Administration on Children, Youth and Families; Runaway and Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1999 Final Program Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 1999 and Request for Applications for FY 1999

Federal RegisterApr 30, 1999

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

[Program Announcement No. ACF/ACYF/RHYP 99-1]

Administration on Children, Youth and Families; Runaway and

Homeless Youth Program (RHYP): Fiscal Year (FY) 1999 Final Program

Priorities, Availability of Financial Assistance for Fiscal Year 1999

and Request for Applications for FY 1999

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

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

[[Page 23306]]

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

ACTION: Notice of fiscal year 1999 Final Runaway and Homeless Youth

(RHY) Program Priorities, announcement of availability of financial

assistance and request for applications for FY 1999 Basic Center

Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth (BCP), FY 1999 Training and

Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements (T&TA) and FY 2000

Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth (TLP).

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

SUMMARY: The Administration on Children, Youth and Families is

publishing final program priorities and announcing the availability of

funds for the Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth;

Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth and Training and

Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements.

Deadlines: The deadlines for RECEIPT by DHHS of applications for

new grants under this announcement are as follows:

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

Competitive grant area Deadline dates Deadline times

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

BCP..................................... June 25, 1999.................. 4:30 p.m. (EDT).

TLP..................................... June 28, 1999.................. 4:30 p.m. (EDT).

T&TA.................................... June 25, 1999.................. 4:30 p.m. (EDT).

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

Mailing and Delivery Instructions: Mailed applications and

applications hand delivered by applicants, applicant couriers,

overnight/express mail couriers or any other method of hand delivery

shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are

received on or before the deadline, at the: ACYF Operations Center,

1815 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22209, Telephone:

1-800-351-2293.

Applications may be hand delivered to the above address between the

hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday

(excluding Federal Holidays).

Applicants are responsible for mailing and delivering applications

well in advance of deadlines to ensure that the applications are

received on time. Applications received after 4:30 p.m. (EDT) on the

deadline date will be classified as late. Postmarks and other similar

documents do not establish receipt of an application.

ACF will not accept applications delivered by fax, regardless of

date or time of submission and receipt.

Late Applications. Applications which do not meet the criteria

stated above and are not received by the deadline date and time 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. ACF may extend an application deadline for

applicants affected by acts of God such as floods and hurricanes, or

when there is widepsread disruption of the mails. A determination to

waive or extend deadline requirements rests with the Chief Grants

Management Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: This program announcement contains all the

necessary information and application materials to apply for funds.

Additional information and copies of this announcement can be obtained

by contacting the Administration on Children, Youth and Families,

Family and Youth Services Bureau, Program Announcement, 1815 North Fort

Myer Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA. 22209; 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 under Policy and

Funding Announcements. Copies of the announcement have been sent to all

current FYSB grantees, all organizations that applied for FYSB grant

awards in FY 98 and all individuals and organizations that asked to be

placed on the mailing list for FY 99. Information about all the

programs funded by FYSB may be found on the FYSB homepage under

Programs and on the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth

website at http://www.ncfy.com.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Grant awards of FY 1999 funds will be made

by September 30, 1999 for the Basic Center Program and the Training and

Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements. The awards for the

Transitional Living Program will be made with FY 2000 funds after

October 1, 1999.

The estimated funds available for new starts and the approximate

number of new grants that may be awarded under this program

announcement are as follows:

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

New start

funds Estimated

Competitive grant area available number of

($ new grants

millions)

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

BCP........................................... $10.4 105)

TLP........................................... 7 35

T&TA.......................................... 2 10

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

In addition to the new start grants, the Administration for

Children and Families has provided for 11 Street Outreach Program

supplements and non-competitive continuation funds to current grantees

in the following programs:

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

Funds

available Number of

Program ($ grants

millions)

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

BCP........................................... $28.4 243

SOP........................................... 13.3 128

TLP........................................... 6.7 43

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

Applicants are advised to read all parts of this announcement prior

to developing a grant application. This outline is provided to assist

in the review of the program announcement:

Part I: General Information

A. Background on Runaway and Homeless Youth

B. Legislative Authority

C. Definitions

D. ACF Hub/Regional Structure

E. Final Priorities

1. Public Comments

2. Final Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 1999

a. Basic Center Program Grants

b. Street Outreach Program Grants

c. Transitional Living Program

d. Support Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs

(1) National Communication System

(2) Training and Technical Assistance

(3) National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth

(4) Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System

(RHYMIS)

