# Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 Final Program Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 1997, and Request for Applications for FY 1997 and FY 1998 > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A97-5693 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Notice - **Published:** March 10, 1997 - **Citation:** 62 FR 10964 ## Text [Federal Register Volume 62, Number 46 (Monday, March 10, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 10964-11002] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-5693] [[Page 10963]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part III Department of Health and Human Services _______________________________________________________________________ Administration for Children and Families _______________________________________________________________________ Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 Final Program Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 1997, and Request for Applications for FY 1997 and FY 1998; Notice Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 46 / Monday, March 10, 1997 / Notices [[Page 10964]] DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families [Program Announcement No. ACF/ACYF/RHYP 97-1] Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 Final Program Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 1997, and Request for Applications for FY 1997 and FY 1998 AGENCY: Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), ACF, HHS. ACTION: Notice of Fiscal Year 1997 Final Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Program Priorities, announcement of availability of financial assistance, and request for applications for the FY 1997 Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth (BCP), FY 1997 Street Outreach Program (SOP), and the Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth (TLP) for FY 1998. SUMMARY: The Family and Youth Services Bureau of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families is publishing final program priorities and announcing the availability of funds for: 1. The Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth. The purpose of the Basic Center Program is to provide financial assistance to establish or strengthen locally-controlled centers that address the immediate needs (outreach, temporary shelter, food, clothing, counseling, aftercare, and related services) of runaway and homeless youth and their families. 2. The Street Outreach Program. The purpose of the Street Outreach Program is to provide financial assistance to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation of runaway, homeless and street youth. Street-based outreach and education services, including treatment, counseling, and the provision of information and referral assistance are allowable services under this program. 3. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth. The overall purpose of the Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth is to support programs which assist older homeless youth in making a successful transition to self-sufficient living and to prevent long- term dependency on social services. DATES: The deadlines for RECEIPT by DHHS of applications for new grants under this announcement are as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Programs Closing dates ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BCP...................................... May 2, 1997. SOP...................................... May 16, 1997. TLP...................................... May 30, 1997. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ADDRESSES: Mailed applications shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the DEADLINE date and time at the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447. Attention: Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth, Street Outreach Program or Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth. Applicants are responsible for mailing applications well in advance, when using all mail services, to ensure that the applications are received on or before the deadline time and date. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on the closing date will be classified as late. Postmarks and other similar documents do not establish receipt of an application. Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the receipt date, between the hours of 8 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, SW., Washington, DC. 20024 between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal Holidays). (Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not always deliver as agreed.) ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax. Therefore, applications faxed to ACF will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt. Envelopes containing applications must clearly indicate the specific program that the application is addressing: Basic Center Program (BCP), Street Outreach Program (SOP) or Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth (TLP). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, PO Box 1182, Washington, DC 20013; Telephone: 1-800-351-2293. You may also locate a copy of this program announcement on the FYSB website at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/ programs/FYSB on the FYSB homepage under Policy and Announcements. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Grant awards of FY 1997 funds will be made by September 30, 1997 for the Basic Center and the Street Outreach Program. Subject to the availability of resources in FY 1998 and the number of acceptable applications received as a result of this program announcement, the Federal government may elect to select recipients for new FY 1998 SOP grant awards out of the pool of Street Outreach Program applications submitted under this program announcement. Transitional Living Program awards under this announcement will be made after October 1, 1997 with FY 1998 funds. This single announcement for the three programs has been developed in order to save the field and the Federal government significant resources. Also, the single announcement provides the field with the application due dates for each program, providing interested agencies the means to forecast the workload and resources needed to apply for these grants. Potential applicants should note that separate applications must be submitted for each program applied for. This announcement contains all the necessary information and application materials to apply for funds under these three grant programs. The estimated funds available for new starts and the approximate number of new grants that have been or are to be awarded under this program announcement are as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ New start funds Number Program Fiscal year available of new (million) grants ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BCP............................ FY 1997........... $14.2 150 SOP............................ FY 1997........... 4.4 50 TLP............................ FY 1998........... 7.3 40 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ In addition to the competitive new start grants, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families anticipates providing FY 1997 non- competitive, continuation funds to current grantees as follows: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Continuation funds Number of Program available continuation (million) grants ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BCP......................................... $25.1 300 SOP......................................... 3.0 33 TLP......................................... 6.6 36 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Grantees eligible for these continuation grants will receive letters to that effect from the appropriate [[Page 10965]] Regional grants management offices and should not submit their continuation applications in response to this announcement. Only applications for new grants are solicited through this announcement. This program announcement consists of six parts. Part I provides general information for potential applicants who wish to apply to operate programs serving runaway and homeless youth. Part II contains the evaluation criteria against which all applications will be competitively reviewed, evaluated and rated. Part III contains specific information necessary to apply for funds under each of the three programs. Part IV describes the application process. Part V provides instructions on the assembly and submission of applications. Part VI contains appendices to be consulted in preparation of applications. All forms needed to prepare applications for the two programs are found in Part VI, Appendix I, of this announcement. The following outline is provided to assist in the review of this Federal Register announcement: Part I: General Information A. Background on Runaway and Homeless Youth B. Legislative Authority C. Purpose, Goals and Objectives of the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Programs 1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth 2. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth 3. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth D. Definitions E. Final Priorities 1. Public Comments 2. Final Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 1997 a. Basic Center Program Grants b. Street Outreach Program Grants c. Transitional Living Program Grants d. National Communications System e. Support Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs (1) Training and Technical Assistance (2) National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth (3) Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) (4) Monitoring Support for FYSB Programs f. Research and Demonstration Initiatives (1) Improved Access to Services and Supports for Youth With Developmental Disabilities (2) Analysis, Synthesis, and Interpretation of New Information Concerning Runaway and Homeless Youth g. Comprehensive Youth Development Approach h. Priorities for Administrative Changes F. Eligible Applicants G. Availability of Competitive New Start Funds 1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth 2. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth 3. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth H. Duration of Projects I. Maximum Federal Share and Grantee Share of the Projects Part II: Evaluation Criteria Part III: Program Areas A. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth B. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth C. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth Part IV: Application Process A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees B. Application Requirements C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372 E. Availability of Forms and Other Materials F. Application Consideration Part V: Application Content, Instructions, Assembly and Submission Part VI: Appendices A. Basic Center Program Performance Standards B. National Runaway Switchboard (National Communications System) C. National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth D. Runaway and Homeless Youth Continuation Grantees 1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth 2. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth 3. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth E. Administration for Children and Families Regional Office Youth Contacts F. Training and Technical Assistance Providers G. OMB State Single Points of Contact Listing H. Basic Center Program Allocations by State I. Forms and Instructions Part I. General Information A. Background on Runaway and Homeless Youth The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), within the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), administers programs that support services to an adolescent population of runaway and homeless youth. Estimates of this population vary from 500,000 to 1,300,000 million. Many of these youth have left home to escape abusive situations, or because their parents could not meet their basic needs for food, shelter and a safe supportive environment. Many live on the streets. While living on the streets or away from home without parental supervision, these youth are highly vulnerable. They may become victims of street violence, may be exploited by dealers of illegal drugs, or may become members of gangs who provide protection and a sense of extended family. Usually lacking marketable skills, they may be drawn into shoplifting, prostitution, or dealing drugs in order to earn money for food, clothing, and other daily expenses. Without a fixed address or regular place to sleep, they often drop out of school, forfeiting their opportunities to learn and to become independent, self- sufficient, contributing members of society. As street people, they may try to survive with little or no contact with medical professionals, the result being that health problems may go untreated and may worsen. Without the support of family, schools, and other community institutions, they may not acquire the personal values and work skills that will enable them to enter or advance in the world of work at other than the most minimal levels. Finally, as street people, they may create substantial law enforcement problems, endangering both themselves and the communities in which they are located. All these problems, real and potential, call for a comprehensive, nationwide, community-based program to address the needs of runaway and homeless youth. B. Legislative Authority Grants for the Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth are authorized by Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHY Act), 42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq. Grants for the Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth are authorized under Part B of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Part B was established in 1988 as part of Public Law 100-690. The RHY Act was enacted as Title III of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-415), and amended by the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1977 (Pub. L. 95-115), the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1980 (Pub. L.96-509), the Juvenile Justice Amendments of 1984 (Pub. L. 98-473), and the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Amendments of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-586). Grants for coordinating, training and technical assistance, research, demonstration, evaluation and service projects are authorized under Part D of the RHY Act. Grants for the Street Outreach Program are authorized by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-322, Sec. 40155) which amended Part A of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 USC 5711 et seq.) by creating Section [[Page 10966]] 316, Grants for Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation. Information collection requirements made in this announcement are covered under OMB Control Number 0970-0139. C. Purpose, Goals and Objectives of the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Programs 1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth The overall purpose of the BCP is to provide financial assistance to establish or strengthen community-based centers that address the immediate needs (outreach, temporary shelter, food, clothing, counseling, aftercare, and related services) of runaway and homeless youth and their families. Services supported by this program are to be outside the law enforcement, the child welfare, the mental health, and the juvenile justice systems. The program goals and objectives of Part A of the RHY Act are to: a. Alleviate problems of runaway and homeless youth, b. Reunite youth with their families and encourage the resolution of intrafamily problems through counseling and other services, c. Strengthen family relationships and encourage stable living conditions for youth, and d. Help youth decide upon constructive courses of action. 2. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth The overall purpose of SOP is to provide education and prevention services to reduce the incidence of sexual abuse of runaway, homeless, and street youth. This program is designed to support services for youth who are living on the street or in other unsafe environments and are at-risk of sexual abuse and/or exploitation. 3. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth The overall purpose of TLP for homeless youth is to establish and operate transitional living projects for homeless youth. This program is structured to help older, homeless youth achieve self-sufficiency and avoid long-term dependency on social services. Transitional living projects provide shelter, skills training, and support services to homeless youth ages 16 through 21 for a continuous period not exceeding 18 months. Transitional Living Program funds are to be used for the purpose of enhancing the capacities of youth-serving agencies in local communities to effectively address the service needs of homeless, older adolescents and young adults. Goals, objectives and activities that may be maintained, improved and/or expanded through a TLP grant must include, but are not necessarily limited to: Providing stable, safe living accommodations while a homeless youth is a program participant; Providing the services necessary to assist homeless youth in developing both the skills and personal characteristics needed to enable them to live independently; Providing education, information and counseling aimed at preventing, treating and reducing substance abuse among homeless youth; Providing homeless youth with appropriate referrals and access to medical and mental health treatment; and Providing the services and referrals necessary to assist youth in preparing for and obtaining employment. Specifics regarding grant awards in each of these three programs are found in Part III, Sections A, B and C, of this announcement. D. Definitions 1. The term ``homeless youth'' is defined differently for different programs. Under Part A of the RHY Act, which authorizes the BCP, the term ``homeless youth'' means a person under 18 years of age who is in need of services and without a place of shelter where he or she receives supervision and care. This definition applies to all Basic Center projects and can be found in 45 CFR 1351.1(f). Under Part B of the RHY Act, which authorizes the TLP, ``homeless youth'' means an individual who is not less than 16 years of age and not more than 21 years of age; for whom it is not possible to live in a safe environment with a relative; and who has no other safe alternative living arrangement. This definition applies to all Transitional Living programs and can be found in section 321(b)(1) of the RHY Act. 2. The term public agency means any State, unit of local government, combination of such States or units, or any agency, department, or instrumentality of any of the foregoing. This definition applies to all runaway and homeless youth programs funded under this announcement. 3. The term runaway youth means a person under 18 years of age who absents himself or herself from home or place of legal residence without the permission of parents or legal guardian. This definition applies to all Basic Center program grantees and can be found in 45 CFR 1351.1(k). 4. The term shelter includes host homes, group homes and supervised apartments. This definition applies to all RHY program grantees and is referenced in Section 322(1) of the RHY Act. As currently understood in the field: Host homes are facilities providing shelter, usually in the home of a family, under contract to accept runaway and/or homeless youth assigned by the BCP service provider, and are licensed according to State or local laws. Group homes are single-site residential facilities designed to house BCP clients who may be new to the program or may require a higher level of supervision. These dwellings operate in accordance with State or local housing codes and licensure. A supervised apartment is a single unit dwelling or multiple unit apartment house operated under the auspices of the TLP service provider for the purpose of housing program participants. 5. The term State means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. This definition applies to the Basic Center Program and the Transitional Living Program and can be found in section 3601(10) of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, incorporating by reference section 103(7) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended. 6. The term street-based outreach and education includes education and prevention efforts directed at youth that are victims of offenses committed by offenders who are not known to the victim as well as offenders who are known to the victim. 7. The term street youth means a juvenile who spends a significant amount of time on the street or in other areas of exposure to encounters that may lead to sexual abuse. 8. The term temporary shelter means the provision of short-term (maximum of 15 days) room and board and core crisis intervention services on a 24 hour basis. This definition applies to all Basic Center Program grantees and can be found in 45 CFR 1351.1(o). 9. The term transitional living youth project means a project that provides shelter and services designed to promote transition to self- sufficient living and to prevent long-term dependency on social services. This definition applies to all TLP program [[Page 10967]] grantees and is found in section 321(b)(2) of the RHY Act. E. Final Priorities Section 364 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHY Act) requires the Department to publish annually for public comment a proposed plan specifying priorities the Department will follow in awarding grants and contracts under the RHY Act. The proposed plan for FY 1997 was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, December 19, 1997, and requested comments and recommendations from the field. 1. Public Comments The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) usually receives approximately 20 written responses from a number of sources, principally Runaway and Homeless Youth Program grantees. The responses are generally supportive. To the extent feasible, ACYF takes these and all other public comments into account when preparing the final priorities. 2. Final Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 1997 The Department will award new and continuation grants for provision of Basic Center, Street Outreach and Transitional Living services. The Department will also award continuation funding to the National Communications System, to the ten Regional Training and Technical Assistance providers, and to a number of related program support activities. The Final Program Priorities continue to support and emphasize a comprehensive youth development approach to services to youth and their families. a. Basic Center Program Grants Approximately 450 Basic Center grants, of which about 150 will be competitive new starts and 300 will be non-competitive continuations, will be funded in FY 1997. Section 385(a)(2) of the Act requires that 90 percent of the funds appropriated under Part A (The Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Program) be used to establish and strengthen runaway and homeless youth Basic Centers. Total funding under Part A of the Act for FY 1997 is expected to be approximately $43.6 million. This sum triggers the provision in the Act calling for a minimum award of $100,000 to each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and a minimum award of $45,000 to each of the four insular areas: the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. b. Street Outreach Program Grants In FY 1997, approximately $4.4 million will be used to fund new Street Outreach Program grants and $3.0 million will be used to fund non-competitive continuation Street Outreach Program grants. c. Transitional Living Program Grants In FY 1997, approximately $7.3 million has been used to fund new TLP grants and $6.6 million to fund TLP continuation grants. In FY 1998, total funding for TLP is expected to be approximately $14.9 million. Approximately $6.6 million will be awarded for new grants and $7.3 million will be awarded as continuation grants. d. National Communications System Part C, Section 331 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as amended, mandates support for a National Communications System to assist runaway and homeless youth in communicating with their families and with service providers. In FY 1994, a five-year grant was awarded to the National Runaway Switchboard, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois, to operate the system. Subject to the availability of funding, non- competitive continuation funding will be awarded to the grantee in FY 1997. e. Support Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs (1) Training and Technical Assistance Part D, Section 342 of the Act authorizes the Department to make grants to statewide and regional nonprofit organizations to provide training and technical assistance (T&TA) to organizations that are eligible to receive service grants under the Act. Eligible organizations include the Basic Centers authorized under Part A of the Act (The Runaway and Homeless Youth Grant Program) and the service grantees authorized under Part B of the Act (The Transitional Living Grant Program). The purpose of this T&TA is to strengthen the programs and to enhance the knowledge and skills of youth service workers. In FY 1994, the Family and Youth Services Bureau awarded ten Cooperative Agreements, one in each of the ten Federal Regions, to provide T&TA to agencies funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau to provide services to runaway and homeless youth. Each Cooperative Agreement is unique, being based on the characteristics and different T&TA needs in the respective Regions. Each has a five-year project period that will expire in FY 1999. Subject to availability of funds, non-competitive continuation funding will be awarded to the ten T&TA grantees in FY 1997. (2) National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth In June 1992, a five-year contract was awarded by the Department to establish and operate the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth. The purpose of the Clearinghouse is to serve as a central information point for professionals and agencies involved in the development and implementation of services to runaway and homeless youth. To this end, the Clearinghouse: Collects, evaluates and maintains reports, materials and other products regarding service provision to runaway and homeless youth; Develops and disseminates reports and bibliographies useful to the field; Identifies areas in which new or additional reports, materials and products are needed; and Carries out other activities designed to provide the field with the information needed to improve services to runaway and homeless youth. The contract with the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth expires in Fiscal Year 1997. Subject to availability of funds, a Request for Proposals will be published and a new contract will be awarded this Fiscal Year to sustain the Clearinghouse services. (3) Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) The Family and Youth Services Bureau awarded a three-year contract, which expires in Fiscal Year 1997, for the development and implementation of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) for FYSB programs. The data generated by the system are used to produce reports and information regarding the programs, including information for the required reports to Congress. The RHYMIS also serves as a management tool for FYSB and for individual programs. Subject to availability of funds, in Fiscal Year 1997, a request for proposals to maintain RHYMIS services will be published and a new contract awarded. (4) Monitoring Support for FYSB Programs The Family and Youth Services Bureau uses a standardized, comprehensive monitoring instrument [[Page 10968]] and site visit protocols, including a pre-review component for monitoring runaway and homeless youth programs. The Bureau awarded a three year contract, which expires in Fiscal Year 1997, to provide logistical support for the peer review monitoring process, including nationwide distribution of the monitoring instrument. The findings from the monitoring visits are being used by the Regional Offices and the T/ TA providers as a basis for their activities. Subject to the availability of funds, in Fiscal Year 1997, a procurement to sustain this activity will be published and a new contract awarded. f. Research and Demonstration Initiatives Section 315 of the Act authorizes the Department to make grants to States, localities, and private entities to carry out research, demonstration, and service projects designed to increase knowledge concerning and to improve services for runaway and homeless youth. These activities serve to identify emerging issues and to develop and test models which address such issues. (1) Improved Access to Services and Supports for Youth With Developmental Disabilities The Family and Youth Services Bureau and the Administration of Developmental Disabilities are