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Administration for Children and Families US Department of Health and Human Services

Program Services

Welcome to the ACF Directory of Program Services web site! The Directory highlights the broad range of services available to our communities, partners and customers. It includes a brief description of services provided, eligibility requirements, funding information and, most importantly, details of where to obtain more information. The Directory is available for downloading in English as well as in the following languages (see below): Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

Download a directory file in Microsoft Word format or Adobe PDF format for use as a handy reference resource.

Directory Files:

English: MS Word or PDF
Spanish: MS Word or PDF
Chinese: MS Word or PDF
Korean: MS Word or PDF
Vietnamese: MS Word or PDF

Please note: The Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese MS Word document formats require that MS Windows 98 or higher, MS Word 97 or higher, and a Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese character set be installed on your PC. Microsoft software must be purchased. The Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese PDF document formats require that Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4 or higher be installed on your PC.

A free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded from the Adobe web site.Download Adobe Acrobat Reader


What We Do

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), located within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is responsible for federal programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities. Through its federal leadership, ACF partners with state and local governments, community organizations, profit and not-for-profit organizations, American Indian Tribes and Native American communities, to design, administer and promote: families and individuals empowered to increase their own economic independence and productivity; strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive impact on the quality of life and the development of children; and partnerships with individuals, front-line service providers, communities, American Indian tribes, states, and Congress that enable solutions which transcend traditional agency boundaries. ACF also has a strong commitment to supporting initiatives and programs that address the needs, strengths and abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities, refugees and underserved populations.


SERVICES WE PROVIDE

The ACF Directory of Program Services highlights the broad range of services available to our communities and partners, and provides a brief description of each service, eligibility requirements, funding information and, most importantly, details of where to obtain more information.

ACF does not directly deliver services to the customer or end user but rather awards grants to state and local governments, not-for-profit organizations and Indian Tribes who have responsibility for direct delivery of services. Although the directory is targeted to organizations in general, individuals are encouraged to use the ACF contacts listed, particularly the Regional Offices, for a referral to the appropriate state and/or local agency or community based organization.

ACF is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 10 Regional Offices located throughout the country to support its activities. The Directory Appendix has a list of the Regional Office locations and contact information. Please feel free to contact the appropriate Regional Office for referral information for services in your particular state and/or community. In addition, you may contact the ACF website for further information at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/. Or, if you have questions, please go to the Question and Answer Support page at:
http://faq.acf.hhs.gov/cgi-bin/acfrightnow.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php


FUNDING OF ACF PROGRAMS--FORMULA AND DISCRETIONARY GRANTS

ACF awards mandatory or "formula" grants, as well as discretionary grants. Federal agencies are required by statute to award formula grants to states, the District of Columbia, and federally recognized Tribes and Territories.

Discretionary grants permit the federal government to exercise judgment or "discretion" in selecting the applicant/recipient organization through a competitive grant process. The states, the District of Columbia, federally recognized Tribes and Territories, and public and private not-for-profit agencies/organizations may apply in accordance with the requirements in the program announcements.

Native American entities that may apply for discretionary grants include: federally recognized Tribes, non-federally recognized Tribes, state-recognized Tribes, Alaskan Native villages, tribal consortia, urban/off reservation Indian organizations, and Native American not-for-profit organizations.


HOW TO LOCATE ACF PROGRAM SERVICES

For ease of reference, ACF program services are shown in alphabetical order in the following pages, beginning with the index page. In addition, a keyword list is included under each service to facilitate your search.

List of Program Services


DIRECTORY OF PROGRAM SERVICES


Administration for Children and Families

PROGRAM SERVICES

CONTACT INFORMATION
Washington, D.C. Headquarters
(See regional appendix
for State and local referrals)

Abandoned Infants Assistance

Keywords: abandoned children; abandoned infants; child neglect; border babies; child placement.

Provides grants to help identify ways to prevent the abandonment of children in hospitals and to identify and address the needs of infants and young children, particularly those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and prenatal drug or alcohol exposure. 

Public and private not-for-profit agencies are eligible to apply for these discretionary grants. 

Children's Bureau

Administration on Children, Youth and Families
330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2422
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8618
Fax: 202-205-8221
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/

Adoption Assistance/Foster Care/
Foster Care Independent Living

Keywords: adoption; child placement; community services; foster care; independent living; family resources; safe and stable families.

