submission of
Applications for FY 1997
A. Availability of Forms
B. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
C. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact
D. Deadline for Submission of Applications
E. Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing
Application Forms
1. SF 424 Page 1, Application Cover Sheet
2. SF 424A--Budget Information, Non-Construction Programs
3. Project Summary Description
4. Program Narrative Statement
5. Organizational Capability Statement
6. Assurances/Certifications
F. Checklist for a Complete Application
G. The Application Package

Part I. General Information

A. Background

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families administers
national Federal programs for children

[[Page 36611]]

and youth; works with States, Tribes, and local communities to develop
services which support and strengthen family life and protect children;
seeks joint ventures with the private sector to enhance the lives of
children and their families; and provides information and other
assistance related to child welfare programs.
The concerns of ACYF extend to all children from birth through
adolescence, with particular emphasis on children who have special
needs. Many of the programs administered by the agency focus on
children from low-income families; children and youth in need of
protective services, foster care, adoption or other child welfare
services; preschool children, including children with disabilities;
abused and neglected children; runaway and homeless youth; and children
from American Indian and migrant families.
Within ACYF, the Children's Bureau plans, manages, coordinates, and
supports child welfare services programs. It administers the Foster
Care and Adoption Assistance Program, the Child Welfare Services State
Grants Program, the Family Preservation and Support Program, the
Independent Living Program, the Child Welfare Services Training
Program, the Adoption Opportunities Program, and the Abandoned Infants
Assistance Program.
The Children's Bureau programs are designed to promote the welfare
of all children, including disabled, homeless, dependent, abused or
neglected children and their families. The programs also encourage
strengthening of the family unit to help alleviate unnecessary
separation of children from their families and reunify families where
possible, when separation has occurred. Where reunification is not
possible, rapid movement into adoption or other form of permanency
placement is necessary.

B. Statutory Authority Covered Under This Announcement

Section 426 of the Social Security Act, as amended. 42 U.S.C. 626,
CFDA: 93.648. Under this section, funds are authorized each fiscal year
for grants to public or other non-profit institutions of higher
learning for special projects for training personnel for work in the
field of child welfare, including traineeships with such stipends and
allowances as may be permitted by DHHS.

Part II. Review Process and Priority Areas

A. Eligible Applicants

Each priority area description contains information about the types
of agencies and organizations which are eligible to apply under that
priority area. Each application will be screened for applicant
organization eligibility as specified under the selected priority area.
Applications from ineligible organizations will not be considered or
reviewed in the competition, and the applicant will be so informed.
Only agencies and organizations, not individuals, are eligible to
apply under this Announcement. All applications developed jointly by
more than one agency or organization must identify only one lead
organization and official applicant. Participating agencies and
organizations can be included as co-participants, subgrantees or
subcontractors. For-profit organizations are eligible to participate as
subgrantees or subcontractors with eligible non-profit organizations
under all priority areas.
Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit
proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of
submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a
copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS)
most recent list of tax-exempt organizations as described in Section
501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the current valid
IRS tax exemption certification, or by providing a copy of the articles
of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation
or association is domiciled.

B. Review Process and Funding Decisions

Timely applications received by the deadline date which are from
eligible applicants will be reviewed and scored competitively. Experts
in the field, generally persons outside the Federal government, will
use the appropriate evaluation criteria listed later in this section to
review and score the applications. The results of this review are a
primary factor in making funding decisions.
The ACYF reserves the option of discussing applications with, or
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when
this is in the best interest of the Federal government or the
applicants. ACYF may also solicit comments from ACF Regional Office
staff, other Federal agencies, interested foundations, national
organizations, specialists, experts, States and the general public.
These comments, along with those of the expert reviewers, will be
considered by ACYF in making funding decisions.
To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure
that funding decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance
among the States and geographical regions of the country, rural and
urban areas, and ethnic populations. In making these decisions, ACYF
may also take into account the need to avoid unnecessary duplication of
effort.

C. Evaluation Process

A panel of at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside
the Federal government) will review the applications. To facilitate
this review, applicants should ensure that they address each minimum
requirement in the priority area description under the appropriate
section of the Program Narrative Statement. Applicants are encouraged
to use job titles and not specific names in developing the application
budget. However, the specific salary rates or amounts for staff
positions identified must be included in the application budget.
The reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each
application using the evaluation criteria listed below, provide
comments and assign numerical scores. The point value following each
criterion heading indicates the maximum numerical weight.

D. Structure of Priority Area Descriptions

Each priority area description is composed of the following
sections:
Eligible Applicants: This section specifies the type of
organization eligible to apply under the particular priority area.
Specific restrictions are also noted, where applicable.
Purpose: This section presents the basic focus and/or broad goal(s)
of the priority area.
Background Information: This section briefly discusses the
legislative background as well as the current state-of-the-art and/or
current state-of-practice that supports the need for the particular
priority area activity. Relevant information on projects previously
funded by ACYF or others are noted, where applicable.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design: This section presents the
basic set of issues that must be addressed in the application.
Typically, they relate to project design, evaluation, and other
organizational or community involvement. This section also asks for
specific information on the proposed

[[Page 36612]]

project. Inclusion and discussion of these items is important since
they will be used by the reviewers in evaluating the applications
against the evaluation criteria. Project products, continuation of the
project effort after the Federal support ceases, and dissemination/
utilization activities, if appropriate, are also addressed.
Project Duration: This section specifies the maximum allowable
length of time for the project period and refers to the amount of time
for which Federal funding is available, including any extensions.
Federal Share of Project Cost: This section specifies the maximum
amount of Federal support for the project for the first budget year.
Matching Requirement: This section specifies the minimum non-
Federal contribution, either through cash or in-kind match, required in
relation to the maximum Federal funds requested for the project. The
applicant must assure that the proposed budget meets or exceeds the
cost sharing or match requirement. 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. For example, a grantee with
$100,000 grant award (Federal funds) should commit no less than $33,334
each budget period, i.e., 25 percent of the $133,334 in total project
costs.
Anticipated Number of Projects To Be Funded: This section specifies
the number of projects ACYF anticipates it will fund under the priority
area.
Please note that applications that do not comply with the specific
priority area requirements in the section on ``Eligible Applicants''
will not be reviewed. Applicants should also note that non-
responsiveness to the section ``Minimum Requirements for Project
Design'' will result in a low evaluation score by the reviewers.
Applicants must clearly identify the specific priority area under which
they wish to have their applications considered, and tailor their
applications accordingly. Previous experience has shown that an
application which is broader and more general in concept than outlined
in the priority area description scores lower than one more clearly
focused on, and directly responsive to, that specific priority area.

E. Available Funds

The ACYF intends to award new grants resulting from this
announcement during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 1997, subject to
the availability of funds. The size of the actual awards will vary.
Under this announcement, approximately $3.5 million is available
for FY 1997. Each priority area description includes information on the
maximum Federal share of the project costs and the anticipated number
of projects to be funded.
The term ``budget period'' refers to the interval of time (usually
12 months) into which a multi-year period of assistance (project
period) is divided for budgetary and funding purposes. The term
``project period'' refers to the total time a project is approved for
support, including any extensions.
Where appropriate, applicants may propose project periods which are
shorter than the maximums specified in the various priority areas. Non-
Federal share contributions may exceed the minimums specified in the
various priority areas when the applicant is able to do so. However, if
the proposed match exceeds the minimum requirement, the grantee must
meet its proposed level of match support before the end of the project
period. Applicants should propose only that non-Federal share they can
realistically provide since any unmatched Federal funds will be
disallowed by ACF.
For multi-year projects, continued Federal funding beyond the first
budget period is dependent upon satisfactory performance by the
grantee, availability of funds from future appropriations, and a
determination that continued funding is in the best interest of the
Government.

F. Grantee Share of Project Costs

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 (based on an
award of $100,000 per budget period), must include a match of at least
$100,000 (25 percent of the total cost of the project). If approved for
funding, grantee will be held accountable for commitments of non-
Federal resources and failure to provide the required amount will
result in a disallowance of unmatched Federal funds.

G. Priority Areas

Priority Area 1: Interdisciplinary Training For Public Agency
Workers and Supervisors to Improve Child Welfare Services.
Priority Area 2: Training for Managers to Support Outcome-based
Management in Child Welfare.
Priority Area 3: Cross-Program Training of Public Agency Workers to
Conduct Intake for Comprehensive Family Needs Assessment, Including
Stress and Strength Areas, and Service Requirements.
Priority Area 4: Training for Determining Adult Relatives as
Preferred Caretakers in Permanency Planning.

