Notice of Funding Opportunity

Application due Monday, July 6, 2026

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau (UACB)

Home Study and Post- Release Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children Opportunity number: HHS-2026-ACF-ORR-ZU-0019

Contents

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 4

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 8

Program description 10

Step 2: Get Ready to Apply 34

Find the application package 35

Get registered 35

Learn more 36

Watch the webinar 36

Step 3: Build Your Application 37

Application checklist 38

Application contents and format 40

Step 4: Learn About Review and Award 53

Application review 54

Award notices 63

Step 5: Submit Your Application 64

Application submission and deadlines 65

Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award 67

Post-award requirements and administration 68

Contacts and Support 70

Before you begin 3

Modifications 74

Contents 2

Before you begin If you believe you are a good candidate for this funding opportunity, secure your SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations now. If you are already registered, make sure your registrations are active and up-to-date.

SAM.gov registration (this can take several weeks)

You must have an active account with SAM.gov. This includes having a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Grants.gov registration (this can take several days)

You must have an active Grants.gov registration. Doing so requires a Login.gov registration as well.

See Step 2: Get Ready to Apply

Apply by the application due date

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, July 6, 2026.

To help you find what you need, this NOFO uses internal links. In Adobe Reader, you can go back to where you were by pressing Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) or Command + Left Arrow (Mac) on your keyboard.

Before you begin 3 https://sam.gov/ https://grants.gov/

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1:

Review the Opportunity

In this step

Basic information 5

Eligibility 7

Agency priorities 8

Program description 10

Basic information Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau (UACB)

Preparing unaccompanied alien children for reunification and community integration through trauma-informed services and resources.

Have questions?

See Contacts and Support.

Key facts

Opportunity name:

Home Study and Post- Release Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children

Opportunity number:

HHS-2026-ACF-ORR-

ZU-0019

Federal assistance listing:

93.676

NOFO version:

Original

Key dates

Application submission deadline:

FY26: July 6, 2026 FY27: October 1, 2026 FY28: October 1, 2027

Expected project start date:

FY26: September 29, 2026 FY27: March 1, 2027 FY28: March 1, 2028

Summary The purpose of this funding is to support unaccompanied alien children through the two critical phases of home study (HS) and post-release services (PRS) for statutorily required and discretionary cases to help ensure child safety, well-being, and stability.

HS/PRS providers will help children navigate family reunification challenges, trauma recovery, and integration into their new communities. The HS/PRS program is for organizations that can assess and evaluate potential sponsors’ ability to ensure child safety and well-being and promote these outcomes after children are released from Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody to sponsors in the United States.

Organizations will:

• Conduct thorough HS evaluations of potential sponsor homes, including in-person interviews, home visits, and comprehensive safety assessments.

• Deliver three levels of post-release services:

◦ Virtual check-ins for basic safety monitoring.

◦ Case management services for ongoing support and community connections.

◦ Intensive engagements for families who require specialized interventions.

• Build protective factors that support successful community integration while addressing barriers to accessing essential services in both urban and remote locations.

These services are to be provided in a manner that is sensitive to each unaccompanied alien child’s individual needs and in a way they can understand, regardless of spoken language, reading comprehension, or disability, to ensure meaningful access for all eligible children, including those with limited English proficiency.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 5

The term trauma-informed is used for PRS in the Foundational Rule at § 410.1210(d) Assessments:

The PRS provider shall assess the released Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) and sponsor for PRS needs and shall document the assessment. The assessment should be developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and focused on the needs of the unaccompanied child and sponsor.

Funding details Type: Cooperative agreement

Expected total program funding: $258 million

Total expected awards: 15

Minimum award amount for the first budget period (award floor): $1 million

Maximum award amount for the first budget period (award ceiling): $50 million

We plan to fund a five-year project period. Each project period has five one-year budget periods.

Funds for the remaining years will be awarded based on submission and approval of the non-competing continuation application.

Awards made under this funding opportunity are subject to federal funds availability.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 6 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-08329/unaccompanied-children-program-foundational-rule#p-2241 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-08329/unaccompanied-children-program-foundational-rule#p-2241

Eligibility Eligible applicants Eligibility for this opportunity is unrestricted.

Other eligibility criteria Individuals (including sole proprietorships), federal entities, and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Disqualifying factors We will review your application to make sure it meets these responsiveness requirements.

We will not consider an application that:

• Requests funding above the award ceiling.

• Is from an individual (including a sole proprietorship), a federal entity, or a foreign entity.

• Is received in paper format that did not have a previously approved exemption from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).

Application limits If you submit the same application more than once under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO), we will only acknowledge the last version submitted during the submission period.

