Assistance for Torture Victims
The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides a comprehensive program of support for domestic centers and programs for victims of torture.
Related Programs
Examples of Funded Projects
Projects provide a combination of physical, psychological and social services according to the needs of the survivors of torture.
Survivors in need of legal services are referred to legal resources.
Survivors found to be in need of medical attention are referred to appropriate resources.
Two projects provide technical assistance and training to grantees.
- Technical Assistance to the Survivors of Torture Program
- Direct Services for Survivors of Torture
- Services for Survivors of Torture Program: Technical Assistance to Organizations and Institutions Providing Direct Services to Torture Survivors
- Services for Survivors of Torture Program: Assistance to Torture Survivors Through Direct Services
- Services for Survivors of Torture Program: Technical Assistance to Organizations and Institutions Providing Direct Services to Torture Survivors
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.
Program Accomplishments
In FY 07, 22 grants were awarded. It is estimated that the same number of grants will be awarded in FY 08 and FY 09. Over 5,000 survivors of torture are provided with services each year under this program.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Allowable services include treatment, social and legal services, and provision of research and training to health care providers to enable them to treat the physical and psychological effects of torture.
ORR funding provides direct services to victims of torture, including services for rehabilitation and social and legal services.
ORR funds support training to health care professionals to enable them to recognize and treat the physical and psychological effects of torture.
A portion of the funds will be used for identifying and sharing best practices in rehabilitation services among health care professionals through conferences and other forms of technical assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are public or private non-profit agencies.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individuals and families, regardless of immigration status, who have suffered torture.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication 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 Procedures
Eligible applicants submit an application to the Administration for Children and Families in accordance with the requirements described in the notice of funding availability.
Award Procedures
Applications are reviewed by a panel of independent experts in accordance with the evaluation criteria included in the notice of funding availability.
Deadlines
Deadlines for applying are established in the notice of funding availability.
Authorization
Torture Victims of Relief Act of 1998, Public Law 105-320; Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 1999, Public Law 106-87.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
90 to 120 days.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Contingent of funding availability, grantee performance, and the best interest of the government.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are awarded for a three-year project period, with one-year budget periods.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program Performance Reports and Financial Status 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 90 days after the end of the project period.
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 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 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 for the project period and for three years after the end of the project period 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.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $9,541,00; FY 08 $9,551,000; and FY 2009 est $9,508,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Grant awards range from $265,000 to $535,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
For information, contact Holly Herrera, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, 8th Floor West, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, DC 20447. Telephone: (202) 401-5541; Fax: (202) 401-0981.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Notice of the program criteria for awarding funds can be found at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
The Social Innovators of 2014
For 2014, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship has recognized 37 individuals for their outstanding work in the field of social enterprise.