(5) Monitoring Support for FYSB Programs

(6) Research, Demonstration and Management Initiatives

e. Comprehensive Youth Development Framework

f. Administrative Changes

F. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

Part II: Competitive Grant Areas and Evaluation Criteria

A. Basic Center Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth

B. Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth

C. Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements

Part III: Application Process

A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees

B. Application Requirements

[[Page 23307]]

C. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372

E. Availability of Forms and Other Materials

F. Application Consideration

Part IV: Application Content Instructions

Part V: Appendices

A. Basic Center Program Performance Standards

B. National Runaway Switchboard (National Communication System)

C. National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth

D. Administration for Children and Families Regional Office Youth

Contacts

E. Training and Technical Assistance Providers

F. State Single Points of Contact

G. Basic Center Program Allocations by State

H. ACF Hub Regional Listing

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,

homeless and street youth. Estimates of this population vary from

500,000 to 1.3 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 be exploited

by dealers of illegal drugs, or become victims of street violence or

members of gangs which provide protection and a sense of extended

family. They may be drawn into shoplifting, survival sex or dealing

drugs in order to earn money for food, shelter, clothing and other

daily expenses. They often drop out of school, forfeiting their

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

contributing members of society.

On the street, these youth may try to survive with little or no

contact with medical professionals, the result being that health

problems may go untreated and 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. Finally, as street people, they may

create substantial law enforcement problems and endanger themselves.

All these problems, real and potential, call for a comprehensive,

nationwide, community-based program approach to address the needs of

runaway, homeless and street 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 originally 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 Training and Technical Assistance are authorized under

section 342 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as amended. 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 316, Grants for Prevention of Sexual Abuse

and Exploitation.

C. Definitions

1. The term ``homeless youth,'' as defined under Part A of the RHY

Act, means a person under 18 years of age who is in need of services

and without a place of shelter where he or she receives supervision and

care. This definition applies to all Basic Center projects and can be

found in 45 CFR 1351.1(f).

2. The term ``homeless youth,'' as defined under Part B of the RHY

Act, 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.

3. The term ``public agency'' means any State, unit of local

government, Indian tribes and tribal organizations, 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.

4. 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).

5. 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 RHY service provider and are licensed

according to State or local laws.

``Group homes'' are single-site residential facilities designed

to house RHY 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.

``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.

6. 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 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.

7. 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 and are not known to the

victim.

8. 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.

9. 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).

10. The term ``training'' means the provision of local, State, or

regionally based instruction to runaway and homeless youth service

providers in skill areas that will directly strengthen service

delivery.

11. The term ``technical assistance'' means the provision of

expertise,

[[Page 23308]]

consultation and/or support for the purpose of strengthening the

capabilities of grantee organizations to deliver services.

12. The term ``transitional living youth project'' means a project

that provides shelter and services designed to promote the transition

to self-sufficient living and to prevent long-term dependency on social

services. This definition applies to all TLP program grantees and is

found in Section 321(b)(2) of the RHY Act.

13. The term ``cooperative agreement'' means a financial assistance

award used if substantial Federal involvement with the grantee during

the performance is anticipated by the awarding office.

D. ACF Hub/Regional Structure

On April 24, 1996, the Administration for Children and Families

(ACF) published notice in the Federal Register of the change in its

ten-region organizational structure into a five-region Hub structure:

the Northeast (Regions I, II, and III), the Southeast (Region IV), the

Midwest (Regions V and VII), the West Central (Regions VI and VIII) and

the Pacific-West (Regions IX and X). The five Hub sites, headed by a

Hub Director, are located in the five ACF Regional Offices with the

largest caseloads and that serve the nation's largest population

centers (New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco). Each of

the remaining five regions is part of a Hub (Boston, Philadelphia,

Kansas City, Denver and Seattle). All Regional Offices represent ACF to

State, county, city or town and tribal governments, grantees, and

public and private local organizations in the administration of

programs in the region which assist vulnerable children and families to

achieve independence, stability, and self-reliance. For a complete

overview of the Hub structure see Appendix H.

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 1999 was published in the Federal Register on Thursday, February 4,

1999.

1. Public Comments

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) received 116 responses,

constituting a total of 220 comments. The overall comments were

supportive of the proposed priorities and youth development philosophy.

