Unaccompanied Alien Children Program

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau has six Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) under this program, which delineate the different types of care for Unaccompanied Alien Children: Shelter and Transitional

The Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau (UACB) provides for the care and placement of unaccompanied alien children who are referred to ORR by other federal agencies. UACB promptly places unaccompanied alien children in the least restrictive setting that is in the best interests of the child, taking into consideration danger to self, danger to the community, and risk of flight. The care provider network offers a continuum of care for children in a variety of settings including shelter/group home, transitional foster care, long-term foster care, therapeutic group home, residential treatment center, and heightened supervision facility. Children remain in care until they can be released to a thoroughly vetted sponsor in the U.S., they turn 18 years old, or upon resolution of their immigration claims, which may result in the granting of an immigration status (such as special immigrant juvenile or asylum), voluntary departure, or removal.

Care providers for all categories need to be licensed or obtain a license prior to accepting dependent children into their care. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity.

Beneficiaries for all NOFOs are unaccompanied alien children, up to 18 years of age, who are in Federal custody by reason of their immigration status.

ORR provides residential care and services to organizations incorporated under State law which have demonstrated child welfare, social service, or related experience and are appropriately licensed to provide care and related services to dependent children. Recipients of ORR funding that provide residential services for unaccompanied alien children must comply with State residential care licensing requirements; the Stipulated Settlement Agreement, Flores v. Reno, No. 85-4544-RJK (Px) (C.D. Cal. Jan. 17, 1977 (Flores Settlement Agreement), pertinent federal laws and regulations, and all ORR policies and procedures including, but not limited to, the ORR Unaccompanied Alien Children Program Policy Guide and the Manual of Procedures. Funds may be used only for the purposes set forth in the terms and conditions. Services may be provided only to unaccompanied alien children who are referred by the Department of Homeland Security or referred by other federal agencies or departments. Additional restrictions may be put in place on a case-by-case basis applicable to all types of NOFOs.

Funding restrictions are clearly noted in each published Notice of Funding Opportunity. Costs that are not allowed include construction, purchase of real property, and major renovation. Additional funding restrictions align with Executive Order 14190 of January 29, 2025, and 2 CFR Part 200.

Awards are made on one-to-three-year cycle and are budgeted on an annual basis. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Post award, our Division of Payment Management will establish an account from which a recipient may draw down award funds. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Post award, our Division of Payment Management will establish an account from which a recipient may draw down award funds.

The criteria for selecting proposals will be published in the NOFOs in the Criteria section.

Each application is reviewed against four factors: eligibility, the application deadline, required electronic submission or waiver requested and approved, and the Award Ceiling. If the application does not meet all of these factors, then it is disqualified from the merit review process. After the initial review, applications are reviewed and evaluated by merit review panels using only the criteria described in the Application Review section of the 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. While merit review scores and their ranking are not binding, ACF does consider them when selecting projects for funding. Scores and rankings are only one element used in the award decision-making process. Other criteria are explained in the Program Description section and in the Application Review section of the NOFO. For example, ACF reserves the right to evaluate applications in the larger context of the overall portfolio by considering the geographic distribution of federal funds (e.g., ensuring coverage of states, counties, or service areas) In its pre-award decisions. ACF may elect not to fund applicants with management or financial problems that would indicate an inability to successfully complete the proposed project. In addition, ACF may elect to not allow a prime recipient to subaward if there is any indication that they are unable to properly monitor and manage subrecipients. Applications may be funded in whole or in part. Successful applicants may be funded at an amount lower than requested.

Other. From 120 to 200 days. Deadlines for applications are noted in NOFOs. It is anticipated that the approval/disapproval time will not exceed 120 days in urgent situations and will not exceed 200 days in normal application situations.

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