The Adoption Assistance program facilitates the placement of hard-to-place children in permanent adoptive homes to prevent long, inappropriate stays in foster care. It provides funds to states to assist in paying maintenance costs for adopted children with special needs (e.g., children who are older or handicapped).

The Foster Care program provides funds to states for children who need placement outside their homes in a foster family home or in an institution. It assists states with the costs of foster care maintenance for eligible children; administrative costs to manage the program; and training for staff, foster parents, and private agency staff.

The Foster Care Independent Living program provides services to foster children who are 16 years or older to assist them in making the transition to independent living. These services include: assistance to earn a high school diploma or receive vocational training; training in daily living skills such as budgeting; locating housing, career planning and job finding; or otherwise making the transition to independent living.

The Promoting Safe and Stable Families program prevents the unnecessary separation of children from their families, improves the quality of care and services to children and their families, and ensures permanency for children by reuniting them with their parents, by adoption or by another permanent living arrangement.

These are formula grants. Entities eligible to apply include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and federally recognized Tribes and Territories.

Children's Bureau

Administration on Children, Youth and Families
330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2422
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8618
Fax: 202-205-8221
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/

Adoption Opportunities

Keywords: adoption; child placement.

Eliminates barriers to adoption and helps to find permanent homes for children who would benefit by adoption, particularly those with special needs.

Public and private not-for-profit agencies are eligible to apply for these discretionary grants.

Children's Bureau

Administration on Children, Youth and Families
330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2422
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8618
Fax: 202-205-8221
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/

Assets for Independence Demonstration Program Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)

Keywords: savings; investment; asset accumulation; financial literacy training; post secondary education; home ownership; business capitalization; economic mainstream.

This is a matched, directed savings/investment program that funds projects to enroll lower-income working families and individuals who take financial literacy training and open Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Their deposits from earned income are matched at an agreed upon ratio of from one to eight dollars for each participant dollar. The maximum federal contribution is $2,000 per individual account, with a $4,000 maximum per household. At account maturity, the IDA funds may be used for post-secondary education, purchasing a first home, or capitalizing a business.

Eligible applicants for competitive five-year demonstration grants are not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations; state and local government agencies and Tribal governments applying jointly with 501(c) (3) organizations; low income credit unions; and community development financial institutions.

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Discretionary Programs
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9345
Fax: 202-401-4687
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/demo

 

Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

Keywords: child abuse; child neglect; family resources.

The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (Public Law 93-247, as amended) assists states to meet their responsibilities for prevention and intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect by providing funds and technical assistance.

Community-Based Family Resource and Support Grants provides funds to statewide networks of local child abuse and neglect prevention and family resource programs.

Basic State Grants provides assistance for developing, strengthening, and implementing child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment programs.

The above programs are funded by formula grants that are limited to states.

Research and Demonstration Programs supports research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect and identifies the best means of preventing maltreatment and treating troubled families.

Children's Bureau

Administration on Children, Youth and Families
330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2422
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8618
Fax: 202-205-8221
Website: Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

Keywords: child care; child development; family resources.

Assists low-income families, families receiving temporary public assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance, in obtaining child care so they can work or attend training/education. Subsidized child care services are available to eligible families through certificates or contracts with providers. 

Funding is provided by the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. States, territories, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and consortia representing federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply. 

Child Care Bureau

Administration on Children, Youth and Families
330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2046
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-690-6782
Fax: 202-690-5600
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/

Child Support Enforcement

Keywords: child support; emotional and financial support; self-sufficiency; parental responsibility; penalties for nonsupport; locating absent parent; paternity establishment; interstate child support collection; fatherhood; visitation and access to children.

Ensures that parents provide emotional and financial support, and health insurance for their children by providing the following services: locating noncustodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing child support obligations (including health insurance), visitation and access to children, modification and enforcement of child support orders (including interstate), securing and distributing regular and timely child support payments, and penalties for non-support. The program is a federal/state/local partnership, with services available automatically for families receiving assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and is also available to families not receiving TANF. 

Federal funding is provided by formula grants to the States, with competitive discretionary grants also being available for Special Improvement and Demonstration (Sec. 1115) Projects. Direct funding is available to federally recognized Indian Tribes and tribal organizations for comprehensive tribal child support enforcement programs.

