This chapter contains descriptions for Federal programs, including State administered-Federally financed programs that are potential sources of sustained direct funding for community-based organizations and State and local public agencies that want to implemented fatherhood programs. As mentioned in Chapter 3, these programs are also programs that would be crucial partners for any organization planning or implementing responsible fatherhood programs, even if they had funding from other sources. The programs described in this chapter are those that have the potential to provide sustained direct funding for responsible fatherhood efforts. It is important to note, that does not necessarily mean they will provide funding. Many Federal programs, whether administered directly by the Federal government (e.g., the Head Start Program) or through the States ( e.g., the Access and Visitation Grant Program) require competitive applications, and almost all of them have limits on the amount of funds available. Moreover, all grant programs have rules for applying for funds and rules governing the administration of funds. Typically these rules will mean that an organization has to be incorporated, officially recognized as a not-for-profit corporation, have a board of directors, and must meet basic legal and accounting requirements.
Most government funding programs, whether Federal, State or local, were put in place for a particular purpose, and the funds are authorized to be spent only for those purposes. As a result, many programs are designed to provide incentives for existing or new organizations to do very specific things. Organizations interested in applying for funding should carefully review the programs described in this chapter, to see whether any of them provide funds for what the organization wants to do. An organization that want to apply for funding and find a program that seems to match its intended purpose(s), should then determine where and how applications are to be submitted. Often there is a period of time when applications are accepted, and in many cases the agency must first publish a public announcement requesting applications or notifying interested parties that applications will be accepted. Typically, these announcements specify what must be contained in the application, what forms (if any) must be used, what additional information is required, and when the applications are due.
Federal (and State) programs tend to provide only a portion of the total funding for most projects. Sometimes they will provide most of the funding, but often there is a requirement for a "non-Federal share," by which some part of the project is financed with money the local organization provides or raises from some other source. Occasionally, the non-Federal share may be provided in whole or in part through "in-kind contributions." In-kind contributions are non-cash gifts of value, such as free office space (use of a church basement), free labor (donated accounting services), or free or discounted materials (office supplies at half the fair market value).
Faith-based organizations and local charities are often willing to make in-kind contributions, such as contributed services, office space, or use of equipment, even when they cannot provide cash assistance.
In considering whether to apply for funding, it is important also to know whether the Federal program provides on-going, operational financial support. Often the funds are available only for demonstration projects, to test new ideas or demonstrate that certain results can be achieved. Such funds are time-limited and will not support a project indefinitely. Usually there is an expectation on the part of the funding agency that the project will become self-supporting, either by finding other sources of funds to carry on the project past the start-up phase, or by developing a fee structure or some other financial base.
There are many sources of funding besides government agencies. Businesses are sometimes willing to provide financial support for worthwhile activities, especially if the activity is in some way related to the goals of the business, or helps the employees of the business. Foundations are very good sources of financial support, especially for fatherhood programs, but they, too, are often interested only in start-up or demonstration projects, and are not willing to finance continuing operations. This can be true no matter how successful a project may be.
It is always possible to persuade a local government, or a State government, that successful demonstration projects are worthy of ongoing funding. This is often the reason that demonstration projects are funded in the first place: to see if they will work and whether they are cost-effective, so a rational decision can be made about whether to appropriate public funds. But organizations are well-advised to remember that even if a demonstration project is successful and attracts public support, there is often a lag between the time the demonstration period ends and any new, operational, funding might become available.
Most fatherhood organizations at the local level will no doubt be working in a collaborative way with other organizations that are engaged in similar projects, even if they have separate sources of funding. Just as it is often most effective to pool resources to achieve project objectives, making common cause with others is also frequently the most effective way to persuade public officials to support the responsible fatherhood work being done by local organizations. The Center for Fathers, Families and WorkForce Development in Baltimore, Maryland, which serves the residents of the Baltimore Housing Authority and others, is a good example of the kinds of partnerships and funding innovations used by many responsible fatherhood efforts.
