# 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

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## Record

- **Collection:** Federal Register
- **Document type:** Notice
- **Published:** April 30, 1999
- **Citation:** 64 FR 23305

## 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
(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 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.
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 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 participants where and when needed.
4. Applicant must demonstrate the ability of the organization to
effectively manage the program.
5. 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.
6. 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.

[[Page 23316]]

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.
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.
4. Applicant must describe how cost-effective use of TLP funds will
be ensured by taking maximum advantage 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.

Competitive Area C: Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative
Agreements

Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations and combinations of
such organizations with demonstrated capacity to provide services to
runaway and homeless youth service providers on a Statewide or regional
basis.
Program Purpose, Goals and Objectives: FYSB supports a national
T&TA effort designed to enhance and promote the continuous quality
improvement of the services available to runaway, homeless and street
youth and their families. FYSB expects to award approximately $2
million to fund up to ten cooperative agreements to enhance the
programmatic and administrative capacities of public and private
agencies to provide services to the targeted populations. Applications
to provide such assistance may cover one or more of the ten Federal
Regions or one or more of the five Regional Hubs and may include
subcontracts to cover specific regional or multi-State areas.
Applications, whether covering a Hub or a Region, must provide
assurance that staff will be accessible to the Central and Regional
offices. Applicants covering a region should discuss coordination with
other potential providers in a Hub. Applicants must show how they
intend to provide service to all customers in their service area
regardless of geographic location. (See Appendix H for listing of
Federal regions and Hubs and the number of grantees by region.)
The successful applicants are expected to provide the following
services and activities as core elements:
1. Provide program specific technical assistance through
consultation. Consultation may be on-site, via telephone or any
combination of strategies, which address and/or correct programmatic
and administrative concerns. Technical assistance designed and/or
provided to grantees for this purpose must be accessible and
individualized, must provide concrete information and skill building
and must include follow-up efforts. The TA delivered will be based upon
the specific needs of the grantee(s) requesting the assistance.
However, the TA must conform to the intent of the law.
2. Provide a mechanism such as, but not limited to a newsletter,
list serve and/or electronic bulletin board for sharing information for
the purpose of improving and increasing resources and information
available to RHY grantees and, for sharing new and emerging information
concerning service provision issues and best practices obtained through
interaction with grantees and other youth serving agencies through
workshops, conferences and other activities associated with the
provision of T&TA.
3. Provide intensive, skill-based training and technical assistance
to newly funded and inexperienced RHY grantees, when requested by the
grantee and/or the ACF Regional Hub office as a direct outcome of on-
site monitoring and/or analysis of MIS data.
4. Use monitoring reports, MIS data and corrective action reports
for the purpose of providing technical assistance to address the
grantees program specific needs. Delivery of T/A will be made in
consultation with the Central and Regional Offices and approved by the
Federal Project Officer.
5. Provide staff training focused on quality skill development
that: (a) provides opportunities for hands-on participation, direct
observation, practices and expert feedback: (b) analyzes, integrates
and transmits knowledge obtained from research findings, curricula, and
models of greatest interest to grantees: and (c) recognizes new and
emerging youth issues and provides intensive skills training in these
areas.
6. Promote cooperative relationships among training and technical
assistance providers, the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth,
and other FYSB support contractors for the exchange of information
regarding identified technical assistance and training needs, emerging
youth issues, research findings, curricula and model programs. FYSB
strongly encourages the establishment of an advisory board with
representation at a minimum from the regional office, a representative
sample of each type of FYSB program in the regional area, the Executive
Director of the organization funded under this competitive grant, the
Project Director(s) of the State Collaboration Grantees (where
applicable) and other State and local youth service providers.
The award of these cooperative agreements (see definition section)
will include a delineation of the responsibilities of the successful
applicants and the Administration on Children, Youth and Families. The
responsibilities contained in each cooperative agreement may be geared
toward the unique needs of the RHY programs in the geographic area(s)
to be served with a description of the uniqueness of the program, as
well as incorporating the core elements, described above, consistent to
all RHY programs regardless of geographic area.
At a minimum, the responsibilities of the successful applicants
will include development and implementation of a work-plan (including
TA capacity inventory forms, procedures, evaluation strategies/forms,
site-visit plans, schedules, etc.), provision of training and technical
assistance to grantees, and coordination with other grantee support
efforts and T&TA providers. Responsibilities of the Federal staff will
include, at a minimum, consultation in the development of workplans;
review and approval of workplans; coordination and sharing of
monitoring data, as appropriate; identification of technical assistance
needs; and sponsorship of a national meeting of T&TA providers.
Background: Since 1975, many State and local agencies and
community-based programs have been established and/or strengthened to
provide needed short and long-term services to