Office of Child Support Enforcement

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9370
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/

Child Welfare Services

Keywords: child welfare; child advocacy; child placement; child support; foster care; family resources; adoption. 

Assists low-income families, families receiving temporary public assistance, and those transitioning from public assistance, in obtaining child care so they can work or attend training/education. Subsidized child care services are available to eligible families through certificates or contracts with providers.

Funding is provided by the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. States, territories, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and consortia representing federally recognized Indian Tribes are eligible to apply.

Children's Bureau

Administration on Children, Youth and Families
330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2422
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8618
Fax: 202-205-8221
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/

Community Economic Development Discretionary Grant Program

Keywords: economic development; community development; business development.

Supports projects that provide employment and business development opportunities for low-income people through business, physical, or commercial development and generally improves the quality of the economic and social environment of low-income residents, including TANF recipients.

Funding is available through competitive discretionary grants to private, locally initiated nonprofit community development corporations (CDC). Indian tribes and other community-based organizations must establish a private nonprofit community economic development corporation in order to be eligible.

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Discretionary Programs
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/

 

Community Food and Nutrition (CFN)

Keywords: nutrition; food services; community services.

Provides funding for programs that: (1) coordinate existing private and public food assistance resources to better serve low-income communities; (2) help low-income communities identify potential sponsors of child nutrition programs, and initiate new programs in underserved or unserved areas; and (3) develop innovative approaches to meet the nutrition needs of low-income people.

Sixty percent of CFN funding is allotted for grants to eligible agencies for Statewide programs in each State. Forty percent of the funds are distributed on a competitive basis to States and public and private nonprofit organizations.

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Discretionary Programs
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/

Community Services Block Grant - Poverty

Keywords: employment; education; housing; social services; community services; self-sufficiency.

Grantees work to ameliorate the causes of poverty by assisting low-income individuals with employment, education, and adequate housing. Grantees assist them to make better use of their income, solve problems that are blocking the achievement of self-sufficiency, and obtain emergency health services, food, housing, and employment-related assistance.

This is a mandatory formula grant for which states, territories, Native American tribes, and tribal organizations are eligible to apply.

Office of Community Services

Division of State Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/

Compassion Capital Fund


Keywords: Compassion Capital; faith-based; community-based; homelessness; at-risk youth; training; technical assistance.

The CCF’s goal is to assist faith-based and community organizations to: enhance their ability to provide social services, diversify their funding sources, and create collaborations to improve service delivery.

Intermediaries: The CCF provides competitive discretionary grants through cooperative agreements with intermediary organizations that serve well-defined communities. The intermediaries provide technical assistance and sub-grants to a wide range of faith-based and community organizations.

Research: The CCF awards competitive discretionary grants for research regarding the “best practices” of faith-based and community organizations in the areas of: homelessness, hunger, at-risk children, welfare-to-work transition, and intensive rehabilitation services for the most needy (e.g., addicts, prisoners). For-profit and non-profit organizations (including educational institutions) are eligible to apply.

Resource Center: The CCF supports the National Resource Center for training and technical assistance to CCF-funded intermediaries.

Office of Community Services

Division of State Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccf/

Developmental Disabilities

Keywords: disabilities; developmental disabilities; special needs; self-sufficiency.

Assists people with developmental disabilities to reach maximum potential through increased independence, productivity, and community integration. The first three State-based programs address all elements of the life cycle: prevention; diagnosis; early intervention; therapy; education; training; employment; and community living and leisure opportunities. 

1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) are supported by formula grants. States and territories are eligible to apply.

2) Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Program is supported by formula grants. States and territories are eligible to apply. 

3) University Centers for Excellence (UCE) is a discretionary grant program for public and private not-for-profit agencies affiliated with a university currently funded. 

4) Projects of National Significance (PNS) award funding to public or private not-for-profit agencies to enhance the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into the community of people with developmental disabilities. 

Administration on Developmental Disabilities

200 Independence Avenue, S.W. 
Rm. 300-F
Washington, D.C. 20201
Telephone: 202-690-6590
Fax: 202-690-6904 
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/

Empowerment Zones(EZ) / Enterprise Communities (EC)

Keywords: economic development; community development; community building; employment; social development; self-sufficiency.