H. Priority Area Descriptions

Priority Area 1--Interdisciplinary Training For Public Agency Workers
and Supervisors to Improve Child Welfare Services
Eligible Applicants: Public or non-profit institutions of higher
education with accredited social work education programs, or other
accredited bachelor or graduate level programs leading to a degree
relevant to work in child welfare.
Purpose: To develop a competency-based interdisciplinary training
curriculum and a training plan to enhance and strengthen the capacity
of child welfare workers and supervisors to respond to complex family
problems of child abuse and neglect resulting from substance abuse,
mental illness, and domestic violence, which require effective
interdisciplinary service coordination necessary to achieve child
safety and permanency goals.
Background Information: A Departmental study in progress indicates
that children who have caretakers with substance abuse and mental
health problems are more likely to be placed in foster care than
children who do not have caretakers with such problems. Preliminary
analysis of this data also found that 54% of the caretakers had
substance abuse and 55% mental health problems. Domestic violence was
the presenting problem in 11% of the IV-E foster care and non-IV-E
foster care cases who were involved in the child welfare system.
Families and children in the child welfare system exhibit multiple
problems, requiring specialized community-based services. Because of
the increasingly complex nature of the family problems, the public
agency staff are continuously challenged to provide comprehensive
services such as medical, legal, psychological, educational and/or
training necessary to address diverse family needs. Families

[[Page 36613]]

need an integrated service strategy to address their multiple problem
areas. This effort necessitates the use of a multi-disciplinary team
approach to achieve child safety and permanency goals.
The capacity of the public agencies to make sound decisions
regarding safety and permanency is contingent upon the staffs' ability
to understand the predisposing family conditions that contribute to the
entry of children into the foster care system. An understanding of the
family dynamics and issues of substance abuse, mental health and
domestic violence as social problems is critical to determining
appropriate services needed to achieve family preservation goals.
Interdisciplinary training is an important way to build staff
capacity to facilitate effective collaboration between child welfare
and other professionals who also serve the same population.
Interdisciplinary service coordination is therefore critical to the
success of a case plan. This process also requires a holistic on-going
assessment, treatment strategy, and monitoring to evaluate the progress
made by families. It requires skills in asking the right questions that
go beyond the presenting problems to determine underlying psycho-social
problems that require solutions. It requires an understanding of
various disciplines which are governed by their own theoretical
systems, service philosophies and intervention approaches and how to
collaborate with these disciplines on behalf of the families in the
child welfare system.
The Family Preservation and Support Services Act of 1993 emphasized
the importance of service integration to stabilize families and enhance
environmental opportunities for normal child development. In recent
years, the Department has supported curriculum development projects
that emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration. For example, in 1991,
the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect funded 94
interdisciplinary training projects that focused on linkages between
substance abuse and child maltreatment. During the same period, the
Office of Community Services' collaborative grants project also
highlighted the need to develop inter-program training curricula to
improve coordination between the child support enforcement programs and
domestic violence programs. In 1991, the funding of the cooperative
agreement between the Children's Bureau and the Florida International
University and the funding of 11 interdisciplinary child welfare
training grants also indicate the importance of this priority area. In
FY 1997, under the Abandoned Infants Assistance Program, the Children's
Bureau will continue to fund several demonstrations that will focus on
comprehensive services for the abandoned infants and infants at risk of
abandonment and their families who are affected by substance abuse and
the human immunodeficiency virus.
While the need for interdisciplinary training for public child
welfare workers and supervisors has been recognized, few training
programs have been developed with sufficient emphasis on multi-
disciplinary coordination in areas of substance abuse, mental health
and domestic violence. This priority area will specifically focus on
developing curricula and training to enhance increasing knowledge and
practice skills in the areas of: (1) substance abuse, mental health and
domestic violence as social problems; (2) developing assessment,
interdisciplinary coordination and monitoring skills to evaluate
progress in family situations; and (3) integrating various professional
disciplines' framework and programs (e.g., health, mental health,
juvenile justice, law enforcement, substance abuse counseling, child
care, Child Support Enforcement, Head Start, and Temporary Assistance
to Needy Families programs) which are governed by their own theoretical
systems, service philosophies and intervention approaches. Funding from
this priority area is expected to be used to develop an
interdisciplinary training curriculum, to deliver training, and to
evaluate the effectiveness of the training provided to the child
welfare staff.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design: To compete successfully
under this priority area, the applicant must:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of
interdisciplinary training issues specific to the substance abuse,
mental health, and domestic violence problems found in the child
welfare population throughout the country. Discuss how the proposed
project will build on the existing knowledge and evaluations of such
projects and will add innovative dimensions to achieve the
interdisciplinary training goals.
Describe past and/or current collaborative efforts between
the educational programs and the public (State/local and Tribal)
agencies. Describe how this project will build on existing partnerships
with such agencies.
Discuss an approach to developing a theoretical and
practice-based curriculum that integrates substance abuse, mental
health, and domestic violence issues as these relate to child abuse and
neglect. Describe the need for such training for the public child
welfare staff in specific and child welfare professionals in general.
Also describe the contents of the proposed interdisciplinary training
curriculum.
Describe the proposed curriculum and discuss how it builds
on, expands, and strengthens the existing curriculum approaches/
models. The applicant must explain the preliminary planning and
coordination activities with other disciplines in the development and
execution of the training curriculum. Discuss the approach to teaching
a competency-based interdisciplinary curriculum and the use of other
disciplines to teach in various components of the training curriculum
to achieve the project objectives.
Describe how the public child welfare agency staff and
community agencies providing services to families with substance abuse
and domestic violence problems will be involved in the development of
the curriculum.
Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level
of the child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the
life of the project; selection criteria for trainee recruitment; and
specific strategies for recruiting minority and Tribal agency trainees.
There should also be a consideration to include individuals from the
community agencies that provide services to the child welfare
population.
Describe any interactive and long distance training,
including video technology, if any, that will be part of this effort.
Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating
the interdisciplinary training curriculum, including the timelines.
Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each
task to be accomplished to match the scope of the project. It must also
describe the timeframes for: the development of the proposed
interdisciplinary training curriculum; coordination with various
disciplines in the proposed tasks; training the public agency staff;
evaluation of the project; and submission of the interim progress and
final reports and the final products.
Describe the proposed plan for the evaluation of the
project. Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based
interdisciplinary curriculum will be assessed.
Describe the applicant's experience in developing and
providing interdisciplinary training in child welfare. Also describe
the applicant's history and relationship with the targeted public child
welfare agency. Include a discussion of the relevant

[[Page 36614]]

programs, administrative and fiscal management experience.
Identify and provide a brief description of key staff who
are proposed to work in this project, indicating their education,
experience in working in similar programs and training/teaching
experiences that are relevant to achieving the project goals. Include
their resumes.
Describe the qualifications and experience of the
individuals who will assist in: developing the curriculum; training of
the public agency staff; and evaluating the project. Include their
resumes.
Identify and describe the administrative and
organizational interface required in this project (State agency,
community agencies, academic departments, other disciplines,
institutions, etc.). Also include interagency agreements and
commitments obtained from the participating entities.
Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
university and one from the public child welfare agency will jointly
attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly after the
award of the grant and participate in a four-day annual meeting in
Washington, D.C.
Project Duration: The length of the project must not exceed 36
months.
Federal Share of Project Costs: The Federal share is not to exceed
$150,000 for the first 12 month budget period or $450,000 for a three
year project period.
Matching Requirements: For each budget period with an award of
$150,000 (Federal funds), the non-Federal share would be no less than
$50,000 (i.e., 25 percent of the total project cost of $200,000). The
non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through a
cash contribution. Funds from this grant cannot be used to match title
IV-E training funds.
Anticipated Number of Projects: It is anticipated that four or five
projects will be funded, depending on availability of funds.
Length of Proposal: The length of the narrative, including the
appendices, must be limited to 60 pages.
CFDA Number: 93.648 Child Welfare Training Program Grants: Section
426 of the Social Security Act.
Priority Area 2--Training for Managers To Support Outcome-based
Management in Child Welfare
Eligible Applicants: Public or non-profit institutions of higher
education with accredited social work education programs, or other
accredited bachelor or graduate level programs leading to a degree
relevant to work in child welfare.
Purpose: To support and promote management capabilities in the use
of the child welfare program data to: (1) identify outcomes to be
achieved; (2) create ownership of the data by the staff; (3) develop a
strategy for the planned use of the data to track performance; and (4)
identify training needs to build staff capacity to improve program
outcomes. To achieve this objective, this priority will focus on
developing a training curriculum to build managerial capacity for
effectively using the child welfare program data for the purposes of
developing and instituting an outcome-based management strategy that
will focus on program outcomes, tracking performance at all agency
levels, and removing barriers to achieving child welfare outcomes.
Background Information: Public sector agencies are increasingly
exploring ways to improve management practices which focus on results
rather than process. Managing for results and outcome-based management
have become central to demonstrating the effectiveness of an agency in
managing its child welfare program in terms of child safety,
permanency, and well-being goals.
Although specifically mandated for federal agencies, the Government
Performance Review Act provides guidelines for developing measurable
outcomes that can be used to evaluate an agency's success in achieving
its mission and goals. The American Humane Association, an affiliate of
the American Public Welfare Association, holds roundtable discussions
to increase knowledge and understanding of outcome measures and the
elements of effective outcome-based models in child welfare. The Family
Preservation and Support Services Program also requires States to
describe the goals to be accomplished and the methods to be used to
measure progress toward accomplishing these goals. Other performance
and outcome-based management models used successfully by industries
could also have practical applications for child welfare agencies.
Theoretically, continuous improvement strategies are built upon
ongoing monitoring of results and understanding factors that influence
outcomes. A results-orientated management plan should be based on
decisions resulting from the review of various sources of State/federal
or other systems data, including internal and external program and
fiscal audits; data obtained from the periodic review and monitoring of
the outcomes on the front-lines of the agency; cost-effectiveness
reports; and finally an assessment of funding sources and their impact
on program outcomes.
To enable child welfare agencies to strengthen the transition
toward results-oriented performance, it is essential that they
determine ways to enhance and build capacity of the management staff in
this area. It is also desirable for child welfare agencies to take
advantage of the new technologies and information sources, such as
SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information Systems), AFCARS
(Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System) and NCANDS
(National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System) to enhance management
practices and to measure the service outcomes of the child welfare
agency. Although these data are not yet available for all States, they
reflect certain commonalities that could be useful for developing
effective management measures. Other child welfare data sources could
also be explored for management decisions.
Outcomes can also be planned in accordance with the public laws and
regulations which govern foster care and adoption assistance and family
preservation and support services programs. Additionally, child welfare
practice knowledge should also provide critical information for
developing outcome-based and results-oriented management plans.
Training of the top and mid-level managerial staff who are involved in
the decision making process is therefore critical to promoting outcome-
based management in child welfare.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design: In order to compete
successfully under this priority area, the applicant must:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theory and
principles of outcome-based management practices in general and their
current applications in public child welfare agencies throughout the
country, including the linkages between program outcomes and effective
practices. Discuss how the proposed training project will build on the
existing knowledge and evaluations of these management practices.
Discuss the innovative dimensions of the proposed training approach
which focuses on capacity building to improve the child welfare program
outcomes. Discuss the use of relevant fiscal and program data to
develop performance goals, use of such analysis for developing
effective management practices toward achieving interim and final
performance goals, and evaluating barriers to achieving the intended
goals.