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Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development
The focus of the Center is to empower fathers and their fragile families to make the transition from welfare into the mainstream. Strategic partners who provide in-kind support, funding and technical assistance include: the local PHA, local Department of Social Services (WtW-Jobs Plus), Transitional Housing affiliates, Prison System, Urban League, Child Support Enforcement Administration, Office of Employment Development (Workforce Development-WtW) and others. Project strengths are its significant partner collaborations (community-based, governmental, private and nonprofit organizations), comprehensive outreach and referral components, knowledgeable experience of staff, extensive self-sufficiency advocacy, fatherhood service track record of engaging noncustodial parents, development of a co-parenting curriculum, job development and placement, case management and maximized funding streams and in-kind partnership resources. Funding sources include: Public and Indian Housing Drug Elimination Program (PHDEP), Hope VI, Family Investment Center (FIC), Healthy Start, and the Charles Stewart Mott and the Ford Foundation through the National Center for Strategic Nonprofit Planning & Community Leadership (NPCL) supporting the Partners for Fragile Families ( PFF) national demonstration. Contact: Mr. Joe Jones, Executive Director, (410)367-5691. |
Nothing can be more useful to an organization seeking funding than making contact with the funding agency. The agency can help a local organization plan its program and prepare a successful application, if it looks like there is a good fit between the Federal program and organization's goal. Or it can help to avoid the expenditure of considerable time and effort--and sometimes money--in the unrealistic pursuit of funding that really is not appropriate for the purposes of the local fatherhood organization. In each of the program descriptions below there is a note about how to get more information about the program and how funds are awarded or distributed. Usually it is a Web site or phone number for a Federal agency, or an indication of how to contact the State or local agency that administers the program. Organizations interested in pursuing funding directly from the Federal government or through State administered block grants are encouraged to contact the appropriate agency personnel at very beginning of their planning process to discuss funding potential and timing.
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Child Support Enforcement
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447
Website: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/cse
Title IV-D of the Social Security Act: Grants to States for [Child] Access and Visitation Programs
The principal goal of this program is to enable States to create programs that support and facilitate access and visitation by noncustodial parents with their children. Secondary goals, as defined by States administering this program, include but are not limited to the following:
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Activities that may be funded under this program include: mediation (voluntary and mandatory), counseling, education, development of parenting plans, visitation enforcement (including monitoring, supervision and neutral drop-off and pick-up), and development of guidelines for visitation and alternative custody arrangements.
Program Target Population: Youth X ; At Risk X ;Low-income X ;Unemployed/Underemployed X ; Incarcerated X ; Other (specify) noncustodial and custodial parents.
Type of Program Funding:
a. Ongoing/Operational X
b. Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Special Authorities X;
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X .
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program
An organization would need to contact the State agency designated and authorized by the Governor as the official administering agency for this program (see list of Access and Visitation Program Contacts in the Appendix). It is up to the discretion of the "designated" State agency regarding the expenditure and distribution of funds to support allowable services under the "child access and visitation" program. For example, some States issue a "Request for Proposals" each year as a way to determine the type of services and the organization(s) that will be awarded funds to provide child access and visitation services. Other States may choose to provide the services directly to noncustodial parents (e.g., Family Court Administrative Services). Some States have decided to provide child access and visitation services throughout the State vs. those who have made the decision to provide services to selected sites and/or locales.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
An organization or father would need to contact the designated State agency, or the funded organizations that provide access and visitation services.
Other Important Facts
Since enactment of Access and Visitation legislation in 1996, approximately $10 million has been appropriated each year (beginning in 1997) for distribution to States for the provision of child access and visitation programs. State grantees are required to share in the cost of the projects. A 10% match is required. This match can be provided by the State grantee and/or local agencies, cash or in-kind. The amount of funds awarded to a State is based upon, in part, the number of children in a State who do not live with both biological or legal parents. With the exception of fiscal years 1997 and 1998, each State is guaranteed a minimum grant of $100,000 a year.
Examples of Successful, Innovative, or Promising Fatherhood Initiatives or Projects using these Program Resources:
How and Where to Get More Information:
Debra Pontisso, Project Officer
Grants to States for Child Access and Visitation Programs
Office of Child Support Enforcement
Administration for Children and Families, DHHS
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, DC 20447
Telephone: (202) 401-4548
Additional Contact:
The Association for Family & Conciliation Courts
Madison, Wisconsin
Telephone: (608) 251-4001
Supplementary Information:
State Child Access and Visitation Programs: A Preliminary Report for FY 1997 Funding prepared by American Institutes for Research for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation and the Office of Child Support Enforcement (1999). For copies call: Debra Pontisso, OCSE, (202) 401-4548.
