Grants to 51 States and five Territorial governments for one or more of the following purposes: (1) The intake, assessment, screening, and investigation of reports of abuse and neglect; (2) creating and improving the use of multidisciplinary teams and interagency protocols to enhance investigations, and improving legal preparation and representation; (3) case management, on-going case monitoring, and delivery of services and treatment provided to children and their families; (4) enhancing the general child protective system by developing, improving, and implementing risk and safety assessment tools and protocols; (5) developing and updating systems of technology that support the program and track reports of child abuse and neglect from intake through final disposition and allow interstate and intrastate information exchange; (6) developing, strengthening, and facilitating training including (A) training regarding research-based strategies to promote collaboration with the families; (B) training regarding the legal duties of such individuals; and (C) personal safety training for caseworkers; (7) improving the skills, qualifications, and availability of individuals providing services to children and families, and the supervisors of such individuals, through the child protection system, including improvements in the recruitment and retention of caseworkers; (8) developing and facilitating training protocols for individuals mandated to report child abuse or neglect; (9) developing and facilitating research-based strategies for training individuals mandated to report child abuse or neglect; (10) developing, implementing, or operating programs to assist in obtaining or coordinating necessary services for families of disabled infants with life-threatening conditions; (11) developing and delivering information to educate the public on the role and responsibilities of the child protection system and the nature and basis for reporting suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect; (12) developing and enhancing the capacity of community-based programs to integrate shared leadership strategies between parents and professionals to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect at the neighborhood level; (13) supporting and enhancing interagency collaboration between the child protection system and the juvenile justice system for improved delivery of services and treatment; and (14) supporting and enhancing collaboration among public health agencies, the child protection system, and private community-based programs to provide child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment services (including linkages with education systems) and to address the health needs, including mental health needs, of children identified as abused or neglected.
The Department of Health and Human Services is the Federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves.
In fiscal year 2007, 56 grants were awarded to States to support and improve their State child protective services systems. It is anticipated that 56 grants will be awarded in FY 2008 and 2009.
Uses and Use Restrictions
States may use the funds for one or more of the 14 purposes specified in the authorizing legislation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Republic of Palau, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Beneficiary Eligibility
There are no eligibility requirements attached to the beneficiaries of these funds (abused and neglected children and their families).
Credentials/Documentation
State plans require certification of the State's eligibility under Section 106(b) of the authorizing legislation. Applicable costs and administrative procedure will be determined in accordance with 45 CFR 74 and 92.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Technical assistance is available at the regional level to assist States in meeting conditions specified in the Act.
The five-year State plan application and approval process under CAPTA is consolidated with comprehensive Child and Family Services Plan under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act.
The State plan may be submitted in a format best suited to a State's need and must be accompanied by the information, certifications, assurances, and documentation required by the annual program instruction.
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs" for State plan consolidation and simplification only.
The review and comment provisions do not apply.
The application process is governed by the requirements of 45 CFR 74 and 92.
Application Procedures
State plans and updates must be submitted to the Regional Offices. Complete information is furnished annually to the appropriate State office regarding format and timing of State plan applications and updates.
Award Procedures
State plans and updates are reviewed at the Regional level; Children's Bureau Regional Program Managers have approval/disapproval authority for these grants.
Deadlines
As described in the Annual Program Instruction. Contact Regional Offices for details.
Authorization
Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption and Family Services Act of 1988, Title I, Public Law 100-294, as amended; Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Adoption, and Family Services Act of 1992, Public Law 102-295; Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Amendments of 1992, Public Law 102-586; Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Amendments, Public Law 104-235; Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, Public Law 108-36; 42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 2 to 3 months.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Grants are made annually. States submit a five-year plan and annual updates are required each year.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
No matching requirements. The statistical factor used for fund distribution is the population of children under 18 in each State. Data are provided by "Current Population Reports."
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Grants are awarded annually.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Financial data and annual reporting requirements are described in annual Program Instructions.
Audits
Audits are conducted in accordance with the requirements in 45 CFR 74 and 92.
Records
Records must be kept in accordance with 45 CFR Parts 74 and 92.
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-1536-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Formula Grants) FY 07 $27,007,000; FY 08 $26,535,000; and FY 09 est $26,535,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In FY 2007, grants ranged from $55,752 to $3,196,791 and the average award was $482,484. For FY 2008 and FY 2009, grants are expected to range from $55,639 to $3,135,352.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Regulation 45 CFR 1340; annual Program Instruction.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Children's Bureau Regional Program Managers.
Headquarters Office
Emily Cooke, Children's Bureau, 1250 Maryland Avenue S.W., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 205-8709.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
States which submit State plans and updates in accordance with the annual updates and statutory requirements.
MVYouth, a newly formed Vineyard philanthropy group with a mission to support Island youth, will pledge $4 million over the next four years to a diverse set of youth causes.