Indian Child Welfare Act-Title II Grants (15.144)

 

Program

15.144 Indian Child Welfare Act-Title II Grants

 

Federal Agency

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

 

Authorization

Indian Child Welfare Act; Public Law 95-608, 92 Stat. 3075, 25 U.S.C. 1901.

 

Program Number

15.144

 

Last Known Status

Active

 

Objectives

To promote the stability and security of American Indian tribes and families by protecting American Indian children and preventing the separation of American Indian families and providing assistance to Indian tribes in the operation of child and family service programs.

 

Types of Assistance

Project Grants.

 

Uses and Use Restrictions

Operation and maintenance of counseling facilities, family assistance (homemaker and home counselors), protective day care, and after school care, recreational activities, respite care, employment of professionals to assist tribal courts personnel, education and training, foster care subsidy programs, legal advice and representation, home improvement programs with the primary emphasis of upgrading unsafe home environments, preparation and implementation of child welfare codes, and providing matching shares for other Federal programs.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments.

Beneficiary Eligibility

American Indian children and families.

Credentials/Documentation

Initial application must be accompanied by an authorizing resolution of the governing body of the Indian tribe.

 

Application and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

An informal conference with Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional representative is recommended. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure

Application procedures are contained in 25 CFR Part 23, Subpart C "Grants to Indian Tribes for Title II Indian Child and Family Service Programs." The application must contain the information specified in Section 23.33 "Tribal Government Application Content." Completed applications should be submitted to the local Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional office listed in Appendix IV.

Award Procedure

In most instances, awards can be approved at the agency or regional level. The dollar value of the grant depends upon the amount that has been prioritized by the Indian tribe through participation in the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget formulation process.

Deadlines

Contact local Bureau of Indian Affairs agency or regional office listed in Appendix IV.

 

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Appeals

An unsuccessful applicant may appeal a Bureau of Indian Affairs official's decision under the procedures contained in 25 CFR Part 23, Subpart F "Appeals," and 25 CFR Part 2 "Appeals from Administrative Actions."

Renewals

Grants may be renewed indefinitely upon satisfactory performance by the grantee. The amount of the award may be adjusted as a result of individual tribal priorities established in the budget formulation process.

 

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Grants are made on an annual basis and the funds remain available until expended by the tribe/grantee.

 

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Financial status reports, SF 269A, are required. Program accomplishment reporting requirements are specified in 25 CFR Part 23, Subpart E, Section 23.47 "Reports and Availability of Information to Indians."

Audits

For awards made under this program, tribes/grantees are responsible for obtaining audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.).

Records

Financial records must be retained for 3 years from the date of submission of the single audit report. Procurement records must be retained for 3 years from the date of final payment. Property records must be retained for 3 years from the date of disposition, replacement, or transfer. Records pertaining to any litigation, audit exceptions or claims must be retained until the dispute has been resolved.

 

Program Accomplishments

There are over 27,000 referrals each year to the more than 500 Bureau and tribal programs for child abuse and neglect investigations.

 

Financial Information

Account Identification

14-2100-0-1-452.

Obligations

(Contracts and Grants) FY 02 $11,645,000; FY 03 est $11,050,000; and FY 04 est $10,908,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

$26,449 to $750,000; $60,000.

 

Regulations, Guidelines and Literature

25 CFR 23; 25 CFR 2.

 

Related Programs

None.

 

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Information can be secured from the Agency Superintendents and from Regional Directors. See Appendix IV of the Catalog for addresses.

Headquarters Office

Office of Tribal Services, Human Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, MS 4660 MIB, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240. Contact: Larry Blair. Telephone: (202) 208-2479.

Web Site Address

http://www.doi.gov/bia/ots/otshome.htm

 

Examples of Funded Projects

An Indian Child Welfare Program operated by an Indian tribe in North Carolina.

 

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

All applicants meeting the requirements contained in 25 CFR Part 23 will be funded if the program has been prioritized by the individual Indian tribe through participation in the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Tribal Priority Allocation budget formulation process.