Evaluation of the Child Access Demonstration Projects: Report to Congress prepared by the Center for Policy Research and Policy Studies, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Support Enforcement, (July 1996). For copies call: Debra Pontisso, OCSE, (202) 401-4548.
Final Regulation: Grants to States for Child Access and Visitation Programs, Office of Child Support Enforcement, DHHS, (March 30,1999). For copies call: Debra Pontisso, OCSE, (202) 401-4548.
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Community Services
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW, 5th Floor West
Washington DC 20447
Website: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ocs
Phone: (202) 401-9333
Job Opportunities for Low Income Individuals (JOLI)
The JOLI program awards discretionary (competitive) grants to nonprofit organizations (including Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that are committed to creating jobs for persons eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or individuals whose income does not exceed 100 percent of the official poverty guidelines.
JOLI grantees must design and develop projects that will:
How Program Can be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
An element was added to the FY 2001 JOLI program announcement titled "Support for Noncustodial Parents." Applicants that have entered into partnership agreements with local Support Enforcement Agencies to develop and implement innovative strategies to increase the capability of low-income parents and families to fulfill their parental responsibilities will receive special consideration in the review of applications.
Program Target Population: Low- income X (including fathers)
Type of Program Funding: Direct Federal X (Discretionary (competitive) grants)
Funded Entities: Non-profit organizations (including community development corporations) that are exempt from taxation under Section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by reason of paragraph (3) or (4) of Section 501 (c) of such Code.
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Funding under the JOLI program is not only for fatherhood initiatives; its purpose is for job creation and business development/expansion. However, the funds could be used for the purpose of creating jobs for low-income individuals, whether it is for fathers or mothers. The non-profit organization (including CDC) would apply on a competitive basis to the Office of Community Services (OCS). Organizations interested in partnering with the CDC would contact the CDC directly.
How an Organization Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
The non-profit organization would submit an application to OCS.
Other Important Facts:
All proposed projects must show that the jobs and/or business/self employment opportunities to be created under the JOLI program will contribute to achieving self-sufficiency among the target population. As indicated above, one of the elements included in the competitive review of the proposals must specifically State: Support for Noncustodial Parents. To receive the full credit of two points, applicants should include as an appendix to the application, a signed letter of agreement with the local Child Support Enforcement Agency referrals of eligible noncustodial parents to the proposed project.
Examples of Fatherhood initiatives:
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Family Assistance (OFA)
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20447
Phone: (202) 401-9275
Website: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/, or www.acf.dhhs.gov/news/welfare/index.htm
Title IVA of the Social Security Act: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), signed into law on August 22, 1996, established the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF replaced the former AFDC and JOBS programs, ending the Federal entitlement to assistance. States, territories, and tribes each receive a block grant with a requirement on States to maintain a historical level of State spending known as maintenance of effort (MOE). Under TANF, States are given enormous flexibility to design and implement their own welfare programs in ways that promote work, responsibility, self-sufficiency, and strengthen families. The purposes of TANF are: 1) to provide assistance to needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes; 2) to reduce dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage; 3) to prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies; and 4) to encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Allowable State expenditures for particular activities, benefits, or services consist of those that are "in any manner reasonably calculated to accomplish" or any one of the four purposes of the TANF program. This includes all activities obviously related to a purpose as well as activities for which there is evidence that it achieves a purpose. For example, there is a clear statistical relationship between staying in school and lower teen pregnancy rates, so a special initiative to keep teens in school would be considered reasonably related to the TANF purpose of reducing out-of-wedlock pregnancies. There are constraints related to the use of TANF funds, as well. Some types of benefits and services defined as "assistance" (see 45 CFR 260.31) can only be provided if the State defines the noncustodial parent as part of a TANF eligible family.
Examples of benefits and services that can be provided to promote responsible fatherhood (subject to Federal and State regulations and guidelines) are:
Receipt of "assistance" has certain implications. If States use Federal funds provided through their TANF block grants to provide "assistance," recipients are subject to work and participation requirements, a five-year time limit on Federal assistance, data reporting, and certain prohibitions. These restrictions do not generally apply to other benefits and services.
