Opportunity Information: Apply for HHS 2021 ACF ORR ZU 1784
The Standing Announcement for Residential (Secure) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children is a federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), specifically the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Division of Unaccompanied Children Operations (DUCO). Its purpose is to fund organizations that can operate state-licensed secure residential care facilities for unaccompanied alien children (UAC) who are placed in ORR custody and who require a higher level of supervision due to safety and security concerns. ORR uses these residential programs to provide temporary shelter care and a range of child welfare related services during the period a child remains in ORR custody.
The services covered by this announcement begin when ORR formally accepts a child for placement into a provider program and continue until the child is released from ORR custody, turns 18, or their immigration matter reaches a final outcome involving removal from the United States. While ORR policy generally emphasizes placing children in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their age and needs, this particular announcement focuses on the secure care segment of the ORR placement continuum. In other words, it is designed to ensure ORR has access to facilities capable of safely serving a specialized subset of youth whose behaviors present elevated risks within standard shelter or staff secure settings.
Secure care providers funded under this opportunity are expected to manage youth who have demonstrated serious behavioral or safety issues. The announcement highlights the types of situations that may lead to secure placement, including violent or criminal behavior that endangers others, a serious history or risk of escape, or extremely disruptive or dangerous behavior in a shelter environment. It also includes youth whose behavior remains disruptive or dangerous even in a staff secure setting, indicating that secure care is intended as a more intensive option for cases where other levels of supervision have not been sufficient to maintain safety.
A key eligibility and operational requirement is that any facility operating as secure care must be licensed by the state where it is located to provide secure residential care. Beyond state licensing, award recipients must comply with the Flores settlement agreement (Flores v. Reno), along with all relevant federal regulations, applicable laws, and ORR policies, instructions, and procedures. ORR explicitly points applicants to its published guidance for programs serving children entering the United States unaccompanied, signaling that alignment with ORR standards is central to program design, daily operations, and compliance expectations.
From a grants management standpoint, this funding opportunity is issued as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically means the federal agency anticipates substantial involvement in program oversight, coordination, and monitoring compared with a standard grant. The funding activity category is Income Security and Social Services, and the CFDA (now often referred to under Assistance Listings) number is 93.676. The opportunity number is HHS 2021 ACF ORR ZU 1784, and the announcement was originally posted with an application due date of August 10, 2020, with electronic submissions due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline.
The applicant pool is broad, reflecting ORR interest in building capacity across many types of potential operators. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local governments; tribal governments and tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding IHE where specified); and for profit organizations, including small businesses. The listing notes that eligibility is effectively unrestricted among those categories, subject to any clarifications that may appear in the official eligibility text of the full announcement.
In terms of scale, the announcement lists an award ceiling of $8,000,000 and anticipates making about five awards. Taken together, the funding level and the cooperative agreement structure suggest ORR is seeking a limited number of capable, compliant operators that can deliver secure, licensed residential services while meeting stringent child welfare, safety, staffing, and legal compliance standards required for caring for children in federal custody.Apply for HHS 2021 ACF ORR ZU 1784
- The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - ORR in the income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Standing Announcement for Residential (Secure) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.676.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 10, 2020.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 10, 2020 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 1159 p.m., ET, on the listed application due date.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $8,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the "Standing Announcement for Residential (Secure) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children"?
It is a federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Division of Unaccompanied Children Operations (DUCO). The funding supports organizations that can operate state-licensed secure residential care facilities for unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in ORR custody who require a higher level of supervision due to safety and security concerns.
Which agency is offering and administering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by HHS (ACF), specifically ORR within DUCO.
What is the purpose of this funding?
The purpose is to fund secure residential programs that provide temporary shelter care and a range of child welfare-related services for UAC in ORR custody who cannot be safely served in less restrictive settings because of elevated behavioral, safety, or security risks.
What population is served under this announcement?
The programs serve unaccompanied alien children (UAC) who are placed in ORR custody and require secure residential care due to serious behavioral or safety issues.
What does "secure residential care" mean in the context of this announcement?
Secure residential care refers to a state-licensed secure facility designed to safely supervise and serve a specialized subset of youth whose behaviors present elevated risks, including risks that may not be manageable in standard shelter care or staff secure settings.
When do funded services begin and end for a child?
Services begin when ORR formally accepts a child for placement into a provider program. Services continue until the child is released from ORR custody, turns 18, or the child's immigration matter reaches a final outcome involving removal from the United States.
Why would a child be placed in a secure care program rather than a shelter or staff secure setting?
The announcement describes secure placement for youth who present higher risks, such as violent or criminal behavior that endangers others, a serious history or risk of escape, extremely disruptive or dangerous behavior in a shelter environment, or behavior that remains disruptive or dangerous even in a staff secure setting.
Does ORR generally prefer less restrictive placements?
Yes. ORR policy generally emphasizes placing children in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their age and needs. This opportunity focuses specifically on the secure care segment of the ORR placement continuum for cases where higher levels of supervision are necessary to maintain safety.