[[Page 36615]]

Describe past and/or current collaboration between the
applicant and the public (State/local and Tribal) agencies. Describe
how this project will build on existing partnerships with such
agencies.
Discuss the proposed approach to developing a theoretical
and practice-based curriculum that focuses on outcome-based management
as it relates to child welfare agencies. Describe the need for such
training for the public agencies' managers. Also describe the contents
of the proposed outcome-based management training curriculum.
Describe the proposed training curriculum and discuss how
it builds on, expands, and strengthens existing curricula to promote
outcome-based management approaches/models. The applicant must explain
the preliminary planning and coordination activities with the public
child welfare agency in developing and executing the training
curriculum. Also discuss the approach to teaching such a curriculum and
the use of other disciplines, if any, to teach various components of
the curriculum to achieve the project objectives.
Describe the use of new technologies, federal/State data
systems, other relevant information sources and reports, monitoring
systems, etc., as components of the proposed training curriculum.
Describe how the public child welfare agency staff will be
involved in the development of the curriculum.
Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level
of the managerial tier are expected to be trained over the life of the
project; the criteria for selection of trainees; how the trainees will
be recruited; and specific strategies which will be used to recruit
minority and Tribal agency trainees.
Describe any interactive and long distance training,
including video technology, if any, that will be part of this effort.
Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating
the outcome-based management training curriculum, including the
timelines.
Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each
task to be accomplished to match the scope of the project. It must also
describe the timeframes necessary for: the development of the proposed
training curriculum development; coordination with the public child
welfare agency; coordination and use of other disciplines in the
curriculum development and training tasks; training of the public
agency staff; evaluation of the project, and submission of the interim
progress and final reports, and the final products.
Describe the proposed plan to evaluate the project.
Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based training
curriculum will be assessed.
Describe the applicant's experience in developing and
providing outcome-based training relevant to public child welfare
agencies. Also describe the applicant's history and relationship with
the targeted public child welfare agency. Include a discussion of the
relevant programs and administrative and fiscal management experience.
Identify and provide a brief description of key staff who
are proposed to work in this project, indicating their education,
experience in working in similar programs and training/teaching
experiences relevant to achieving the project goals. Include their
resumes.
Describe the qualifications and experience of the
individuals who will assist in the development of the curriculum,
training of the public agency staff, and evaluation of the project.
Include their resumes.
Identify and describe the administrative and
organizational interface required in this project (State agency,
academic departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc.). Also
include interagency agreements and commitments obtained from the
participating entities.
Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
applicant agency and one from the public child welfare agency will
jointly attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly
after the award of the grant and participate in a four-day annual
grantee meeting in Washington, D.C.
Project Duration: The length of the project must not exceed 36
months.
Federal Share of Project Costs: The Federal share is not to exceed
$150,000 for the first 12 month budget period or $450,000 for a three
year project period.
Matching Requirements: For each budget period with an award of
$150,000 (Federal funds), the non-Federal share would be no less than
$50,000 (i.e., 25 percent of the total project cost of $200,000). The
non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through a
cash contribution. Funds from this grant cannot be used to match title
IV-E training funds.
Anticipated Number of Projects: It is anticipated that three to
five projects will be funded, depending on availability of funds.
Length of Proposal: The length of the narrative, including the
appendices, must be limited to 60 pages.
CFDA Number: 93.648 Child Welfare Training Program Grants: Section
426 of the Social Security Act.
Priority Area 3--Cross-Program Training of Public Agency Workers To
Conduct Intake for Comprehensive Family Needs Assessment, Including
Stress and Strength Areas, and Service Requirements
Eligible Applicants: Public or non-profit institutions of higher
education with accredited social work education programs, or other
accredited bachelor or graduate level programs leading to a degree
relevant to work in child welfare.
Purpose: To develop a competency-based cross-program training
curriculum and a training plan to enhance child welfare workers'
ability and skills to conduct comprehensive assessments of family needs
at the intake level. The objective of this priority is to build
capacity of the workers to identify and assess all family conditions,
including socio-economic factors, family strengths, and areas of stress
which contribute to child abuse and neglect and which require referrals
and coordination with other human service programs.
Background Information: Families and children in the child welfare
system exhibit multiple problems, requiring referrals to programs that
specialize in responding to specific needs. However, there appears to
be a single-factor assessment approach (i.e., primary focus being risks
to child safety) to evaluating child abuse and neglect. This practice
method limits the child welfare worker's ability to conduct a
``holistic'' assessment of the family situation and to develop a
comprehensive case plan to achieve family sufficiency, child safety,
and family preservation goals. Many families which experience child
abuse and neglect will be asked to focus simultaneously on economic
self-sufficiency and family preservation. Critical to achieving self-
sufficiency is the parents' ability to keep children safe.
Child abuse and neglect is a multi-problem phenomenon. Complex
psycho-social factors contribute to child abuse and neglect. Numerous
studies have also found significant relationships between socio-
economic conditions and the parents' ability to provide safe
environment for the children. Child abuse and neglect resulting from
unemployment, lack of job skills, absence of child support, need for
child care and transportation, and homelessness are well documented and
require corrective measures. A comprehensive case plan therefore should
include attention to all elements

[[Page 36616]]

of family needs as well as strengths and a referral plan to access
services to meet basic and concrete needs as well.
Recent major public policy changes demand new expectations from the
parents and caretakers of children in need. The Temporary Assistance
for Needy Families (TANF) program, a consolidated Child Care and
Development Block Grant program, and stricter Child Support Enforcement
provisions (enacted under the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA)) emphasize family
responsibility toward achieving self-sufficiency. Rapid entry into
employment using child care assistance and tracking biological fathers
to obtain child support are directed to support families in their self-
sufficiency efforts.
The public agency staff (i.e., child welfare and TANF) are
continuously challenged to provide comprehensive services in efforts to
address diverse family needs. Intake is a critical point for
identifying and assessing conditions that bring a family to the child
welfare agency. It is also a cross point for determining the types of
assistance which might be necessary prior to and after the removal of
the child from the family home. Skills in conducting comprehensive
assessment require knowledge and understanding of all contributing
factors, an understanding of the programs designed to address basic
needs, and coordination with the collaborating agencies.
Capacity building for effective holistic, family-centered
assessment at intake requires an understanding of the basic principles
of such a practice approach. Skills must include making sound, goal-
oriented case plan decisions based on such assessments, including a
multi-program team approach to achieve child safety and family self-
sufficiency goals. Cross-program training therefore is key to
developing practice skills to assure collaboration built on the mutual
understanding of each other's roles, responsibilities, and expected
performance outcomes.
The provisions under title IV-B, subpart 2, Family Preservation and
Support Services emphasize service integration to stabilize families
and enhance environmental opportunities for normal child development.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program,
consolidation of funding of child care to meet the needs of diverse
working and welfare families, and stricter child support enforcement
laws--all enacted under the 1996 welfare reform--emphasize cross-
program coordination to achieve the family self-sufficiency goal.
Although there are no systematic studies, there is sufficient
anecdotal evidence to suggest that the same families are being served
concurrently by different programs. This is generally accomplished by
the families themselves who have basic needs that must be fulfilled.
Cross-program coordination can be more effectively achieved if the
child welfare, TANF, and Child Support Enforcement program workers have
a shared framework and a systematically coordinated approach to the
intake process to identify all the stress areas that need to be
addressed. Such a practice approach is critical to a successful case
plan.
Holistic intake assessments require learned skills to ask the right
questions that go beyond the presenting problems. It also requires an
understanding of relevant human service program policies that govern
each program's method of assistance and performance. While the need for
cross-program training for public child welfare workers has been
recognized, few training programs sufficiently emphasize the need to
develop holistic intake assessment skills in child welfare practice.
This priority area will specifically focus on developing curriculum
and training to enhance and increase knowledge and understanding of:
(1) TANF, child care, child support programs which are governed by
their own policies and intervention approaches; and (2) elements of
holistic assessment, cross-program coordination and monitoring to
evaluate progress in family situations. Funding for this priority area
is expected to be used to: develop an inter-program training
curriculum; deliver training; and evaluate the effectiveness of the
training.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design: In order to compete
successfully under this priority area, the applicant must:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cross-program
training issues specific to TANF, child care, and child support
programs that may be relevant to child welfare and used in other
programs throughout the country. Discuss how the proposed project will
build on the existing knowledge of such projects and will add
innovative dimensions to achieve the cross-training of child welfare
workers.
Describe past and/or current collaborative efforts between
the educational programs and the public (State/local and Tribal)
agencies. Describe how this project will build on existing partnerships
with such agencies.
Discuss an approach to developing a practice-based
curriculum that focuses on the importance of holistic intake skills
relevant to the child abuse and neglect population. Describe the need
for such training for the public child welfare staff in specific and
child welfare professionals in general. Also describe the contents of
the proposed cross-program training curriculum.
Describe the proposed curriculum and discuss how it builds
on, expands, and strengthens the existing curriculum approaches/models.
The applicant must explain the preliminary planning and coordination
activities with other programs in the development and execution of the
training curriculum. Discuss the approach to teaching a cross-program
and holistic intake approach and the use of other program staff to
teach various components of the training curriculum to achieve the
project objectives.
Describe how the public child welfare agency staff and the
TANF, child care and child support program staff will be involved in
the development of the curriculum.
Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level
of child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the life
of the project; the criteria for selection of trainees; how the
trainees will be recruited; and specific strategies which will be used
to recruit minority and Tribal agency trainees. There should also be a
consideration to include individuals from the aforementioned programs
that provide services to the child welfare population.
Describe any interactive and long distance training,
including video technology if any, that will be part of this effort.
Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating
the cross-program training curriculum, including the timelines.
Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each
task to be accomplished. It must describe: the timeframes for the
proposed cross-program training curriculum development; coordination
with the various programs; training of the public agency staff,
evaluation of the project; and submission of the interim progress and
final reports and the final products.
Describe the proposed plan for the evaluation of the
project. Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based cross-
program curriculum directed to enhance intake skills will be assessed.
Describe the applicant's experience in developing and
providing inter-