Program Target Population: Low-income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X
Type of Program Funding: Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X (States fund public and private entities to implement programs)
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Under TANF, organizations would negotiate with the State or county for funding.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
An Organization or Father would access services/resources by contacting the State agency or local office to determine what is available.
Examples of Successful, Innovative or Promising Fatherhood Initiatives or Projects Using These Program Resources:
In addition, Maryland's Youthbuild Sandtown Program (YSP), a subsidiary of Youthbuild USA, serves low-income at-risk youth, ages 16-24, in the West Baltimore Sandtown community. The program has a requirement that 25 percent of its program participants must be female. Seventy-five percent of the participants are school dropouts, teenage parents, single parents, noncustodial fathers or juvenile offenders who are given a second chance. Nationally, the Youthbuild program model has an 86 percent success rate with graduates going to college, and into the labor force earning an average of $11 an hour. The purpose of the program is to enhance the motivation, performance, and self-esteem of youth, and is thus reasonably calculated to achieve the third goal of the TANF law, the reduction of out of wedlock pregnancies.
In addition, Virginia uses TANF funds to operate its Opportunity Knocks Program which provides non-assistance and services to Virginia's disadvantaged youth and those at-risk (18-25). Even though these individuals must be TANF recipients or qualify as TANF-eligible (including noncustodial parents), the program design is to meet the needs of youth who have not fared well in traditional programs. The goal of the program is to provide transitional assistance which moves individuals into lasting and unsubsidized employment leading to economic self-sufficiency.
Virginia also use its TANF funds to operate its Economic Employment Improvement Program which provides services for disadvantaged persons and targets individuals returning to the community from Federal and State correctional institutions, chronically unemployed or hard-to-employ, and those displaced by technical advances in industry.
How and Where to Get More Information:
Contact the Regional Offices of the Administration for Children and Families listed in the Appendix, or contact the State TANF agency directly.
Publications:
"Broke But Not Deadbeat: Reconnecting Low-Income Fathers and Children", by Dana Reichert, National Conference of State Legislatures, July 1999. Available at www.calib.com/peerta/tareports/index.htm
"Connecting Low-Income Fathers and Families - A Guide to Practical Policies", by Dana Reichest, National Conference of State Legislatures, June 2000. Available from NCSL, 1560 Broadway, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80202 (303) 830-2200 or www.calib.com/peerta/topics/connect.htm
"Helping Families Achieve Self-Sufficiency - A Guide to Funding Services for Children and Families Through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program", Office of Family Assistance, Administration for Children and Families, DHHS, May 1999. Available at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ofa/funds2.htm.
Office of Public Housing Investments
Urban Revitalization Division
Web site: www.hud.gov/pih/programs/ph/hope6/hope6.html
HOPE VI Grants
HOPE VI permits expenditures by public housing agencies (PHAs) to improve the living environment for public housing residents of severely distressed public housing projects, through the demolition, substantial rehabilitation, reconfiguration, and/or replacement of units. It encourages PHAs to seek new partnerships with private entities to create mixed-finance and mixed-income affordable housing that is radically different from traditional public housing projects. While most of the funds are to be used for capital costs, each HOPE VI Revitalization community must implement a program of community and supportive services that are designed to promote upward mobility, independence, and improved quality of life for residents of the targeted public housing development.
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
HOPE VI grantees may provide (directly or through partnerships with community organizations) well-integrated community and supportive service programs designed to assist residents in attaining educational excellence, gaining employment, and becoming self-sufficient. Such activities could include: substance/alcohol abuse treatment and counseling; health care services; domestic violence prevention; transportation in aid of employment; life skill courses on topics such as parenting and budgeting; child care; employment training and counseling; self-empowerment training; computer training; education; mentoring; and business development training. For example, at least 30 HOPE VI sites have fully functioning computer labs, and another 81 sites plan to include them. These labs can be used for providing GED and ESL training, as well as training in computer skills, all of which, can build a father's earnings potential.