What are the facility licensing requirements for applicants?
A key requirement is that any facility operating as secure care must be licensed by the state where it is located to provide secure residential care.
What compliance standards apply to award recipients?
Award recipients must comply with the Flores settlement agreement (Flores v. Reno), relevant federal regulations, applicable laws, and ORR policies, instructions, and procedures. The announcement also points applicants to ORR published guidance for programs serving children entering the United States unaccompanied, indicating alignment with ORR standards is central to program design and operations.
What type of federal award is this?
This opportunity is issued as a discretionary award using a cooperative agreement mechanism.
What does it mean that this is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial federal involvement in program oversight, coordination, and monitoring compared with a standard grant.
What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The funding activity category is Income Security and Social Services.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The CFDA (Assistance Listings) number is 93.676.
What is the opportunity number?
The opportunity number is HHS 2021 ACF ORR ZU 1784.
What is the award ceiling listed in the announcement?
The announcement lists an award ceiling of $8,000,000.
How many awards does ORR anticipate making?
The announcement anticipates making about five awards.
Who is eligible to apply?
The eligible applicant pool is broad and includes state, county, and local governments; tribal governments and tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding IHE where specified); and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. Eligibility is described as effectively unrestricted among those categories, subject to any clarifications in the official eligibility text of the full announcement.
Are for-profit organizations allowed to apply?
Yes. The eligibility list includes for-profit organizations, including small businesses.
Are nonprofit organizations required to have 501(c)(3) status to apply?
No. The eligibility list includes nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding IHE where specified).
Are public and private colleges and universities eligible?
Yes. Public and private institutions of higher education are included in the eligible applicant categories.
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Tribal governments and tribal organizations are included in the eligible applicant categories.
Are local and state government entities eligible?
Yes. State, county, and local governments are included in the eligible applicant categories.
Are public housing authorities eligible?
Yes. Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities are included in the eligible applicant categories.
What kinds of services are programs expected to provide?
ORR uses these residential programs to provide temporary shelter care and a range of child welfare-related services while a child remains in ORR custody. The announcement emphasizes the need for secure, safe supervision and compliance with ORR standards and applicable legal requirements.
What does ORR expect regarding program alignment with ORR guidance and standards?
ORR explicitly points applicants to its published guidance for programs serving children entering the United States unaccompanied, indicating that adherence to ORR standards should shape program design, daily operations, and compliance practices.
What was the application due date listed for the original posting?
The announcement was originally posted with an application due date of August 10, 2020.
What time were electronic submissions due on the deadline?
Electronic submissions were due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date.
What does the funding level and structure suggest about ORR's intent?
With an award ceiling of $8,000,000, about five anticipated awards, and the use of a cooperative agreement, the announcement suggests ORR is seeking a limited number of capable and compliant operators able to deliver licensed secure residential services under close federal oversight and in alignment with stringent child welfare, safety, staffing, and legal compliance standards required for children in federal custody.
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| Standing Announcement for Residential (Long Term Foster Care) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children Apply for HHS 2021 ACF ORR ZU 1787 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF ORR ZU 1787 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - ORR Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Lifespan Respite Care Program: Special Projects to Strengthen Program Development, Implementation and Sustainability Apply for HHS 2020 ACL AOA LRSP 0432 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACL AOA LRSP 0432 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OHS HI 1853 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OHS HI 1853 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,567,886 |
| Migrant and Seasonal Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OHS HM R12 1854 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OHS HM R12 1854 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OHS HP 1852 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OHS HP 1852 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $21,096,468 |
| Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) Expansion Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OHS CM R12 1847 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OHS CM R12 1847 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $13,442,656 |
| Head Start and/or Early Head Start Expansion - Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OHS CH 1818 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OHS CH 1818 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $4,027,077 |
| American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start and/or Early Head Start Expansion Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OHS CI R11 1845 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OHS CI R11 1845 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $14,450,824 |
| Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Renewal Grant Apply for HHS 2020 ACF OCC TP 1855 Funding Number: HHS 2020 ACF OCC TP 1855 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OCC Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Disaster Assistance for State Units on Aging (SUAs) and Tribal Organizations in Major Disasters Declared by the President Apply for HHS 2021 ACL AOA DASG 0002 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACL AOA DASG 0002 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- United States Virgin Islands Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1937 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1937 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $9,016,306 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in Puerto Rico Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1946 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1946 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $53,444,807 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in the state of Alabama Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R04 1859 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R04 1859 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $5,135,843 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in the state of New Jersey Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1879 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1879 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $11,213,897 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in the state of New York Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1881 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R02 1881 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $71,474,873 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in the state of Maryland Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R03 1872 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R03 1872 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $10,264,620 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in the state of Pennsylvania Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R03 1887 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R03 1887 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $23,489,383 |
| Head Start/Early Head Start Grantee -- Communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia Apply for HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R03 1889 Funding Number: HHS 2021 ACF OHS CH R03 1889 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families - OHS Category: Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $3,688,504 |
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