Of the 220 comments received, 95 percent support maintaining a

nationally-administered and regionally delivered system for the

Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements. To the extent

feasible, ACYF has taken these comments into account in preparation of

this announcement.

Approximately 98 percent of the comments received support shifting

from three-year to five-year project periods. Because this is not

within the parameters of the current regulations governing the Runaway

and Homeless Youth Programs, revisions will be proposed to the current

regulations to extend project periods to up to five years.

2. Final Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 1999

The Department will award new and continuation grants and contracts

as specified below and will continue to support and emphasize a

comprehensive youth development approach to services to youth and their

families.

a. Basic Center Program Grants. Approximately 65 percent of the

Basic Center grants awarded in FY 1999 will be non-competing

continuation grants and approximately 35 percent will be competitive

new awards. Eligible applicants for new awards are current grantees

with project periods ending in FY 1999 and otherwise eligible

applicants who are not current grantees. Applications will be competed

by State, and awards will be made during the last quarter of FY 1999

(July-September 1999).

We estimate that 348 Basic Center grants will be funded in FY 1999.

Approximately 105 will be competitive new starts and 243 will be non-

competitive continuations.

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 for FY 1999 under Part A of the Act is

$43.7 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. All FY 1999 funds for Street

Outreach Program Grants will be noncompetitive continuations and

supplements. Funding for Street Outreach Program grants in FY 1999 will

be approximately $13.3 million.

c. Transitional Living Program. There will be a competition for

new-start TLP applications in FY 1999. Funds for approximately 35 new

start grants are expected to be awarded in FY 2000, after October 1,

1999. Non-competitive continuation funding will be awarded to 43 TLP

grantees in FY 1999.

d. Support Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs.

(1) National Communication System. Part C, Section 331 of the

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, as amended, mandates support for a

National Communication System to assist runaway and homeless youth in

communicating with their families/guardians and with service providers.

In FY 1999, a three-year grant was awarded to the National Runaway

Switchboard, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois, to operate the system.

(2) 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. The purpose of T&TA is to strengthen programs and

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. The present cooperative

agreements expire in September 1999.

Applications for new Cooperative Agreements for training and

technical assistance are being solicited in this announcement (see Part

II, Competitive Grant Area C).

(3) National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth. In 1997, The

Family and Youth Services Bureau awarded a contract to continue

operations of the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth (NCFY).

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

[[Page 23309]]

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.

Subject to availability of funds, non-competitive continuation

funds will be awarded to the Clearinghouse in Fiscal Year 1999.

(4) Runaway and Homeless Youth Management Information System

(RHYMIS). The Family and Youth Services Bureau awarded a contract in FY

1997 for continued 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.

In addition, the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem is an area of

concern for all computer users. RHYMIS 4.0 is a Y2K compliant

management information system. To meet reporting requirements, all of

FYSB's grantees are required to have a computer system that is Y2K

compliant to support RHYMIS. Below is the recommended minimum computer

configuration capable of running RHYMIS:

Intel Pentium 166MHz processor

32 Mbytes of memory

8 speed CD-ROM drive

2.1 gbyte system hard disk drive

1.44 Mbytes diskette drive

Anti-Virus system installed

1.44 Mbytes diskette drive

33.6 data/fax modem

SVGA video card and Color Monitor

Windows 97 installed

Microsoft Access 7.0

Subject to availability of funds, non-competitive continuation

funds will be awarded in FY 1999 to continue this work.

(5) Monitoring Support for FYSB Programs. The Family and Youth

Services Bureau uses a standardized, comprehensive monitoring

instrument and site visit protocol, including a pre-review component

for monitoring runaway and homeless youth programs.

The Bureau awarded a new contract in FY 1997 to continue to provide

logistical support for the peer review monitoring process, including

nationwide distribution of the monitoring instrument. The findings from

the monitoring visits are used by the Regional Offices and the T&TA

providers as a basis for their activities.

Subject to availability of funds, non-competing continuation funds

will be awarded in FY 1999 to continue this work.

(6) Research, Demonstration and Management Initiatives. Section 315

of the Act authorizes the Department to make grants to States,

localities and private nonprofit entities to carry out research,

demonstration and service projects designed to increase knowledge

concerning and improve services for runaway and homeless youth. These

activities serve to identify emerging issues and to develop and test

models which address such issues. In FY 1998, the Family and Youth

Services Bureau awarded grants to support Youth Development State

Collaboration Demonstration Projects in nine States. The purpose of

these demonstration grants is to create partnerships between States and

FYSB in order to establish and support effective youth development

program strategies at the State and local levels.

