Child Welfare Services_State Grants
The Department of Health and Human Services is the Federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves.
(See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a list of addresses of the Regional offices.)
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2007, 213 grants were awarded. It is anticipated that 213 grants will be awarded in fiscal year 2008 and fiscal year 2009.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used for the following purposes: (a) Protecting and promoting the welfare of all children; (b) Preventing the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children; (c) Supporting at-risk families through services that allow children to remain with their families or return to their families in a timely manner; (d) Promoting the safety, permanence, and well-being of children in foster care and adoptive families; and (e) Providing training, professional develoment, and support to ensure a well-qualified workforce.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, the District of Columbia, Indian Tribes, Puerto Rico, the Northern Marianas, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Families and children in need of child welfare services will benefit.
Credentials/Documentation
The State department which administers the services program under Title XX must be the designated single State agency to administer child welfare services. Costs will be determined in accordance with 45 CFR Part 92.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
State plans are covered under E.O.
12372, but Intergovernmental Review is excluded.
Application Procedures
A 5-year State plan must be submitted. The plan must be jointly developed by the Secretary and the State or Indian Tribe and written after State agency consultation with appropriate public and nonprofit private agencies and community-based organizations. The plan must coordinate the provision of services under Title IV-B with services under other Federal or federally-assisted programs serving the same populations.
Award Procedures
Funds will be awarded after the State plan, or annual update, is submitted and approved.
Deadlines
States, Territories and Indian Tribes are encouraged to submit application in accordance with Department requirements. The Plan or update submitted is due by June 30 of each year.
Authorization
Social Security Act, Title IV-B, Subpart 1, as amended.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
The Plan or update that is due on June 30 of each year must be approved by 9/30 in order to receive timely funding.
Appeals
Appeals are processed in accordance with HHS regulations in 45 CFR 16.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Each State receives a base amount of $70,000 for child welfare services. The Federal Child Welfare services appropriation is further allotted on a variable formula which takes into account the child population under 21 and the complement of the State per capita income compared to the U.S per capita income. The statistical factors used to fund allocations are: (1) the population of children under 21 years of age by State and the source is "Current Population Reports", P-25, Bureau of the Census; and (2) 3-year average per capita income by State and the source is the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Department of Commerce. Income factors for eligibility do not apply to this program. Grantees receive Federal matching at a rate of 75 percent of their expenditures up to the limit of their allocation.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grant awards are made quarterly on a fiscal year basis through a letter of credit. The Electronic Transfer System will be used for monthly cash draw-downs from Federal Reserve Banks.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
After the end of each of the first four fiscal years, the States, Territories, and Indian Tribes must submit an interim review of progress toward accomplishment of the goals in the plan.
After the end of the fifth fiscal year, the States and Indian Tribes must perform a final review of progress toward accomplishment of the goals.
Audits
Audits are conducted in accordance with the requirements in 45 CFR 74 and 92.
Records
States are required to maintain adequate fiscal records, and to make reports as required by DHHS.
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-1536-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $286,754,000; FY 08 $281,744,000; and est FY 09 $281,744,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
States: For Fiscal Years 07 award amounts ranged from $163,468 to $33,565,519 with an Average grant award of $1,346,262; Tribes $892 to $985,454 with an average of $36,376. These estimated ranges will change very slightly for FY 08 and FY 09.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
45 CFR 1355 and 45 CFR 1357.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Contact Regional Administrator, ACY. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a list of addresses of the Regional offices.)
Headquarters Office
Headquarters Office: Sara Williams Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families,1250 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 205-7405.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
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