The Office of Refugee Resettlement is offering this grant to provide secure residential services for unaccompanied children.

Applicants are required to submit documentation of a current state licensing by the Department of Juvenile Justice and any other requirement(s) mandated by the state according to operate a secure juvenile detention facility for children with the application. Applicants’ failure to submit documentation of a care provider license for each proposed state within their application submission will be disqualified from the application review process and from funding under this SNOFO. Applicants must provide a copy of non-expired licenses for all proposed states. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization’s religious character, affiliation, or exercise.

ORR is announcing the availability of funds under this Standing Notice of Funding Opportunity (SNOFO) to seek secure residential care providers. A secure care provider facility is the most restrictive placement option for UC who pose a danger to self or others or has been charged with a criminal offense. Residential care providers operating a secure program must be licensed as a juvenile detention center to provide residential care services for UC who require a heightened level of care and supervision. 

All entities funded under this SNOFO must also comply with Flores v. Reno, Case No. CV 85- 4544 RJK (C.D. Cal. 1996) (the Flores Settlement Agreement); pertinent federal laws and regulations; and ORR policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the ORR Policy Guide and Manual of Procedures. ORR encourages applicants to review ORR’s policies, instructions, and procedures at: www.acf.hhs.gov/orr/policy-guidance/children-entering-united-states-unaccompanied as it provides critical information on the overall program design. 

Please refer to this SNOFO when it publishes for more details on application closing dates and project periods.