Home Study and Post-Release Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children​​

The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement, is soliciting cooperative agreements under solicitation HHS-2026-ACF-ORR-ZU-0019 to provide Home Study and Post-Release Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children. The program aims to ensure the safety and stability of children under 18 who arrive in the U.S. without legal permission or a guardian by conducting trauma-informed home studies of potential sponsors and providing ongoing post-release case management. These services facilitate community integration and support children as they navigate immigration court proceedings. The agency expects to award up to 20 recipients from a total funding pool of 555 million dollars, with individual awards for the first budget period ranging from 1 million to 100 million dollars. The project is designed for a five-year period, with start dates beginning as early as September 29, 2026, for FY26 and March 1, 2027, for FY27. Applicants must submit their proposals via Grants.gov by October 1, 2026, including a project narrative and supporting attachments within a 200-page limit. Evaluation is based on the purpose and need, impact, and resources and capabilities of the applicant. Key requirements include the use of qualified personnel, such as home study caseworkers with at least a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, and strict adherence to confidentiality and safety standards. The program operates under the authority of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and must comply with federal grant regulations under 2 CFR 200 and the ORR Foundational Rule. All staff and volunteers are required to pass background checks, and providers must implement comprehensive safety assessments and trauma-informed care models to support the well-being of the children served.