Provides flexible grants for comprehensive community renewal projects in urban neighborhoods and rural areas designated as Empowerment Zones or Enterprise Communities. The local-level renewal organizations provide the grant funds to neighborhood based service providers for a wide variety of activities, including job training and placement; business assistance and economic development; childcare, after-school care and youth development; substance abuse treatment; health care services; and other supports for working families. 

ACF does not anticipate awarding any new grants for EZ and EC projects at this time. 

Office of Community Services

Division of State Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694 
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ez-ec/

Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary Grants

Keywords: family violence; domestic violence; child abuse; family resources.

Supports the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs/projects to prevent incidents of family violence and to provide immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents. Projects include the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRC), Special Issue Resource Centers (SIRCs), and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 

These are competitive discretionary grants for which non-profit organizations may apply. 

Family Youth Services Bureau

330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C., 20201
Telephone: 202-401-5529
Fax: 202-401-5718
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/

Family Violence Prevention and Services Formula Grants

Keywords:family violence; domestic violence; child abuse; family resources

Supports the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs/projects to prevent incidents of family violence and to provide immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents. Funds are used to establish and operate shelters and safe houses and to provide related services.

States, territories, Native American tribes, and tribal organizations are eligible to apply for these formula grants.

Family Youth Services Bureau

330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C., 20201
Telephone: 202-401-5529
Fax: 202-401-5718
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/fysb/

Head Start

Keywords: childcare; child development; child health services; social services; family resources.

Provides comprehensive developmental services for America's low-income, preschool children ages three to five and social services for their families. Head Start provides diverse services consistent with goals for: education, health, parent involvement and social services. Also includes American Indian Head Start, Migrant Head Start, and Early Head Start, which expands the benefits of early childhood development to low-income families with children under three and to pregnant women. 

Grants to conduct Head Start programs are awarded to local public or private not-for-profit, or for-profit agencies. 

Head Start Bureau

330 C Street, S.W.
Room 2018
Washington, DC 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8572
Fax: 202-205-9336 or 202-401-5916
Website: http://www2.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/

Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals (JOLI)

Keywords: job creation; job opportunities; employment; new business development; job development.

Provides funding for programs that create new employment opportunities for certain low-income individuals through: (1) self-employment; (2) micro enterprise; (3) technical and financial assistance to private employers; new business development; and nontraditional projects. 

Funding is available through competitive discretionary grants to nonprofit 501 (c) (3) or (4) organizations. 

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Discretionary Programs
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/dcdp/joli/

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Block Grant and Leveraging Incentive Program

Keywords: energy assistance; housing; self-sufficiency

Assists low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy (i.e., heating or cooling) needs. The LIHEAP program, however, does not provide assistance directly to low income households. Each State, direct tribal grantee and territory designs and operates its own energy assistance program within broad Federal guidelines. Eligibility requirements, types of assistance and program operating dates vary from State to State. See the LIHEAP website for more information. "Home energy" means a source of heating or cooling in residential dwellings. The LIHEAP Leveraging Incentive Program provides additional funding to LIHEAP grantees that have leveraged nonfederal home energy resources for low-income households.

This block grant is a mandatory formula grant. The President may release additional LIHEAP funds (energy emergency contingency funds) to LIHEAP grantees for energy-related emergencies. States, territories, Native American tribes, and tribal organizations are eligible to apply.

Office of Community Services

Division of Energy Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/

National Youth Sports Program

Keywords: summer youth sports; physical fitness; health; educational opportunities. 

The program provides a comprehensive five to six weeks developmental and instructional sports program for low-income youth between the ages of 10-16, at no cost, during the summer months. The primary goal is to provide the participants with an opportunity to benefit from academic and sports skills instruction and sports competition, to improve their physical fitness and health habits, and to become acquainted with career and educational opportunities within a college or university environment. Each participant receives free medical services with follow-up and at least 2 USDA approved nutritional meals daily. 

An annual grant is made to a national, nonprofit organization to operate the National Youth Sports Program.

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Demonstration Programs
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
5th Floor West
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/demo/

Native Employment Programs

Keywords: economic development; governance; social development; language preservation; self-sufficiency; American Indians; Alaskan Natives; Native Americans.

Provides funding to American Indians, Alaskan Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Native American Pacific Islanders, including Native Samoans, for a broad range of economic development, social development, and governance projects, as well as environmental regulatory enhancement projects and language preservation planning and implementation projects. Grants must support locally determined and designed projects that address community needs and goals. 

