FEDERAL AGENCY:

ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

AUTHORIZATION:

Social Security Act, Section 426(a) (1) (c), 42 U.S.C. 626 (a) (1) (c), as amended.

To develop competency-based curricula to train child welfare agency staff to assist children and families in the public child welfare system.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Grants are made to accredited public or other nonprofit institutions of higher learning for special projects for training personnel for work in the field of child welfare.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Accredited institutions of higher learning.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Awards are made to institutions of higher learning.

Credentials/Documentation:   Grants to educational institutions are made only to accredited institutions. Costs are determined in accordance with Parts 74 and 92 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Pre-application Coordination:   Institutions applying for training grants are advised to consult with Headquarters Office concerning their proposals. Standard application forms, as furnished by DHHS must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Applications made in the format provided by and at the time specified in the annual Federal Register announcements of the availability of funds.

Award Procedure:   Grants are awarded after review by a panel of nonfederal persons, with final decision by the Commissioner, ACYF in the Headquarters office.

Deadlines:   Deadline dates are announced in the annual program announcement.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 90 to 120 days.

Appeals:   Appeals are processed in accordance with HHS regulations in 45 CFR, 16.

Renewals:   Renewals and extensions are available through formal submission of progress reports and continuation applications.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements; however, administratively-required matching, when required, is described in the program announcement.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Duration is specified in announcement.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Biannual progress reports and semi-annual fiscal reports are required.

Audits:   Audits are required in accordance with the requirement in 45 CFR 74 and 92.

Records:   Financial and other records of the grant are to be kept 3 years after the termination of the grant or until audited, whichever comes first.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   75-1536-0-1-506.

Obligations:   (Grants and Contracts) FY 01 $6,998,000; FY 02 est $7,495,000; and FY 03 est $7,498,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   From $75,000 to $200,000; Average: $166,619.

In fiscal year 2001, 42 grants were awarded. It is anticipated that 38 grants will be awarded in fiscal year 2002 and 37 grants awarded in fiscal year 2003.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

No regulations codified in 45 CFR 1300.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Contact the Regional Administrator, ACYF.

Headquarters Office:   Marva P. Benjamin, Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, 330 C Street, SW., Washington, DC. 20447. Telephone: (202) 205-8405.

Web Site Address:   http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cb.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Interdisciplinary training projects; projects to support professional education for child welfare practices; innovative training for exemplary practice; and cross program training.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

An assessment is made of: (1) The degree to which the proposal shows promise of meeting specific objectives defined in the annual program announcement; (2) reasonableness of cost; and (3) qualifications of the institution applying and staff.