Cost sharing This program has no cost-sharing requirement, meaning you do not need to contribute to the costs of this project.

If you choose to include cost-sharing funds, we will not consider it during review. If you receive an award, we will include your voluntary commitment in the award, and you must report on the funds. If you do not provide your promised amount, we may have to decrease your award amount or use other enforcement actions.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 7

Post-award requirements

Before you apply, make sure you understand the requirements that come with an award.

See Step 6: Learn What Happens After Award for information on regulations that apply, reporting, and more.

Statutory authority ORR services for unaccompanied alien children are authorized under the following statutes:

• Section 462 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA of 2002), 6 U.S.C. 279 [PDF].

• Section 235 of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA of 2008), 8 U.S.C. 1232 [PDF], as amended.

Agency priorities Required alignment with ACF vision, mission, values, priorities, and guiding principles The recipient of this award must implement any funds awarded under this NOFO to effectuate program goals or agency priorities in accordance with ACF’s vision, mission, values, priorities, & guiding principles when authorized. Funded activities must advance ACF’s vision of resilient, safe, healthy, and economically secure children, youth, families, and communities, and support ACF’s mission to foster health and well-being through effective, accountable, and compassionate human services when awarded in any programs that authorize these priorities.

Consistent with ACF’s values, in carrying out any project that is funded under this NOFO, the recipient is required to adhere to the following principle:

1. Program integrity and fiscal stewardship: Administer funds in accordance with all applicable federal statutes, regulations, and award conditions; maintain strong internal controls; and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

The recipient is also required to adhere to the following principles when consistent with the authority and scope of the award and its activities:

2. Evidence-based and outcome-focused practices: Design and deliver services using evidence-based or evidence-informed approaches, establish measurable performance goals, and use data to monitor outcomes and drive continuous improvement

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 8 https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/hr_5005_enr.pdf https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-110publ457/pdf/PLAW-110publ457.pdf https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values https://acf.gov/about/acf-vision-mission-values

3. Partnership and local leadership: Coordinate with state, tribal, territorial, local, and community partners, as appropriate, and tailor services to meet community-identified needs while respecting local decision-making authority.

In addition, in keeping with ACF’s priorities, the recipient must administer any project that is awarded under this NOFO in accordance with the following objectives when consistent with the scope of the award and its activities in programs that are authorized to advance them:

4. Family stability and child well-being: Strengthen families, promote safe and stable home environments, and improve outcomes for children and youth through prevention-focused and developmentally appropriate services.

5. Work, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility: Support pathways to employment, job retention, and economic independence for individuals and families, including through workforce development, education, and supportive services.

6. High-quality early care and learning: Where applicable, invest in high-quality early childhood programs that support school readiness, healthy development, and long-term success.

The recipient must demonstrate ongoing compliance with these values and priorities, in all programs that are authorized to advance them, through program design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation. Failure to meaningfully align funded activities with the applicable requirements may result in corrective action, additional reporting requirements, or other enforcement actions consistent with federal grant regulations found at 2 CFR Part 200 and the terms and conditions of this award.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 9 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRed1f39f9b3d4e72

Program description Program goals and objectives ORR in ACF provides temporary residential care to unaccompanied alien children (referred to as child or children). An Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) is defined by law (6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2)) as a child who:

• Has no lawful immigration status in the United States.

• Has not attained 18 years of age.

• Has no parent or legal guardian in the United States or no parent or legal guardian in the United States available to provide care and physical custody.

Following the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, ORR conducts home studies for certain UAC before releasing them from custody.

ORR also offers PRS for all children who receive an HS and for others who might need ongoing help from social welfare agencies after their release.

The Home Study and Post-Release Services Program (HS/PRS) addresses critical needs in the continuum of care by conducting thorough assessments of potential placement homes and providing essential support services after children are released to sponsors.

• HS services ensure that UAC are released to safe, appropriate homes where their physical safety, mental health, and overall well-being can be protected.

• PRS are voluntary services that provide ongoing support to ensure successful family reunification and community integration while children navigate immigration proceedings.

The program conducts in-depth assessments of potential sponsors’ ability to provide safe, appropriate care and provides ongoing support services to facilitate successful community integration and family stabilization. The HS/PRS program requires consistent support across all areas of the United States, including high-need and remote locations.

This funding opportunity addresses Agency Priorities 1 through 5.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 10 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=6+U.S.C.+279%28g%29%282%29&f=treesort&fq=true&num=12&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title6-section279

Program design and service delivery Home study (HS) An HS includes:

• An investigation of the living conditions in which the UAC would be placed if released to a particular potential sponsor.

• The standard of care that the UAC would receive.

• Interviews with the potential sponsor and other household members.