collaborating to address the needs of youth with developmental disabilities. In 1995, a competitive review process resulted in jointly funded grant awards to three demonstration projects designed to improve local coordination of services to youth with developmental disabilities. Subject to the availability of funds, non-competitive continuation funding will be awarded to the three grantees in Fiscal Year 1997. (2) Analysis, Synthesis, and Interpretation of New Information Concerning Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs Over the past few years, considerable new knowledge and information has been developed concerning the runaway and homeless youth programs administered by FYSB, and concerning the youth and families served. The main sources of this new information are the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS) and a number of evaluation studies underway or recently completed. The RHYMIS and the evaluation studies contain descriptions of FYSB's grantee agencies, along with detailed data on the youth and families served. A contract was awarded in Fiscal Year 1995 to analyze and synthesize this valuable data and to explore program and policy implications. Results from this contract effort will be available in Fiscal Year 1997. g. Comprehensive Youth Development Framework. A youth development approach has become central to all FYSB activities and programs since 1995. In Fiscal Year 1995, a contract was awarded to develop a youth development framework from a theoretical perspective. This framework is intended to enhance the capacity of policy and program developers, program managers, and youth services professionals to develop service models and approaches that will redirect youth in high risk situations toward positive pathways of development. It is our hope and expectation that this document will serve as a basis for securing consensus on a working definition of youth development and for increasing awareness of the importance and benefits of a youth development perspective in serving youth. The report from this contract will be available later in Fiscal Year 1997 and will receive wide distribution. h. Priorities for Administrative Changes To support the increased emphasis on youth development, two management or administrative changes will continue: Regional Offices have and will continue to play a significant role in the assessment of grant applications. This role includes Regional staff involvement (1) as chairpersons for peer review panels and (2) in conduct of administrative reviews of new start applications that take into account knowledge about the applicants' experience, effectiveness, and potential and of the geographic distribution of the grantees in their respective States and Regions. Final funding decisions will remain the responsibility of the Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Efforts will be continued to avoid the problems of gaps in financial support between the expiration of one grant and the beginning of a new grant for current grantees that are successful in competition. F. Eligible Applicants The various legislative Acts that authorize the runaway and homeless youth programs addressed in this Federal Register announcement identify ``eligible applicants'' differently. Accordingly, refer to the definition of eligible applicants appropriate to each FYSB RHY program described in Part III of this announcement. In addition please refer to Part VI, Appendix D for a listing of current grantees that are NOT eligible to apply under each of the grant programs. Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit proof of its non-profit status with its application. Proof can include a copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or a copy of the currently valid IRS tax- exemption certificate, or a copy of the articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the corporation or association is domiciled. G. Availability of Competitive New-Start Funds 1. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth The Administration on Children, Youth and Families expects to award approximately $14.2 million for new competitive, Basic Center Program grants. In accordance with the RHY Act, the funds will be divided among the States in proportion to their respective populations under the age of 18, with a minimum award of $100,000 to each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and a minimum award of $45,000 to each of the four insular areas: Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and the Virgin Islands. The funds available for both continuations and new starts in each of the States and insular areas is listed in the Table of Allocations by State (Part VI, Appendix H). In this Table, the amounts shown in the column labeled ``New Starts'' are the amounts available for competition in the respective States. The number of new awards made within each State will depend upon the funds available (i.e., the State's total allotment less the amount required for non-competing continuations), as well as on the number of acceptable applications. Therefore, where the amount required for non- competing continuations in any State equals the State's total allotment, no new awards will be made. All applicants under this announcement will compete with other applicants in the State in which their services would be provided. In the event that an insufficient number of acceptable applications is approved for funding from any State or jurisdiction, [[Page 10969]] the Commissioner, ACYF, will reallocate the unused funds. Further information on the BCP application requirements is presented in Part III, Section A, and in Part IV. 2. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth The Administration on Children, Youth and Families expects to award approximately $4.4 million for new competitive Street Outreach Program grants. Further information on the SOP application requirements is presented in Part III, Section B, and in Part IV. 3. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth In FY 1998, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families expects to award approximately $7.3 million in new competitive Transitional Living Program grants. Further information on the TLP application requirements is presented in Part III, Section C, and in Part IV. H. Duration of Projects This announcement solicits applications for projects of up to three years (36-month project periods) for the BCP, the SOP and the TLP. Initial grant awards, made on a competitive basis, will be for one-year (12-month) budget periods. Applications for continuation grants beyond the one-year budget periods, but within the 36-month project periods, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantees, and determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. I. Maximum Federal Award and Grantee Share of the Project The maximum amount of Federal funds for which an applicant can apply is specified in the program descriptions found in Part III of this announcement. The non-Federal share requirements for each of the three programs are also found in Part III of this announcement. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in-kind contributions. Federal funds provided to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match project grants. Applicants which do not provide the required percentage of non-Federal share will not be funded. For-profit applicants for Basic Center Program grants are reminded that no grant funds may be paid as profit to any recipient of a grant or sub-grant (45 CFR 74.705). Part II. Evaluation Criteria The five criteria that follow will be used to review and evaluate each application under the BCP, the SOP and the TLP and should be addressed in developing the program narratives. The point values following each criterion heading indicate the numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review process. Note that the highest possible value BCP, SOP and TLP applications can receive is 105 points. See Criterion 4 for more specific information. Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance (15 Points) Pinpoint any relevant physical, economic, social, financial, institutional, or other problems requiring a solution. Demonstrate the need for the assistance and state the goals or service objectives of the project. Supporting documentation or other testimonies from concerned interests other than the applicant may be used. Give a precise location of the project site(s) and area(s) to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids may be attached. (The applicant should refer to Part I, Section C, of this announcement for a description of each program's purpose.) Criterion 2. Results or Benefits Expected (20 Points) Identify the results and benefits to be derived from the project. State the numbers of runaway and homeless youth and their families to be served, and describe the types and quantities of services to be provided. Identify the kinds of data to be collected and maintained, and discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success of the project. Criterion 3. Approach (35 Points) Outline a plan of action pertaining to the scope of the project and detail how the proposed work will be accomplished. Describe any unusual features of the project, such as extraordinary social and community involvements, and how the project will be maintained after termination of Federal support. Explain the methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and discussed are being met and if the results and benefits identified are being achieved. Criterion 4. Staff Background and Organizational Experience (20-25 Points) List the organizations, cooperators, consultants, or other key individuals who will work on the project along with a short description of the nature of their effort or contribution. Summarize the background and experience of the project director and key project staff and the history of the organization. Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage the project and to coordinate activities with other agencies. Applicants are encouraged to discuss staff and organizational experience in working with runaway and homeless youth populations and may include information regarding their past performance under RHYP grants. Applicants may refer to the staff resumes and to the Organizational Capability Statement included in the submission. Legislation authorizing each of the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs requires that priority for funding be given to agencies with experience in providing direct services to runaway and homeless youth. In line with this requirement, BCP, SOP and TLP applicants having three (3) or more years of continuous effort serving runaway and homeless youth in one or more areas set forth in Section 312 of the Act are eligible to receive an additional five (5) points on this criterion. Criterion 5. Budget Appropriateness (10 Points) Demonstrate that the project's costs (overall costs, average cost per youth served, costs for different services) are reasonable in view of the anticipated results and benefits. (Applicants may refer (1) to the budget information presented in Standard Forms 424 and 424A and in the associated budget justification, and (2) to the results or benefits expected as identified under Criterion 2.) The Program Narrative information provided by the applicant in response to any one or more of the three priority area descriptions identified in Part III of this announcement should be organized and presented according to these five evaluation criteria. Part III. Program Areas A. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth Eligible Applicants: Any State, unit of local government, combination of units of local government, public or private agency, organization, institution, or other non-profit entity is eligible to apply for these funds. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for Basic Center grants. Non-Federally recognized Indian Tribes and urban Indian organizations are also [[Page 10970]] eligible to apply for grants as private, non-profit agencies. Current Basic Center Program grantees with project periods ending by September 30, 1997 and all other eligible applicants not currently receiving Basic Center funds may apply for a new competitive Basic Center grant under this announcement. Basic Center Program Grantees (including subgrantees) with one or two years remaining on their current grant and the expectation of continuation funding in Fiscal Year 1997 may not apply for a new Basic Center grant under this announcement. These grantees are eligible to apply for non-competitive continuation funding in FY 1997 and will receive instructions from their respective ACF Regional Offices on the procedures for applying for continuation grants. Please refer to Part VI, Appendix D.1 for a listing of current grantees that are NOT eligible to apply for new Basic Center Program grants under this announcement. As required by runaway and homeless youth legislation, priority for funding will be given to agencies with demonstrated experience establishing and operating centers that provide direct services to runaway and homeless youth in a manner that is outside the law enforcement system, the child welfare system, the mental health system and the juvenile justice system. Demonstrated experience providing direct services means three (3) or more years of continuous effort serving runaway and homeless youth in one or more areas set forth in Section 312 of the Act. Applicants claiming credit for this preference must include a statement of no more than one page documenting the relevant experience. Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives: The Administration on Children, Youth and Families will award approximately 150 new service grants to establish or strengthen existing or proposed runaway and homeless youth Basic Centers. These programs must be locally controlled efforts that provide temporary shelter, counseling and related services to juveniles who have left home without permission of their parents or guardians or to other homeless juveniles. Applications are solicited under this program area to provide direct services that fulfill the program purposes, goals and objectives set forth in the legislation and as specified in Part I, section C.1 of this announcement. Background: The Runaway Youth and Homeless Youth Act of 1974 was a response to widespread concern regarding the alarming number of youth who were leaving home without parental permission, crossing State lines, and who, while away from home, were exposed to exploitation and other dangers of street life. Each Basic Center funded under the authorizing legislation is required to provide outreach to runaway and homeless youth; temporary shelter for up to fifteen days; food; clothing; individual, group, and family counseling; and related services. Many Basic Centers provide their services in residential settings with a capacity for no more than 20 youth. Some centers also provide some or all of their shelter services through host homes (usually private homes under contract to the centers), with counseling and referrals being provided from a central location. In FY 1996, approximately 50,000 youth received shelter and non- shelter services through ACYF-funded Basic Centers. The primary presenting problems of these youth include conflict with parents or other adults, including physical and sexual abuse; other family crises such as divorce, death, or sudden loss of income; and personal problems such as drug use, or problems with peers, school attendance and truancy, bad grades, inability to get along with teachers, and learning disabilities. Low self-esteem is a major problem among youth participating in the Basic Center Program. Slightly more than half gave an indication of clinical depression; and 14 percent reported having made at least one suicide attempt. After receiving services from Basic Center programs, approximately 65 percent of the youth return to their families; approximately 25 percent go to a variety of other situations such as Job Core, independent living programs, drug treatment programs and other institutional programs; and approximately 10 percent return to the streets or leave the centers with no known destination. Minimum Requirements for Project Design: As part of addressing the evaluation criteria outlined in Part II of this announcement, each applicant must address the following items in the program narrative section of the proposal. Objectives and Need for Assistance 1. Applicant must specify the goals and objectives of the project and how implementation will fulfill the purposes of the legislation identified in Part I, section C.1. of this announcement. 2. Applicant must describe the conditions of youth and families in the area to be served, with an emphasis on the incidence and characteristics of runaway and homeless youth and their families. The discussion must consider matters of family functioning, along with the health, education, employment, and social conditions of the youth, including at-risk conditions or behaviors such as drug use, school failure, and delinquency. 3. Applicant must discuss the existing support systems for at-risk youth and families in the area, with specific references to law enforcement, health and mental health care, social services, school systems, and child welfare. In addition, other agencies providing shelter and services to runaway and homeless youth in the area must be identified. 4. Within the context of the existing support systems, applicant must demonstrate the need for the center and indicate the objectives that the program would work toward fulfilling. 5. Applicant must describe the area to be served by the proposed center, and must demonstrate that the center is or will be located in an area which is frequented by and/or easily accessible by runaway and homeless youth. Results and Benefits Expected 1. Applicant must specify the numbers of runaway and homeless youth and their families to be served, the number of beds available for runaway and homeless youth and the types and quantities of services to be provided. 2. Applicant must describe the anticipated changes in attitudes, values and behavior, and improvements in individual and family functioning that will occur as a consequence of the services provided by the center. 3. Applicant must discuss the expected impact of the project on the availability of services to runaway and homeless youth in the local community and indicate how the project will enhance the organization's capacity to provide services that address the needs of runaway and homeless youth in the community. Approach 1. Applicant must describe the center's youth development approach or philosophy and indicate how it underlies and integrates all proposed activities, including provision of services to runaway and homeless youth and involvement of the youth's parents or legal guardians. Specific information must be provided on how youth will be involved in the design, operation and evaluation of the program. 2. Applicant must describe how runaway and homeless youth and their families will be reached, and how [[Page 10971]] services will be provided in compliance with the Program Performance Standards listed in Part VI, Appendix A. 3. Applicant must include detailed plans for implementing direct services based upon a youth development approach and upon identified goals and objectives. Applicant must identify the strategies that will be employed and the activities that will be implemented, including innovative approaches to securing appropriate center services for the runaway and homeless youth to be served, for involving family members as an integral part of the services provided, for periodic review and assessment of individual cases, and for encouraging awareness of and sensitivity to the diverse needs of runaway and homeless youth who represent particular ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, or who are street youth. 4. Applicant must describe the center's plans for conducting an outreach program that, where applicable, will attract members of ethnic and racial minorities and/or persons with limited ability to speak English. 5. Applicant must describe the center's plans and procedures for intake and assessment of the youth upon arrival at the center. 6. Applicant must describe the center's plans for contacting the parents or other relatives of the youth they serve, for ensuring the safe return of the youth to their parents, relatives or legal guardians if it is in their best interests, for contacting local governments pursuant to formal or informal arrangements established with such officials, and for providing alternative living arrangements when it is not safe or appropriate for the youth to return home. 7. Applicant must describe the type of shelter that will be available, the shelter capacity of the center and the system of staff supervision to be implemented in the shelter. 8. Applicant must describe the center's plans for ensuring proper coordination with law enforcement personnel, health and mental health care personnel, social service personnel, and welfare personnel. 9. Applicant must describe the center's plans for ensuring coordination with the schools to which runaway and homeless youth will return, and for assisting the youth to stay current with the curricula of these schools. 10. Applicant must describe the center's procedures for dealing with youth who have run from foster care placements. 11. Applicant must describe procedures for dealing with youth who have run from correctional institutions, and must show that procedures are in accordance with Federal, State and local laws. 12. Applicant must describe the center's plans and procedures for providing aftercare services and for ensuring, whenever possible, that aftercare services will also be provided to those youth who are returned beyond the State in which the center is located. 13. Applicant must agree to gather and submit program and client data required by FYSB through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS). If applicant is a current recipient of a BCP or TLP grant, applicant must describe the extent to which it now gathers and submits required data to the RHYMIS. Current recipients of a FYSB grant who are not submitting the required data are at risk of not being considered for a new grant award. While the computer software and training for the implementation of the RHYMIS will be provided by FYSB to grantees, applicant should include a request for funds in its budget (within the maximum Federal funds allowed) for any computer equipment needed for implementation of the RHYMIS. To determine whether an agency's current computer equipment is adequate, or whether purchase of an upgrade or of new equipment is necessary, potential applicants are invited to contact the RHYMIS Technical Support Group at Information Technology Incorporated, Bethesda, MD, telephone: 1-800-392-2395. 14. Applicant must agree to cooperate with any research or evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families. 15. Applicant must describe how the activities implemented under this project will be continued by the agency once Federal funding for the project has ended. The applicant must describe specific plans for accomplishing program phase-out for the last two quarters of the 36- month project period in the event the applicant does not receive a new award. STAFF BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE 1. As priority for funding will be given to agencies and organizations that have documented experience in establishing and operating centers that provide direct services to runaway and homeless youth, applicant must include a brief description of the organization and its experience in providing services to this client population. 2. Applicant must include a description of current and proposed staff skills and knowledge regarding runaway and homeless youth and indicate how staff will be utilized in achieving the goals and objectives of the program. Information on proposed staff training and brief resumes or job descriptions may be included. 3. Applicant must describe procedures for maintaining confidentiality of records on the youth and families served. Procedures must insure that no information on the youth and families is disclosed without the consent of the individual youth, parent or legal guardian. Disclosures without consent can be made to another agency compiling statistical records if individual identities are not provided or to a government agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual runaway or homeless youth. 4. Applicant must describe how the project has established or will establish formal service linkages with other social service, law enforcement, educational, housing, vocational, welfare, legal service, drug treatment and health care agencies in order to ensure appropriate referrals for the project clients when needed. 5. Applicant must describe how community and other support will be secured to continue the project at the conclusion of the Federal grant period. Budget Appropriateness 1. Applicant must discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project in terms of numbers of youth and families to be served, types and quantities of services to be provided, and the anticipated outcomes for the youth and families. 2. The applicant must describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement. Duration of Project: This announcement solicits applications for Basic Center projects of up to three years duration (36-month project periods). Initial grant awards, made on a competitive basis, will be for one-year (12-month) budget periods. Applications for continuation grants beyond the one-year budget periods, but within the 36-month project periods, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non- competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. Federal Share of Project Costs: Priority will be given to applicants [[Page 10972]] which apply for less than $200,000 per year. The maximum Federal share for a 3-year project period is $600,000. Applicant Share of Project Costs: Basic Center grantees must provide a non-Federal share or match of at least ten percent of the Federal funds awarded. The non-Federal share may be met by cash or in- kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their match requirements through cash contributions. Therefore, a three-year project costing $300,000 in Federal funds (based on an award of $100,000 per 12-month budget period) must include a match of at least $30,000 ($10,000 per budget period). B. Street Outreach Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth Eligible Applicants: Any private, nonprofit agency is eligible to apply for these funds. Non-Federally recognized Indian Tribes and urban Indian organizations are eligible to apply for grants as private, non- profit agencies. Current Street Outreach Program grantees with Basic Center Program project periods ending September 30, 1997 and all other eligible applicants not currently receiving SOP funds may apply for a new competitive SOP grant under this announcement. Current Street Outreach Program grant recipients with one or two years remaining on their Basic Center Program grant and the expectation of non-competitive continuation Basic Center Program funding in Fiscal Year 1997 may not apply for a new Street Outreach Program grant under this announcement. These grantees are eligible to apply for non- competitive continuation funding in FY 1997 and will receive instructions from their respective ACF Regional Offices on the procedures for applying for continuation grants. Please note that public agencies are NOT eligible to apply for these funds. Please refer to Part VI, Appendix D.2 for a listing of current grantees that are NOT eligible to apply for new Street Outreach Program grants under this announcement. As required by the legislation, priority for funding will be given to agencies that have experience in providing services to runaway, homeless, and street youth. Demonstrated experience providing direct services means three (3) or more years of continuous effort serving runaway, homeless or and street youth. Applicants claiming credit for this preference must include a statement of no more than one page documenting the relevant experience. Applicants with 3 years of demonstrated experience providing direct services to the target population are eligible to receive an additional five (5) points in the Staff Background and Organizational Experience evaluation criterion section. Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives: The Administration on Children, Youth and Families will award approximately 50 new SOP grants for street-based outreach and education. The programs must provide services that focus on establishing and building relationships between street youth and program staff with the goal of helping youth leave the streets. These services might include treatment, counseling, provision of information, and referral services for runaway, homeless, and street youth who have been subjected to or are at risk of being subjected to exploitation or sexual abuse. These programs must have access to local emergency shelter space that can be made available for youth willing to come in off the streets. In addition, street outreach staff must have access to the shelter in order to maintain important and constant interaction with the youth during the time they are in the shelter. Applications are solicited under this program area to provide direct services that fulfill the program purposes, goals and objectives set forth in the legislation and as specified in Part I, Section C.2 of this announcement. Background In response to the needs of street youth who are subjected, or at risk of being subjected, to sexual abuse, Congress amended the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act by authorizing the Education and Prevention Services to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless, and Street Youth Program as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. This program is referred to as the Street Outreach Program (SOP) for Runaway, Homeless and Street Youth. The array of social, emotional and health problems faced by youth on the street are dramatically compounded by incidence of exploitation and/or sexual abuse. Street youth are victimized by strangers as well as by individuals known to the youth, and a significant number of homeless youth are exploited as they participate in survival sex and prostitution to meet their basic needs for food and shelter. Because of these issues, sexually exploited youth often need more intensive services. Youth must be afforded the opportunity to slowly build trust relationships with caring and responsible adults as the first step to successfully encouraging them to leave the streets. Minimum Requirements for Project Design: As a part of addressing the evaluation criteria outlined in Part II of this announcement, each applicant must address the following items in the program narrative section of their application. Objectives and Need for Assistance 1. Applicant must specify the goals and objectives of the project and how implementation will fulfill the purposes of the legislation identified in Part I, section C.2 of this announcement. 2. Applicant must describe the specific geographic area frequented by street youth and the incidence and characteristics of these youth, including their social needs and health problems. 3. The applicant must demonstrate that the area that the program will serve is or will be located in the area which is frequented by and /or easily accessible by these street youth. 4. The applicant must describe currently available services for street youth. Service gaps must be addressed and considered in developing program objectives. 5. The applicant must describe the objectives of the program and the manner in which these objectives will help to encourage youth to leave the streets. Results and Benefits 1. Applicant must provide detailed information on the expected results and benefits of the program in terms of the number and frequency of youth served annually and in terms of the benefits and outcomes that will accrue to the street youth. 2. The applicant must describe barriers to effective delivery of services that currently exist or are anticipated and identify actions the program will take to overcome the barriers to serving this population. Approach 1. The applicant must describe a youth development approach to serving street youth including how youth will be involved in the design, operation and evaluation of the program. 2. Applicant must describe its current or proposed street outreach effort, including: framework and philosophy, hours of operation, staffing pattern and support, services provided, and expertise in approaching and addressing issues of victims of sexual abuse. 3. The applicant must describe a plan to provide street-based outreach services during hours when youth will most likely avail themselves of those services (late afternoon, evenings, nights, and weekends). [[Page 10973]] 4. The applicant must show that there is guaranteed access to emergency shelter services that can be made available to street youth. In addition, they must show that street outreach workers will have guaranteed access to the street youth that are taking advantage of the shelter's services. 5. The applicant must describe the range of services that will be offered to street youth and methods of their provision by demonstrating that, at a minimum, emergency shelter, street-based outreach and education, survival aid, individual assessment, counseling, prevention and education activities and information, information and referral services, crisis intervention and follow-up support will be available. Applicant must specify which services (excluding shelter services) will be provided through contracts. 6. The applicant must demonstrate that supportive training and appropriate street-based outreach supervision is provided to outreach staff and volunteers. This supervision must include guidance on policies and boundaries regarding their job responsibilities and their contact with and responsibilities to young people; training that will assist them in abiding by policies and maintaining appropriate boundaries; as well as training on youth development, sexual abuse, and other topics relevant to street life. 7. The applicant must show that the relationship of staff and volunteer gender, ethnicity and life experiences are relevant to those of the young people being served. 8. The applicant must describe current efforts or plans to work with organizations that serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in order to tap into their expertise and to coordinate services. 9. Applicant must describe how the project has established or will establish formal service linkages with other social service, law enforcement, educational, housing, vocational, welfare, legal service, drug treatment, other health care and other relevant service agencies in order to ensure appropriate service referrals for the project clients. 10. Applicant must agree to gather and submit program and client data required by FYSB through the Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System (RHYMIS). If applicant is a current recipient of a BCP or TLP grant, applicant must describe the extent to which it now gathers and submits required data to the RHYMIS. Current recipients of a FYSB grant who are not submitting the required data are at risk of not being considered for a new grant award. While the computer software and training for the implementation of the RHYMIS will be provided by FYSB to grantees, applicant should include a request for funds in its budget (within the maximum Federal funds allowed) for any computer equipment needed for implementation of the RHYMIS. To determine whether an agency's current computer equipment is adequate, or whether purchase of an upgrade or of new equipment is necessary, potential applicants are invited to contact the RHYMIS Technical Support Group at Information Technology Incorporated, Bethesda, MD, Telephone: 1-800-392-2395. 11. Applicant must agree to cooperate with any research or evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families. Staff Background and Organizational Experience 1. As priority for funding will be given to organizations with experience in providing services to runaway, homeless, and street youth, applicant must describe the organization and the current services it provides to this specific target population including the direct provision of emergency shelter and supportive services. 2. Applicant must include a description of current and proposed staff skills and knowledge regarding runaway, homeless and street youth and indicate how staff will be utilized in achieving the goals and objectives of the program. Information on proposed staff training and brief resumes or job descriptions may be included. 3. Applicant must describe procedures for maintaining confidentiality of records on the youth served and families served. Procedures must insure that no information on the youth and families is disclosed without the consent of the individual youth, parent or legal guardian. Disclosures without consent can be made to another agency compiling statistical records if individual identities are not provided or to a government agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual runaway, homeless or street youth. 4. Applicant must describe how community and other resources will be secured to continue the project at the conclusion of the Federal grant period. Budget Appropriateness 1. Applicant must discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project in terms of the number of youth to be served, the types and quantities of services to be provided, and the anticipated outcomes for youth. 2. Applicant must describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under the Street Outreach Program. Duration of Project: This announcement solicits applications for Street Outreach Program projects of up to three years (36-month project periods). Initial grant awards, made on a competitive basis, will be for one-year (12-month) budget periods. Applications for non-competing continuation grants beyond the one-year budget periods, but within the 36-month project periods, will be considered subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee, and determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. Federal Share of Project Costs: Applicants may apply for up to $100,000 in Federal support each year, which equals a maximum of $300,000 for a 3-year project period. The Maximum Federal share of project costs is $100,000 for 12 months. Applicant Share of Project Cost: The applicant is required to provide 10 percent of the Federal Project costs each year. For example, a project requesting $100,000 in Federal funds must include a match of at least $10,000. The non-Federal share may be met by cash and/or in-kind contributions. Federal funds provided to States and services or other resources purchased with Federal funds may not be used to match project grants. Applicants which do not provide the required percentage of non- Federal share will not be funded. Background C. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth (TLP) Eligible Applicants: Any State, units of local government (or a combination of units of local government), public or non-profit, private agency organizations, institutions or other non-profit entities. Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for TLP grants. Non-Federally recognized Indian Tribes and urban Indian organizations are also eligible to apply for grants as private, non- profit agencies. Current TLP grantees with project periods ending by September 30, 1997 and all other eligible applicants not currently receiving TLP funds may apply for a new competitive TLP grant under this announcement. TLP grantees (including subgrantees) with one or two years remaining on their current awards and the expectation of continuation funding in Fiscal Year [[Page 10974]] 1998 may not apply for a new TLP grant under this announcement. These grantees are eligible to apply for non-competitive continuation funding in FY 1997. These continuation grantees will receive instructions from their respective ACF Regional Offices on the procedures for applying for continuation grants. Please refer to Part VI, Appendix D.3 for a listing of current grantees which are ineligible to apply for new TLP grants under this announcement. As required by runaway and homeless youth legislation, priority for funding will be given to agencies with demonstrated experience in providing direct services to runaway and homeless youth. In line with this requirement, applicants which have three (3) or more years of continuous effort serving runaway and homeless youth in one or more areas set forth in Section 312 of the Act are eligible to receive an additional five (5) points in the Staff Background and Organizational Experience evaluation criterion section. Program Purpose, Goals and Objectives: The Administration on Children, Youth and Families will award approximately 40 new service grants to provide shelter, skill training and support services to assist homeless youth in making a smooth transition to self-sufficiency and to prevent long-term dependency on social services. Applications are solicited under this priority area to carry out direct service projects designed to carry out the program purpose, goals and objectives set forth in the legislation and as specified in Part I, section C.2 of this announcement. Background: It is estimated that about one-fourth of the youth served by all runaway and homeless youth programs are homeless. This means that the youth cannot return home or to another safe living arrangement with a relative. Other homeless youth have ``aged out'' of the child welfare system and are no longer eligible for foster care. These young people are often homeless through no fault of their own. The families they can no longer live with are often physically and sexually abusive and involved in drug and alcohol abuse. They cannot meet the youth's basic human needs (shelter, food, clothing), let alone provide the supportive and safe environment needed for the healthy development of self-image and the skills and personal characteristics which would enable them to mature into a self-sufficient adult. Homeless youth, lacking a stable family environment and without social and economic supports, are at high risk of being involved in dangerous lifestyles and problematic or delinquent behaviors. More than two-thirds of homeless youth served by ACYF-funded programs report using drugs or alcohol and many participate in survival sex and prostitution to meet their basic needs. Homeless youth are in need of a support system that will assist them in making the transition to adulthood and independent living. While all adolescents are faced with adjustment issues as they approach adulthood, homeless youth experience more severe problems and are at greater risk in terms of their ability to successfully make the transition to independent living. The Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth specifically targets services to homeless youth and affords youth service agencies with an opportunity to serve homeless youth in a manner which is comprehensive and geared towards ensuring a successful transition to self-sufficiency. The TLP also improves the availability of comprehensive, integrated services for homeless youth, which reduces the risks of exploitation and danger to which these youth are exposed while living on the streets without positive economic or social supports. Minimum Requirements for Project Design: As a part of addressing the evaluation criteria outlined in Part II of this announcement, each applicant must address the following items in the program narrative section of their application. Objectives and Need for Assistance 1. Applicant must specify the goals and objectives of the program and how the implementation of the objectives will fulfill the requirements of the legislation identified in Part I, section C.3. of this announcement. 