Residential (Group Home, Shelter, Transitional Foster Care) Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through its Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), has announced funding under opportunity HHS-2025-ACF-ORR-ZU-0042. This program supports the provision of temporary residential care for unaccompanied alien children in group homes, shelters, or transitional foster care (TFC) programs. By definition, an unaccompanied alien child is a minor under the age of 18 without lawful immigration status in the United States and without a parent or legal guardian available to provide care. ORR seeks qualified organizations that can provide safe, high-quality, and child-centered care in licensed or licensable facilities. The goal is to ensure children’s safety, health, and well-being until reunification with sponsors or other appropriate discharge occurs. The program is authorized under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, the Unaccompanied Children Program Foundational Rule, and related regulations. Facilities funded under this award must operate 24/7, be licensed within six months of award, and comply with state and federal child welfare, safety, and civil rights requirements. Services required include case management, legal orientation, medical and dental care, academic and vocational education, counseling, recreation, religious accommodations, and support for acculturation and adaptation. Care providers must also maintain appropriate safety and security measures, staffing ratios, and conduct thorough staff background checks. Programs are required to incorporate trauma-informed care practices and meet strict timelines for medical exams, assessments, and service plans. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. ACF anticipates approximately $1.5 billion in total funding, with around 100 awards expected. The estimated average award is $5 million per year, with a floor of $15 million and a ceiling of $500 million per budget period. Awards will be made for three-year project periods, divided into annual budget periods, with the first expected start date of April 1, 2026. Continuation funding for years two and three depends on satisfactory progress and available appropriations. Costs such as construction, purchase of real property, major renovations, or DEI/DEIA-related initiatives are unallowable. Pre-license budgets and start-up costs may be included. Eligibility for this program is broad. State governments, local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and small businesses are eligible to apply. Individuals and foreign entities, however, are not eligible. Faith-based and community organizations may also apply. Applications must demonstrate organizational capacity, real property arrangements, compliance with licensing requirements, and the ability to implement staffing and safety standards. Applicants proposing multiple facilities must submit all sites within one application. Applications are due electronically through Grants.gov by October 14, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. Future cycles are projected for April 1, 2026, for FY 2027 awards and September 1, 2028, for FY 2029 awards. The opportunity is recurring but not rolling. Interested applicants must register with SAM.gov and obtain a Unique Entity Identifier. Required forms include SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, SF-P/PSL, SF-424 Key Contact, and lobbying disclosures as applicable. Project descriptions must include program design, management structure, evaluation plans, budget justification, and compliance with nondiscrimination assurances. Evaluation criteria for applications are based on program implementation, program design, location and property compliance, management structure, staffing qualifications, fiscal accountability, and budget justification. Bonus points may be awarded for programs proposing maximum 24-bed facilities or facilities in priority states such as Arizona, New Mexico, and others. Award announcements will follow internal review, with Notices of Award transmitted electronically to successful applicants. All recipients must submit quarterly performance and financial reports. Questions regarding the funding opportunity must be submitted within 45 days of publication to UCBGrants@acf.hhs.gov. The primary program office contact is Joseph Clark, Division of Children’s Services, ACF, and the grants management contact is Anita White, ACF Office of Grants Management, both located at the Mary E. Switzer Building in Washington, DC. This grant provides a significant opportunity for organizations with the capacity to provide comprehensive, safe, and trauma-informed residential services to unaccompanied children.