In cases where neither law nor policy require an HS, ORR may still allow one if it believes one would be helpful.

Types of home studies Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) mandatory home study An HS is required by the TVPRA (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(3)(B)) when the child:

• Is a victim of a severe form of human trafficking.

• Has a disability as defined by Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12102) and requires individual services or treatment.

• Has been a victim of physical or sexual abuse under circumstances indicating that their health or welfare has been significantly harmed or threatened.

• Has a sponsor who clearly presents risk of abuse, maltreatment, exploitation, or trafficking based on all available objective evidence.

ORR-mandated home study Foundational rule 45 CFR § 410.1204(b)(2)-(3) mandated home study is required before:

• Releasing any child to a non-relative sponsor who is seeking to sponsor multiple children at the same time, or who has previously sponsored or sought to sponsor a child and is seeking to sponsor additional children.

• Releasing any child who is 12 years old or younger to a non-relative sponsor.

Other ORR-mandated home study is required by ORR UACB Policy Guide, Section 2.4.2 when:

• The potential sponsor has previously sponsored multiple children and is now seeking to sponsor additional children (regardless of whether they are related to the previous or current children).

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 11 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=8+U.S.C.+1232%28c%29%283%29%28B%29&f=treesort&fq=true&num=2&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title8-section1232 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=42+U.S.C.+12102&f=treesort&fq=true&num=50&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title42-section12102 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/30/2024-08329/unaccompanied-children-program-foundational-rule#sectno-reference-410.1204 https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-2#2.4.2

• The potential sponsor claims a biological relationship with the child but refuses to submit to a DNA test in accordance with applicable ORR guidance.

• The potential sponsor, parent, or legal guardian is unable to provide supporting documentation as required under ORR policy and seeks a waiver or exception (see Section 2.2.4 Required Documents for Submission with the Application for Release).

• The potential sponsor (parent or immediate relative) is not biologically related to the child. See Section 2.2.1 Identification of Qualified Sponsors.

• The potential sponsor (distant relative or not related) is seeking to sponsor a child.

See Section 2.2.1 Identification of Qualified Sponsors .

Discretionary home studies In cases where an HS is not required by TVPRA, regulations, or ORR policy, ORR may recommend a discretionary HS if it would provide additional information to assess the sponsor’s ability to care for the child’s health, safety, and well-being.

Home study components The HS looks at whether the sponsor can meet the child’s needs. It also educates the sponsor about what to expect and builds on information already gathered during the child’s time in ORR custody. Each HS must include the following:

Interviews

• Face-to-face interviews with potential sponsors.

• Interviews with adult household members.

• Assessment of family dynamics and relationships.

• Evaluation of sponsor’s understanding of the child’s needs.

Home visit

• In-person visit to the sponsor’s residence.

• Assessment of physical living conditions.

• Evaluation of sleeping arrangements and privacy.

• Safety assessment of the home environment.

• Verification of adequate space and resources.

Written report

• Comprehensive assessment using ORR template.

• Analysis of the sponsor’s capacity to meet the child’s needs.

• Documentation of any concerns or risk factors.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 12 https://acf.gov/orr/resource/children-entering-the-united-states-unaccompanied-section-2#2.2.4 https://acf.gov/orr/resource/children-entering-the-united-states-unaccompanied-section-2#2.2.4 https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-2#2.2.1 https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-2#2.2.1

• Positive or negative recommendation regarding release.

• Identification of any support services needed.

Home study requirements and procedures When ORR refers a case for an HS, the HS provider must:

• Accept HS referrals within 3 calendar days of ORR referral.

• Contact referring care provider within 24 hours of referral acceptance.

• Contact potential sponsor within 48 hours of referral acceptance to schedule home visit.

• Submit final written report within 10 business days of referral acceptance.

• Submit report using ORR-approved template and include all required components.

• Submit requests to extend beyond 10 business days or to cancel an HS to ORR for consideration and approval.

Home studies are generally valid for 1 year once finalized. If new information that raises child welfare concerns emerges, ORR may request an HS addendum or a new HS.

Post-release services After a UAC is released to a sponsor, they may need ongoing support to ensure their safety and well-being. PRS is a voluntary service that helps children and sponsors adjust to their new living situation. Every child released from ORR custody is evaluated to determine the level of service they need. PRS is offered at three different levels of support based on each child’s specific needs. These comprehensive post-release services help ensure that UAC remain safe, have their basic needs met, and successfully integrate into their new communities after leaving ORR custody. Service providers must be prepared to deliver all three levels of support to respond flexibly to children’s changing needs.

How children are assigned to service levels ORR will refer all children for the appropriate level based on their individual situation.

• Children who legally must receive services under the TVPRA automatically get either Level 2 or Level 3 services.