Program Target Population: Low-income X ; Other X ( public housing residents, both youth and adults)
Type of Program Funding:
a. Ongoing/Operational X ( HOPE VI Revitalization grants); Start-up/Capacity Building X (HOPE VI Planning grants)
b. Federal to Local Government/Authority X
Funded Entities: Special Authorities X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Appropriations are distributed through an annual national competition. PHAs respond to a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) published in the Federal Register by submitting an application to HUD. Each year, a NOFA and application kit are automatically mailed to each eligible PHA upon publication. Other organizations are eligible for HOPE VI funding as subrecipients, if selected by grantee PHAs.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
Fathers may access supportive services provided via HOPE VI funds if they live in the target HOPE VI development or have children living in the target development.
Other Important Information:
HOPE VI grants are for 4 years. Grantees may spend up to 10% of their grant funds on community and supportive services for existing residents of the target development, residents who have been displaced by revitalization activities, and new residents of the revitalized units. Community and supportive services may also be provided to non-public housing residents, as long as the primary users of the services are residents.
In FY 2000, HUD awarded $564 million in HOPE VI grants, ranging from $679,000 to $35 million.
For More Information contact:
Housing Research Foundation
1250 I Street NW, Suite 901 B
Washington, DC 20005
202-393-0448
www.housingresearch.org/hrf/hrf_home.nsf
Publications Available from HUD USER Clearinghouse (800-245-2691):
An Historical and Baseline Assessment of HOPE VI
From Welfare to Work: Using HUD's Programs to Help Families in Transition
HOPE VI: Building Community, Transforming Lives
HOPE VI: Community Building Makes a Difference
Employment and Training Administrator
200 Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210
Website: usworkforce.org; www.doleta.gov;
1-877-US-2JOBS (toll free hot line)
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA)
The legislation reforms the workforce development system overseen by the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. It also facilitates consolidation with many other Federal programs providing workforce related activities through partnership requirements. Services must now be delivered through a system of One-Stop Centers where multiple agencies and programs will be co-located and integrated in the design.
How Can Services Support Responsible Fatherhood:
WIA services are funded in three streams based on customers-- adult services, dislocated worker services, and youth services. There is a wide variety of opportunities for fathers, both employed and unemployed, to access job related services through a One-Stop Center, and many services are available to the general public at no cost. These services include Internet access to job information and other tools that DOL has prepared for job seekers and employers, and the use of printers, fax machines, telephones, etc. Low-income fathers may qualify for more intensive services, such as career counseling and training.
Program Target Population:
No Restrictions: X (Core Services); Youth X (through age 21; At Risk X ;
Low-income X ; Unemployed X ; Incarcerated Optional; Other Disabled, Dislocated Workers
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/Operational X (Annual allocations to States); Start-up Limited; Demo/Research X
Direct Federal X (through SGA's); Federal to State X ; Federal to local X (through SGA's)
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
In order to provide training services, organizations must qualify as eligible training providers, as determined by the Workforce Investment Board at a State or local level. Under the Individual Training Account system, individuals will select training providers from a list of those organizations determined eligible. DOL will also make competitive grant awards.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services Under the Program:
Go to the Service Locator 'button' on website: www.usworkforce.org for nearest One-Stop Center. Also through the Local Workforce Investment Board.
For More Information Contact:
Mr. Eric Johnson, Director
Office of Career Transition Assistance
U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration, Room: S-4231
Washington, D.C. 20210
Telephone: (202) 693-3031
Supplementary Information:
See the list of State WIA contacts (appendix B) or look them up on the website at: www.usworkforce.org/Statecon.htm
Office of Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Trade Adjustment
Assistance
Division of Adult and Dislocated Workers
Web site: www.workers.gov
Clearinghouse: 1-877-US2-JOBS.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I - - Adult Program and Dislocated Workers
The purpose of Adult programs under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is to provide workforce investment activities that increase the employment, retention and earnings of participants, and increase occupational skill attainment by the participants. This aims to improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the nation's economy
How Program Can Be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
Adult programs under Title I support responsible fatherhood by aiding the fathers' search for employment and employment related services. Gainful employment raises the standard of living for families and helps fathers meet the needs of their children. Working fathers and fathers who are seeking employment training services through one-stop centers are setting strong examples for their children and serving as role models.
Program Target Population: At Risk X ; Low-income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X ; Incarcerated X ; Other (specify) Adults (Funds are not specifically targeted to the low-income population, but there is a priority for low-income individuals in certain situations.)
