Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
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 addresses.)
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2007, 52 grants were made in the mandatory grant program. It is estimated that the same number of grants will be awarded in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. The program also supports Training and Technical Assistance through a National Resource Center and supports evaluation efforts of the program in FY 07, FY 08, and FY 09 for approximately $2.1 million.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grants may be used to assist youth: to make the transition to self-sufficiency; to receive education, training and related services; to prepare for and 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, 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 92.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Applications must include the information and assurances required from the States.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Applications must be submitted by a State to the appropriate Regional Administrator for the Administration for Children (ACF).
Award Procedures
Quarterly awards are made up to the amount of one-fourth of the State's annual allotment.
Deadlines
June 30, of each year.
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 & Stable Families Amendments of 2001, Public Law 107-133.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
None.
Appeals
Appeals are processed in accordance with HHS regulations in 45 CFR Part 16.
Renewals
None.
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 percent 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 percent 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 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
75-1545-0-1-609.
Obigations
(Formula Grants) FY 07 $139,950,011; FY 08 $140,000,000; and FY 09 est 140,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$500,000 to $20,953,350; $2,691,363.
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
Pamela Johnson Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, 1250 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20024, 8th Floor. Telephone: (202) 205-8086.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
States meeting requirements for entitlement funds will receive grants.
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