• If there’s a waiting list for Level 2 or Level 3 services, children will receive Level 1 virtual check-ins until more intensive services become available.

A child’s service level can change over time based on their evolving needs. Some children might start with more intensive support and gradually need less, while others might need more support if new challenges arise.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 13

Post-release service levels Level 1: Virtual check-ins Level 1 services provide basic support through phone calls, video chats, or other remote communication. These virtual check-ins are less intensive but allow case workers to stay connected with more families. They’re also used temporarily for children waiting for more intensive services. During these check-ins, case workers:

• Make sure the child is safe, and their basic needs are being met.

• Answer questions the sponsor might have about caring for the child.

• Connect the family with local resources like schools, health care, and community services.

• Help solve simple problems before they become bigger issues.

• Check if the child needs more intensive support.

Level 2: Case management services Level 2 services provide more hands-on support through a combination of in-person visits and remote check-ins. Most children who receive an HS before release will start with at least Level 2 services to ensure a smooth transition. Case managers working at this level:

• Visit the home regularly to assess the child’s adjustment and safety.

• Help sponsors navigate school enrollment and educational support.

• Assist with medical and mental health appointments.

• Connect families with legal services for immigration proceedings.

• Provide guidance on accessing community resources.

• Help resolve conflicts between children and sponsors.

• Create and follow a service plan tailored to each child’s needs.

• Advocate for the child with various service systems.

Level 3: Intensive in-home engagements Level 3 provides the most comprehensive support for children with complex needs or who are in challenging situations. Children who have faced trafficking, severe abuse, or have significant special needs typically receive this level of support. This level includes:

• Frequent home visits (often weekly).

• Specialized support for children with trauma, disabilities, or serious medical conditions.

• Crisis intervention when needed.

• Intensive family counseling and conflict resolution.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 14

• Coordination with multiple service providers.

• Hands-on assistance with appointments and services.

• Specialized safety planning and monitoring.

• More extensive support for sponsors who need additional guidance.

Level 2 and 3 core service areas

• Legal services.

• Immigration, juvenile justice, and guardianship.

• Education and English language classes.

• Health services.

• Medical and behavioral health care.

• Youth programming.

• Mentoring, tutoring, after-school care, and sports.

• Interpretation services.

• Placement stability and safety services.

• Guardianship proceeding support.

• Immigration proceeding support.

• Employment support (age-appropriate).

• Substance use disorder prevention and treatment.

• Gang prevention services.

• Services for children requiring special consideration.

• Integration and independence support.

• Family stabilization or counseling.

Post-release services case management approach PRS providers must use case management to keep children safe and help them adjust to their new homes. Providers must help to meet the needs of the UAC and their sponsor after the child leaves ORR care.

This process includes:

• Assessments: Continually evaluate child and sponsor needs.

• Planning: Developing strength-based case management plans.

• Facilitation: Coordinating services and support.

• Care coordination: Linking children and sponsors to community resources.

• Evaluation: Continuously monitoring outcomes and adjustment to services.

• Advocacy: Supporting children’s and sponsor’s access to necessary services.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 15

For all post-release service levels, providers must:

• Conduct required contacts with the child and sponsor, both individually and together.

• Adjust services based on changing needs.

• Continue PRS if the child moves to a new home.

• Report concerns to ORR.

Case ratios At minimum,

• HS case workers must have a caseload of 3.

• PRS Level 1 must have a caseload of 25.

• PRS Level 2 must have a caseload of 15.

• PRS Level 3 must have a caseload of 5.

Core principles ORR requires that PRS be provided in a manner that is responsive to each UAC’s needs and in a way the child can understand regardless of language, reading ability, or disability, to ensure meaningful access for all eligible children. These approaches must:

• Be evidence- and research-based.

• Respect and work within the child’s culture.

• Be provided in the language the child understands best.

• Consider the unique needs of each child.

• Recognize and address trauma the child has experienced.

A trauma-informed approach means case managers understand that many UAC’s have experienced difficult events. These case managers:

• Create a safe environment where children feel comfortable.

• Avoid actions that might remind children of past trauma.

• Recognize signs of stress or emotional struggles.

• Help children and sponsors learn healthy ways to cope with difficult feelings.

• Build on the strengths the child and family already have.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 16

Assessments All assessments must address:

• Sponsor family functioning.

• Needs for legal services.

• Education needs and school engagement.

• Access to medical care and health status.

• Behavioral health care needs, such as mental health, substance use, and overall well-being.

• Support for personal belief systems.

• Healthy relationships and social connections.

• Food and material goods security.

• Transportation access.

• Housing stability.

• Special circumstances or individual needs.