Subject to the availability of funds, the nine grantees will

receive continuation funding in FY 1999.

e. Comprehensive Youth Development Framework. A youth development

approach is central to all FYSB activities. 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

direct youth toward positive pathways of development.

It is our hope and expectation that this framework 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 reports, Understanding Youth Development: Promoting Positive

Pathways of Growth and Reconnecting Youth and Community: A Youth

Development Approach, are widely distributed as source documents for

individuals and organizations interested in gaining a working knowledge

of youth development, both its theoretical underpinnings and practical

applications. Both publications are currently available from the

National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth.

f. Administrative Changes. To support the increased emphasis on

youth development, the following management and administrative efforts

will continue:

FYSB will continue to support a youth development approach

to the provision of services, both from theoretical and practical

perspectives;

Regions/Hubs 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 the

conduct of administrative reviews of new start applications that take

into account knowledge about the applicants' experience, effectiveness,

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;

FYSB will continue to explore the potential for successful

collaborations among federal government agencies, state governments and

local community-based youth services organizations; and

FYSB will pursue the development of youth development

performance-based indicators and outcome measures as a method of

evaluating the effectiveness of youth services funded by FYSB.

F. General Instructions for the Uniform Project Description

The following ACF Uniform Project Description has been approved

under OMB Control Number 0970-0139. This format is to be used to submit

an application for the three programs covered under this announcement.

1. Introduction

Applicants required to submit a full project description shall

prepare the project description statement in accordance with the

following instructions. The pages of the project description 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 be removed from the application and 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.

Applicants should use the evaluation criteria listed in Part II

under the appropriate competitive grant area as a way to organize the

uniform project description, providing specific information that

addresses all components of each criterion.

[[Page 23310]]

It is in the applicant's best interest to ensure that the project

description is 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.

2. Project Summary/Abstract

Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with

reference to the funding request.

3. Objectives and Need for Assistance

Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,

institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need

for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate

objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting

documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from

concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any

relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred

to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and

participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the

project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to

provide information on the total range of projects currently being

conducted and supported (or to be initiated); some of which may be

outside the scope of the program announcement.

4. Results or Benefits Expected

Identify the results and benefits to be derived. For example, when

applying for a grant to serve adolescents and their families, describe

who will receive services, where and how these services will be

provided, and how the services will benefit the youth families and the

community it will serve.

5. Approach

Outline a plan of action, which describes the scope and detail of

how the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions

or activities identified in the application. Cite factors which might

accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the

proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of

the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in

cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.

Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the

accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such

terms as the number of youth to be served and the results of those

services. When accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or

function, list them in chronological order to show the schedule of

accomplishments and their target dates.

Identify the kinds of data to be collected, maintained, and/or

disseminated. Note that clearance from the U.S. Office of Management

and Budget might be needed prior to a ``collection of information''

that is ``conducted or sponsored'' by ACF. List organizations,

cooperating entities, consultants, or other key individuals who will

work on the project along with a short description of the nature of

their effort or contribution.

6. Geographic Location

Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the

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

may be attached.

7. Additional Information

A. Staff and Position Data: Provide a biographical sketch for each

key person appointed and a job description for each vacant key

position. A biographical sketch will also be required for new key staff

as appointed.

B. Plan for Project Continuance Beyond Grant Support: Provide a

plan for securing resources and continuing project activities after

Federal assistance has ceased.

C. Organization Profiles: Provide information on the applicant

organization(s) and cooperating partners such as organizational charts,

financial statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed

Public Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond

carriers, contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses

and other documentation of professional accreditation, information on

compliance with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation

of experience in the program area, and other pertinent information.

Any non-profit organization submitting an application must submit

proof of its non-profit status in its application at the time of

submission. The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing a

copy of the applicant's listing in the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS)

most recent list of tax-exempt organizations described in Section

501(c)(3) of the IRS code, or by providing a copy of the currently

valid IRS tax exemption certificate, or by providing a copy of the

articles of incorporation bearing the seal of the State in which the

corporation or association is domiciled.

D. Third-Party Agreements: Include written agreements between

grantees and subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating

entities. These agreements must detail scope of work to be performed,

work schedules, remuneration, and other terms and conditions that

structure or define the relationship.

