Deadline: 14-Oct-2025
The Office of Refugee Resettlement within the Administration for Children and Families has announced a funding opportunity to provide residential services for unaccompanied alien children through group homes, shelters, and transitional foster care programs.
The program purpose is to provide temporary residential care to unaccompanied alien children defined by law as children under 18 years of age who have no lawful immigration status in the United States and who lack a parent or legal guardian in the country able to provide care and custody. ORR is seeking group home, shelter, or transitional foster care providers that specialize in high-quality care of children. Eligibility is open to state and local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments, non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, and small businesses. Activities include comprehensive, on-site services such as education, case management, counseling, recreational activities, and healthcare services. Outcomes and measurement will be based on child safety, reunification with sponsors, oversight of health and well-being, and bed capacity. Compliance requires adherence to applicable laws, regulations, state requirements, this funding opportunity, and post-award requirements including the ORR Unaccompanied Alien Children Bureau Policy Guide.
This funding is designed to support child-centered, trauma-informed care that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of children while ensuring safety, stability, and access to essential services. Facilities may focus on group homes with specialized populations, shelters with child-friendly settings, or transitional foster care for younger children, sibling groups, or those with specific needs.
Applicants are required to demonstrate the capacity to provide services 24/7, ensure compliance with licensing and safety standards, and meet staffing requirements that prioritize trained professionals in child welfare, mental health, medical care, and education. Providers must also maintain child-friendly environments, including spaces for recreation, education, counseling, and healthcare, alongside strong safety protocols and child protection policies.
The total estimated funding for this opportunity is $1.5 billion, with an expected 100 awards. Individual awards range from a floor of $15 million to a ceiling of $500 million per budget period, with an average projected award amount of $5 million.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