Objectives, documentation, timeframes, and minimum contact requirements Post-release services level 1: Virtual check-ins

• Children who have not received an HS and have not been identified as presenting needs for which they would benefit from Level 2 or Level 3 services.

Objectives

• Complete three virtual check-ins at 7, 14, and 30 business days after release.

• Contact children for all three scheduled check-ins.

• Conduct safety and well-being assessment covering six core areas:

◦ Residing with sponsor.

◦ School enrollment.

◦ Court awareness.

◦ Health.

◦ Safety.

◦ Need for services.

• Complete required assessment at each check-in.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 17

• Refer cases to Level 2 or Level 3 based on identified needs within 48 hours of each assessment.

• Upload documentation within 7 calendar days of completing each virtual check-in.

Required activities

Day 7 check-in:

• Confirm that the child is residing with sponsor.

• Verify basic safety and well-being.

• Assess immediate needs.

• Provide information on resources.

Day 14 check-in:

• Confirm school enrollment for school-age children.

• Assess health and safety status.

• Verify sponsor contact information.

• Assess the need for higher-level services.

Day 30 check-in:

• Confirm ongoing stability of placement.

• Verify awareness of upcoming court dates.

• Assess progress integrating into the community.

• Make service referrals as needed.

• Determine if Level 2 or 3 services are needed.

Post-release services level 2: Case management services

• Children legally mandated to be offered PRS or who are identified as likely to benefit from ongoing case management services.

Objective

• Complete engagements with the sponsor and child every month for up to six months.

• Complete engagements for the entire service period (up to six months) making successful contact in-person at least every 90 calendar days.

• Develop a documented case management plan within 30 days and make community service referrals based on core service areas for each case over a six-month period, as applicable.

• Complete an in-person assessment within 14 business days, repeat the assessment, and evaluate risk and protective factors.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 18

• Request a 30-day extension if the circumstances make one necessary. ORR will consider them on a case-by-case basis.

• Document outcomes for service connections and upload all case documentation within seven calendar days.

Required activities

Initial contact (within two business days):

• Inquire about the welfare and whereabouts of the child.

• Schedule an initial in-person visit.

• Explain the PRS process and expectations.

• Assess immediate safety concerns.

First in-person visit (within 14 business days):

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessment.

• Assess living conditions and family functioning.

• Develop initial case management plan.

• Identify service needs in core service areas.

• Establish trust and rapport with children and sponsors.

Monthly contacts (months 1 to 6):

• Monitor child’s safety and well-being.

• Assess the stability of the placement.

• Coordinate service referrals and connections.

• Provide psychoeducation to the child and sponsor.

• Update case management plans as needed.

• Conduct in-person visits at least every 90 days.

Post-release services level 3: Intensive engagements

• Children who require additional support for specific challenges, including medical or psychological vulnerability, family conflict or crisis, education-related issues, or other special circumstances requiring intensive intervention.

Objectives

• Complete engagements with the sponsor and child weekly for the first 45-60 days, transitioning to monthly engagements for up to six months.

• Complete engagements for the full service period (up to six months), make contact in person for the first 45-60 days and then at least every 90 calendar days.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 19

• Develop a documented case management plan within 21 days, making community service referrals based on core service areas for each case over a six-month period, as applicable.

• Complete an in-person assessment within seven business days, repeat the assessment monthly, and evaluate risk and protective factors.

• Request a 30-day extension if the circumstances make one necessary. ORR will consider them on a case-by-case basis.

• Document outcomes for service connections and upload all case documentation within seven calendar days.

Required activities

Initial contact (within two business days):

• Inquire about the welfare and whereabouts of the child.

• Assess crisis or urgent needs.

• Schedule an initial in-person visit.

• Explain the intensive services process.

First in-person visit (within seven business days):

• Conduct comprehensive clinical assessment.

• Identify family challenges.

• Assess safety and risk factors.

• Develop an intensive stabilization plan.

• Establish treatment alliance with family.

Weekly intensive phase (45 to 60 days)

• Provide trauma-informed clinical interventions.

• Implement family stabilization strategies.

• Address crisis situations as they arise such as family conflict.

• Connect to specialized services such as mental health or substance use treatment.

• Provide psychoeducation on trauma, family dynamics, and child development.

• Monitor safety continuously.

Monthly maintenance phase (remainder of six months)

• Provide ongoing case management support.

• Assess potential de-escalation to Level 2.

• Continue monitoring progress of stabilization.

• Maintain connections to services.

• Prepare for case closure or transition.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 20

Case closure PRS may be provided while the released child’s immigration case is ongoing but must end when:

• The child turns 18 years old.

• The child’s immigration case is terminated because they:

◦ Are granted voluntary departure.