E. Letters of Support: Provide statements from community, public

and commercial leaders that support the project proposed for funding.

F. Budget and Budget Justification: Provide line item detail and

detailed calculations for each budget object class identified on the

Budget Information form. Detailed calculations must include estimation

methods, quantities, unit costs, and other similar quantitative detail

sufficient for the calculation to be duplicated. The detailed budget

must also include a breakout by the funding sources identified in Block

15 of the SF-424.

Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the

categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,

and allocability of the proposed costs.

More detailed information on each of the competitive grant areas

and specific criteria for evaluation of applications is presented in

Part II, Sections A-D and in Part III.

Part II. Competitive Grant Areas and Evaluation Criteria

An application responding to one of the three competitive grant

areas in Part II must have a project description which is organized and

presented according to the related evaluation criteria contained in

section F, items 1-7, of the OMB-approved ACF Uniform Project

Description. The evaluation criteria specific to each competitive grant

area can be found below in this Part.

Competitive Area 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 or institution is eligible to apply for these funds.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply for Basic

Center grants. Indian Tribes that are not federally recognized and

urban Indian organizations are also eligible to apply for grants as

private agencies.

[[Page 23311]]

Current Basic Center grantees with project periods ending by

September 30, 1999 and all other eligible applicants not currently

receiving Basic Center funds may apply for a new competitive Basic

Center grant under this announcement.

Current Basic Center Program grantees (including subgrantees) with

one or two years remaining on their current grant and the expectation

of continuation funding in FY 1999 may not apply for a new Basic Center

grant for the community they currently serve. These grantees will

receive instructions from their respective ACF Regional Offices on the

procedures for applying for non competitive continuation grants.

Current grantees, which have questions regarding their eligibility to

apply for new funds, should consult with the appropriate Regional

Office Youth Contact, listed in Part V, Appendix D, to determine if

they are eligible to apply for a new grant award.

Program Purpose, Goals and Objectives: The Administration for

Children and Families expects to award approximately $10.4 million for

approximately 105 new competitive Basic Center Program grants.

The purpose of Part A of the RHY Act is to establish or strengthen

locally-controlled, community-based programs that address the immediate

needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families. Services must

be delivered outside of the law enforcement, child welfare, mental

health and juvenile justice systems. The program goals and objectives

of the Basic Center Program 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.

Background: The Runaway 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 program is required to provide outreach to

runaway and homeless youth; temporary shelter for up to fifteen days;

food; clothing; individual, group and family counseling; aftercare and

referrals, as appropriate. Many Basic Center programs provide their

services in residential settings for no more than 20 youth. Some

programs 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 1998, approximately 75,000 youth received shelter and non-

shelter services through ACYF-funded Basic Centers. The primary

presenting problems of these youth include: (1) conflict with parents

or other adults, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse; (2)

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

and (3) 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. 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

66.5 percent of the youth return to their families; 25 percent go to a

variety of other situations such as Job Corps, independent living

programs, drug treatment programs and other institutional programs; and

8.5 percent return to the streets or to an unknown living situation

after service.

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, according to the latest census data. A minimum of $100,000 will be

awarded to each State, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. A

minimum of $45,000 will be awarded to each of the four insular areas:

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

Virgin Islands.

The funds available for continuations and new starts in each State

and insular area is listed in the Table of Allocations by State (Part

V, Appendix G). In this Table, the amounts shown in the column labeled

``New Starts'' are the amounts available for competition under this

announcement. The number of new awards made within each State depends

upon the amount of 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 or exceeds the State's total

allotment, it is possible that no new awards will be made.

All applicants under this competitive grant area will compete with

other applicants in the State in which they propose to deliver

services. In the event that there are insufficient numbers of

applications approved for funding in any State or jurisdiction, the

Commissioner of ACYF will reallocate the unused funds.

Duration of Project: This announcement solicits applications for

Basic Center programs 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 non

competitive continuation grants beyond the one-year budget periods, but

within the 36-month project periods, will be entertained in subsequent

years, subject to the availability of funds, satisfactory progress of

the grantee and determination that continued funding would be in the

best interest of the government.

Federal Share of Project Costs: Priority will be given to

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

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

Applicant Share of Project Costs: Basic Center grantees must

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

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

kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to meet their

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

project 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).