Type of Program Funding:
Ongoing/Operational X ; Demonstration/Research X ;
Federal to State X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X ; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
Federal formula funding goes directly to the States and the Workforce Investment Boards. For more information, check the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance www.cfda.gov/public/browse_subagy.asp?agy_id=17.03&st=1. A limited amount of funds may also be made available on the basis of competition..
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
A father would visit a local One-Stop Center where he would have access to a variety of job training services. He would develop an individual employment plan based on his specific needs. There are three types of services available: core, intensive and training services. Core services include self-service job search and placement assistance (including career counseling); labor market information (which identifies job vacancies; skills needed for in-demand jobs; and local, regional and national employment trends); initial assessment of skills and needs; information about available services; and some follow-up services to help customers keep their jobs once they are placed. Intensive services will include more comprehensive assessments, development of individual employment plans, group and individual counseling, case management, and short-term pre-vocational services. If a determination is made that training is necessary to obtain or retain self-sufficient employment, a father may be eligible to receive training services funded by an individual training account.
Example:
In Los Angeles, the Noncustodial Parent to Work (NCPtW) project assists long-term TANF recipients end their welfare dependency by increasing child support payments from l,625 noncustodial parents of TANF-supported children. NCPtW project assists unemployed noncustodial parents find unsubsidized employment, and under-employed noncustodial parents to increase their earnings, thus enabling them to begin or increase their child support contributions.
The local Workforce Investment Boards offer services that support fatherhood through Welfare-to-Work formula funds and through WIA Adult funds. For more information, contact: Kenneth Kessler, Los Angeles County Private Industry Council, 3175 West Sixth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. Phone: (213) 738-2620.
Supplementary Information:
For State One-Stop Contacts go to: www.ttrc.doleta.gov/onestop/. Click on the contacts section. In the left column select a State. Then select One-StopState Leads or One-StopLocal Leads from the right column.
For the Adult Services section, go to www.usworkforce.org.
For Publications:
US Workforce Website: www.usworkforce.org
Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration Section of the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at: www.cfda.gov.
See the list of WIA State liaisons in Appendix B of this Guidance.
Employment And Training Administartion
Office of Youth Opportunities
Web site: www.workers.gov
Clearinghouse: 1-877-US2-JOBS.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title --Youth Activities (formula funded) and Youth Opportunity Grants (YOG)(competitive grants)
Program Purpose and Description:
WIA Formula funded Youth Activities which are described in WIA under Section 129. The Department of Labor allocates funds to the States so that States and local areas may carry out a variety of activities for youth ages 14-21, who are low-income and face at least one barrier to employment. Under Section 112 of WIA, for a State to be eligible to receive an allotment, the Governor of the State submits to the Secretary a State plan that outlines a 5-year strategy for the Statewide workforce investment system of the State. With respect to youth activities, the plan must: 1) describe the State strategy for providing comprehensive services to eligible youth, particularly those eligible youth who are recognized as having significant barriers to employment; 2) identify the criteria to be used by local boards in awarding grants for youth activities, including criteria that the Governor and local boards will use to identify effective and ineffective youth activities and providers of such activities; 3) describe how the State will coordinate the youth activities carried out by the State with the services provided by Job Corps centers in the State where such centers exist; and 4) describe how the State will coordinate youth activities with activities described above through the competitive youth opportunity grant authorized under Section 169 of WIA.
The Secretary makes allotments to each State that has an approved State plan, and a grant to each outlying area that complies with the requirements of WIA to assist local areas in providing workforce investment activities for eligible youth. As it pertains to youth, the Secretary allocates 33 1/3 percent of the formula funds to States on the basis of the relative number of disadvantaged youth in each State, compared to the total number of disadvantaged youth in all States.
