Homeless Youth (26-444-80-0711-01) Notice of Funding Opportunity

1. - Basic Information

Required Information:
Items A through E are included in the CSFA Data Table below.
1. Awarding Agency Name
2. Funding Opportunity Title
3. Announcement Type
4. Funding Opportunity Number
5. Assistance Listing Number(s)

DSFA Data Table

Awarding Agency Name (1-A)	Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name	Division of Family and Community Services, Office of Community & Positive Youth Development, Bureau of Youth Intervention Services
Agency Contact	Julie Stremlau DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov 217-557-2943
Announcement Type (1-C)	Competitive Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B)	Homeless Youth (HY)
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D)	26-444-80-0711-01
Application Posting Date	April 7, 2025
Application Closing Date	May 7, 2025 by 12:00pm (Noon) CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-0711
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Homeless Youth (HY)
Assistance Listing Number(s) (Federal)	N/A
Awarding Source	General Revenue and Other State Funds
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$12 Million
Anticipated Number of Awards	30
Award Range	$100,000 to $800,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	No
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	Yes (Indirect Costs must be approved) A Federal or State Indirect Cost rate must be approved, or the de minimis may be used up to 15%. If the Organization has an approved indirect cost rate of less than the de minimis the Approved Federal/State rate must be used, or less.
Technical Assistance Session Offered	Yes, TA session April 15, 2025, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Technical Assistance Registration

Funding Details
1. Total Amount of Funding
  1. The Department expects to award approximately $12 million.
  2. The source of funding for this program is State General Revenue and Other State Funds.
2. Number of Grant Awards
  1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 30 grant awards to provide this program.
3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
  1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be $100,000 to $800,000.
4. Average Amount of Funding per Grant Award in previous years.
  1. Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years was $425,000.
5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility
  1. Existing Projects: Applications from existing projects / providers are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards. Note: Existing projects/providers MUST compete to receive funding after 6/30/25.
  2. Renewal: Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to:
    1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period.
    2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department.
    3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.)
6. Sub-Recipient Agreements
  1. Sub-Recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Sub-Recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the sub-recipient.
7. Funding restrictions
  1. Pre-Award Costs
    1. Pre-Award costs prior to the start date of the grant agreement are not allowable for this award.
    2. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
  2. Indirect Costs
    1. To charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate. Indirect costs charged to the grant may not exceed the approved rate.
  3. Indirect Cost Rate Election:
    1. Federally Negotiated Rate: Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA with their application.
    2. State Negotiated Rate: The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the CARS system if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate or elect to use the de minimis Rate.
    3. De Minimis Rate: An organization that has never received a Federal or State Negotiated Rate may elect a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct cost (MTCD). Once established, the de minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the de minimis rate. If programs elect to use the de minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.
      2 CFR 200.86 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC):
      MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs, and the portion of each subaward in excess of $50,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
Key Dates
1. Application Posting Date: April 7, 2025
2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.): N/A
3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on May 7, 2025, at 12:00 pm CST.
4. Anticipated Award Date July 1, 2025.
5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
