Home Study and Post-Release Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children

The Home Study and Post Release Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children funding opportunity is administered by the Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Office of Refugee Resettlement and its Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau. The program is designed to support the safe reunification and long term well being of unaccompanied alien children who are released from federal custody to sponsors in the United States. The agency operates within a broader federal mandate to ensure child safety, promote stability, and facilitate integration into communities through structured and trauma informed services. The primary purpose of this funding is to support two core service areas: home study evaluations and post release services. Home studies are conducted prior to the release of certain children and involve comprehensive assessments of potential sponsor households, including interviews, home visits, and safety evaluations. Post release services are provided after reunification and include three tiers of support ranging from basic virtual check ins to intensive in home interventions for high need cases. These services are intended to ensure that children remain safe, access necessary resources such as education and healthcare, and successfully integrate into their communities while navigating immigration proceedings. The funding is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from federal staff in program implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement. The total program funding is approximately five hundred fifty five million dollars, with an anticipated twenty awards. Individual awards range from one million to one hundred million dollars for the first budget period, with a project period of five years consisting of five one year budget cycles. Continued funding beyond the first year is contingent on performance, availability of federal funds, and approval of continuation applications. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and unrestricted in terms of organization type, allowing nonprofits, state and local governments, and other eligible entities to apply. However, individuals, federal entities, and foreign organizations are explicitly excluded. Faith based and community organizations are permitted to apply provided they meet all program requirements. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this program, and voluntary contributions are not considered in the application review process. Applicants must submit their applications through Grants.gov and maintain active registrations with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive project narrative, budget, and supporting documentation, including organizational capacity materials and third party agreements if applicable. The application deadline for the current cycle is October 1, 2026, with subsequent annual deadlines expected. The application must adhere to strict formatting, content, and submission requirements outlined in the notice. Applications are evaluated through a structured merit review process based on criteria including purpose and need, program response, impact, organizational capacity, and alignment with agency priorities. These priorities emphasize program integrity, evidence based practices, partnerships, and outcomes related to family stability and child well being. Successful applicants will demonstrate the ability to deliver nationwide services, maintain compliance with federal regulations, and implement trauma informed approaches that address the complex needs of unaccompanied children. Following award, recipients must comply with extensive reporting and administrative requirements, including quarterly performance and financial reporting. The program also requires long term record retention, adherence to confidentiality standards, and alignment with federal child welfare and immigration related statutes. This funding opportunity reflects a significant federal investment in safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring their successful transition into stable and supportive environments across the United States.

Align clearly with ACF priorities, demonstrate nationwide service capability, and provide detailed trauma informed service delivery models with measurable outcomes