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 through the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The program is designed to support the care, safety, and well being of unaccompanied children who arrive in the United States without a parent or legal guardian. ORR has statutory responsibility for the placement and care of these children and operates programs that ensure safe placement with sponsors and continued support after release from federal custody. This funding opportunity reflects a large scale federal effort to ensure that vulnerable youth are placed in safe environments and receive services that promote long term stability and successful integration into communities. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund organizations capable of delivering both home study and post release services. Home studies involve thorough assessments of potential sponsor households, including in person interviews, home visits, and safety evaluations to determine whether a placement is appropriate. Post release services provide ongoing support after a child is placed with a sponsor and include a range of service levels from basic virtual check ins to intensive case management and clinical interventions. These services are trauma informed and tailored to each child’s needs, helping them access education, healthcare, legal services, and community resources while navigating immigration proceedings. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, meaning the federal agency maintains substantial involvement in program implementation. The total estimated program funding is 258 million dollars, with individual awards ranging from 1000000 to 50000000 dollars. The program anticipates approximately 15 awards and operates over a five year project period composed of five one year budget periods. Continued funding beyond the first year is contingent on satisfactory performance, availability of federal funds, and approval of continuation applications. Certain costs are restricted, including construction and major renovations, and funds cannot be used for specific prohibited activities outlined in federal regulations. Eligibility is broad and includes nonprofit organizations with or without 501c3 status, institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal entities, and for profit organizations. However, individuals, federal agencies, and foreign entities are not eligible. Current recipients must meet specific conditions if they wish to reapply, particularly regarding project timing and location. Faith based and community organizations are eligible if they meet all requirements. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver services nationwide, maintain qualified staff, comply with extensive reporting and confidentiality requirements, and establish partnerships with community organizations. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes multiple components such as a project narrative, budget, organizational capacity documentation, and standard federal forms. Applicants must register with SAM.gov and maintain active registrations throughout the award period. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process that assesses purpose and need, response strategy, impact, organizational capacity, and alignment with agency priorities. The scoring process totals 125 points and emphasizes evidence based practices, trauma informed service delivery, and measurable outcomes. Key deadlines include an original application due date of July 6 2026 and subsequent review cycles with a current closing date of October 1 2027. The program allows multiple application cycles, meaning submissions after a deadline may be considered in the next review period. Expected project start dates vary by fiscal year, beginning as early as September 2026. Applicants are encouraged to subscribe for updates and review all application materials carefully. Questions can be directed to the program contact via the provided email address. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a major federal investment in child welfare services for unaccompanied youth, requiring strong organizational capacity and adherence to detailed federal guidelines.

Ensure strong alignment with ACF priorities demonstrate trauma informed service delivery provide measurable outcomes and detailed implementation plans maintain compliance with federal requirements