  1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026.
Executive Summary:
1. The Homeless Youth program serves those youth who are 14 to 23 years of age who cannot return home and/or lack the housing and skills necessary to live independently. The program strives to meet the immediate safety and survival needs of youth (food, clothing, and shelter) and to provide services that help homeless youth transition to independent living and become self-sufficient. Services to be provided will include emergency shelter, outreach/case management and transitional living. The services available to youth in these programs include: housing, food, needed goods, and assistance in obtaining and maintaining available support and services in the community, educational services, basic life skills, employment and/or vocational training. The program also ensures necessary service referrals to CCBYS, Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Prenatal and Parenting.
  The Homeless Youth (HY) program is a holistic model designed to increase the safety of youth ensuring that their basic survival needs are met while also providing safe and stable housing; education and employment services, and the life skills necessary to become self-sufficient. The primary service delivery approach includes assessment and individualized case management. The model include requires all of the following basic program components:
  1. Outreach/Case Management (OR/CM)
    Outreach programs are designed to identify homeless youth to ensure that their basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, and to provide, when possible, case management and other services designed to assist the youth in making healthy lifestyle choices.
  2. Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing (ES/IH)
    Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing programs provide temporary housing and services to homeless youth on a 24-hour basis for up to 120 days. These programs are designed to ensure that basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, to reunify the youth with his/her family, when possible or to transition them from homelessness to self-sufficient living.
  3. Transitional Living (TL)
    Transitional Living programs provide housing and services to homeless youth for up to 24 months. Programs are designed to transition youth from homelessness to self-sufficient living; and/or to reunify the youth with his/her family, when possible.
2. All Homeless Youth providers will have the capacity to address the immediately identifiable needs of homeless youth through an emergency safety assessment/care plan that will identify and address immediate needs such as safety, food, clothing, shelter, medical, etc. through direct interventions and appropriate referrals. Providers will have one or more facilities located in areas frequented by and/or easily accessible by homeless youth where Outreach services will be made available. Outreach/Case Management services will include maintaining the capacity to provide case management services to youth not housed in the program at any given time. All providers will have the capacity to provide homeless youth access to age-appropriate emergency/interim shelter available on a 24 hour basis for a maximum of 120 days. All projects will have a Transitional Living Program component that will provide stable, safe living accommodations for youth for a maximum of 24 months. These accommodations may be host family homes, group homes, supervised apartments, etc. Supervised apartments are either agency-owned apartment buildings or "scattered-site" apartments, which are single-occupancy apartments rented directly by youth with support from the agency or rented directly by the supporting agency. All services and supports should be crafted and provided ensuring marginalized communities -youth of color, LEP youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities and/or mental/behavioral health conditions- are being served in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
Agency Contact Information.
1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact Julie Stremlau at DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illiois.gov.
2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 7 calendar days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.
3. If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov with "HY" in the subject line of the email. Beginning April 16, 2025.
4. Questions with their respective answers will be posted here: HY Questions & Answers. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.
5. The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Wednesday, April 30, 2025. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Friday May 2, 2025.