2. Applicant must discuss the issue of youth homelessness in the community to be served, the present availability of services for homeless youth and provide documentation of the incidence of homeless youth. 3. Applicant must describe the system that will be used to ensure that individual clients will meet the eligibility criteria of need for service as established by the Act. This may include a discussion of the intake and assessment activities which will be conducted with a client prior to acceptance into the TLP project. The applicant is encouraged to include samples of any forms to be used to determine eligibility and appropriate services. Results and Benefits Expected 1. Applicant must describe how homeless youth will be reached and identify the number who will be served annually on both a residential and non-residential basis. 2. Applicant must provide information on the expected results and benefits of the program in terms of the number of youth who will successfully complete the program as well as potential problems or barriers to program implementation that might be possible reason(s) for non-success. Applicant must also discuss the organization's policy on termination and re-entry of youth out of and into the program. 3. Applicant must discuss the expected impact of the project on the availability of services to homeless youth in the local community and indicate how the project will enhance the organization's capacity to provide services to address youth homelessness in the community. Approach Applicant must discuss how they will implement the statutory requirements of the Act. Specifically, the applicant must describe plans for the provision of shelter and services and for program administration. In addition, the applicant must describe the program's youth development approach or philosophy and indicate how it underlies and integrates all proposed activities.Specific information must be provided on how youth will be involved in the design, operation and evaluation of the program. 1. Shelter: Applicant must: Assure that shelter is provided through one or a combination of the following: (a) A group home facility; (b) Family host homes; or (c) Supervised apartments. Applicant must indicate if the shelter will be provided directly or indirectly. When shelter will be provided indirectly, applicant must submit copies of formal written agreements with service providers regarding the terms under which shelter is provided. Assure that the facility used for housing, whether a shelter, host family home and/or supervised apartment, shall accommodate no more than 20 youth at any given time; shall have a sufficient number of staff to ensure on-site supervision at each shelter option that is not a family home including periodic, unannounced visits from project staff; and is in compliance with State and local licensing requirements; Assure, if applicable, that the applicant meets the requirements of the [[Page 10975]] RHY Act for the lease of surplus Federal facilities for use as transitional living shelter facilities. Each surplus Federal facility used for this purpose must be made available for a period not less than two years, and no rent or fee shall be charged to the applicant in connection with use of such a facility. Any structural modifications or additions to surplus Federal facilities become the property of the government of the United States. All such modifications or additions may be made only after receiving prior written consent from the appropriate Department of Health and Human Services official. 2. Services: Applicant must include a description of the core services to be provided. The description must include the purpose and concept of the service, its role in both the overall program design and the individual client TLP plan. The services to be provided must include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: Basic life skills information and counseling, including budgeting, money management, use of credit, housekeeping, menu planning and food preparation, consumer education, leisure-time activities, transportation, and obtaining vital documents (Social Security card, birth certificate). Interpersonal skill building, such as developing positive relationships with peers and adults, effective communication, decision making, and stress management. Educational advancement, such as GED preparation and attainment, post-secondary training (college, technical school, military, etc.), and vocational education. Job preparation and attainment, such as career counseling, job preparation training, dress and grooming, job placement and job maintenance. Mental health care, such as counseling (individual and group), drug abuse education, prevention and referral services, and mental health counseling. Physical health care, such as routine physicals, health assessments, family planning/parenting skills, and emergency treatment. The substantive participation of youth in the assessment and implementation of their needs, including the development and implementation of the individual transitional living plan and in decisions about the services to be received. The applicant must specifically describe programmatic efforts planned and/or implemented to encourage awareness of and sensitivity to the particular needs of homeless youth who are members of ethnic, racial and sexual minority groups and/or who are street youth. 3. Administration: Applicant must: Describe the procedures to be employed in the development, implementation and monitoring of an individualized, written transitional living plan for each program client which addresses the provision of services, and is appropriate to the individual developmental needs of the client. Assure that the clients will substantively participate in the assessment of their needs and in decisions about the services to be received. Assure that the outreach programs to be established are designed to attract individuals who are eligible to participate in the project. Provide an assurance that housing and services will be available to a client for a continuous period not to exceed 540 days (18 months). Describe the methods to be employed in collecting statistical records and evaluative data and for submitting annual reports on such information to the Department of Health and Human Services. Describe how the applicant will ensure the confidentiality of client records. Applicant must describe how the activities implemented under this project will be continued by the agency once Federal funding for the project has ended. The applicant must describe specific plans for accomplishing program phase-out for the last two quarters of program project period in the event that the applicant would not receive a new award. Applicant must agree to gather and submit program and client data required by FYSB through the Runaway and Homeless Youth System (RHYMIS). If applicant is a current recipient of a Runaway and Homeless Youth Program grant, applicant must describe the extent to which it now gathers and submits required data to the RHYMIS. Current recipients of a FYSB grant which are not submitting the required data are at risk of not being considered for a new grant award. While the computer software and training for the implementation of the RHYMIS will be provided by FYSB to grantees, applicant should include a request for funds in its budget for any computer equipment needed for implementation of the RHYMIS. To determine whether an agency's current computer equipment is adequate, or whether purchase of an upgrade or of new equipment is necessary, potential applicants are invited to contact the RHYMIS Technical Support Group at Information Technology Incorporated, Bethesda, MD, telephone: 1-800-392-2395. Applicant must agree to cooperate with any research or evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families. Staff Background and Organizational Experience 1. As priority for funding will be given to agencies and organizations that have documented experience in providing direct services to homeless youth, applicant must include a brief description of the organization and its experience in providing services to this specific client population. 2. Applicant must include a description of current and proposed staff skills and knowledge regarding homeless youth and indicate how staff will be utilized in achieving the goals and objectives of the program. Information on proposed staff training and brief resumes or job descriptions may be included. 3. Applicant must describe how the project has established or will establish formal service linkages with other social service, law enforcement, educational, housing, vocational, welfare, legal service, drug treatment and health care agencies in order to ensure appropriate referrals for the project clients where and when needed. 4. Applicant must describe procedures for maintaining confidentiality of records on the youth and families served. Procedures must insure that no information on the youth and families is disclosed without the consent of the individual youth, parent or legal guardian. Disclosures without consent can be made to another agency compiling statistical records if individual identities are not provided or to a government agency involved in the disposition of criminal charges against an individual runaway or homeless youth. Budget Appropriateness 1. Applicant must discuss and justify the costs of the proposed project in terms of numbers of youth to be served, the types and quantities of services to be provided, and the anticipated outcomes for the youth. 2. Applicant must describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate accounting of funds received under this program announcement. 3. Applicant must describe how cost-effective use of TLP funds will be ensured by taking maximum advantage [[Page 10976]] of existing resources within the State which would help in the operation or coordination of a TLP, including those resources which are supported by Federal Independent Living Initiatives funds. Also, applicant must describe efforts to be undertaken over the length of the project which may increase non-Federal resources available to support the TLP. Duration of Project: Because successful applicants will receive grants with funds appropriated by Congress for FY 1998, project periods for these new awards will begin when FY 1998 funds are appropriated and made available to ACYF, but in no case will they begin prior to October 1, 1997. This announcement solicits TLP applications for projects of up to three years (36 month project periods). Grant awards, made on a competitive basis, will be for a one year (12-month) budget period. Applications for continuation grants beyond the one-year budget period, but within the 36 month project period, will be entertained in subsequent years on a non-competitive basis, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the grantee and determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the government. Federal Share of Project Costs: Applicants may apply for up to $200,000 per year, which equals a maximum of $600,000 for a 3-year project period. Applicant Share of the Project: The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act requires a non-Federal matching requirement of ten percent of the total Federal funds. For example, a project requesting $600,000 in Federal funds over a three year project period (based on an award of $200,000 per twelve month budget period) must include a match of at least $60,000 (10% of the Federal share). Part IV. Application Process A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees Potential grantees can direct questions about program requirements or application forms to the appropriate ACF Regional Youth Contacts listed in Part VI, Appendix E, or to the Administration on Children, Youth and Families in Washington, D.C. (see address at the beginning of this announcement). This assistance is available to anyone who requests an application kit. B. Application Requirements To be considered for a grant, each application must be submitted on the forms provided at the end of this announcement (Part VI, Section I) and in accordance with the guidance provided below. The application must be signed by an individual authorized both to act for the applicant agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. If more than one agency is involved in submitting a single application, one entity must be identified as the applicant organization which will have legal responsibility for the grant. C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub.L. 104-13, the Department is required to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval any reporting and record-keeping requirements or program announcements. This program announcement meets all information collection requirements approved for ACF grant applications under OMB Control Number 0970-0139. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Required form OMB no. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SF 424 series of forms.................... OMB No. 0970-0139. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372 This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR part 100, ``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance under covered programs. As of February, 1996, the following jurisdictions have elected not to participate in the Executive Order Process. Applicants from these jurisdictions or for projects administered by Federally-recognized Indian tribes need take no action in regard to E.O. 12372: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington. All remaining jurisdictions participate in the Executive Order process and have established Single Points of Contacts (SPOCS). Applicants from participating jurisdictions should contact their SPOC as soon as possible to alert them to the prospective application and receive any necessary instructions. Applicants must submit any required material to the SPOCs as early as possible so that the program office can obtain and review SPOC comments as part of the award process. The applicant must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate the date of this submittal (or date of contact if no submittal is required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a. Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application deadline date to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards. SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCS are requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and those official State process recommendations which they intend to trigger the ``accommodate or explain'' rule. When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they must be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 6C-462, Washington, DC 20447. A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory is included as Part VI, Appendix G, of this announcement. E. Availability of Forms and Other Materials A copy of the forms that must be submitted as part of each application for a runaway and homeless youth grant, and instructions for completing the application, are provided in Part VI, Appendix I. The Basic Center Program Performance Standards as well as descriptions of the National Runaway Switchboard and the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth are presented in Part VI, Appendices A, B and C. Addresses of the State Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) to which applicants must submit review copies of their proposals are listed in Part VI, Appendix G. Legislation referenced in Part I, section B, of this announcement may be found in major public libraries and at the ACF Regional Offices listed in Part VI, Appendix E, at the end of this announcement. Additional copies of this announcement may be obtained by calling the telephone number listed at the beginning of this announcement. Further general information may be obtained from the Training and Technical Assistance Providers listed in Part VI, Appendix F. [[Page 10977]] F. Application Consideration All applications which are complete and conform to the requirements of this program announcement will be subject to a competitive review and evaluation process against the specific criteria outlined in Part II of this announcement and the specific Minimum Requirements for Project Design contained in Part III of this announcement. This review will be conducted in Washington, DC, by teams of non-Federal experts knowledgeable in the areas of youth development and human service programs. Applications for Basic Center Program grants will be reviewed competitively only with other applications from the same State. Applications for Street Outreach Program grants and for Transitional Living Program grants will be reviewed as part of a national competition. Non-Federal experts will review the applications based on the Evaluation Criteria listed in Part II of this announcement and the specific Minimum Requirements for Project Design contained in Part III of this announcement and will assign a score to each application. Both Central and Regional office staff will conduct administrative reviews of the applications and the results of the competitive reviews and will select those applications to be recommended for funding to the Commissioner, ACYF. The Commissioner will make the final selection of the applicants to be funded. As required by runaway and homeless youth legislation, priority for funding will be given to agencies with demonstrated experience in providing direct services to runaway and homeless youth. However, current grantees ending three-year funding periods, and applying as new applicants for funds under this program announcement, are reminded that, when the current project period ends, so does the funding agency's obligation for future awards. In addition to scores assigned by non-Federal reviewers and Federal administrative reviews, consideration will be given to adequate geographic distribution of services, and the Commissioner may show preference for applications proposing services in areas that would not otherwise be served. The Commissioner also may elect to consider applicants' past performance in providing services to runaway and homeless youth and also may elect not to fund any applicants having known management, fiscal, reporting (as under the RHYMIS), or other problems which make it unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services. Awards for Basic Center and for Street Outreach Program Grants will be made by September 30, 1997. Subject to the availability of resources in FY 1998 and the number of acceptable applications received as a result of this program announcement, the Federal government may elect to select recipients for new FY 1998 SOP grant awards out of the pool of Street Outreach Program applications submitted under this program announcement. Awards for Transitional Living Programs will be made after October 1, 1997 when FY 1998 funds are appropriated by Congress. Successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of a Financial Assistance Award which will set forth the amount of funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project period for which support is contemplated. Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be notified of that decision in writing by the Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Every effort will be made to notify all unsuccessful applicants as soon as possible after final decisions are made. Applicants applying for more than one runaway and homeless youth grant (Basic Center Program (BCP), Transitional Living Program (TLP)) or (Street Outreach Program (SOP)) must submit separate and complete applications for each program. Applications that combine two or more programs in a single proposal will not be reviewed or funded. Part V. Application Content, Instructions, Assembly, and Submission A. Content, Instructions, and Assembly of Applications Each application must contain the following items in the order listed: 1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424, REV 4-92) (page i). Follow the instructions in Part VI, Appendix I. In Item 8 of Form 424, check ``New.'' In Item 10 of the 424, clearly identify the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number and Title for the program for which funds are being requested (93.623, Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth; 93.557, Street Outreach Program for Runaway, Homeless and Street Youth; 93.550, Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth). In Item 11 of the 424, identify the Program Area and the program name (IIIA: Basic Center Program (BCP), IIIB: Street Outreach Program (SOP) or IIIC: Transitional Living Program (TLP) which the application is addressing. 2. Budget Information (Standard Form 424A, REV 4-92) (pages ii- iii). Follow the instructions in Part VI, Appendix I. 3. Budget Justification (Type on standard size plain white paper) (pages iv-v). Provide breakdowns for major budget categories and justify significant costs. List amounts and sources of all funds, both Federal and non-Federal, that will be used for this project. 4. Project Summary Description (PS-1, one page maximum). Clearly mark this page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the SF 424, the program name and the title of the project as shown in item 11 of the SF 424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words. 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 project summary description, together with the information on the SF 424, will constitute the project abstract. 5. Assurances/Certifications. Applicants are required to file an SF 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs and the Certification Regarding Lobbying. Both must be signed and returned with the application. Copies of the assurances/certifications are reprinted at the end of this announcement and should be reproduced, as necessary. A duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must certify that the applicant is in compliance with these assurances/ certifications. In addition, applicants must certify their compliance with: (1) Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; (2) Debarment and Other Responsibilities; and (3) Pro-Children Act of 1994 (Certification Regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke). A signature on the SF 424 indicates compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Requirements, Debarment and Other Responsibilities and Environmental Tobacco Smoke Certifications. A signature on the application constitutes an assurance that the applicant will comply with the pertinent Departmental regulations contained in 45 CFR Part 74. Applicants must sign and return the Standard Form 424B with their applications. 6. Program Narrative Statement (pages 1 and following; 40 pages maximum, double-spaced). Use the Evaluation Criteria in Part II as a way to organize the Narrative. Be sure to address all the specifics contained in the appropriate [[Page 10978]] Program Area Description in Part III, especially the information described under Minimum Requirements for Project Design. The pages of the narrative statement must be numbered and are limited to 40 typed pages, double spaced, printed on only one side, with at least \1/2\ inch margins. Pages over the limit will not be reviewed. In addition, please note that previous attempts by applicants to circumvent space limitations or to exceed page limits by using small print have resulted in negative responses from reviewers because of the difficulty in reviewing the application. It is in the best interest of the applicants to ensure that the narrative statements are easy to read, logically developed in accordance with evaluation criteria, and adhere to page limitations. In addition, applicants should be mindful of the importance of preparing and submitting applications using language, terms, concepts and descriptions that are generally known both to the runaway and homeless youth and broader youth services field. 7. Organizational Capability Statement (pages OCS-1 and following; 3 pages maximum). Applicants must provide a description (no more than three pages, double-spaced) of how the applicant agency is organized and the types, quantities and costs of services it provides, including services to clients other than runaway and homeless youth. For the prior year, list all contracts with or funds received from juvenile justice, probation and/or welfare agencies. Provide an organizational chart showing any superordinate, parallel, or subordinate agencies to the specific agency that will provide direct services to runaway and homeless youth, and summarize the purposes, clients and overall budgets of these other agencies. If the agency has multiple sites, list these sites, including addresses, phone numbers and staff contact names, if different than those on the SF 424. If the agency is a recipient of funds from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families for services to runaway and homeless youth for programs other than that applied for in this application, show how the services supported by these funds are or will be integrated with the existing services. 8. Supporting Documents (pages SD-1 and following). The maximum for supporting documentation is 10 pages, double spaced, exclusive of letters of support or agreement. These documents might include resumes, photocopies of news clippings, evidence of the program's efforts to coordinate youth services at the local level, etc. Documentation over the ten page limit will not be reviewed. Applicants may include as many letters of support or agreement as are appropriate. B. Application Submission To be considered for funding, each applicant must submit one signed original and two additional copies of the application, including all attachments, to the application receipt point specified below. The original copy of the application must have original signatures, signed in black ink. Each copy must be stapled (back and front) in the upper left corner. All copies of a single application must be submitted in a single package. Because each application will be duplicated by the government, do not use or include separate covers, binders, clips, tabs, plastic inserts, maps, brochures or any other items that cannot be processed easily on a photocopy machine with an automatic feed. Do not bind, clip, staple, or fasten in any way separate subsections of the application, including supporting documentation. Applicants are advised that the copies of the application submitted, not the original, will be reproduced by the Federal government for review. The closing dates for receipt of applications for the grant programs contained in this announcement are: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Program Closing date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BCP.................................... May 2, 1997. SOP.................................... May 16, 1997. TLP.................................... May 30, 1997. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Deadlines: 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: Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth; Street Outreach Program for Runaway, Homeless and Street Youth; or Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth. Applications handcarried by applicants, applicant couriers, or by overnight/express mail couriers shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 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, D.C. 20024 between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal Holidays). ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by fax. Therefore, applications faxed to ACF will not be accepted regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt. Envelopes containing applications must clearly indicate the specific program that the application is addressing: Basic Center Program (BCP); Street Outreach Program (SOP); or Transitional Living Program (TLP). Late Applications. Applications which do not meet the criteria stated above and are not received by the RECEIPT date are considered late applications. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will notify each late applicant that its application will not be considered in the current competition. Extension of Deadline. The ACF may extend the deadline for all applicants because of acts of God such as earthquakes, floods or hurricanes, etc., or when there is a widespread disruption of the mails. However, if ACF does not extend the deadline for all applicants, it may not waive or extend the deadline for any applicants. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Number 93.623, Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth; Number 93.557, Street Outreach Program for Runaway, Homeless and Street Youth; and Number 93.550, Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth.) Dated: February 27, 1997. James A. Harrell, Acting Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Part VI. Appendices Appendix A--Basic Center Program Performance Standards Program Performance Standards I. Purpose The Program Performance Standards established by the Bureau for its funded centers relate to the basic program components enumerated in Section 317 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and as further detailed in the Regulations and Program Guidance governing the implementation of the Act. They address the methods and processes by which the needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families are being met, as opposed to the outcome of the services provided on the clients served. The terms ``program performance standard,'' ``criterion,'' and ``indicators'' are used throughout both the instrument and the instructions. These terms are defined as follows: Program Performance Standard: The general principle against which a judgment can be made to determine whether a service [[Page 10979]] or an administrative component has achieved a particular level of attainment. Criterion: A specific dimension or aspect of a program performance standard which helps to define that standard and which is amenable to direct observation or measurement. Indicator: The specific documentation which demonstrates whether a criterion (or an aspect of a criterion) is being met and thereby the extent to which a specific aspect of a standard is being met. Fourteen program performance standards, with related criteria, are established by the Bureau for the projects funded under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Nine of these standards relate to service components (outreach, individual intake process, temporary shelter, individual and group counseling, family counseling, service linkages, aftercare services, recreational programs, and case disposition), and five to administrative functions or activities (staffing and staff development, youth participation, individual client files, ongoing project planning, and board of directors/ advisory body). Although fiscal management is not included as a program performance standard, it is viewed by FYSB as being an essential element in the operation of its funded projects. Therefore, as validation visits are made, the Regional ACF specialist and/or staff from the Office of Fiscal Operations will also review the project's financial management activities. FYSB views these program performance standards as constituting the minimum standards to which its funded projects should conform. The primary assumption underlying the program performance standards is that the service and administrative components which are encompassed within these standards are integral (but not sufficient in themselves) to a program of services which effectively addresses the crisis and long-term needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families. The program performance standards are designed to serve as a developmental tool, and are to be employed by both the project staff and the Regional ACF staff specialists in identifying those service and administrative components and activities of individual projects which require strengthening and/or development either through internal action on the part of staff or through the provision of external technical assistance. III. Program Performance Standards and Criteria The following constitute the program performance standards and criteria established by the Bureau for its funded centers. Each standard is numbered, and each criterion is listed after a lower case letter. 1. Outreach The project shall conduct outreach efforts directed towards community agencies, youth and parents. 2. Individual Intake Process The project shall conduct an individual intake process with each youth seeking services from the project. The individual intake process shall provide for: a. Direct access to project services on a 24-hour basis. b. The identification of the emergency service needs of each youth and the provision of the appropriate services either directly or through referrals to community agencies and individuals. c. An explanation of the services which are available and the requirements for participation, and the securing of a voluntary commitment from each youth to participate in project services prior to admitting the youth into the project. d. The recording of basic background information on each youth admitted into the project. e. The assignment of primary responsibility to one staff member for coordinating the services provided to each youth. f. The contact of the parent(s) or legal guardian of each youth provided temporary shelter within the timeframe established by State law or, in the absence of State requirements, preferably within 24 but within no more than 72 hours following the youth's admission into the project. 3. Temporary Shelter The project shall provide temporary shelter and food to each youth admitted into the project and requesting such services. a. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall be in compliance with State and local licensing requirements. b. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall accommodate no more than 20 youth at any given time. c. Temporary shelter shall normally not be provided for a period exceeding two weeks during a given stay at the project. d. Each facility in which temporary shelter is provided shall make at least two meals per day available to youth served on a temporary shelter basis. e. At least one adult shall be on the premises whenever youth are using the temporary shelter facility. 4. Individual and Group Counseling The project shall provide individual and/or group counseling to each youth admitted into the project. a. Individual and/or group counseling shall be available daily to each youth admitted into the project on a temporary shelter basis and requesting such counseling. b. Individual and/or group counseling shall be available to each youth admitted into the project on a non-residential basis and requesting such counseling. c. The individual and/or group counseling shall be provided by qualified staff. 5. Family Counseling The project shall make family counseling available to each parent or legal guardian and youth admitted into the project. a. Family counseling shall be provided to each parent or legal guardian and youth admitted into the project and requesting such services. b. The family counseling shall be provided by qualified staff. 6. Service Linkages The project shall establish and maintain linkages with community agencies and individuals for the provision of those services which are required by youth and/or their families but which are not provided directly by the centers. a. Arrangements shall be made with community agencies and individuals for the provision of alternative living arrangements, medical services, psychological and/or psychiatric services, and the other assistance required by youth admitted into the project and/or by their families which are not provided directly by the project. b. Specific efforts shall be conducted by the project directed toward establishing working relationships with law enforcement and other juvenile justice system personnel. 7. Aftercare Services The project shall provide a continuity of services to all youth served on a temporary shelter basis and/or their families following the termination of such temporary shelter both directly and through referrals to other agencies and individuals. 8. Recreational Program The project shall provide a recreational-leisure time schedule of activities for youth admitted to the project for residential care. 9. Case Disposition The project shall determine, on an individual case basis, the disposition of each youth provided temporary shelter, and shall assure the safe arrival of each youth home or to an alternative living arrangement. a. To the extent feasible, the project shall provide for the active involvement of the youth, the parent(s) or legal guardian, and the staff in determining what living arrangement constitutes the best interest of each youth. b. The project shall assure the safe arrival of each youth home or to an alternative living arrangement, following the termination of the crisis services provided by the project, by arranging for the transportation of the youth if he/she will be residing within the area served by the project; or by arranging for the meeting and local transportation of the youth at his/her destination if he/she will be residing beyond the area served by the project. c. The project shall verify the arrival of each youth who is not accompanied home or to an alternative living arrangement by the parent(s) or legal guardian, project staff or other agency staff within 12 hours after his/her scheduled arrival at his/her destination. 10. Staffing and Staff Development Each center is required to develop and maintain a plan for staffing and staff development. a. The project shall operate under an affirmative action plan. b. The project shall maintain a written staffing plan which indicates the number of paid and volunteer staff in each job category. c. The project shall maintain a written job description for each paid and volunteer staff function which describes both the major tasks to be performed and the qualifications required. d. The project shall provide training to all paid and volunteer staff (including youth) in both the procedures employed by the project and in specific skill areas as determined by the project. [[Page 10980]] e. The project shall evaluate the performance of each paid and volunteer staff member on a regular basis. f. Case supervision sessions, involving relevant project staff, shall be conducted at least weekly to review current cases and the types of counseling and other services which are being provided. 11. Youth Participation The center shall actively involve youth in the design and delivery of the services provided by the project. a. Youth shall be involved in the ongoing planning efforts conducted by the project. b. Youth shall be involved in the delivery of the services provided by the project. 12. Individual Client Files The project shall maintain an individual file on each youth admitted into the project. a. The client file maintained on each youth should, at a minimum, include an intake form which minimally contains the basic background information needed by FYSB; counseling notations; information on the services provided both directly and through referrals to community agencies and individuals; disposition data; and, as applicable, any follow-up and evaluation data which are compiled by the center. b. The file on each client shall be maintained by the project in a secure place and shall not be disclosed without the written permission of the client and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian except to project staff, to the funding agenc(ies) and its (their) contractor(s), and to a court involved in the disposition of criminal charges against the youth. 13. Ongoing Center Planning The center shall develop a written plan at least annually. a. At least annually, the project shall review the crisis counseling, temporary shelter, and aftercare needs of the youth in the area served by the center and the existing services which are available to meet these needs. b. The project shall conduct an ongoing evaluation of the impact of its services on the youth and families it serves. c. At least annually, the project shall review and revise, as appropriate, its goals, objectives, and activities based upon the data generated through both the review of youth needs and existing services (13a0 and the follow-up evaluations (13b). d. The project's planning process shall be open to all paid and volunteer staff, youth, and members of the Board of Directors and/or Advisory Body. 14. Board of Directors/Advisory Body (Optional) It is strongly recommended that the centers have a Board of Directors or Advisory Body. a. The membership of the project's Board of Directors or Advisory Body shall be composed of a representative cross-section of the community, including youth, parents, and agency representatives. b. Training shall be provided to the Board of Directors or Advisory Body designed to orient the members to the goals, objectives, and activities of the project. c. The Board of Directors or Advisory Body shall review and approve the overall goals, objectives, and activities of the project, including the written plan developed under standard 13. Appendix B--National Runaway Switchboard (National Communications System) The National Runaway Switchboard--Toll-free: 1-800-621-4000 Facilitates communication among youth, their families and youth and community-based resources through conference calling services. Provides crisis intervention counseling and message delivery services to at-risk youth and their families. Provides information and referral services to at-risk youth and their families on youth serving agencies using a computerized national resource directory. Conducts an annual conference for local switchboard service providers. The Switchboard distributes information brochures, posters, a newsletter, and public service announcements. For more information, contact the National Runaway Switchboard, 3080 North Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60657, (312) 880-9860. Appendix C--National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth The National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth (NCFY) is a resource for communities interested in developing new and effective strategies for supporting young people and their families. The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, established NCFY to serve as a central information source on family and youth issues. As a national resource for youth service professionals, policymakers and the general public, NCFY offers the following services: Information Sharing Through a professionally staffed information line, databases, and special mailings, NCFY actively distributes information about effective program approaches, available resources, and current activities relevant to the family and youth services fields. Issue Forums NCFY facilitates FYSB-sponsored forums, bringing together experts in the field to discuss critical issues and emerging trends and develop strategies for improving services to families and youth. NCFY shares forum ou [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A97-5693. Public record. Not legal advice.