[[Page 36617]]

program training in child welfare. Also describe the applicant's
history and relationship with the targeted public child welfare agency.
Include a discussion of the relevant programs, administrative and
fiscal management experience.
Identify and provide a brief description of key staff who
are proposed to work in this project, indicating their education,
experience in working in similar programs and training/teaching
experiences that are relevant to achieving the project goals. Include
their resumes.
Describe the qualifications and experience of the
individuals who will assist in the development of the curriculum,
participate in the training of the public agency staff, and conduct
evaluation of the project. Include their resumes.
Identify and describe the administrative and
organizational interface required in this project (State agency,
community agencies, academic departments, other disciplines,
institutions, etc.). Also include interagency/inter-program agreements
and commitments obtained from the participating entities.
Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
university and one from the public child welfare agency will jointly
attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly after the
award of the grant and participate in a four-day annual meeting in
Washington, D.C.
Federal Share of Project Costs: The Federal share is not to exceed
$100,000 for the first 12 month budget period or $300,000 for a three
year project period.
Matching Requirements: For each budget period with an award of
$100,000 (Federal funds), the non-Federal share would be no less than
$33,334 (i.e., 25 percent of the total project cost of $133,334). The
non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through a
cash contribution. Funds from this grant cannot be used to match title
IV-E training funds.
Anticipated Number of Projects: It is anticipated that four or five
projects will be funded, depending on availability of funds.
Length of Proposal: The length of the narrative, including the
appendices, must be limited to 60 pages.
CFDA Number: 93.648 Child Welfare Training Program Grants: Section
426 of the Social Security Act.
Priority Area 4--Training for Determining Adult Relatives as Preferred
Caretakers in Permanency Planning
Eligible Applicants: Public or non-profit institutions of higher
education with accredited social work education programs, or other
accredited bachelor or graduate level programs leading to a degree
relevant to work in child welfare.
Purpose: To develop a competency-based training curriculum and a
training plan to facilitate the implementation of the new title IV-E
State plan requirement to consider giving preference to adult relatives
over non-relatives when determining a placement for a child. The
objective of such a training is to provide knowledge and skills
necessary for making decisions regarding the appropriateness of
relative/kinship care placements in foster care and permanency
planning.
Background Information: The Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) amended Sec. 471(a) of
the Social Security Act (the Act) by adding subsection (18) which
provides that ``* * * the State shall consider giving preference to an
adult relative over a non-related caregiver when determining a
placement for a child provided the relative caregiver meets all
relevant State child protection standards.'' The Children's Bureau and
the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation are engaged in
research and demonstration projects that focus on the relative care
policy. The President's Adoption 2002 initiative requires States to
further study the legal guardianship issue, which has particular
significance for relative care. Several States are currently
experimenting with the relative care policy under the Child Welfare
demonstration authority provided by Congress and governed by Sec. 1129
of the Social Security Act. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment
Act (CAPTA), as amended in 1996, has also authorized grants in support
of innovative programs and projects in kinship care.
Placement with relatives has long been recognized as a viable
alternative in permanency planning for foster care children.
Historically, for various reasons, parents have placed children with
relatives as temporary or permanent, formal or informal arrangements,
without seeking assistance from public agencies. Although relatives
were not specifically precluded as foster parents under Pub. L. 96-272,
this group of potential caretakers were not considered as priority
placements. The provision in PRWORA is the first statutory recognition
of the preference for relatives in placement of children--a practice
already in use in many jurisdiction. The recent rapid increase in the
number of children entering the foster care system has also increased
demand for foster parents.
States must revise their title IV-E State plans to include the
PRWORA provision that they shall consider giving preference to
relatives when placing children out-of-home, provided such home meets
all the child protection standards applicable to non-relative foster
parents. In enacting this law, Congress also took into consideration
that relative placements could be in the best interest of the child
because of the existing relationship ties.
The new provision does not intend for States to conduct exhaustive
searches for relatives--a process that could delay the prompt placement
of children. Rather, in situations where a relative is identified as an
appropriate caregiver, the State is required to consider giving
preference to that relative. Further, to receive title IV-E assistance
on behalf of a child, the relative caretaker's home must meet all the
child protection standards and must be licensed or approved in
accordance with sections 471(a)(10) and 472(c) of the Act. These
standards apply primarily to title IV-E eligible children.
The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-
272) which provides the framework for Federal child welfare programs,
requires the State to make ``reasonable efforts'' to maintain the
family. States must also pursue safe reunification of the children with
their parents as quickly as possible when they are removed from the
family. These as well as all the other protections and requirements of
the law, such as case plans and case reviews, judicial and
administrative reviews to determine the future status of the child, and
safeguarding all information concerning individuals assisted under the
title IV-E plan, must also apply to children placed in relative foster
care. Should it be found that the family situation has not improved
within a reasonable period of time and it is therefore not feasible to
return the child home, an alternate plan for permanency must also be
developed in relative placement cases.
Additionally, relative care has generated new challenges for the
foster care system. One of the fundamental issues is how to use
relative care in a manner that promotes permanency without jeopardizing
the potential for reunification with birth parents. Agencies must
determine where relative

[[Page 36618]]

care fits in the continuum of services in the child welfare system.
These concerns are also central to implementing this PRWORA provision.
The issues of child safety, relative-parent relationship, supports for
the relative caretakers and the parent during the reunification period,
making ``reasonable efforts'' prior to such placements, the need for
continued State involvement, termination of parental rights, and
adoption decisions are equally critical in relative care placement
decisions and permanency planning.
Capacity building for effective implementation of the Pub. L. 104-
193 provision will necessitate knowledge and skills specific to the
requirements of this provision. It also requires a focus on the process
and procedures for determining the appropriateness of the child's
relative as a foster parent. The training will need to address problems
and issues that are unique to relative placements and different from
non-relative foster placements. Skills must also include making sound
judgments regarding relative placements and their implications for
permanency planning.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design: In order to compete
successfully under this priority area, the applicant must:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of title IV-E
program requirements, State IV-E program practices relevant to
relative/kinship care throughout the country, and the new provision of
Pub. L. 104-193. Discuss how the proposed project will build on the
existing knowledge of the statute and State practices, and how the
applicant will address the new requirements regarding preferential
treatment of relatives in situations where a child must be removed from
the family home.
Describe past and/or current collaboration between the
educational programs and the public (State/local and Tribal) agencies.
Describe how this project will build on existing partnerships with such
agencies.
Discuss an approach to developing a practice-based
curriculum that focuses on the implementation of the provision of Pub.
L. 104-193. Describe the need for such training for the public child
welfare staff in specific and child welfare professionals in general.
Describe the contents of the proposed curriculum and
discuss how it will build and expand on the current policies and
procedures used to identify and license foster care families. The
applicant must explain the preliminary planning and coordination
activities with the State child welfare agency. Discuss the approach to
teaching the curriculum contents and the use of various staff to teach
the curriculum components to achieve the project objectives.
Describe how the public child welfare agency staff will be
involved in developing the curriculum.
Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level
of the child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the
life of the project; the criteria for the selection and recruitment of
the trainees; and specific strategies to recruit minority and Tribal
agency trainees.
Describe any interactive and long distance training,
including video technology if any, that will be part of this effort.
Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating
the relative placement training curriculum, including the timelines.
Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each
task to be accomplished. It must describe: the timeframes for the
proposed curriculum development; coordination with the public agency;
training of the public agency staff; evaluation of the project; and
submission of the interim progress and final reports and the final
products.
Describe the proposed plan for the evaluation of the
project. Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based
curriculum under this priority will be assessed.
Describe the applicant's experience in developing and
providing training in child welfare. Also describe the applicant's
history and relationship with the targeted public child welfare agency.
Include a discussion of the relevant programs, administrative and
fiscal management experience.
Identify and provide a brief description of key staff who
are proposed to work in this project, indicating their education,
experience in working in similar programs and training/teaching
experiences that are relevant to achieving the project goals. Include
their resumes.
Describe the qualifications and experience of the
individuals who will assist in the development of the curriculum,
participate in the training of the public agency staff, and conduct
evaluation of the project. Include their resumes.
Identify and describe the administrative and
organizational interface required in this project (State agency,
community agencies, academic departments, other disciplines,
institutions, etc.). Also include interagency/inter-program agreements
and commitments obtained from the participating entities.
Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
university and one from the public child welfare agency will jointly
attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly after the
award of the grant as well as participate in a four-day annual meeting
in Washington, D.C.
Project Duration: The length of the project must not exceed 36
months.
Federal Share of Project Costs: The Federal share is not to exceed
$100,000 for the first 12 month budget period or $300,000 for a three
year project period.
Matching Requirements: For each budget period with an award of
$100,000 (Federal funds), the non-Federal share would be no less than
$33,334 (i.e., 25 percent of the total project cost of $133,334). The
non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions, although
applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through a
cash contribution. Funds from this grant cannot be used to match title
IV-E training funds.
Anticipated Number of Projects: It is anticipated that four or five
projects will be funded, depending on availability of funds.
Length of Proposal: The length of the narrative, including the
appendices, must be limited to 60 pages.
CFDA Number: 93.648 Child Welfare Training Program Grants: Section
426 of the Social Security Act.