2. Eligibility

This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below.

Eligible Applicants are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)).
Applications will only be eligible for consideration that propose programming that includes ALL three required program components (Outreach/Outreach Case Management; Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing; and Transitional Living).
Applications will NOT be considered eligible that propose fewer than 4 daily program slots/beds in any of the 3 required components.
Agency Licensure - Successful applicants must hold all necessary licensees for the program model proposed. Agencies that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 must be licensed by DCFS. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program (for example, child welfare, aggregate living, etc.) will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters. A copy of your agency's appropriate current License must be included in Attachment A6. If a HY grantee subcontracts for housing services, the subcontractor (also known as the sub-recipient), like the grantee, must also hold a valid current license issued by the Department of Children and Family Services. A copy of the appropriate License(s) is to also be included as Attachment S18. Providers agree to remain in compliance with the licensing requirements of the Child Care Act of 1969, as amended, including all applicable rules promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Child Care Act with any and all other applicable standards prescribed by State or Federal law or regulations.
The provider must be able to provide all program components at proposed capacity on or before October 1, 2025. This will be demonstrated in the Timeline included as Attachment A5.
Applicants will be asked to verify their eligibility by providing a current Federal Form W9 and a copy of their IRS Determination Letter as Attachment A15.
The applicant must meet the Registration pre-qualification, and any other mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
1. Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee:
  1. Organization name and contact information
  2. Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
  3. Unique Identity Number (UEI)
  4. Organization type
2. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to and on the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding. Items a) through e) below are the prequalification requirements.
  1. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration: Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
    1. Be registered in Sam.gov before the application due date.
    2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
    3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the awarding agency.
    4. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements.
    5. The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant or applicants.
  2. Must be in "good standing" with the Illinois Secretary of State if the Illinois Secretary of State requires the entity's organization type to be registered.
  3. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List
  4. Must not be on the Sam.gov Exclusion List
  5. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List (DHFS Provider Sanctions List)
3. Additional Mandatory Requirements:
  1. Applications will only be eligible for consideration that propose programming that includes ALL three required program components (Outreach/Outreach Case Management; Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing; and Transitional Living).
  2. Applications will NOT be considered eligible that propose fewer than 4 daily program slots/beds in any of the 3 required components.
  3. Agency Licensure - Successful applicants must hold all necessary licensees for the program model proposed. Agencies that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 must be licensed by DCFS. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program (for example, child welfare, aggregate living, etc.) will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters. A copy of your agency's appropriate current License must be included in Attachment A6. If a HY grantee subcontracts for housing services, the subcontractor (also known as the sub-recipient), like the grantee, must also hold a valid current license issued by the Department of Children and Family Services. A copy of the appropriate License(s) is to also be included as Attachment S18. Providers agree to remain in compliance with the licensing requirements of the Child Care Act of 1969, as amended, including all applicable rules promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Child Care Act with any and all other applicable standards prescribed by State or Federal law or regulations.
Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director:
1. As necessary staff must meet staffing requirements set forth by any mandated by DCFS Licensing requirements.
Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. Qualified status is re-verified nightly. If the entity's status changes, an email notice is sent to the designated entity representative with a link to the Grantee Portal.
See Section 4 Application Contents and Format; i. A. f. for funding restrictions, if applicable.
Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application: N/A
Limit on number of applications: N/A
Cost Sharing: Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