These are competitive (discretionary) grants and entities eligible to apply include: federally recognized Tribes, non-federally recognized Tribes, State-recognized Tribes, Alaskan Native villages, tribal consortia, urban/off reservation Indian organizations and Native American not-for-profit organizations.

Administration for Native Americans

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Mail Stop 8th Floor West
Washington, D.C. 20447
Help Desk Telephones:
877-922-9ANA (877-922-9262) or 202-690-7732
Fax: 202-690-7441 or 202-690-8145
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ana/

 

Native Employment Works (NEW)

Keywords: employment; self-sufficiency; American Indians; Alaskan Natives; Native Americans.

Makes work activities available to the population and service areas that the tribe or tribal organization designates. NEW funds can be used for work activities, supportive and job retention services, job market assessments, job creation and economic development. Work activities include, but are not limited to: educational activities, alternative education, post secondary education, job readiness activity, job search, job skills training, training, and employment activities.

These are mandatory formula grants and federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaskan Native organizations that operated a Tribal Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training (JOBS) Program in FY 1995 are eligible to apply.

Administration for Native Americans

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Mail Stop 8th Floor West
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9275
Fax: 202-401-5887
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/

 

Refugee Assistance

Keywords: refugee assistance; social services.

Resettles refugees in the United States who have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin because of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. In order to be admitted to the United States, refugees usually must have a special tie to the U.S., such as: former employment by the U.S. Government or a U.S. company; previous education; close relatives living in the U.S.; and/or persecution specifically related to an individual's association with the U.S. Government. Refugees may also be admitted on humanitarian grounds. The following programs are available to assist refugees: Cash and Medical Assistance, Social Services, Preventive Health Services, Voluntary Agency Matching Grant Program, Targeted Assistance Grant Program, and Victims of Torture Program.

Funding is available through discretionary grants and states and private organizations are eligible to apply. 

Office of Refugee Resettlement

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9246
Fax: 202-401-0981
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/

Repatriation Assistance

Keywords: repatriation assistance; financial assistance.

Provides temporary assistance to United States citizens and their dependents who are identified by the Department of State as needing to return from a foreign country to the U.S., but do not have resources to do so. This financial assistance is repayable to the U.S. Government. If an American citizen in a foreign country becomes ill, is without funds, or needs to be returned to the U.S. because of a threatening situation in a foreign country, needed services will be provided. For situations involving the evacuation of a group of Americans from a foreign country, HHS may be requested to establish reception sites as well as provide individual assistance. ACF operates both individual and group repatriation programs through agreements with state agencies. 

A National Emergency Repatriation Plan is also established by HHS in coordination with other involved federal agencies, voluntary organizations, and states to implement large scale repatriation operations in the event of a national security emergency. 

Funds are provided by discretionary grants to states.

Office of Refugee Resettlement

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9246
Fax: 202-401-0981
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/

Residential Energy Assistance Challenge (REACH) Option Program

Keywords: energy burden; energy self-sufficiency; health and safety. 

REACH supports a limited number of innovative projects to demonstrate the long term cost-effectiveness of supplementing energy assistance payments with non-monetary benefits. These benefits seek to minimize health and safety risks that result from high energy burdens on low-income Americans, prevent homelessness as a result of inability to pay energy bills, increase the efficiency of energy usage by low-income families and target energy assistance to individuals who are most in need.  

These are competitive demonstration grants in which States, Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations (including Alaska Native Villages), and Insular Areas that receive direct grants from HHS/LIHEAP, may apply. States must delegate the delivery of REACH services to community-based, non-profit organizations, with a preference given to Community Action Agencies funded by the Community Services Block Grant that are successful LIHEAP service providers and receive Weatherization Assistance Program Funds from the Department of Energy.

Office of Community Services

Demonstration and Special Projects Division
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/demo/

Runaway and Homeless Youth

Keywords: runaway youth; homelessness; youth development; street outreach.

Provides comprehensive services for youth in at-risk situations and their families that include positive alternatives for youth, ensure their safety, and maximize their potential to take advantage of available opportunities. Services include:

The Basic Center Program funds youth shelters that provide emergency shelter, food, clothing, outreach services, and crisis intervention for runaway and homeless youth. The shelters also offer services to help reunite youth with their families, whenever possible. Any State, unit of local government, public or private agency, Indian Tribe, organization, or institution is eligible to apply for these discretionary funds.

