Prevention Services Evaluation Partnerships: Supporting Adoptive Families

The Prevention Services Evaluation Partnerships: Supporting Adoptive Families is a funding opportunity released by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), a division of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OPRE leads rigorous research and evaluation efforts to inform policy and improve the lives of children and families. This particular grant focuses on evaluating services intended to support adoptive families and prevent placement disruptions that could result in children re-entering foster care. This funding initiative supports the execution of summative evaluations—either randomized control trials or quasi-experimental designs—of programs designed to promote the stability of adoptive families. The overarching aim is to contribute to the evidence base needed for the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, which evaluates programs under the Family First Prevention Services Act. This act allows federal funds to be used for evidence-based services that prevent foster care placements. The programs to be evaluated must be well-developed and ready for rigorous evaluation. Eligible program types include mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, in-home parent skill-based programs, and kinship navigator services. Applicants must demonstrate active partnerships with at least one Title IV-E agency, as well as community organizations or researchers. The engagement of these partners throughout the evaluation process is critical and must be thoroughly detailed in the application. Additionally, awardees are required to participate in annual in-person meetings and monthly virtual meetings with federal staff and other cohort members. The goal is to ensure that the evaluation work remains collaborative, high-quality, and aligned with federal standards. The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which implies significant involvement from OPRE in project execution. OPRE will provide technical assistance, monitor progress, and coordinate cross-recipient meetings. The total funding available for this opportunity is $1.8 million, with a minimum award of $900,000 and an expected single award. Funds must not be used for DEI-related activities, construction, or real estate. Salary expenses must comply with federal executive compensation limits. Matching funds are not required but will be monitored if included. Eligibility for this opportunity is open to a broad range of U.S.-based entities, with the exception of individuals, sole proprietorships, and foreign organizations. Eligible applicants may include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and state and local governments. The submission must meet format, content, and deadline requirements to be considered. Applications are due by September 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and the anticipated project start date is January 5, 2026. An optional letter of intent is requested within 14 days of the NOFO’s publication. Application components must include a project narrative, budget justification, third-party agreements, and various standard forms. Kathleen Dwyer (psep@acf.hhs.gov, 202-401-5600) serves as the program contact, while David Lee (David.Lee@acf.hhs.gov, 202-401-5461) manages grants administration.

Emphasize rigorous evaluation design, clear partnership engagement, and alignment with Clearinghouse standards.