3. Program Description

i. Required Information

The general purpose of the funding is to fund public or private not-for-profit community-based organizations throughout the state to provide the Homeless Youth program model described in this funding notice, and it is expected to meet the basic needs of homeless youth and increase their capacity to achieve/maintain safe and stable housing for the public good.
The Homeless Youth program serves those youth who are 14 to 23 years of age who cannot return home and/or lack the housing and skills necessary to live independently. The program strives to meet the immediate safety and survival needs of youth (food, clothing, and shelter) and to provide services that help homeless youth transition to independent living and become self-sufficient. Services to be provided will include emergency shelter, outreach/case management and transitional living. The services available to youth in these programs include: housing, food, needed goods, and assistance in obtaining and maintaining available support and services in the community, educational services, basic life skills, employment and/or vocational training. The program also ensures necessary service referrals to CCBYS, Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Prenatal and Parenting.
The Homeless Youth (HY) program is a holistic model designed to increase the safety of youth ensuring that their basic survival needs are met while also providing safe and stable housing; education and employment services, and the life skills necessary to become self-sufficient. The primary service delivery approach includes assessment and individualized case management. The model include requires all of the following basic program components:
1. Outreach/Case Management (OR/CM)
  Outreach programs are designed to identify homeless youth to ensure that their basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, and to provide, when possible, case management and other services designed to assist the youth in making healthy lifestyle choices.
2. Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing (ES/IH)
  Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing programs provide temporary housing and services to homeless youth on a 24-hour basis for up to 120 days. These programs are designed to ensure that basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, to reunify the youth with his/her family, when possible or to transition them from homelessness to self-sufficient living.
3. Transitional Living (TL)
  Transitional Living programs provide housing and services to homeless youth for up to 24 months. Programs are designed to transition youth from homelessness to self-sufficient living; and/or to reunify the youth with his/her family, when possible.
  All Homeless Youth providers will have the capacity to address the immediately identifiable needs of homeless youth through an emergency safety assessment/care plan that will identify and address immediate needs such as safety, food, clothing, shelter, medical, etc. through direct interventions and appropriate referrals. Providers will have one or more facilities located in areas frequented by and/or easily accessible by homeless youth where Outreach services will be made available. Outreach/Case Management services will include maintaining the capacity to provide case management services to youth not housed in the program at any given time. All providers will have the capacity to provide homeless youth access to age-appropriate emergency/interim shelter available on a 24 hour basis for a maximum of 120 days. All projects will have a Transitional Living Program component that will provide stable, safe living accommodations for youth for a maximum of 24 months. These accommodations may be host family homes, group homes, supervised apartments, etc. Supervised apartments are either agency-owned apartment buildings or "scattered-site" apartments, which are single-occupancy apartments rented directly by youth with support from the agency or rented directly by the supporting agency. All services and supports should be crafted and provided ensuring marginalized communities -youth of color, LEP youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities and/or mental/behavioral health conditions- are being served in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.
  Each successful applicant will provide an array of services to these youth that will include: emergency safety assessments/care plans; comprehensive individualized assessments; individualized case management; housing; needed goods (clothing, shoes, food and personal hygiene products, etc.); benefits services (e.g., SSI, SSDI, WIC, TANF etc.); educational services; life skills/independent living skills; employment and/or vocational training ; recreational services; social skills training; prevention services; transportation; individual counseling; services for special needs populations (pregnant; parenting; LEP; LGBTQ+; delinquent; physically and developmentally disabled) such as access to child care; parenting classes; prenatal care; nutrition education, etc. and services generally provided through referral including: substance abuse services; legal services; mental health services; physical health services; dental services etc.; discharge planning; and follow-up services.
The State agency's funding priorities or focus areas.
1. IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
2. IDHS expects to fund comprehensive Homeless Youth programs that provide all three mandatory program components. Applications will only be funded that propose programming that includes ALL three required program components: Outreach/Case Management; Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing; and Transitional Living. Applications will be considered ineligible for consideration if the application proposes a daily capacity in any of the three required components of less than 4 beds/slots.
3. IDHS expects to fund programs in regionally diverse areas across the state.
4. IDHS intends to prioritize programs that are designed to provide Outreach/Outreach Case management and Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing homeless youth services to minor youth.