Part III. Application Requirements

Applicants are required to use the Standard Forms, Certifications,
Disclosures and Assurances provided under Appendix A. Applications
submitted for funding under this announcement are considered New
Applications; and therefore, applicants should follow instructions for
New Applications.
New applications must respond to the instructions under Program
Narrative, Item A--Project Description--Component, and Item D--Budget
and Budget Justification. In preparing the program narrative statement,
the applicant should provide the information that the panel will use to
evaluate and rank the proposal. The information should be concise and
complete when addressing the activities for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included in order to
present the information clearly and succinctly. Applicants are
encouraged to provide information on their organizational structure,
staff, related experiences, and

[[Page 36619]]

other information considered to be relevant.
Under Item A--Project Description--Component, the applicant must
address the specific information requested under each priority area in
this program announcement.
Section A.1--Project Summary/Abstract-- This should be a one page
or less summary of the project and placed directly after the table of
contents. This page will not count against the page limitation.
Section A.5--Evaluation--Provide a narrative that describes a way
to evaluate: (1) the results of the proposed project on the existing
training curriculum as well as the impacts resulting from the training
of the child welfare staff on the quality of service and child welfare
outcomes; and (2) the process outcomes of the project. State how the
evaluation will determine the extent to which the project objectives
have been achieved and which accomplishments of the objectives can be
attributed to the project itself. Discuss the criteria to be used to
evaluate the results. Also explain the methodology that will be used to
determine the training needs specific to the project; the impact to be
accomplished from the proposed training curriculum; and the benefits to
be achieved. Describe the procedures the applicant will employ to
determine whether the project is being conducted in a manner consistent
with the work plan and discuss the impact of the project effectiveness.
Section A.6--Geographic Location--should be addressed under the
Objective and Needs for Training.
Section A.7--Additional Information--should be addressed under the
Staff Background and Organizational Experience. Letters of support
should be included in the appendices.
Section B.--Non-competing Continuation Applications--Does not apply
to this announcement.
Section C.--Supplemental Requests--Does not apply to this
announcement.
Section D.--Budget and Budget Justification--provide a line item
detail and detailed calculations for each budget object class
identified on the Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must
include estimation methods, quantities, unit costs and other similar
quantitative detail sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated.
The detailed budget must also include a breakout by the funding sources
identified in block 15 of the SF 424.
Provide a narrative budget justification which describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
Applicants must address the following requirements in their
application to be considered responsive to the Federal Register
announcement. These requirements have been organized according to the
evaluation criteria discussed in Part III.

A. Objectives and Needs for Assistance

1. State the objectives for the priority project and indicate how
these objectives relate to the public child welfare agency training
issues to be addressed and demonstrate that there is a need for the
project and is based on an assessment of the public agency training
needs. Provide letters of support for the project from the State/local
public agencies.
2. Identify the public agency staff to be trained under the
proposed project and describe the training needs of the target
population. Provide an estimated number of public agency staff to be
trained under the project.
3. Identify the geographic location of the public agency staff to
be served by the project.

B. Results and Benefits

1. Identify the specific results or outcomes that can be expected
as a result of the proposed training curriculum and training of the
public agency staff in this project.
2. Identify the kinds of qualitative and quantitative data the
project staff will collect to measure progress and impacts from the
project design and implementation. In discussing the evaluation
approach, discuss the methods and procedures to be used to determine
the extent to which the project achieved the stated objectives.
3. Provide assurance that the program will provide interim progress
and final reports, or any other report required by ACYF. These reports
must discuss the process and the outcomes specific to the development
of the training curriculum, training of the public agency staff, and
evaluation of the project in terms of the objectives of the project.
4. Describe how the project results will benefit the national
technical assistance strategy for public agency staff training to
achieve the child welfare program goals and outcomes.

C. Approach

Priority Area 1
Applications submitted under this priority area are to include
approaches and strategies for developing a competency-based
interdisciplinary training curriculum and a training plan to enhance
and strengthen the capacity of child welfare workers and supervisors to
respond to complex family problems of child abuse and neglect resulting
from substance abuse, mental illness, and domestic violence, which
require effective interdisciplinary service coordination necessary to
achieve child safety and permanency goals. Applicants must:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of interdisciplinary
training issues specific to the substance abuse, mental health, and
domestic violence problems found in the child welfare population
throughout the country. Discuss how the proposed project will build on
the existing knowledge and evaluations of such projects and add
innovative dimensions to achieve the interdisciplinary training goals.
2. Describe past and/or current collaboration between the
educational programs and the public (State/local and Tribal) agencies.
Describe how this project will build on existing partnerships with such
agencies.
3. Discuss an approach to developing a theoretical and practice-
based curriculum that focuses on the substance abuse, mental health,
and domestic violence issues as these relate to child abuse and
neglect. Describe the need for such training for the public child
welfare staff, specifically, and child welfare professionals in
general. Also describe the contents of the proposed interdisciplinary
training curriculum.
4. Describe the proposed curriculum and discuss how it builds on,
expands, and strengthens the existing curriculum approaches/models. The
applicant must explain the preliminary planning and coordination
activities with other disciplines in the development and execution of
the training curriculum. Discuss the approach to teaching a competency-
based interdisciplinary curriculum and the use of other disciplines to
teach in various components of the training curriculum to achieve the
project objectives.
5. Describe how the public child welfare agency staff, community
agencies providing services to families with substance abuse and
domestic violence problems will be involved in developing the
curriculum.
6. Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level of the
child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the life of
the project; criteria for selection and recruitment of the trainees;
and specific strategies to be used to recruit minority and Tribal
agency trainees. There should also be a

[[Page 36620]]

consideration to include individuals from the community agencies that
provide services to the child welfare population.
7. Describe any interactive and long distance training, including
video technology if any, that will be part of this effort.
8. Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating the
interdisciplinary training curriculum, including the timelines.
9. Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each task
to be accomplished. It must describe: the timeframes for the proposed
interdisciplinary training curriculum development; coordination with
the various disciplines in various tasks; training of the public agency
staff; evaluation of the project; and submission of the interim
progress and final reports and the final products.
10. Describe the proposed plan for the evaluation of the project.
Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based interdisciplinary
curriculum will be assessed.
11. Identify and describe the administrative and organizational
interface required in this project (State agency, community agencies,
academic departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc.). Also
include interagency agreements and commitments obtained from the
participating entities.
12. Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
university and one from the public child welfare agency will jointly
attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly after the
award of the grant and participate in a four-day annual meeting in
Washington, D.C.
For Priority Area 2
Applications submitted under this priority area are to include
approaches and strategies to support and promote management
capabilities in the use of the child welfare program data to: (1)
identify outcomes to be achieved, (2) create ownership of the data by
the staff, (3) develop a strategy for the planned use of the data to
track performance, and (4) identify training needs to build staff
capacity to improve program outcomes. To achieve this objective, this
priority will focus on developing a training curriculum to build
managerial capacity for making effective use of the child welfare
program data for the purposes of developing and instituting an outcome-
based management strategy that will focus on developing program
outcomes, tracking performance at all agency levels; and removing
barriers to achieving child welfare outcomes. Applicants must:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theory and
principles of outcome-based management practices in general and their
current applications in public child welfare agencies throughout the
country, including the linkages between program outcomes and effective
practices. Discuss how the proposed training project will build on the
existing knowledge and evaluations of these management practices.
Discuss the innovative dimensions of the proposed training approach
which focuses on capacity building to improve the child welfare program
outcomes. Include discussion of the use of relevant fiscal and program
data to: develop performance goals; develop effective management
practices for achieving interim and final performance goals; and
evaluate barriers to achieving the intended goals.
2. Describe past and/or current collaboration between the applicant
and the public (State/local and Tribal) agencies. Describe how this
project will build on existing partnerships with such agencies.
3. Discuss the proposed approach to developing a theoretical and
practice-based curriculum that focuses on outcome-based management
related to child welfare agencies. Describe the need for such training
for public agencies' managers. Also describe the contents of the
proposed outcome-based management training curriculum.
4. Describe the proposed training curriculum and discuss how it
builds on, expands, and strengthens the existing curricula to promote
outcome-based management approaches/models. The applicant must explain
the preliminary planning and coordination activities with the public
child welfare agency in developing and executing the training
curriculum. Also discuss the approach to teaching such a curriculum and
the use of other disciplines, if any, to teach various components of
the curriculum to achieve the project objectives.
5. The proposed training curriculum should describe the use of new
technologies, federal/State data systems, other relevant information
sources and reports, monitoring systems etc. as components of the
training curriculum.
6. Describe how the public child welfare agency staff will be
involved in curriculum development.
7. Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level of the
managerial tier are expected to be trained over the life of the
project; the criteria for selection and recruitment of trainees; and
specific strategies to recruit minority and Tribal agency trainees.
8. Describe any interactive and long distance training, including
video technology if any, that will be part of this effort.
9. Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating the
outcome-based management training curriculum, including the timelines.
10. Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each task
to be accomplished. It must describe: the timeframes for developing the
training curriculum; coordination with the public child welfare agency;
coordination and use of other disciplines in the curriculum development
and training tasks; training of the public agency staff; evaluation of
the project; and submission of the interim progress and final reports,
and the final products.
11. Describe the proposed plan for the evaluation of the project.
Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based training
curriculum will be assessed.
12. Identify and describe the administrative and organizational
interface required in this project (State agency, academic departments,
other disciplines, institutions, etc.). Also include interagency
agreements and commitments obtained from the participating entities.
13. Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
applicant agency and one from the public child welfare agency will
jointly attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly
after the award of the grant and participate in a four-day annual
grantee meeting in Washington, D.C.
Priority Area 3
Applications submitted under this priority area are to include
approaches and strategies for developing a competency-based cross-
program training curriculum and a training plan to enhance child
welfare workers' ability and skills to conduct comprehensive
assessments of family needs at the intake level. The objective of this
priority is to build capacity of the workers to identify and assess all
family conditions, including socio-economic factors, family strengths,
and areas of stress which contribute to child abuse and neglect and
require referrals and coordination with other human service programs.
Applicants must:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cross-program
training issues specific to TANF, child care, and child support
programs that may be relevant to child welfare and used in