◦ Receive an order for removal.

◦ Obtain lawful immigration status.

Services can also end if any of the following happens:

• All level 1 check-ins are completed and documented.

• Levels 2 and 3 services have been provided for six months since the referral was accepted and the case manager determines that services are no longer needed.

• TVPRA services have been provided for one year and the child or sponsor has been assessed as no longer needing these services.

• The child or sponsor chooses to disengage from services.

• Thirty calendar days have passed since the last contact despite case manager efforts to reach the child or sponsor.

TVPRA legally mandated post-release services cases Special requirements There are additional requirements for cases where TVPRA legally mandates ORR to offer PRS.

Extended service timeframes

• Continue while immigration proceedings are ongoing.

• Be provided for part or all that time, depending on needs.

Expectations for extended services (beyond six months) Year 1: Provide at least two additional in-person visits at or near the six-month mark and one year after release.

After Year 1: For cases with low risk levels and no major concerns, limit check-ins to quarterly or twice a year.

Service continuity

Provide continuous services until the case meets guidelines for closure.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 21

Virtual visit exception Case managers or clinicians may request case-by-case approval from ORR to conduct engagement virtually in exceptional circumstances, where doing so would be in the best interests of the child.

Service provision for special populations Some children need extra care and specialized services. PRS providers must give special attention to:

• Children with individual needs for specific services and treatment.

• Children with disabilities.

• Children involved in the juvenile justice system and those at high risk of involvement.

• Children who entered ORR care after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) separated them from their parents or legal guardian.

• Children who are victims of or at risk for worker exploitation or labor trafficking.

• Children granted parole, such as humanitarian parole, who have lawful presence but not lawful immigration status.

• Children enrolled in school who are chronically absent or retained at the end of the school year.

Notification of Concern (NOC) A NOC is used to document and notify ORR of certain concerns that arise after a child is released from ORR care and custody (for example, concerns about the released UAC’s safety and well-being).

PRS providers must submit a NOC to ORR when:

• The released child is at risk of harm.

• A present safety concern exists.

• They are unable to contact the child or sponsor and have safety concerns.

• They suspect child abuse, maltreatment, or neglect.

Objectives

• Submit NOC within 24 hours of identifying a concern.

• Report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate child welfare authorities per state law timelines.

• Notify ORR of all mandated reports filed within 24 hours.

• Document actions taken and any NOC outcomes using an addendum.

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Provider requirements and responsibilities Provider experience requirements HS/PRS providers must have prior experience in providing all of the following:

• Child welfare services.

• Child protective services.

• Services to children with disabilities, and children who need specific services and treatment.

• Services to trafficking victims.

• Youth outreach.

• Services to foreign-born immigrant children and families.

• Working with individuals who may not have legal status in the U.S.

Language requirements Providers must:

• Have staff who are highly proficient in the child’s preferred language.

• Have access to interpreters for other languages when needed.

Community partnerships Providers must show:

• Established working relationships with community-based organizations.

• Partnerships with social service organizations in their area of operations.

General service requirements National coverage requirements The program must provide services nationwide and must deliver them using one of these models:

• Multi-regional office model: Establish at least four regional offices, with each office located in a different state.

• Remote workforce model: Deploy remote staff across at least eight regions.

Records management

• Document each contact between child/sponsor in case files within seven calendar days.

• Ensure accuracy in case management system data entry.

• Maintain zero unauthorized disclosures of personally identifiable information.

• Retain all records for 50 years from completion of work for all cases.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 23

• Provide case file records to ORR within 24 hours of request. Records included in a child’s file are considered ORR’s property.

Case files Must include:

• All documentation (date, time, participants, and discussion content) for each contact between child and sponsor and HS and PRS staff.

• Assessments and reassessments.

• Case management plans.

• Service referrals and outcomes.

• NOCs.

• Closure reports.

Personnel files Must include:

• Background check results.

• Training completion records.

• Job descriptions.

• Performance evaluations.

• Supervision documentation.

Confidentiality requirements

• Develop systems for preserving confidentiality of children and sponsors’ information, consistent with ORR’s Foundational Rule, at 45 CFR 410.1303(h), and ORR’s UACB Policy Guide, Sections 5.9, 6.8.3, and 6.8.5.

• Maintain separate confidential files for medical histories, disability-related information, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking information, and only permit disclosure of the “minimum necessary” information to HS or PRS staff who need this information to complete their duties.

• Protect records of children and sponsors from unauthorized use or disclosure.

• Subject to applicable whistleblower protection laws, employees, former employees, or contractors of the HS/PRS provider may not disclose case file records or information about children, their sponsors, family, or household members to anyone for any purpose, except for purposes of program administration, without advance notice to ORR.