[[Page 23317]]

runaway, homeless and street youth. These agencies are both public and
private, profit making and nonprofit. Some focus on a single concern,
such as crisis intervention or substance abuse prevention, while others
are comprehensive or all-purpose agencies, with specific components
that deal with the physical health, mental health, family reunification
and functioning, employment, education and transitional living needs of
these young people.
Notwithstanding the significant numbers of effective agencies and
competent professional staff dedicated to assisting runaway, homeless
and street youth across the country, services in some geographic areas
are inadequate or non-existent. In other cases, existing programs lack
staff resources with the full range of skills required to carry out the
ever changing responsibilities with which the individual programs are
charged. Also, many of the developed and tested curricula and models
are little known or understood, even among programs and staff where
they could be of the greatest use. Further, as a youth development
approach has gradually emerged that focuses on a young person's
competence, connection to community, altruism, control, autonomy and
identity as an alternative to adolescent health and behavioral risks;
there is a need to partner with states, local, government, foundations,
and community based organizations to establish and support effective
long range youth development strategies, funding and policy
information. In addition, as new issues emerge, even experienced staff
and agency leadership need to enhance their existing skills and develop
new ones.
To address these issues, Section 342 of the Runaway and Homeless
Youth Act, administered by the Youth and Family Services Bureau,
authorizes support to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of
providing training and technical assistance (T&TA) to runaway, homeless
and street youth service providers.
To effectively provide such assistance, extensive interaction with
grantees, integration and sharing of knowledge, coordination with other
components supporting the runaway and homeless service system such as
RHYMIS and program monitoring, and a cooperative relationship among
training and technical assistance providers is needed. FYSB is
supporting a national T&TA effort designed to support the continuous
improvement of all RHY grantees as they work to deliver high quality
and effective services to youth, young adults and their families. Our
T&TA system reflects a national commitment to quality improvement and
capacity-building at the local and Regional Hub level.
Duration of Project: This announcement solicits applications for
Training and Technical Assistance grants 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 considered 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.
Anticipated Federal Funding: The anticipated Federal funding for
the first 12-month budget period will range from $150,000-$400,000 per
grant, contingent on the identified service area.
Applicant Share of Project Costs: Training and Tehnical Assistance
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 Training and Technical Assistance
Cooperative Agreements: The five criteria that follow will be used to
review and evaluate each application under the Training and Technical
Assistance 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 100
points.
Criterion 1. Objectives and Need for Assistance (15 Points)
1. Identify the exact geographic area(s) to be served in terms of
its distinctive features, including the States topography, economic
condition etc.
2. Discuss youth well-being and homelessness in the geographic
area(s) to be served. Provide recent documentation of the incidence of
homeless youth and other youth in crisis.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the incidence and conditions of
runaway and homeless youth in the geographic area(s) to be served; and
current issues, special problems and needs associated with runaway and
homeless youth such as substance abuse, sexual abuse, learning
disabilities, lack of independent living skills and risky behavior.
4. Discuss services in the geographic area(s) for runaway and
homeless youth (Basic Centers, Transitional Living Programs, Street
Outreach Programs and related demonstration service grants).
5. Indicate an understanding of the capacities and management
systems necessary to establish and operate runaway and homeless youth
agencies. Discuss the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience
required by individual youth service professionals at both the
administrative and direct service levels.
6. Discuss and justify the need for short-term training and
technical assistance in the geographic area to be served.
7. Discuss barriers to services in the geographic area and greatest
training and technical assistance needs of runaway and homeless youth
service providers. Evidence consideration of the distinctive features
identified in #1 above.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research and youth
development findings and products, and knowledge of available
curricula, models and experts.
Criterion 2. Results and Benefits (20 Points)
1. Discuss the goals and objectives of the proposed training and
technical assistance effort and how it builds and/or improves upon past
efforts in terms of learning goals and objectives for individuals
trained and technical assistance provided to agencies.
2. Project the number of agencies and individuals that would
receive training and technical assistance services.
3. Describe how the training and technical assistance effort will
increase the programmatic and administrative capacities of RHY grantees
to deliver effective and quality services to runaway and homeless
youth.
4. Describe in measurable terms how specific agency competencies
will be enhanced by the training and technical assistance provided.
Provide examples such as: (1) number of staff to be certified in short-
term family mediation counseling; (2) number of staff to be trained in
FYSB?s youth development approach; (3) number of staff to be trained in
assessment based case management; and (4) number of