Evaluation Criteria for BCP: The five criteria that follow will be

used to review and evaluate each application under the Basic Center

competitive grant area. Each of these criterion should be addressed in

the project description section of the application. The point values

indicate the maximum numerical weight each criterion will be accorded

in the review process. Note that the highest possible score an

application can receive under this competitive grant area is 105

points.

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

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

and how implementation will fulfill the purposes of the legislation

identified above.

2. Applicant must state the need for assistance by describing the

conditions of youth and families in the area to be served and the

incidence and characteristics of runaway and homeless youth and their

families. The discussion

[[Page 23312]]

must include matters of family functioning and the health, education,

employment and social conditions of the youth, including at-risk

conditions or behaviors such as drug use, school failure and

delinquency. Applicants proposing to focus services on a specific RHY

population (e.g., single sex programs, gay and lesbian youth, a

particular ethnic group, etc.) must explain and justify why the

population requires focused services.

3. Applicant must indicate need for assistance by discussing 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, schools and child welfare. In addition, other

agencies providing shelter and services to runaway and homeless youth

in the area must be identified. Supporting documentation of need from

other community groups may be included.

4. Applicant must describe the area to be served, indicate the

precise locations of program services and demonstrate that the services

will be located in an area which is frequented by and/or easily

accessible by runaway and homeless youth. Maps or other graphic aids

may be attached.

Criterion 2. Results and Benefits Expected (20 Points)

1. Applicant must specify the number 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 of the youth served and improvements in individual

and family functioning that will occur as a consequence of the services

provided.

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

organization's capacity to effectively provide services to runaway and

homeless youth in the community.

4. Applicant must describe the criteria to be used to evaluate the

results and success of the program.

Criterion 3. Approach (35 Points)

1. Applicant must describe the program'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 services will be provided in

compliance with the Program Performance Standards listed in Part V,

Appendix A. Applicants proposing to serve a specific RHY population

(e.g. single sex programs, gay and lesbian youth, a particular ethnic

group, etc.) must explain how the services provided will meet the

special needs of this population and how the applicant will make

referrals or otherwise provide for the needs of RHY youth who are not

in the specific population the applicant will serve.

3. Applicant must include a detailed plan for implementing direct

services based upon a youth development approach and identified goals

and objectives. The plan must clearly state how the proposed work will

be accomplished.

4. Applicant must identify the strategies that will be employed and

the activities that will be implemented, including innovative or

unusual features or approaches 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.

5. Applicant must describe how the program 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 program clients when needed.

6. Applicant must describe 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.

7. Applicant must describe plans and procedures for intake and

assessment of the youth upon arrival at the center.

8. Applicant must describe plans for contacting parents, relatives

or guardians of the youth they serve; for ensuring the safe return of

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 youth to return home.

9. Applicant must describe the type, capacity and staff supervision

of the shelter that will be available for youth.

10. Applicant must describe plans for ensuring proper coordination

with law enforcement, health and mental health care, social service and

welfare agencies.

11. Applicant must describe the plans for ensuring coordination

with schools to which runaway and homeless youth will return and for

assisting the youth to stay current with the curricula of these

schools.

12. Applicant must describe procedures for dealing with youth who

have run from foster care placements and from correctional institutions

and must show that procedures are in accordance with Federal, State and

local laws.

13. Applicant must describe plans and procedures for providing

aftercare services and ensuring, whenever possible, that aftercare will

also be provided to those youth who return beyond the State in which

the program is located.

14. 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 FYSB grantee,

describe the data currently collected and submitted under the RHYMIS

system. 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.

15. Applicant must agree to cooperate with any research or

evaluation efforts sponsored by the Administration for Children and

Families.

16. Applicant must describe how the activities implemented under

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

the project has ended and must describe specific plans for

accomplishing program phase-out in the event the applicant cannot

obtain new operating funds at the end of the 36-month project period.

17. 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 youth.

[[Page 23313]]

Criterion 4. Staff and Position Data and Organization Profiles (20

Points Plus 5 Possible Bonus Points)

1. Applicant must discuss staff and organizational experience in

working with runaway, homeless and street youth populations. As

required by the RHY Act, priority for funding will be given to

organizations with experience in providing direct services to runaway,

homeless and street youth in a manner that is in concert with the Basic

Center Program Performance Standards found below in Part V, Appendix A.

Applicant must document the services it provides to this specific

population and the length of time the applicant has been involved in

the provision of these services. Five bonus points may be awarded to

applicants who have at least three years of experience providing direct

services to runaway, homeless and street youth.