Section 117 of the WIA requires the establishment of local workforce investment boards in each area of the State, that will be responsible for setting policy. As it pertains to youth, membership on this board must include representatives of local educational entities, local school boards, organizations providing education and literacy services, postsecondary educational institutions and representatives of community-based organizations. Local boards are charged with submitting local plans to the Governor that identify eligible providers of youth activities in the local area by awarding grants or contracts on a competitive basis, based on the recommendations of the Youth Council. The Youth Council is established as a subgroup of the local board. Its membership includes: 1) members of the local boards with expertise or special interest in youth policy; 2) representatives of youth service agencies, including juvenile justice and local law enforcement agencies; 3) representatives from local public housing authorities; 4) parents of eligible youth seeking assistance; 5) individuals, including former participants, and representatives of organizations that have experience relating to youth activities: and 6) representatives of Job Corps. The duties of the Youth Council include: 1) developing the portion of the local plan relating to eligible youth; 2) recommending eligible providers of youth activities; 3) conducting oversight with respect to the eligible providers of youth activities in the local area; and 4) other duties deemed appropriate by the chairperson of the local boards
Youth Opportunity Grants (YOG) are authorized under Section 169 of WIA. The Department of Labor awards these grants to local areas through a grant competition open to Workforce Investment Boards and WIA Section 166 Native American Grantees. The legislation restricts YOGs to Federally designated empowerment zones and enterprise (EZ/ECs), Indian Reservations and Alaskan Native Villages, and high-poverty areas designated specifically by Governors as eligible to apply for this program. Typical urban grants are $7 million a year. Large urban grants are $11 million a year. Typical rural grants are $5 million a year. Grantees can receive up to five years of funding, with funding levels declining over time.
The YOG competition announcement required local areas to designate a specific target area to be served by the grant, to establish community youth centers, to have a staff of case managers and job developers working with youth, and to implement programs for both in-school and out-of-school youth. Within these guidelines, grantees have the flexibility to design and operate their programs. The Department works closely with the grantee, providing them with senior professionals serving as coaches, a Leadership Academy for staff development, training conferences, a Youth Opportunity handbook, monthly conference calls among grantees, and project officers who keep in close contact with them.
Local Workforce Investment Boards are the grant recipients. Typically, there will be several subgrantees, including community based organizations, local public schools, and for-profit organizations. In many cases, the local Board may designate a community-based organization to have the lead role in implementing the project. In other cases, the Local Board will retain the lead role for itself.
Youth between the ages of 14-21, at enrollment, who reside in the target community are eligible for services under YOGs, regardless of family income, school status, or employment status. Consistent with other youth programs under WIA, participants must be legal U.S. residents, and males 18 years old and above must register under the Military Service Selective Act.
A wide array of activities can be provided to eligible youth (Formula Funded and YOGs). These include:
Section 169 of WIA also requires that youth be provided intensive placement services and follow-up services of not less than 24 months after completion of other activities.
How the Program Can be Used to Support Responsible Fatherhood:
The formula funded grants can be used by local areas to provide a wide array of services and activities to fathers between the age of 14-21, who are low income and face barriers to employment. The competitive grant program (YOGs) can provide services to all fathers ages 14-21 within the target area, regardless of income level. (See variety of services above.)
Program Target Population: Youth X ; At Risk X ; Low-Income X ; Unemployed/Underemployed X ; Incarcerated X ; Other X (No income requirement for eligible youth receiving services under YOGs)
Type of program funding:
Ongoing/operational X ;Start-up/Capacity Building X ; Demo/Research X
Direct Federal X ; Federal to State X ; Federal to Local Govt./Authority X
Funded Entities: States X ; Local Government X
How an Organization Would Access Funding for Fatherhood Under the Program:
An organization should contact the Local Workforce Investment Board or One-Stop Center about procedures for awarding competitive grants and contracts to possible service providers.
How an Organization or Father Would Access Services/Resources Under the Program:
Organizations and fathers (between 14-21) should contact the Local Workforce Investment Board or One-Stop Center regarding available services /service providers in the local area.
Provide Examples of Successful, Innovative, or Promising Fatherhood Initiatives or Projects Using these Program Resources:
(The following are program examples of how local communities are using DOL resources through JTPA and WIA (see above) to promote responsible fatherhood for young men between the ages of 16 and 24, particularly those who are out of school.)
This program is funded by JTPA and WIA and offers an intensive six-month youth development experience. Many of the young fathers in the program are referred by local probation and parole departments. Programs and services include General Educational Development (GED), preparation and employability skills that include instruction and placement in unsubsidized, and meaningful employment. Employability and Life Skills Training emphasizes interpersonal skills that young fathers need such as demonstrating appropriate appearance, understanding employer expectations, demonstrating time management, following directions, and effective interpersonal and conflict management skills.