5. IDHS expects to fund Homeless Youth programs that have a strong partnership with their local Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services Provider as demonstrated by a letter of support that describes past, present and the planned future partnership around the proposed Homeless Youth program.
Goals and Objectives of the Program
Providers will implement a holistic model that includes an outreach component, an emergency shelter/interim housing component and a transitional living component. The primary service delivery approach will be individualized case management. Providers are expected to meet the service numbers proposed in their application/plan for each program component. Applicants must propose a plan that meets or exceeds the minimum daily capacity of 4 beds/slots for each separate program component. Applications will not be accepted that fail to meet or exceed these minimums.
1. Outreach / Outreach Case Management Requirements
  Outreach programs are designed to identify homeless youth who are not wards of the State, to ensure that their basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, and to provide case management and other services designed to assist homeless youth in making healthy lifestyle choices.
  1. Eligibility requirements:
    1. Youth must be at least 14 years of age and may not have reached their 24th birthday.
    2. Youth may not be enrolled after their 24th birthday.
    3. For youth up to the age of 18, including minor unmarried parents, immediately upon intake, the provider must notify the local CCBYS (Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services) agency about any youth who is a minor away from home who has run away or whose parents will not allow him/her into the home; and when necessary notify DCFS and /or the local law enforcement.
    4. The Homeless Youth Provider will ensure that outreach will include marginalized youth, including youth of color, youth with disabilities, gender nonconforming youth, etc.
  2. All youth will immediately receive the following:
    1. A safety assessment; an emergency care/safety plan and that plan will be implemented to ensure that the immediately identifiable needs of these youth in crisis are met, including food, clothing, emergency shelter, survival aid, medical treatment, emergency mental health /substance use referral/ treatment, etc.
    2. Referring youth under the age of 18 to the local CCBYS provider as indicated above.
    3. Contacting the DCFS hotline in required situations.
  3. When necessary, youth will have access to age-appropriate emergency shelter.
  4. Whenever possible, youth will receive the following:
    1. Comprehensive individualized assessment and case planning services. Providers must develop and maintain the daily capacity to provide assessment-based, individualized case management services to not fewer than the number of slots/youth proposed and approved in the application.
    2. Help to reunify youth with his/her family where appropriate.
    3. Help to achieve safe, stable living arrangements.
    4. Information on employment, job readiness and support services;
    5. Responding to the educational needs of youth. Informing them of their rights and working with the appropriate McKinney-Vento liaison to ensure their rights are honored. (Federal law that ensures youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to an appropriate public education and that they experience success in school.)
    6. Offering education, prevention, and access to intervention services on issues related to domestic violence, sexual abuse, exploitation or human trafficking.
  5. Outreach Program Activities at a minimum will include:
    1. Contacting homeless youth where they congregate, through site based outreach and/or a drop in shelter;
    2. Conducting outreach events - Services are provided in areas where homeless youth are known to congregate or where they are located; or
    3. Other outreach activities
      These are activities within the community designed to make them aware of services available at the agency. This may include in-person outreach, flyers, speaking to community groups, hotlines and/or other means of establishing the agency as a resource for homeless youth.
2. Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing (ES)
  Emergency/Interim Housing programs provide temporary housing and services to homeless youth who are not wards of the State, on a 24-hour basis for up to 120 days. These programs are designed to ensure that basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, to reunify the youth with his/her family, when possible or to transition them from homelessness to self-sufficient living. Programs will also provide case management and other services designed to assist homeless youth in making healthy lifestyle choices.
  1. Eligibility requirements:
    1. Youth must be at least 14 years of age and may not have reached their 24th birthday.
    2. Youth may not be enrolled after their 24th birthday.
    3. Youth enrolled prior to their 24th birthday remain eligible for up to 120 days of service even if it exceeds their 24th birthday. (Youth will not be terminated on their 24th birthday.)
  2. For youth up to the age of 18, including minor unmarried parents:
    1. Immediately upon intake, the provider must notify the local CCBYS (Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services) agency about any youth who is a minor away from home who has run away or whose parents will not allow him/her into the home; and/or
    2. Within 48 business hours of intake, parental permission must be obtained in writing or, if verbal, it must be witnessed by two parties. If permission cannot be secured within 48 business hours:
      1. the agency must document its attempts to secure parental permission; and
      2. the agency must follow procedures outlined in the Illinois Juvenile Court Act, found at 705 ILCS 405/3-5.
      3. Agency staff must be available 24 hours a day to enroll youth and provide services that at a minimum will include:
        