[[Page 23318]]

additional trainings to be provided by the receiving grantee after
being trained by the T/TA provider., etc.
5. Describe how training and technical assistance to be provided
will build on current program strengths and promote continuous program
improvement.
Criterion 3. Approach (35 Points)
1. Describe the approach, philosophy, strategies, methodologies and
models that would be used to assess and address the unique training and
technical assistance needs of runaway and homeless youth service
providers in the geographic area(s) to be served. Describe the proposed
effort and activities in detail.
2. Describe the perceived types of interaction with grantees to
support an inventory of training needs, development of training plan
and design of training and technical assistance strategies.
3. Discuss the approach that will be used to provide quality staff
training which focuses on skill development that provides opportunities
for hands-on participation, direct observation, practice and expert
feedback; which analyzes, integrates and transmits knowledge obtained
from research findings, curricula, and models of greatest interest to
grantees; and recognizes new and emerging youth issues and provides
intensive skills training in these areas.
4. Describe the approach that will be used for the collaborative
exchange of monitoring and MIS information for runaway and homeless
youth programs for the purpose of planning training and technical
assistance for the geographic area to be served. Include a discussion
of training and technical assistance that is a follow-up to monitoring
and responsive to the needs of individual grantees.
5. Describe the approach that would be used to promote the
transmittal of knowledge and skills from highly skilled youth service
providers to less experienced staff.
6. Describe the approach for establishing a cooperative
relationship with other training and technical assistance providers,
Federal offices, state officials, Foundations, national contractors and
city governments.
7. Provide a detailed description of the efforts that will be
carried out by the applicant directly and those efforts to be carried
out in conjunction with other agencies or consultants. Discuss how
these efforts will enhance training and technical assistance provision.
8. Describe the methodology that will be used to evaluate the
effectiveness of the training and technical assistance provided to
runaway and homeless youth service providers in the geographic area(s).
9. Discuss the approach that would be used and sample events and
activities to be sponsored or co-sponsored to encourage cultural
competency of runaway and homeless youth service providers in areas
such as outreach, program design, staffing and board development.
Include proposed time frames for accomplishing major milestones, levels
of effort, letters of commitment and support.
Criterion 4. Staff and Position Data and Organization Profiles (20
Points)
1. Describe the organizational history, structure, and experience
providing training and technical assistance. Discuss operating
principles with respect to the development and implementation of
training and technical assistance.
2. Clearly define roles and provide job descriptions of key project
positions.
3. Provide resumes of current and proposed staff. Include skills,
experience, and qualifications working with runaway and homeless youth,
and developing and designing training and technical assistance for
youth service providers, incorporating the youth development approach.
4. Describe facilities, equipment, and other resources that would
be available to the project.
5. Describe the administrative and organizational structure and
linkages established with other relevant organizations (e.g.
subcontractors, other projects). Provide charts summarizing these
structures and linkages and written agreements defining them (include
in appendices).
6. Describe how the organization plans to ensure that consultants/
subcontractors and other staff are culturally diverse and
representative of the same ethnic backgrounds of the youth being
served.
7. 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. Discuss and justify the cost of the proposed project in terms of
types and quantities of services to be provided.
2. Describe the fiscal control and accounting procedures that will
be used to ensure the prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate
accounting of funds received.
3. Describe how additional resources necessary to carry out this
project would be obtained and integrated into the work of the project.
4. Provide assurance that one key person from the project would
attend an annual 2-3 day FYSB sponsored meeting in Washington, D.C.