2. Applicant must include information on skills, knowledge and

experience of the project director and key project staff. Brief resumes

of current and proposed staff, as well as job descriptions, should be

included. Resumes must indicate what position the individual will fill

and position descriptions must specifically describe the job as it

relates to the proposed project. Applicants must also list

organizations and consultants who will work on the program along with a

short description of the nature of their effort or contribution.

Applicant must provide information on plans for training project staff

as well as staff of cooperating organizations and individuals.

3. Applicant must demonstrate the ability of the organization to

effectively manage the program.

4. Applicant must provide a short description of the applicant

agency's organization; the types, quantities and costs of services it

provides and must identify and discuss the role of other organizations

or multiple sites of the agency that will be involved in direct

services to runaway and homeless youth through this grant. List all

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.

Organizational charts may be provided.

5. Applicant must provide an annotated listing of its funding

sources and contractual agreements and other relationships which

support or complement the provision of mandated services to runaway,

homeless and street youth.

Criterion 5. Budget (10 Points)

1. Applicant must show that costs of the proposed program are

reasonable and justified in terms of numbers of youth and families to

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

anticipated results and benefits. Discussion should refer to (1) the

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

applicant's budget justification and (2) the results or benefits

identified under Criterion 2 above.

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. 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).

3. While computer software and training for program data collection

through 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. The estimated cost of such equipment is

approximately $2000, and information regarding the kind of equipment

needed will be provided to successful applicants.

Competitive Area B: Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth

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. Indian Tribes that are not federally recognized and urban

Indian organizations are also eligible to apply for grants as private,

non profit agencies.

Current TLP grantees with project periods ending by December 31,

1999 and all other eligible applicants not currently receiving TLP

funds may apply for a new competitive TLP grant under this

announcement.

Current TLP grantees (including subgrantees) with one or two years

remaining on their current awards and the expectation of continuation

funding in Fiscal Year 1999 may not apply for a new TLP grant under

this announcement. These grantees will receive instructions from their

respective ACF Region/Hub Offices on the procedures for applying for

non-competitive continuation grants. Current grantees, which have

questions regarding their eligibility to apply for new funds, should

consult with the appropriate Regional Hub Office Youth contact, listed

in Part V, Appendix D, to determine if they are eligible to apply for a

new grant award.

Program Purpose, Goals and Objectives: The Administration for

Children and Families expects to award approximately $7 million for

approximately 35 new service grants in FY 2000 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.

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;

Providing the services and referrals necessary to assist

youth in preparing for and obtaining employment; and

Providing the services and referrals necessary to assist

youth in preparing for and obtaining secondary, and where feasible,

post-secondary education and/or vocational training.

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

[[Page 23314]]

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 also at high risk of being involved

in dangerous lifestyles and problematic or delinquent behaviors. More

than two-thirds of homeless youth served by ACF-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 self-sufficiency and to become a productive member of

society.

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.

Duration of Project: This announcement solicits applications for

Transitional Living 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 entertained in subsequent years,

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 Project Cost: Transitional Living 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).

Evaluation Criteria for TLP: The five criteria that follow will be

used to review and evaluate each application under the TLP competitive

grant area. Each of these criteria should be addressed in the project

description section of the application. The point values indicate the

maximum numerical weight each criterion will be accorded in the review

process. Note that the highest possible score an application can

receive under this competitive grant area is 105 points.

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

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

and how implementation will fulfill the purposes of the legislation

identified above, ultimately a successful transition to self-

sufficiency.

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 should include, but not limited

to, 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.

Criterion 2. Results and Benefits (20 Points)

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

failure. 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.

Criterion 3. Approach (35 Points)

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

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 facilities used for housing, whether a shelter,

host family home and/or supervised apartments, 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 RHY Act for the lease of surplus Federal facilities for use as

transitional living housing facilities. Each surplus Federal facility

used for this purpose must be

[[Page 23315]]

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, counseling, and training

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 medical

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.

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 participant which addresses

the provision of services, and is appropriate to the individual

developmental needs of the client.

Assure that the participant will substantively participate

in the assessment of his or her 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 participant 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 participant's records.

Describe how the activities implemented under this project

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

has ended, with 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.

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 FYSB grantee, describe the data

currently collected and submitted under the RHYMIS system. 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.

Agree to cooperate with any research or evaluation efforts

sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families.