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 24 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-410#p-410.1303(h) https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-5#5.9 https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-6#6.8.3 https://acf.gov/orr/policy-guidance/unaccompanied-children-program-policy-guide-section-6#6.8.5 https://acf.gov/orr/resource/children-entering-the-united-states-unaccompanied-section-6#6.8.5

Staffing requirements Providers’ organizations must:

• Have a clear structure with defined roles and supervision.

• Have staffing plans showing how lead staff’s responsibilities connect.

Staffing requirements:

• Develop and maintain a documented staffing plan based on populations served, service scope, anticipated requirements, and budgets, updated quarterly.

• Ensure staff meet or exceed the minimum qualifications specified for their positions.

• Complete all required background checks with favorable results for staff, contractors, and volunteers before service provision begins.

• Maintain staff highly proficient in children’s native or preferred languages or provide qualified interpreters for service delivery.

Required key positions The following key positions require ACF approval.

Position Qualifications & experience Responsibilities

Program director Education:

• Option 1: Master’s degree in social work or equivalent (education, psychology, sociology, or behavioral science) plus two years of program management or director experience.

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in the same fields, plus five years in child welfare administration or Child protective services (CPS) and two years of program management or director experience.

Experience:

• Advanced financial and supervisory project management.

• Maintain overall program accountability.

• Connect with ORR.

• Coordinate programmatic and financial elements.

• Ensure ORR compliance.

Assistant program director

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (education, psychology, sociology, or behavioral science) plus five years of progressive experience with social services or child care agencies.

• Act as secondary point of contact with ORR.

• Support program director in oversight.

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Position Qualifications & experience Responsibilities

Regional supervisor (optional)

Education:

• Option 1: Master’s degree in behavioral sciences, human services, or social services.

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree plus three years of supervisory and case management experience.

• Oversee referral assignments.

• Train new case managers.

• Supervise case managers.

PRS case manager supervisor

Education:

• Option 1: Master’s degree in behavioral sciences, human services, or social services.

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree plus three years of supervisory and case management experience.

• Supervise Level 1 and 2 PRS providers.

• Oversee quality assurance.

• Develop and support staff.

PRS clinical supervisor Education:

• Option 1: Master’s degree (MSW, psychology, sociology, or behavioral science) with clinical experience plus two years of postgraduate direct service.

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree plus six years of clinical employment in behavioral sciences.

Experience:

• Prior supervisory experience.

• Licensed for clinical supervision.

• Supervise clinicians, especially Level 3 PRS.

• Ensure quality for clinical interventions.

• Provide staff with clinical development and consultations.

Home study caseworker Education:

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in social work or equivalent (education, psychology, sociology, or behavioral science).

Experience:

• Highly proficient in a child’s language or has access to qualified interpreters.

• Experience conducting state-compliant home studies.

• Conduct ORR-compliant home studies.

• Complete assessments within set timeframes.

• Write comprehensive reports.

• Coordinate with care providers and ORR.

PRS caseworker Minimum qualifications:

• At least 21 years old.

• Provide Level 1 virtual check-ins only.

• Assess child safety and well-being.

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Position Qualifications & experience Responsibilities

• Highly proficient in a child’s language or has access to qualified interpreters.

• At least one year of experience working with children.

• Make service referrals.

• Escalate to higher PRS levels when needed.

PRS case manager (Level 2)

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree (ideally behavioral sciences, human services, or social services).

Experience:

• Highly proficient in a child’s language or has access to qualified interpreters.

• Provide Level 2 case management.

• Conduct assessments and develop case plans.

• Coordinate community service referrals.

• May also provide Level 1

PRS.

PRS case manager (Level 3)

Education:

• Option 1: Master’s or doctoral degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or behavioral science with clinical experience.

• Option 2: Bachelor’s degree plus five years of clinical experience.

Experience:

• Licensed or eligible for licensure.

• Highly proficient in a child’s language or has access to qualified interpreters.

• Provide Level 3 intensive engagements.

• Conduct clinical assessments and interventions.

• Develop intensive stabilization plans.

• May also provide Level 1 and 2 PRS.

Background check specialist

Education:

• Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent degree and at least three years of employment experience.

Experience:

• Basic technical skills in Microsoft applications including Excel and Word, and Smartsheet.

• Good communication and project management skills.

• Help with the background check investigation process.

• Coordinating and documenting required background check requests and results.

• Conducts quality assurance reviews to ensure background checks are submitted completely and accurately prior to submission and within the required timeframe and deadlines.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 27

In addition to the above requirements, all staff should have knowledge, skills, and experience in:

• Local community social services.

• Home study, post-release services, or both.

