Assistance for Torture Victims

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) provides funding to the Services for Survivors of Torture Program which includes Direct Services for Survivors of Torture (DS SOT) program and Technical Assistance to Survivors of Torture program (TA SOT) prog

The Direct Services for Survivors of Torture awards are designed to assist survivors of torture in the healing and recovery process by providing access to medical, psychological, legal, and social services which are provided directly by the recipient and indirectly through partner organizations. Recipients also provide professional training to local service providers to assist them in identifying and serving survivors of torture. The Technical Assistance to the Survivors of Torture program seeks to ensure that survivors of torture have access to quality and sustainable services by providing trainings, resources, and consultations to direct services recipients and other ORR-funded organizations serving survivors of torture.

Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards. Eligibility is open to the following types of entities: State governments; county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education; nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS other than institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; for profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.

The Services for Survivors of Torture program serves individuals and families, regardless of immigration status, who have suffered torture in a foreign country and are currently residing in the U.S.

Governing board membership documentation and/or articles of incorporation are required.

The Torture Victims Relief Act (TVRA) of 1998 restricts funding for domestic programs to direct services, research, and training. The authorizing legislation uses the definition of torture given in 18 U.S.C § 2340(1). Service providers are restricted to serving individuals who meet the eligibility criteria based on this definition.

Awards were made on 9/30/2022 for a five-year project period with five 12-month budget periods.

The Direct Services program is designed to assist survivors of torture in the healing and recovery process by providing access to medical, psychological, legal, and social services which are provided directly by the recipients and indirectly through partner organizations. SOT recipients also provide professional training to local service providers to assist them in identifying and serving survivors of torture. The Technical Assistance program seeks to ensure that survivors of torture have access to quality and sustainable services by providing trainings, resources, and consultations to direct service recipients and other ORR-funded organizations serving survivors of torture.

Applicants may find and apply to NOFOs on https://www.grants.gov

The criteria for selecting proposals are included in the NOFO.

ORR requires that appropriate proposals/applications are submitted, and a determination is made on recipients that can "best perform" the services in accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1522(a)(4)(A). Each application is screened to determine whether it meets any of the disqualifying factors: missing the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, or exceeding the Award Ceiling. Disqualified applications are considered "non-responsive" and excluded from the competitive review process. Applications competing for financial assistance will be reviewed and evaluated by objective review panels using only the criteria described in NOFO. Each panel is composed of experts with knowledge and experience in the area under review. Generally, review panels include three reviewers and one chairperson. Results of the competitive merit review are taken into consideration by ACF in the selection of projects for funding; however, merit review scores and rankings are not binding and are only one element used in the award decision-making process. ACF reserves the right to consider preferences to fund organizations serving emerging, unserved, or under-served populations, including populations located in pockets of poverty. In addition, ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in a larger context by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) in its pre-award decisions. ACF will complete a review of risk posed by applicants as described in 45 CFR 75.205. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to sub-award if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage sub-recipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Applicants may be awarded an amount lower than requested.

Non-competing continuations will be issued based on availability of funds, satisfactory progress, compliance with award terms and conditions, and a determination that continuation funding is in the best interest of the government.

There is no appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. For existing recipients, appeals in regard to disputes may take place in accordance with 45 CFR Part 16, subject to the limitations of the Appendix A.