The Corps offers a range of support services specifically to assist young fathers. These include services include child care, transportation, opportunities to mentor at local elementary schools, paid work experience in a variety of occupations such as landscaping, clerical, city beautification.
For further information contact: Yolanda Castro, Program Operations Division Manager, Community Youth Corps (CYC), Southeast Los Angeles County Private Industry Council, Inc., 12440 E. Firestone Blvd., #101 West, Norwalk, CA 90650; Tel: (562) 402-9336 Fax: (562) 406-2481 or Michelle Zalazar, Career Development Specialist, Tel: (562) 406-2477
Program services and activities promote responsible fatherhood across several areas. Both in-school and out-of-school youth participate in work readiness training before they are eligible for an internship. The training is comprehensive and includes basic skills, computer literacy, health education, and independent living/life skills.
Because a significant number of young fathers lack work experience, ACCESS requires that out-of-school youth participate in 210 hours of "limited internship" or work experience, with a minimum of 20 hours per week at an hourly wage of $5.75. Employment counselors try to develop internship opportunities that can lead to permanent jobs. The internship has a strong youth development and mentoring component. An employment counselor visits the worksite every 2 weeks and between visits, the counselor is in touch with the employer and the youth through frequent phone calls. When the internship is completed, follow-up calls are made to the employer and the youth at 30 days and 13 weeks. This program is expected to have 90 percent positive outcomes, defined as obtaining a full-time job, joining the military, enrolling in college, or becoming a trade apprentice.
For further information contact: Director of Youth Programs, San Diego Workforce Partnership, Inc., 1551 Fourth Avenue, Suite 600, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: (619) 238-1445; Fax: (619) 238-6063
The program plans to target more young fathers for the BTB group set this Fall. To date, most of the assistance provided to young fathers is for those who seek counseling from case managers on such issues as child custody, wage garnishment, and relationship issues with the mother. To encourage participation, the conversations are kept strictly confidential between the manager and the young father.
For more information contact: Miguel Almodovar, Project Director, Federation Employment Guidance Service, Youth Opportunity Center, 105 Bruckner Blvd., 2nd floor, Bronx, NY 10454. Phone: (718) 292-3930; Fax: (718) 292-6338.
Family Road offers classes to youth parents on employability skills, financial counseling, child safety, nutrition, prenatal care, substance abuse, health promotion and prevention, father participation and neighborhood involvement. Family Road is staffed by qualified professionals from the partner agencies who have experience in working with children and families in the Genesee/Shiawassee area. An on-site marquee tells customers "Who's on the Road" on any given day.
For further information contact: Pamela Loving, President and CEO, Flint Family Road, Career Alliance - Michigan Works, 711 N. Saginaw Rd., Flint, MI 48503. (810) 233-5627, ext. 162.
Supplementary Information:
Contact the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA) for information on WIA State liaisons, and other national and regional staff at (202) 693-4600.
For information on local DOL-funded programs that serve young fathers, contact the local Workforce Investment Boards or the Youth Councils.
Publications:
Lankard, Bettina A., "Career Education for Teen parents." ERIC Digest No. 148. 1994. ERIC Identifier: ED376272. (Available on the Internet at www.ed.gov/database/ERIC_Digests)
"What Policymakers Need to Know About Fathers," Policy & Practice. December 1998. Published by the American Public Human Services Associations (APHSA).
Schwartz, Wendy. "Young Fathers: New Support Strategies." ERIC Digest, Number 141. March 1999. ERIC Identifier: ED429143. (Available on the Internet at www.ed.gov/database/ERIC_Digests/.)
National Governors Association (NGA) Internet for articles on what States are doing to promote responsible fatherhood at www.nga.org/Pubs/Pubs/ChildAndSocSvcs.asp.
Networking Information
National Youth Employment Coalition
1836 Jefferson Place, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 659-1064
Fax: (202) 659-0399
Materials to Help in Accessing Services Under the Program:
(The following materials are not exclusively about responsible fatherhood, but include information on "best practices" that could help local youth programs develop activities and components that emphasize youth development and parenting
Home Pages:
Fatherhood Initiative
U. S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Labor
Last updated: 1/19/01