Part III. Application Process

A. Assistance to Prospective Grantees

Potential grantees can direct questions about program requirements
or application forms to 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; electronic mail: [email protected] Further general
information may be obtained from the Training and Technical Assistance
Providers listed in Part V, Appendix E for those interested in BCP and
TLP.

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 V, Section H)
and in accordance with the guidance provided below. The application
must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant
agency and to assume responsibility for the obligations imposed by
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 (Public Law 104-13)

The Uniform Project Description information collection within this
Program Announcement is approved under Uniform Project Description
(0970-0139), Expiration Date 10/31/2000.
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 10 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and
reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

D. Notification Under Executive Order 12372

This program is covered under Executive Order (E.O.) 12372,

[[Page 23319]]

``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 September 1997, 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,
Ohio, 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 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 ACYF, they
must be addressed to: Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth
Services Bureau, Room 2038, 330 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20447.
A list of the Single Points of Contact for each State and Territory
is included as Part V, Appendix F, 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 V, Appendix H.
Legislation referenced in Part I, section B, of this announcement may
be found in major public libraries, and the appendices at the end of
this announcement contain other relevant information regarding RHY
programs. Additional copies of this announcement may be obtained by
calling 1-800-351-2293. Many standard forms can also be downloaded and
printed from the following ACF webpage: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/
programs/oa/form.htm.

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 against the specific competitive grant area criteria
outlined in Part II of this announcement. This review will be conducted
in Washington, D.C., by panels of non-Federal experts knowledgeable in
the areas of youth development and human services. Applications for
Basic Center Program grants will be reviewed competitively only with
other applications from the same State.
Application review panels will assign a score to each application,
identifying its strengths and weaknesses. Both Central and Regional Hub
office staff will conduct administrative reviews of the applications
and the results of the competitive review panels and will recommend
applications for funding to the Commissioner, ACYF. The Commissioner
will make the final selection of the applications to be funded.
In addition to scores assigned by non-Federal reviewers and Federal
administrative reviews, the Commissioner may approve applications
proposing services in unserved or inadequately served areas in an
effort to make sure there is a geographic distribution of services. The
Commissioner may also elect not to fund any applicants having known
management, fiscal, reporting, program, or other problems which make it
unlikely that they would be able to provide effective services.
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. As part of the award process, a
cooperative agreement must be jointly developed which includes an
explicit statement of the nature, character, and extent of anticipated
Federal agency and grantee involvement.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified 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.

Part IV. Application Content and Submission Instructions

A. Application Content

Each application must contain the following items in the order
listed:
1. Application for Federal Assistance (Standard Form 424, REV 4-
92). Follow the instructions in Part V, Appendix I. In Item 8 of Form
424, check ``New.'' In Item 10 of the 424, clearly identify the Catalog
of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Program title and number for the
program for which funds are being requested:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CFDA
Program title program
No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic Center Program......................................... 93.623
Transitional Living Program.................................. 93.550
Training and Technical Assistance............................ 93.623
------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Item 11 of the 424, identify which Competitive Grant Area (IIA:
Basic Center Program (BCP), IIB: Transitional Living Program (TLP) or
IIC: Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements (T&TA)
the application addresses.
In item 12, identify the specific geographic area to be served.
2. Budget and Budget Justification (Standard Form 424A, REV 4-92).
Follow the instructions in Part V, Appendix I. The budget justification
should be typed on standard size plain white paper, provide breakdowns
for major budget categories and justify significant costs. List amounts
and sources of all funds, both Federal and non-Federal, to be used for
this project. 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.

