FEDERAL AGENCY:

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

AUTHORIZATION:

Social Security Act, Sections 471, 472, 474, 475, and 477 of Title IV-E; Public Law 106-169; Foster Care Independence Act of 1999, Title I; Promoting Safe and Stable Families, Public Law 107- 133.

OBJECTIVES:

To assist States and localities in establishing and carrying out programs designed to assist foster youth likely to remain in foster care until 18 years of age and youth who have left foster care because they attained 18 years of age, have not yet attained 21 years of age, to make the transition from foster care to independent living.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Grants may be used to assist youth: to make the transition to self-sufficiency; to receive education, training and services; to obtain employment; to prepare for and enter post secondary training and educational institutions; to provide personal and emotional support to youth through mentors and the promotion of interactions with dedicated adults; and to provide financial, housing, counseling, employment, education, and other appropriate support and services to current and former foster care recipients up to the age of 21.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   State governments, including the 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Children and youth "who are likely to remain in foster care" and former foster care recipients up to age 21.

Credentials/Documentation:   Costs will be determined in accordance with 45 CFR, Part 74.

Pre-application Coordination:   Applications must include the information and assurances required from the States. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Applications must be submitted by a State to the appropriate Regional Administrator for the Administration for Children ( ACF).

Award Procedure:   Quarterly awards are made up to the amount of one-fourth of the State's annual allotment.

Deadlines:   June 30, of each year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

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

Renewals:   Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Each state is allotted an amount of funds which bears the same ratio as the number of children in foster care in that State bears to the total number of children in foster care in all States in the most recent fiscal year for which such information is available. Data submitted by States into the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System's (AFCARS) national database will be used to calculate State allotments. The Federal government will pay 80% of the total amount of funds expended by the States (less any penalties) up to the amount of CFCIP funds allotted to the State. The State must provide matching contributions to cover the additional 20% of the costs.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Grant awards are made quarterly on a fiscal year basis.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   States are required to submit quarterly expenditure reports and annual program reports.

Audits:   Audits are conducted in accordance with the requirements in 45 CFR 74 and 92.

Records:   States are required to maintain supporting documentation of activities and adequate fiscal records.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   75-1545-0-1-506.

Obligations:   (Formula Grants) FY 01 $140,000,000; FY 02 est $140,000,000; and FY 03 est $140,000,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
FY 2015 Grants for states range from $500,000 to $18,549,969 with an average of $2,650,340.
FY 2015 Grants for tribes range from $10,070 to $38,724 with an average of $20,570.

In fiscal year 2001, 52 grants were made. It is estimated that the same number of grants will be awarded in fiscal years 2002 and 2003.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Program Instruction (PI) ACYF-CB-PI-01-02, dates February 13, 2001.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Contact Regional Administration for Children and Families. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog for addresses.)

Headquarters Office:  
Catherine Heath 330 C Street SW, Room 3509A, Washington, District of Columbia 20447 Email: catherine.heath@acf.hhs.gov Phone: 202-690-7888

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

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

States meeting requirements for entitlement funds will receive grants.