[[Page 36621]]

other programs throughout the country. Discuss how the proposed project
will build on the existing knowledge of such projects and add
innovative dimensions to the cross-program training of child welfare
workers.
2. Describe past and/or current collaboration between the
educational programs and the public (State/local and Tribal) agencies.
Describe how this project will build on existing partnerships with such
agencies.
3. Discuss an approach to developing a practice-based curriculum
that focuses on the importance of holistic intake skills relative to
the child abuse and neglect population. Describe the need for such
training for the public child welfare staff, specifically, and child
welfare professionals in general.
4. Describe the proposed curriculum and discuss how it builds on,
expands, and strengthens the existing curriculum approaches/ models.
The applicant must explain the preliminary planning and coordination
activities with other programs in the development and execution of the
training curriculum. Discuss the approach to teaching a cross-program
and holistic intake approach and the use of other program staff to
teach various components of the training curriculum.
5. Describe how the public child welfare agency staff and the TANF,
child care and child support program staff will be involved in the
development of the curriculum.
6. Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level of the
child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the life of
the project; criteria for selection and recruitment of trainees; and
specific strategies to recruit minority and Tribal agency trainees.
There should also be a consideration to include individuals from the
aforementioned programs involved in providing services to the child
welfare population.
7. Describe any interactive and long distance training, including
video technology if any, that will be part of this effort.
8. Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating the
cross-program training curriculum, including the timelines.
9. Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each task
to be accomplished to match the scope of the project. It must also
describe the timeframes for the proposed cross-program training
curriculum development, coordination with the various programs,
conducting training of the public agency staff, evaluation of the
project, and submission of the interim progress and final reports and
the final products.
10. Describe the proposed plan for the evaluation of the project.
Discuss how the effectiveness of the competency-based cross-program
curriculum directed to enhance intake skills will be assessed.
11. Identify and describe the administrative and organizational
interface required in this project (State agency, community agencies,
academic departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc.). Also
include interagency/inter-program agreements and commitments obtained
from the participating entities.
12. Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
university and one from the public child welfare agency would jointly
attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly after the
award of the grant as well as participate in a four-day annual meeting
in Washington, D.C.
Priority Area 4
Applications submitted under this priority area are to include
approaches and strategies for developing a competency-based training
curriculum and a training plan to facilitate the implementation of the
new title IV-E State plan requirement to consider giving preference to
adult relatives over non-relatives when determining a placement for a
child. The objective of such a training is to provide knowledge and
skills necessary for making decisions regarding the appropriateness of
relative/kinship care placements in foster care and permanency
planning. Applicants must:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of title IV-E program
requirements, State IV-E program practices relevant to relative/kinship
care throughout the country, and the new provision of Pub. L. 104-193.
Discuss how the proposed project will build on the existing knowledge
of the statute and State practices, and how the applicant will address
the new requirements regarding preferential treatment of relatives in
situations where a child must be removed from the family home.
2. Describe past and/or current collaboration between the
applicant, educational programs and the public (State/local and Tribal)
agencies. Describe how this project will build on existing partnerships
with such agencies.
3. Discuss the proposed approach to developing a practice-based
curriculum that focuses on the implementation of the provision of Pub.
L. 104-193. Describe the need for such training for the public child
welfare staff in specific and child welfare professionals in general.
4. Describe the contents of the proposed curriculum and discuss how
it will build and expand on the current policies and procedures used to
identify and license foster care families. The applicant must explain
the preliminary planning and coordination activities with the State
child welfare agency. Discuss the approach to teaching the curriculum
contents and the use of various staff to teach the curriculum
components to achieve the project objectives.
5. Describe how the public child welfare agency staff will be
involved in the development of the curriculum.
6. Describe who the trainees will be; how many at each level of the
child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the life of
the project; criteria for selection and recruitment of trainees; and
specific strategies to recruit minority and Tribal agency trainees.
7. Describe any interactive and long distance training, including
video technology, if any, that will be part of this effort.
8. Describe coordination with the public agency in evaluating the
training curriculum, including the timelines.
9. Submit a work plan which describes the timelines for each task
to be accomplished. It must describe: the timeframes for the proposed
curriculum development; coordination with the public agency; training
of the public agency staff; evaluation of the project; and submission
of the interim progress and final reports and the final products.
10. Describe the plan for the evaluation of the project. Discuss
how the effectiveness of the competency-based curriculum under this
priority will be assessed.
11. Identify and describe the administrative and organizational
interface required in this project (State agency, community agencies,
academic departments, other disciplines, institutions, etc.). Also
include interagency/inter-program agreements and commitments obtained
from the participating entities.
12. Provide assurance that at least one key staff from the
university and one from the public child welfare agency will jointly
attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly after the
award of the grant and participate in a four-day annual meeting in
Washington, D.C.

[[Page 36622]]

D. Staff Background and Organizational Experience

1. Describe the applicant's experience in developing and providing
training in child welfare. Also describe the applicant's history and
relationship with the targeted public child welfare agency. Include a
discussion of the relevant programs, administrative and fiscal
management experience.
2. Identify and provide a brief description of key staff who are
proposed to work in this project, indicating their education,
experience in working in similar programs and training/teaching
experiences that are relevant to achieving the project goals. Include
their resumes.
3. Describe the qualifications and experience of the individuals
who will assist in the development of the curriculum, participate in
the training of the public agency staff and conduct evaluation of the
project. Include their resumes.

E. Budget Appropriateness

1. Provide a detailed line-item budget. In the proposed budget,
applicants must include sufficient funds for at least one key staff
from the university and one from the public child welfare agency to
jointly attend a one-day meeting in the HHS Regional office shortly
after the award of the grant as well as participate in a four-day
annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
2. Describe how the budget reflects the implementation of a high
quality, ongoing work to be performed under the project at a reasonable
cost. Include a discussion regarding the appropriateness of staff
compensation levels. Also explain the efforts the applicant has made to
secure funds from various sources for matching the applicant's share of
the project costs.

Part IV. Evaluation Criteria

In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under Part III of this announcement, competing applications
will be reviewed and evaluated against the following four criteria. The
point values following each criterion indicate the maximum numerical
weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process.

A. Criterion 1: Objectives and Need for Assistance (20 Points)

The extent to which the applicant:
Discusses the project objectives and indicates how these
objectives relate to the public child welfare agency training issues;
Addresses the project goals of curriculum development and
training of the public child welfare agency staff;
Proposes objectives and the need for assistance to: (1)
support existing training and curriculum building efforts; and (2)
address the need for training of the public agency staff to achieve
child welfare program goals of child protection, safety, and permanency
planning and placement;
Draws on the existing knowledge, experience, research, and
extant data, if available, in support of the project objectives;
Describes the training needs of the target population.
Provides an estimated number of public agency staff to be trained under
the project. Identifies the geographic location of the public agency
staff to be served by the project; and
Proposes strategies to address the training needs of the
target population.

B. Criterion 2: Results or Benefits Expected (10 Points)

The extent to which the applicant:
Identifies the specific results and benefits to be derived
from the project and links these to the stated objectives;
Discusses the outcomes that can be expected as a result of
the proposed training curriculum and training of the public agency
staff in this project;
Describes the types of data to be collected and how it
will be utilized to measure progress towards the stated results or
benefits;
Discusses how the lessons learned from the project will
benefit approaches to training public agency staff, and improve
management and operations practices to accomplish child welfare program
performance standards; and
Describes how the project results will benefit a national
technical assistance strategy for training public agency staff in
efforts to achieve the child welfare program goals and outcomes.
Information provided in response to Part II of this announcement
will be used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.

C. Criterion 3: Approach (40 Points)

The extent to which the applicant:
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the training
issues and strategies to support and enhance the public child welfare
agency staff capabilities to achieve child welfare outcomes;
Discusses an approach to developing a theoretical and
practice-based curriculum that addresses the training needs of the
public agency staff;
Describes the proposed curriculum and discusses how it
builds on, expands, and strengthens the existing curriculum approaches/
models. The applicant explains the preliminary planning and
coordination activities with other disciplines in developing and
executing the training curriculum. Discusses the approach to teaching a
competency-based curriculum and training to achieve the project
objectives;
Describes past and/or current collaboration between the
applicant and educational programs and the public (State/local and
Tribal) agencies. Discusses how this project will build on existing
partnerships with such agencies;
Outlines a sound and workable plan of action relevant to
the stated objectives and the scope of the project, and details how the
proposed work will be accomplished;
Addresses the training outcomes for the public agency
staff and identifies factors which might facilitate or impede the work,
giving acceptable reasons for taking the proposed approach;
Lists the proposed activities in a chronological order,
showing a reasonable schedule of accomplishments and target dates;
Identifies and describes the administrative and
organizational interface required in the project (State agency,
community agencies, academic departments, other disciplines,
institutions, etc.). Also includes interagency agreements and
commitments obtained from the participating entities;
Describes who the trainees will be; how many at each level
of the child welfare services tier are expected to be trained over the
life of the project; the criteria for selection and recruitment of
trainees; and specific strategies for recruiting minority and Tribal
agency trainees;
Identifies the type of data to be collected and maintained
and discusses the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and
success of the project; and
Describes the evaluation methodology to be used to
determine whether the project objectives have been met and the general
impact on curriculum development, staff training and effectiveness of
program services. Discusses how the effectiveness of the competency-
based curriculum will be assessed.
Information provided in Part II of this announcement will also be
used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.