The Transitional Living Program for Homeless Youth (TLP) addresses the longer term needs of older homeless youth and assists such youth in developing skills and resources to promote independence and prevent future dependency on social services. Housing and a range of services are provided for up to 18 months for youth ages 16-21 who are unable to return to their homes. Any State, unit of local government, public or private agency, Indian Tribe, organization, or institution is eligible to apply for these discretionary funds.

The Education and Prevention Grants to Reduce Sexual Abuse of Runaway, Homeless and Street Youth Program provides additional resources to organizations serving runaway, homeless, and street youth for street-based outreach and education to prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of these young people. Any private, non-profit agency is eligible to apply for these funds.

The Youth Development State Collaboration Project Grants provide demonstration grants to states for the purpose of developing or strengthening existing effective youth development strategies. These efforts focus on all youth, including youth in at-risk situations such as runaway and homeless youth; youth leaving the foster care system; abused and neglected children; and other youth served by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Any State or federally recognized Indian Tribe is eligible to apply for the grant.

Family and Youth Services Bureau

330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C., 20201
Telephone: 202-205-8102
Fax: 202-260-9333
Funding Announcement Phone: 1-800-351-2293
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ fysb/

Rural Community Development Activities Program

Keywords: water treatment; waste water treatment; community services.

The program supports low-income communities in the development of community facilities that include affordable, safe water and waste water treatment facilities. Activities may include: training and technical assistance in developing and managing of water facilities in rural areas; improving the coordination of Federal, state and local agencies in water waste management; and distributing information to local communities on available Federal assistance. This program is administered region-wide to assist small rural, low-income communities in the construction or repair/rehabilitation of water and waste systems, and in meeting requirements placed upon them by the Clear Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Assistance is also available for home repair to rural low-income families and for planning and developing low-income rural rental housing units, as well as for training and technical assistance in meeting community facility needs.

Funding is available through competitive discretionary grants, and multi-state, regional private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

Office of Community Services

Division of Community Demonstration Programs
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
5th Floor West
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/demo/

Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)

Keywords: social services; self-sufficiency; child abuse; child neglect; child care; employment; foster care; adult day care; transportation; family planning; training; teens; teen parents; teen pregnancy.

Provides social services directed toward achieving economic self-support or self-sufficiency; preventing or remedying neglect, abuse, or the exploitation of children and adults; preventing or reducing inappropriate institutionalization; and securing referral for institutional care, where appropriate. Services include, but are not limited to: child care; protective services for children and adults; children and adults in foster care; management and maintenance of homes; day care for adults; transportation; family planning; training; and employment services. States and/or local agencies may provide services directly or purchase them from qualified providers.

The SSBG is a mandatory formula grant and States and territories are eligible to apply.

Office of Community Services

Division of State Assistance
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9333
Fax: 202-401-4694
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ssbg/

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - State Programs

Keywords: family resources; employment; training; families and children; needy families; time-limited assistance; welfare reform.

Provides time-limited assistance to needy families with children to promote work, responsibility and self-sufficiency. States receive a block grant to design and operate their TANF programs to accomplish the purposes of TANF. These are: to provide assistance to needy families with children so that children can be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; to prevent and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. 

States determine which services/benefits to provide and whom to serve. Cash grants, work opportunities, and other services are provided directly to needy families.

States and territories are eligible to apply for TANF block grants. 

Office of Family Assistance

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9275
Fax: 202-205-5887
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Tribal Programs

Keywords: family resources; employment; training; family planning; American Indians; Native Americans; Alaskan Natives.

Provides time-limited assistance to needy families with children to promote work, responsibility and self-sufficiency. Tribal TANF grantees independently design, administer, and operate their TANF programs to meet the purposes of TANF. These are: to provide assistance to needy families so that children may be cared for in their own homes or in the homes of relatives; to end the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage; to prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families. Tribes have the flexibility to determine eligibility, benefits and services, and to develop their own strategies for achieving program goals. Cash grants, work opportunities and other services are provided directly to needy families.

Federally recognized Indian tribes in the lower 48 States and 13 specified Alaskan Native entities are eligible to apply for direct Federal funding.

