FEDERAL AGENCY:

HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

AUTHORIZATION:

Social Security Act, Title V, Section 510, 42 U.S.C. 710.

OBJECTIVES:

To enable States to provide abstinence education and, at the option of the State, where appropriate, mentoring, counseling, and adult supervision to promote abstinence from sexual activity, with a focus on groups that are most likely to bear children out of wedlock.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Formula Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

For the purpose of this section (Section 510), the term "Abstinence Education" means an educational or motivational program which (a) Has as its exclusive purpose, teaching the social, psychological, and health gains to be realized by abstaining from sexual activity; (b) teaches abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage as the expected standard for all school age children; (c) teaches that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain way to avoid out-of-wedlock pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and other associated health problems; (d) teaches that a mutually faithful monogamous relationship in context of marriage is the expected standard of human sexual activity; (e) teaches that sexual activity outside of the context of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects; (f) teaches that bearing children out of wedlock is likely to have harmful consequences for the child, the child's parents, and society; (g) teaches young people how to reject sexual advances and how alcohol and drug use increases vulnerability to sexual advances; and (h) teaches the importance of attaining self-sufficiency before engaging in sexual activity.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Grant applications are accepted only from the State Health Agency responsible for the administration (or supervision of the administration) of the Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   School-age girls and boys, adolescents, at-risk populations subject to out-of-wedlock births, parents, youth serving professionals and families.

Credentials/Documentation:   This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87.

Pre-application Coordination:   This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Annual submission of a State application and annual report are required prior to the allocation of funds.

Award Procedure:   Funds are allocated to States by way of the letter of credit system subsequent to the review and approval of the State application and annual report.

Deadlines:   July 15 of each year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   From 1 to 2 months.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Funds will be made available annually to any State submitting an acceptable application.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Funds are allocated among the States and jurisdictions in proportion to their relative shares of the funds received under appropriations for abstinence education. Funds are allocated among the States and jurisdictions based on a formula determined by the proportion that the number of low income children in the State bears to the total number of low income children for all States. There is a required match of 3 nonfederal dollars for every 4 Federal dollars.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Funds are awarded each fiscal year in quarterly installments to the States and Jurisdictions.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Each State must prepare and submit an annual report on the activities undertaken. Reports will contain information and be formatted as the Secretary may require, or as described in the program application guidance.

Audits:   As described in Title V, Section 506(b)(1) of the Social Security Act, each state shall, not less often than once every two years, audit its expenditures from amounts received under this title.

Records:   Records of the recipient shall be made available to the Secretary to secure an accurate description of the activities for which funds were spent in achieving the purposes of this section. States shall make available copies of reports and audits for public inspection within the State. Within 30 days following the completion of each audit report, the State shall submit a copy of that audit report to the Secretary.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   75-0350-0-1-550.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $43,475,153; FY 02 est $42,663,396; and FY 03 est $50,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
Range: $47,559 - $7,854,345 Average: $1,127,186,237 ($75,000,000 divided by 59 eligible States, Territories and the District of Columbia).

In fiscal year 2001, 53 grants were awarded. It is estimated that 53 grants will be awarded in fiscal year 2002. Pending re-authorization for fiscal year 2003, it is estimated that 55 grants will be awarded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Pertinent information may be obtained by contacting the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Grants Management Branch, Room 18-12, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Telephone: (301) 443-1440.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Not applicable.

Headquarters Office:   LeBretia White 330 C St., SW,, Washington, District of Columbia 20021 Email: lebretia.white@acf.hhs.gov Phone: (202) 205-9605 Fax: (202) 205-9535

Web Site Address:  
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Examples of funded projects may be requested through the Division of State and Community Health.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.