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

The extent to which the applicant:

[[Page 36623]]

Demonstrates that the proposed project director and key
project staff have the ability, experience and background to
effectively and efficiently administer a project of this size and scope
and complexity, including the development of training curriculum and
training of public agency child welfare agency staff;
Describes the relationship between the proposed project
and other work planned, anticipated or underway by the applicant with
Federal assistance;
Details the organization's experience in addressing the
training needs in the public agencies; and
Describes the adequacy of the applicant's management plan
in achieving the project goals.
Information provided in response to Part II of this announcement
will be used to evaluate applicants on this criterion.

E. Criterion 5: Budget Appropriateness (10 Points)

The extent to which the applicant justifies the following:
Costs are reasonable in view of the activities to be
conducted and expected results and benefits;
Salaries and fringe benefits reflect the level of
compensation appropriate for the proposed staff responsibilities; and
The non-Federal contribution of the project costs.

Part V. Instructions for the Development and Submission of Application
for FY 1997

This part contains information and instructions for submitting
applications in response to this announcement. Application forms are
provided along with a checklist for assembling an application package.
Please copy and use these forms in submitting an application.
Potential applicants should read this section carefully in
conjunction with the information contained within the specific priority
areas under which the application is to be submitted. The priority area
descriptions are in Part II and the application requirements are in
Part III.

A. Availability of Forms

Eligible applicants interested in applying for funds must submit
all the required forms included at the end of this announcement in
Appendix A--ACF Uniform Discretionary Grant Application Form (ACF/
UDGAF). This material is also included in the application kit provided
by contacting the ACF Operations Center at 1-800-351-2293 (phone) or 1-
800-351-4490 (fax). Applicants are required to use the Standard Forms,
Certifications, Disclosures and Assurances provided under Appendix A--
ACF Uniform Discretionary Grant Application Form (ACF/UDGAF). Under the
ACF/UDGAF, applications submitted for funds under this announcement are
considered NEW APPLICATIONS. Applicants should follow instructions in
the ACF/UDGAF for NEW APPLICATIONS.
In order to be considered for a grant under this announcement, an
application must be submitted on the Standard Form 424 which has been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Control
Number 0970-0139. A copy has been provided (see Appendix A). Each
application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the
applicant and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by
the terms and conditions of the grant award.
A copy of the governing body's authorization for this person to
sign this application as official representative must be on file in the
applicant's office.
Applicants requesting financial assistance for non-construction
projects must file the Standard Form 424B, ``Assurances: Non-
Constructions Programs'' (approved by OMB under Control Number 0348-
0040). Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with the
application. Applicants must provide certification regarding lobbying
(approved by OMB under Control Number 0348-0046). Prior to receiving an
award in excess of $100,000, applicants shall furnish an executed copy
of the lobbying certification. Applicants must sign and return the
certification with their application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must also understand that they will be held accountable
for the smoking prohibition included within P.L. 103-227, Part C
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the Pro-Children's Act of
1994). A copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the
smoking prohibition is included with the forms. By signing and
submitting the application, applicants are providing the certification
and need not mail back the certification with the application.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-13), the
Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget
for review and approval any reporting or program announcements. All
information collections within this program announcement are approved
under the Uniform Discretionary Grant Application Form under OMB
Control Number 0970-0139 (expiration date August 31, 1997). The
estimated burden per response is 20 hours. An agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

C. Required Notification of the State Single Point of Contact

This program is covered under Executive Order 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, Massachusetts,
Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington,
American Samoa, and Palau have elected to participate in the Executive
Order process and have established Single Points of Contact (SPOCs).
Applicant's from these twenty-three jurisdictions areas need not take
action regarding Executive Order 12372.
Applications for projects to be administered by Federally-
recognized Indian Tribes are also exempt from the requirements of
Executive Order 12372. Otherwise, applicants should contact their SPOC
as soon as possible to alert them to the prospective application and to
receive any necessary instructions. Applicants must submit any required
material to the SPOC 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), an SPOC has 45 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the

[[Page 36624]]

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 may trigger the ``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to the ACF, they should be
addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration
for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, D.C. 20447.
A list of Single Points of Contact for each State and territory is
included as Appendix B of this announcement.

D. Deadline for Submission of Applications

The closing time and date for the receipt of applications under
this announcement is 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone), on August 22, 1997.
Applications received after 4:30 p.m. of the closing date will be
classified as late. Post marks and other similar documents DO NOT
establish receipt of an application.
Deadline: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time
and date at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary
Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington,
D.C. 20447. Attention: Children's Bureau Discretionary Training Funds
Program (Specify Priority Area 1, 2, 3, or 4). Any application received
after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for
competition. Applicants using express/overnight services should allow
for two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of
applications.
Applications hand-carried by applicants, applicant courier, or by
overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an
announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline
receipt date, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EST), at
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, ACF Mailroom,
2nd Floor Loading Dock, Aerospace Center, 901 D Street, S.W.,
Washington, DC 20024, between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal
holidays). Attention: Children's Bureau Discretionary Training Funds
Program (Specify Priority Area 1, 2, 3, or 4). Any application received
after 4:30 p.m. on the deadline date will not be considered for
competition. Applicants using express/overnight services should allow
for two working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of
applications.
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax or
through other electronic media. Therefore, applications transmitted to
ACF electronically will not be accepted regardless of date or time of
submission and time of receipt. Envelopes containing applications must
clearly indicate the specific priority area that the application is
addressing.
Late applications: Applications which do not meet the above
criteria are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late
applicant that its application will not be considered in the current
competition.
Extension of Deadlines: ACF may extend the deadline for all
applicants because of acts of God such as floods, 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 applicant.

E. Instructions for Preparing the Application and Completing
Application Forms

The SF 424, 424A, 424B and certifications have been reprinted for
your convenience in preparing the application. See Appendix A. You
should reproduce single-sided copies of these forms from the reprinted
forms in the announcement, typing your information onto the copies.
Please do not use forms directly from the Federal Register
announcement, as they are printed on both sides of the page.
Please prepare your application in accordance with the following
instructions:
1. SF 424 Page 1, Application Cover Sheet. Please read the
following instructions before completing the application cover sheet.
An explanation of each item is included. Complete only the items
specified.
Top of Page. Enter the single priority area number under which the
application is being submitted under only one priority area.
Item 1. Type of submission--Preprinted on the form.
Item 2. Date Submitted and Applicant Identifier--Date application
is submitted to ACYF and applicant's own internal control number, if
applicable.
Item 3. Date Received By State--State use only (if applicable).
Item 4. Date Received by Federal Agency--Leave blank.
Item 5. Applicant Information Legal Name--Enter the legal name of
the applicant organization. For applications developed jointly, enter
the name of the lead organization only. There must be a single
applicant for each application.
Organizational Unit--Enter the name of the primary unit within the
applicant organization which will actually carry out the project
activity. Do not use the name of an individual as the applicant. If
this is the same as the applicant organization, leave the
organizational unit blank.
Address--Enter the complete address that the organization actually
uses to receive mail, since this is the address to which all
correspondence will be sent. Do not include both street address and
P.O. box number unless both must be used in mailing.
Name and telephone number of the person to be contacted on matters
involving this application (give area code)--Enter the full name
(including academic degree, if applicable) and telephone number of a
person who can respond to questions about the application. This person
should be accessible at the address given here and will receive all
correspondence regarding the application.
Item 6. Employer Identification Number (EIN)--Enter the employer
identification number of the applicant organization, as assigned only
by the DHHS Central Registry System. EIN prefixes and suffixes assigned
by agencies other than DHHS are not valid at DHHS/ACF.
Item 7. Type of Applicant--Self-explanatory.
Item 8. Type of Application--Preprinted on the form.
Item 9. Name of Federal Agency--Preprinted on the form.
Item 10. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number and Title--
Enter the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number assigned
to the program under which assistance is requested and its title, as
indicated in the relevant priority area description. The CFDA number of
for the Child Welfare Training Grants is 93.648.
Item 11. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project--Enter the
project title and the priority area number in parenthesis after the
project title. The title is generally short and is descriptive of the
project.
Item 12. Areas Affected by Project--Enter the governmental unit
where significant and meaningful impact could be observed. List only
the largest unit or units affected, such as State, county, or city. If
an entire unit is affected, list it rather than subunits.