[[Page 23320]]

3. Project Summary/Abstract (one page maximum). Clearly mark this
page with the applicant name as shown on item 5 of the SF 424, identify
the competitive grant area and the title of the proposed project as
shown in item 11 and the service area as shown in item 12 of the SF
424. The summary description should not exceed 300 words.
Care should be taken to produce a summary which accurately and
concisely reflects the proposed project. It should describe the
objectives of the project, the approach to be used and the results and
benefits expected.
4. Assurances/Certifications. Applicants are required to sign and
return a SF 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs and the
Certification Regarding Lobbing forms and return them with the
application. Copies of the assurances and certifications are reprinted
at the end of this announcement and may be reproduced as necessary. A
duly authorized representative of the applicant organization must
certify that the applicant is in compliance with these assurances and
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.
5. Documents of Support. The maximum number of pages for supporting
documentation is 10 pages, double-spaced, exclusive of letters of
support or agreement. These documents must be numbered and 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, however, 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 above. 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 an application must be submitted in a single
package.
Because each application will be duplicated, 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.
A separate application must be submitted for each competitive grant
area and applications that combine two or more competitive grant areas
will not be reviewed or funded. Envelopes containing an application
must clearly indicate the specific competitive grant area that the
application is addressing: Basic Center Program, Transitional Living
Program, or Training and Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: Number 93.623, Basic Center
Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth; Number 93.550, Transitional
Living Program for Homeless Youth; Number 93.623 Training and
Technical Assistance Cooperative Agreements.)

Dated: April 25, 1999.
Patricia Montoya,
Commissioner, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.

Part V. Appendices

Appendix A. Basic Center Program Performance Standards

Program Performance Standards

I. Purpose

The Program Performance Standards established by the Bureau for
its funded centers relate to the basic program components enumerated
in Section 317 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and as further
detailed in the Regulations and Program Guidance governing the
implementation of the Act. They address the methods and processes by
which the needs of runaway and homeless youth and their families are
being met, as opposed to the outcome of the services provided on the
clients served.
The terms ``program performance standard,'' ``criterion,'' and
``indicators'' are used throughout both the instrument and the
instructions. These terms are defined as follows:
Program Performance Standard: The general principle against
which a judgment can be made to determine whether a service or an
administrative component has achieved a particular level of
attainment.
Criterion: A specific dimension or aspect of a program
performance standard which helps to define that standard and which
is amenable to direct observation or measurement.
Indicator: The specific documentation which demonstrates whether
a criterion (or an aspect of a criterion) is being met and thereby
the extent to which a specific aspect of a standard is being met.
Fourteen program performance standards, with related criteria,
are established by the Bureau for the projects funded under the
Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Nine of these standards relate to
service components (outreach, individual intake process, temporary
shelter, individual and group counseling, family counseling, service
linkages, aftercare services, recreational programs, and case
disposition), and five to administrative functions or activities
(staffing and staff development, youth participation, individual
client files, ongoing project planning, and board of directors/
advisory body).
Although fiscal management is not included as a program
performance standard, it is viewed by FYSB as being an essential
element in the operation of its funded projects. Therefore, as
validation visits are made, the Regional ACF specialist and/or staff
from the Office of Fiscal Operations will also review the project's
financial management activities.
FYSB views these program performance standards as constituting
the minimum standards to which its funded projects should conform.
The primary assumption underlying the program performance standards
is that the service and administrative components which are
encompassed within these standards are integral (but not sufficient
in themselves) to a program of services which effectively addresses
the crisis and long-term needs of runaway and homeless youth and
their families.
The program performance standards are designed to serve as a
developmental tool, and are to be employed by both the project staff
and the Regional ACF staff specialists in identifying those service
and administrative components and activities of individual projects
which require strengthening and/or development either through
internal action on the part of staff or through the provision of
external technical assistance.

II. Program Performance Standards and Criteria

The following constitute the program performance standards and
criteria established by the Bureau for its funded centers. Each
standard is numbered, and each criterion is listed after a lower
case letter.

1. Outreach

The project shall conduct outreach efforts directed towards
community agencies, youth and parents.