• Working with immigrant populations.

• Family preservation, kinship care, and child welfare.

• Professional assessment report writing.

• Child welfare and case management.

Background check requirements Grantees and contractors are required to use E-Verify or another form of verification to confirm that all direct recipients are legally eligible to work in the U.S.

• Complete required background checks with favorable results before any staff, contractor, or volunteer begins providing services.

• Update background investigations at least every five years for continuing staff.

• Conduct ORR Central Registry check at least once a year, coordinated with an ORR Project Officer at least once each calendar year for staff.

Required background checks

All staff, including contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers must complete the following:

• FBI fingerprint check of national and state criminal history repositories.

• Child protective services check in each U.S. state where a staff member has lived in the last five years.

• Sex Offender Registry Check through the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender public website.

• All state-required background check criteria.

• ORR Central Registry check.

• Driver’s record and clearance if transporting children.

Training requirements Initial training Direct service staff must complete at least 20 hours of training before providing services to children and sponsors. Training must address all required topic areas across the four categories listed in the next section.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 28

Required training topics

Administration

• ORR policies and procedures.

• Relevant authorities and agency guidance impacting PRS.

• Writing effective case notes.

• Current country conditions in the Northern Triangle and other relevant countries.

Child welfare

• Stages of healthy children and adolescent development.

• Childhood trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• Risk and protective factors including sex and labor trafficking.

• Family stabilization and preservation.

• State child abuse laws and mandated reporting.

Direct service provision

• Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards.

• Core areas of PRS service provision.

• Trauma-informed care.

• Specialized referrals.

• Child-friendly and motivational interviews.

• Client boundaries.

• Role of interpreter and interpretation best practices.

Staff wellness

• Compassion fatigue, burnout, vicarious trauma, and secondary traumatic stress.

• Ethical considerations in serving PRS populations.

Annual training

• Staff must complete at least 20 hours of training annually on topics relevant to their scope of practice or caseload.

• Licensed staff must meet state professional licensing annual training requirements.

• Training completed to meet state requirements or professional licensing standards may be applied toward ORR’s initial and annual training requirements.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 29

Core competencies Objectives

• Foundational knowledge: PRS providers demonstrate competency in six core knowledge areas through training completion and performance evaluation.

Required core knowledge areas:

• Case management principles and practice.

• Child welfare principles.

• Family preservation.

• Child and adolescent development.

• Trauma-informed care.

• Issues related to forced migration.

Training on identifying and responding to sex and labor trafficking Staff must:

• Complete training on human trafficking identification and response before service provision.

• Provide appropriate specialized services to identified trafficking victims within 48 hours of identification.

• Provide trafficking prevention education to all Level 2 and Level 3 cases.

Required training content:

• Definition of severe forms of trafficking (for example, sex trafficking and labor trafficking as defined by TVPRA).

• Red flags and indicators of trafficking.

• Appropriate response and referral procedures.

• Resources for trafficking victims.

• Prevention strategies and education approaches.

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 30

Cooperative agreement—description of ACF’s involvement When funding is awarded in a cooperative agreement, you can expect substantial involvement from federal staff. In this cooperative agreement, our responsibilities include:

• Helping design, implement, and continuously modify program activities and service delivery frameworks.

• Approving standardized operational protocols and procedural guidelines.

• Approving key program staff.

• Delivering comprehensive training programs and technical assistance to enhance staff competencies.

• Providing expert consultation and guidance on individual case management strategies and interventions.

Funding policies and limitations Changes in HHS regulations As of October 1, 2025, HHS adopted 2 CFR 200, with some exceptions included in 2 CFR

300. These regulations replace those in 45 CFR 75.

General policies

• We will only make awards if this program receives funding. If Congress appropriates funds for this purpose, we will move forward with the review and award process.

• Support beyond the first budget period will depend on:

◦ Appropriation of funds.

◦ Satisfactory progress in meeting your project’s objectives.

◦ A decision that continued funding is in the government’s best interest.

• If we receive more funding for this program, we will consider:

◦ Funding more applicants.

◦ Extending the period of performance.

◦ Awarding supplemental funding.

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, you may not use funds from this NOFO for any diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEI and DEIA) activities. This includes:

1. Review 2. Get Ready 3. Build 4. Learn 5. Submit 6. Award Contacts

Step 1: Review the Opportunity 31 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/part-200 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300 https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-B/chapter-III/part-300

◦ DEI- or DEIA-related research.

◦ Activities that discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or other protected traits.

◦ Any efforts that promote a “discriminatory equity ideology.”

• To the extent permitted by law, including any relevant court orders, ACF will also not allow funds awarded under this NOFO to support any services or activities that inculcate or promote gender…