[[Page 36625]]

Item 13. Proposed Project--Enter the desired start date for the
project and projected completion date.
Item 14. Congressional District of Applicant/Project--Enter the
number of the Congressional District where the applicant's principal
office is located and the number of the Congressional district (s)
where the project will be located. If statewide, a multi-State effort,
or nationwide, enter 00.
Items 15. Estimated Funding Levels In completing 15a through 15f,
the dollar amounts entered should reflect, for a 12 month budget
period, the total amount requested. if the proposed project period
exceeds 17 months, enter only those dollar amounts needed for the first
12 months of the proposed project.
Item 15a. Enter the amount of Federal funds requested in accordance
with the preceding paragraph. This amount should be no greater than the
maximum amount specified in the priority area description.
Item 15b-e. Enter the amount(s) of funds from non-Federal sources
that will be contributed to the proposed project. Items b-e are
considered cost-sharing or matching funds. The value of third party in-
kind contributions should be included on appropriate lines as
applicable.
Items 15f. Enter the estimated amount of income, if any, expected
to be generated from the proposed project. Do not add or subtract this
amount from the total project amount entered under item 15g. Describe
the nature, source and anticipated use of this income in the Project
Narrative Statement.
Item 15g. Enter the sum of items 15a-15e.
Item 16a. Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive Order
12372 Process? Enter Yes and the date the applicant contacted the SPOC
regarding this application. Select the appropriate SPOC from the
listing provided in Appendix B. The review of the application is at the
discretion of the SPOC. The SPOC will verify the date noted on the
application.
Item 16b. Is Application Subject to Review By State Executive Order
12372 process? No.--Check the appropriate box if the application is not
covered by E.O. 12372 or if the program has not been selected by the
State for review.
Item 17. Is the Applicant Delinquent on any Federal Debt?--Check
the appropriate box. This question applies to the applicant
organization, not the person who signs as the authorized
representative. Categories of debt include audit disallowances, loans
and taxes.
Item 18. To the best of my knowledge and belief, all data in this
application/preapplication are true and correct. The document has been
duly authorized by the governing body of the applicant and the
applicant will comply with the attached assurances if the assistance is
awarded.--To be signed by the authorized representative of the
applicant. A copy of the governing body's authorization for signature
of this application by this individual as the official representative
must be on file in the applicant's office, and may be requested from
the applicant.
Item 18 a-c. Typed Name of Authorized Representative, Title,
Telephone Number--Enter the name, title and telephone number of the
authorized representative of the applicant organization. This
individual will receive all ACF/ACYF correspondence regarding the
application.
Item 18d. Signature of Authorized Representative--Signature of the
authorized representative named in Item 18a. At least one copy of the
application must have an original signature. Use colored ink (not
black) so that the original signature is easily identified.
Item 18e. Date Signed--Enter the date the application was signed by
the authorized representative.
2. SF 424A--Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs. This is
a form used by many Federal agencies. For this application, Sections A,
B, C, E and F are to be completed. Section D does not need to be
completed.
Sections A and B should include the Federal as well as the non-
Federal funding for the proposed project covering the first year budget
period.
Section A--Budget Summary. This section includes a summary of the
budget. On line 5, enter total Federal costs in column (e) and total
non-Federal costs, including third party in-kind contributions, but not
program income, in column (f). Enter the total of (e) and (f) in column
(g).
Section B--Budget Categories. This budget, which includes the
Federal as well as non-Federal funding for the proposed project, covers
the first year budget period if the proposed project period exceeds 12
months. It should relate to item 15g, total funding, on the SF 424.
Under column (5), enter the total requirements for funds (Federal and
non-Federal) by object class category.
A separate itemized budget justification for each line item is
required. The types of information to be included in the justification
are indicated under each category. For multiple year projects, it is
desirable to provide this information for each year of the project. The
budget justification should immediately follow the second page of the
SF 424A.
Personnel--Line 6a. Enter the total costs of salaries and wages of
applicant/grantee staff. Do not include the costs of consultants, which
should be included on line 6h, Other.
Justification: Identify the principal investigator or project
director, if known. Specify by title or name the percentage of time
allocated to the project, the individual annual salaries, and the cost
to the project (both Federal and non-Federal) of the organization's
staff who will be working on the project.
Fringe Benefits--Line 6b. Enter the total cost of fringe benefits,
unless treated as part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a break-down of amounts and percentages that
comprise fringe benefit costs, such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, etc.
Travel--6c. Enter total costs of out-of-town travel (travel
requiring per diem) for staff of the project. Do not enter costs for
consultant's travel or local transportation, which should be included
on Line 6h, Other.
Justification: Include the name(s) of traveler(s), total number of
trips, destinations, length of stay, transportation costs and
subsistence allowances.
Equipment--Line 6d. Enter the total costs of all equipment to be
acquired by the project. Equipment is defined as an article of
nonexpendable, tangible personal property having a useful life of more
than one year and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the
lesser of (a) the capitalization level established by the organization
for the financial statement purposes or (b) $5,000 or more per unit.
Justification: Equipment to be purchased with Federal funds must be
justified. The equipment must be required to conduct the project, and
the applicant organization or its subgrantees must not have the
equipment or a reasonable facsimile available to the project. The
justification also must contain plans for future use or disposal of the
equipment after the project ends.
Supplies--Line 6e. Enter the total costs of all tangible expendable
personal property (supplies) other than those included on Line 6d.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs.
Contractual--Line 6f. Enter the total costs of all contracts,
including (1) Procurement contracts (except those which belong on other
lines such as equipment, supplies, etc.) and (2) contracts with
secondary recipient organizations, including delegate

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agencies. Also include any contracts with organizations for the
provision of technical assistance. Do not include payments to
individuals on this line. If the name of the contractor, scope of work,
and estimated total costs are not available or have not been
negotiated, include on Line 6h, other.
Justification: Attach a list of contractors, indicating the names
of the organizations, the purposes of the contracts, and the estimated
dollar amounts of the awards as part of the budget justification.
Whenever the applicant/grantee intends to delegate part or all of the
program to another agency, the applicant/grantee must complete this
section (Section B, Budget Categories) for each delegate agency by
agency title, along with the supporting information. The total cost of
all such agencies will be part of the amount shown on Line 6f. Provide
backup documentation identifying the name of contractor, purpose of
contract, and major cost elements. Applicants who anticipate
procurement that will exceed $5,000 (non-governmental entities) or
$25,000 (governmental entities) and are requesting an award without
competition should include a sole source justification in the proposal
which at a minimum should include the basis for contractor's selection,
justification for lack of competition when competitive bids or offers
are not obtained and basis for award cost or price. (Note: Previous or
past experience with a contractor is not sufficient justification for
sole source.)
Construction--Line 6g. Not applicable. New construction is not
allowable.
Other--Line 6h. Enter the total of all other costs. Where
applicable, such costs may include, but are not limited to: insurance;
medical and dental costs; noncontractual fees and travel paid directly
to individual consultants; local transportation (all travel which does
not require per diem is considered local travel); space and equipment
rentals; printing and publication; computer use; training costs,
including tuition and stipends; training service costs, including wage
payments to individuals and supportive service payments; and staff
development costs. Note that costs identified as miscellaneous and
honoraria are not allowable.
Justification: Specify the costs included.
Total Direct Charge--Line 6i. Enter the total of Lines 6a through
6h.
Indirect Charges--6j. Enter the total amount of indirect charges
(costs). If no indirect costs are requested, enter none. Generally,
this line should be used when the applicant has a current indirect cost
rate agreement approved by the Department of Health and Human Services
or another Federal agency.
Because this application is for a training grant, budgeted indirect
cost is limited to 8%. However, before the applicant may budget for
this percent or for some lesser percent, the applicant must include a
copy of its latest negotiated indirect cost agreement in the
application package. The applicant must also budget its indirect cost
consistent with the negotiated indirect cost rate, base and other terms
and conditions of the negotiated indirect cost agreement in accordance
with longstanding Department policy.
Local and State governments should enter the amount of indirect
costs determined in accordance with DHHS requirements. When an indirect
cost rate is requested, these costs are included in the indirect cost
pool and should not be charged again as direct costs to the grant.
Justification: Enclose a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement.
Total--Line 6k. Enter the total amounts of lines 6i and 6j.
Program Income--Line 7. Enter the estimated amount, if any,
expected to be generated from this project. Do not add or subtract this
amount from the total project amount.
Justification: Describe the nature, source, and anticipated use of
program income in the Program Narrative Statement.
Section C--Non-Federal Resources. This section summarizes the
amounts of non-Federal resources that will be applied to the grant.
Enter this information on line 12 entitled Totals. In-kind
contributions are defined in 45 CFR, Part 74.51 and 45 CFR Part 92.3,
as property or services which benefit a grant-supported project or
program and which are contributed by non-Federal third parties without
charge to the grantee, the subgrantee, or a cost-type contractor under
the grant or subgrant.
Justification: Describe third party in-kind contributions, if
included.
Section D--Forecasted Cash Needs, Not applicable.
Section E--Budget Estimate of Federal Funds Needed For Balance of
the Project. This section should only be completed if the total project
period exceeds 12 months.
Totals--Line 20. For projects that will have more than one budget
period, enter the estimated required Federal funds for the second
budget period (months 13 through 24) under column (b) First. If a third
budget period will be necessary, enter the Federal funds needed for
months 25 through 36 under (c) Second. Column (d) would be used in the
case of a 48 month project. Column (e) would not apply.
Section F--Other Budget Information.
Direct Charges--Line 21, Not applicable.
Indirect Charges--Line 22, Enter the type of indirect rate
(provisional, predetermined, final or fixed) that will be in effect
during the funding period, the estimated amount of the base to which
the rate is applied, and the total indirect expense.
Remarks--Line 23. If the total project period exceeds 12 months,
you must enter your proposed non-Federal share of the project budget
for each of the remaining years of the project.
3. Project Summary Description. Clearly mark this separate page
with the applicant name as shown in item 5 of the SF 424, the priority
area number as shown at the top of the SF 424, and the title of the
project as shown in item 11 of the SF 424. The summary description
should not exceed 300 words. These 300 words become part of the
computer database on each project.
Care should be taken to produce a summary description which
accurately and concisely reflects the application. It should describe
the objectives of the project, the approaches to be used and the
outcomes expected. The description should also include a list of major
products that will result from the proposed project, such as software
packages, materials, management procedures, data collection
instruments, training packages, or videos (please note that
audiovisuals should be closed captioned). The project sum

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A97-17655. Public record. Not legal advice.