Specialized Services for Abused Parents and Their Children (Demonstration Projects)

The Specialized Services for Abused Parents and Their Children Demonstration Projects is a federal discretionary funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Specifically, it is managed through the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), which oversees programs designed to support victims of domestic violence, family violence, and dating violence. This funding opportunity is part of the broader Family Violence Prevention and Services Discretionary program (Assistance Listing 93.592), which aims to strengthen service systems that protect and support vulnerable individuals and families across the United States. The primary purpose of this grant is to expand the capacity of community-based and victim service organizations to address the needs of children exposed to violence and to support non-abusing parents. The program focuses on preventing future domestic violence by intervening early and providing trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate services. Required activities include delivering direct counseling services, offering age-appropriate support for children, providing advocacy for both parents and children, and assisting non-abusing caregivers in meeting their children’s emotional, social, and developmental needs. In some cases, programs may work jointly with parents and children to strengthen family relationships and resilience. In addition to required services, the grant allows for a range of optional activities that enhance program effectiveness. These may include early childhood development services, mental health interventions, coordination with community-based organizations, and provision of technical assistance. Grantees may also offer supportive services such as childcare, transportation, educational support, respite care, and supervised visitation. These optional components are intended to address barriers to access and ensure comprehensive support for affected families. Funding will be provided through cooperative agreements, indicating substantial involvement by the federal agency in program implementation. The estimated total program funding is $21,500,000, with approximately 60 awards anticipated. Individual awards are expected to range from $300,000 to $350,000. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, making the funding more accessible to eligible organizations. The anticipated project start date aligns with the award date, allowing for immediate program implementation upon funding. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), public and private institutions of higher education, and Native American tribal organizations. However, all applicants must demonstrate a track record of serving victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence and their children, as required under federal statute. Individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded from eligibility. Faith-based and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply, provided they meet all program requirements. The application process is expected to open around July 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of August 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted electronically. Awards are anticipated to be announced by September 30, 2026, with the project period beginning on the same date. As this is currently a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare required materials in advance. For additional information, applicants may contact the program officer, Jan-Sheri Morris, via email or phone.