2. Individual Intake Process

The project shall conduct an individual intake process with each
youth seeking services from the project. The individual intake
process shall provide for:
a. Direct access to project services on a 24-hour basis.

[[Page 23321]]

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.
e. The project shall evaluate the performance of each paid and
volunteer staff member on a regular basis.
f. Case supervision sessions, involving relevant project staff,
shall be conducted at least weekly to review current cases and the
types of counseling and other services which are being provided.

11. Youth Participation

The center shall actively involve youth in the design and
delivery of the services provided by the project.
a. Youth shall be involved in the ongoing planning efforts
conducted by the project.
b. Youth shall be involved in the delivery of the services
provided by the project.

12. Individual Client Files

The project shall maintain an individual file on each youth
admitted into the project.
a. The client file maintained on each youth should, at a
minimum, include an intake form which minimally contains the basic
background information needed by FYSB; counseling notations;
information on the services provided both directly and through
referrals to community agencies and individuals; disposition data;
and, as applicable, any follow-up and evaluation data which are
compiled by the center.
b. The file on each client shall be maintained by the project in
a secure place and shall not be disclosed without the written
permission of the client and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian
except to project staff, to the funding agency(ies) and its(their)
contractor(s), and to a court involved in the disposition of
criminal charges against the youth.

13. Ongoing Center Planning

The center shall develop a written plan at least annually.
a. At least annually, the project shall review the crisis
counseling, temporary shelter, and aftercare needs of the youth in
the area served by the center and the existing services which are
available to meet these needs.
b. The project shall conduct an ongoing evaluation of the impact
of its services on the youth and families it serves.
c. At least annually, the project shall review and revise, as
appropriate, its goals, objectives, and activities based upon the
data generated through both the review of youth needs and existing
services (13a) and the follow-up evaluations (13b).
d. The project's planning process shall be open to all paid and
volunteer staff, youth, and members of the Board of Directors and/or
Advisory Body.

14. Board of Directors/Advisory Body (Optional)

It is strongly recommended that the centers have a Board of
Directors or Advisory Body.
a. The membership of the project's Board of Directors or
Advisory Body shall be composed of a representative cross-section of
the community, including youth, parents, and agency representatives.
b. Training shall be provided to the Board of Directors or
Advisory Body designed to orient the members to the goals,
objectives, and activities of the project.

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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 outcomes with the field.

Materials Development

NCFY produces information on FYSB and its programs, as well as
reports on critical issues, best practices, and promising
approaches.

Networking

NCFY supports FYSB's efforts to collaborate with other Federal
agencies, State and local governments, national organizations, and
communities to address the full range of issues facing young people
and their families today.
To find out more about the National Clearinghouse on Families
and Youth, please call or write: National Clearinghouse on Families
and Youth, P.O. Box 13505, Silver Spring, Maryland 20911-3505, (301)
608-8098, Fax: (301) 608-8721.

Appendix D. Administration for Children and Families

Regional Office Youth Contacts

Region I: Bill Jackson, Administration for Children and Families,
John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Room 2011, Boston, Massachusetts
02203 (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT), (617) 565-1118
Region II: Junius Scott, Administration for Children and Families,
26 Federal Plaza, Room 1239, New York, NY 10278 (NJ, NY, PR, VI),
(212) 264-1329
Region III: Dick Gilbert, Administration for Children and Families,
150 S. Independence Mall West, Suite 864, Philadelphia, PA 19104-
3499 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV), (215) 861-4031
Region IV: Frank McBeth, Administration for Children and Families,
61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Suite #4M60, Atlanta, GA 30303 (AL, FL, GA,
KY, MS, NC, SC, TN), (404) 562-2844
Region V: Katie Williams, Administration for Children and Families,
105 West Adams, 23rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 (IL, IN, MI, MN, OH,
WI), (312) 353-9675
Region VI: Ralph Rogers, Administration for Children and Families,
1301 Young Street, Dallas, TX 75202 (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX), (214) 767-

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A99-10895. Public record. Not legal advice.