Office of Community Services

Division of Tribal Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W. 
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-5887
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/

Trafficking Victims Services

Keywords: alien; trafficking; social services.

Under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-386), HHS may extend eligibility for benefits and services to adult alien trafficking victims to the same extent as refugees. The Act requires HHS, in consultation with the Attorney General, to certify adult trafficking victims as a pre-condition for their eligibility. Once certified, these persons are eligible to apply for Federal and/or State benefits as if they were refugees. Adult trafficking victims may be eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), and social services. Victims under age 18 do not need such certification in order to be eligible for benefits and services under the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program.

Funding is available through discretionary grants; private organizations are eligible to apply.

Office of Refugee Resettlement

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9246
Fax: 202-401-0981
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/

Unaccompanied Alien Children Program

Keywords : alien; children; social services.

The Unaccompanied Alien Children’s Program (under the Division of Unaccompanied Children’s Services) develops plans and policies to coordinate and implement care and placement services for unaccompanied alien children who are in Federal custody due to their immigration status. It also awards grants and contracts for the development of care facilities. For unaccompanied alien children, the Division recommends placement determinations in consultation with juvenile justice professionals, Federal immigration services, and border security agencies. In its determinations, the Division ensures consideration of the child’s best interests in care and custody decisions.

Funding is available through discretionary grants; private organizations are eligible to apply.

Office of Refugee Resettlement

Division of Unaccompanied Children’s Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9246
Fax: 202-401-0981
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program Economic Development

Keywords: refugee, alien, children; social services.

The State Department identifies refugee children overseas who are eligible for resettlement in the United States, but who do not have a parent or guardian. Upon arrival, these children are placed in the Program and receive refugee foster care and other services and benefits. The Office of Refugee Resettlement works with two voluntary agencies, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to identify entrants and provide services to them.

Funding for non-profit organizations is available through subgrants made by the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Office of Refugee Resettlement

370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
Telephone: 202-401-9246
Fax: 202-401-0981
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/orr/

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Regional Office Locations

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Regional Offices oversee program administration. The Regional Offices administer the programmatic and financial management of ACF programs in their regions. They also provide guidance to grantees and other entities (e.g., state and local governments) responsible for administering these programs. To view the ACF Regional Map, go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oro/contacts/regions.htm. To view the list of ACF Regional Contacts, go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/oro/contacts/contacts.html.


REGION I - BOSTON: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Telephone: 617-565-1020
Fax: 617-565-2493
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
JFK Federal Building
Room 2000, 20th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02203-0001
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region1/


REGION II - NEW YORK: New York, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, New Jersey

Telephone: 212-264-2890
Fax: 212-264-4881
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
26 Federal Plaza, Room 4114
New York, New York 10278-0022
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region2/


REGION III - PHILADELPHIA: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia

Telephone: 215-861-4000
Fax: 215-861-4070
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
150 S. Independence Mall West, Suite 864
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-3499
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region3/


REGION IV - ATLANTA: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina

Telephone: 404-562-2900
Fax: 404-562-2981
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth St., SW., Suite 4M60
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8909
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region4/


REGION V - CHICAGO: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

Telephone: 312-353-4237, Ext. 102
Fax: 312-353-2204 or 312-886-5373
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region5/


REGION VI - DALLAS: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

Telephone: 214-767-9648
Fax: 214-767-3743
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
1301 Young Street, Room 914
Dallas, Texas 75202
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region6/


REGION VII - KANSAS CITY: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska

Telephone: 816-426-3981
Fax: 816-426-2888
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Office Building
Room 276
601 E. 12th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64106-2898
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region7/


REGION VIII - DENVER: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming

Telephone: 303-844-3100
Fax: 303-844-2624
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
Federal Office Building
1961 Stout Street, Room 924
Denver, Colorado 80294-1185
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region8/


REGION IX - SAN FRANCISCO: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, Trust Territory of Pacific Islands

Telephone: 415-437-8400
Fax: 415-437-8444
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
50 United Nations Plaza
Room 450
San Francisco, California 94102-4988
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region9/


REGION X - SEATTLE: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

Telephone: 206-615-2547
Fax: 206-615-2574
Regional Administrator
Administration for Children and Families
2201 Sixth Avenue, Blanchard Plaza, Suite 600
Seattle, Washington 98121-1827
Website: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/region10/

 

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