FEDERAL AGENCY:

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

AUTHORIZATION:

Torture Victims of Relief Act of 1998, Public Law 105-320; Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 1999, Public Law 106-87.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide services and rehabilitation for victims of torture, with a special emphasis on timely and appropriate services to asylum applicants entering the United States that have been recent victims of torture. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) will provide a comprehensive program of support for domestic centers and programs for victims of torture.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Allowable services include treatment, social and legal services, provision of research and training to health care providers to enable them to treat the physical and psychological effects of torture. ORR funding will provide direct services to victims of torture, including services for rehabilitation, and social and legal services. ORR will support training to health care professionals to enable them to recognize and treat the physical and psychological effects of torture. A portion will be used for identifying and sharing best practices in rehabilitation services among health care professionals through conferences and professional symposia.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Eligible applicants are public or private organizations and institutions.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Individuals and families that have suffered torture will benefit.

Credentials/Documentation:   None.

Pre-application Coordination:   This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372. There will be no application and award process. All appropriated funds are committed to current programs.

Application Procedure:   Not applicable.

Award Procedure:   Not applicable.

Deadlines:   Not applicable.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Renewals or extensions require additional appeals.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   All awards will end 9/20/2004.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Progress reports and financial reports are required on a semi-annual basis. Final program and financial reports summarizing the activities and accomplishments of the project in relation to the approved goals and objectives are also required.

Audits:   Periodic audits are made as part of the system of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Grant recipients are required to keep all financial business and programs reports necessary for program review and audit to insure that funds have been expended in accordance with the regulations, grant terms, and conditions of this program.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   75-1503-0-1-609.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $9,765,000; FY 02 est $10,000,000; and FY 03 est 10,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
Grant awards range from $172,900 to $444,600. The average award was $297,800.

In fiscal year 2001, 26 grants were awarded. It is estimated that 26 grants will be awarded in fiscal year 2002 and 26 grants in fiscal year 2003. ORR estimates that 1,200 torture victims are being served.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

None.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Dr. Curi Kim Mary E. Switzer 330 C Street, SW, Washington, District of Columbia 20201 Email: curi.kim@acf.hhs.gov Phone: (202) 401-5585 Fax: (202) 401-0981

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

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Twenty-one projects provided a combination of physical, psychological and social services according to the individuals needs. If legal services are needed, most clients are referred to legal resources. Four projects provided legal services to victims of torture and when needed by the clients make referrals for the physical, psychological and social services. One project provided technical assistance to all the grantees and other projects that provide assistance to victims of torture. The assistance is in the form of training institutes, onsite visits,and consultation by telephone.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Notice of the criteria for awarding funds is published in the Federal Register or other program announcement for each type of demonstration. See the information contact section for more information.