        The facilities must be in compliance with State and local licensing requirements to operate the proposed housing model. Comply with all DCFS licensing requirements for the housing of youth, particularly those youth under the age of 18. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters.
        
        Conducting a safety assessment; developing an emergency care/safety plan and implementing it to ensure that the immediately identifiable needs of these youth in crisis are met, including food, clothing, emergency shelter, survival aid, medical treatment, emergency mental health /substance use referral/ treatment, etc.
        
        Referring youth under the age of 18 to the local CCBYS provider.
        
        Contacting the DCFS hotline in required situations.
        
        Providing safe, clean, dry place to sleep for not fewer than the number of daily beds proposed in the application/program plan.
3. Transitional Living (TL)
  Transitional Living programs provide housing and services to homeless youth who are not wards of the State, for up to 24 months. Programs are designed to transition youth from homelessness to self-sufficient living; and/or to reunify the youth with his/her family, when possible.
  1. Eligibility requirements:
    1. Youth must be at least 16 years of age and may not have reached their 24th birthday.
    2. Youth may not be enrolled after their 24st birthday
    3. Services to youth will end with their 24th birthday. Any exception to this rule will be case by case and must be approved in writing by the DHS Program Administrator. Approved extensions must meet criteria established by DHS and will be 3 months in length. In NO case will extensions exceed one year.
    4. For enrollment of youth up to the age of 18, parental permission must be granted or the youth must be partially or fully emancipated.
  2. The facilities must have the capacity to accommodate not fewer than the number of youth previously approved.
  3. The facilities must be in compliance with State and local licensing requirements to operate the proposed housing model. Comply with all DCFS licensing requirements for the housing of youth, particularly those youth under the age of 18. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters.
  4. Programs must provide homeless youth with stable, safe living accommodations. Living accommodations may be host family homes, group homes, or supervised apartments. Supervised apartments are either agency-owned apartment buildings or "scattered-site" apartments, which are single-occupancy apartments rented directly by youth or the supporting agency.
  5. Programs must provide youth with basic life skills training, including health promotion, life planning and goal setting, household management and budgeting, and interpersonal skill-building. Interpersonal skill-building must include helping youth develop permanent connections with peers, family and other adults.
  6. Programs must also provide pregnant and parenting youth with life skills training in adequate supervision, parenting skills, family budgeting, health and nutrition, child care for dependent children, family planning, and pregnancy prevention.
  7. Programs must provide youth with educational opportunities, such as GED preparation, post-secondary training, or vocational education. Services for secondary education must be coordinated with the youth's McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (as amended).
  8. The applicant must ensure that trainings are infused with racial equity and linguistically and culturally responsive principles and practices. In addition, successful applicants will provide racial equity training, implicit bias training and culturally responsive evaluation training to Homeless Youth organizations. The successful applicant will work with the Department to identify an existing racial equity/justice training or develop a new Department-approved curriculum.
  9. Programs must develop and implement a job readiness plan with each youth that includes steps to obtaining and keeping a job, resume writing, interviewing skills, and appropriate professional work attire.
  10. Programs must collaborate with each youth to develop individual goals designed to help youth transition from supervised participation in the program to independent living or another safe and appropriate living arrangement.
  11. Programs must develop and implement a discharge plan that includes providing follow-up support and/or additional services to each youth at least 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after they leave the program.
  12. The organization must have a supervisory structure that provides for adequate on-site supervision for both staff and youth in residential and non-residential services. On-site supervision is not required in host family homes.
  13. Providers must develop and maintain the capacity to provide Transitional Living services on a daily basis for no fewer than the number of daily beds/slots proposed in the approved application/program plan.
Program Deliverables
1. Programming
  Each funded program will provide the following in addition to the preceding services.
  1. Intake - Intake should be completed within 24 hours of accepting the client into the program. Often this will be completed in conjunction with the emergency safety assessment. Intake should include, at a minimum, the following information, documents and/or processes:
    1. Enrollment - The provider must collect demographic information, emergency contact information, referral date, source and reason, education and employment status, information regarding special population status (pregnant, parenting, LGBTQ, Disability etc.) and information on other current and/or prior services.
    2. Client's Rights - The provider must inform the youth of their rights that are protected by state and federal law. The agency assures that the youth's rights are:
      1. presented to the youth in writing;
      2. communicated to the youth in a way and in a language that the youth understands;
      3. signed by the youth, their parent or guardian (when applicable) and caseworker; and
      4. kept on file at the provider agency.
    3. Informed Consent - The provider must confirm that the youth consents to services. This document must:
      1. be presented to the youth in writing;
      2. include the types of services to be provided;
      3. be communicated to the youth in a way and in a language that the youth understands;
      4. be signed by the youth, their parent or guardian (when applicable) and caseworker; and
      5. be kept on file at the provider agency.
    4. Rules of the Home - For youth participating in ES or TLP programming, the provider must inform the youth of the rules of the home, including the consequences for breaking them. These rules must be:
      1. provided to the youth in writing;
      2. communicated in a way and in a language that the youth understands;
      3. signed by the youth; and
      4. kept on file at the provider agency.
  2. Comprehensive Assessment
    1. Within 30 days of accepting a client into the program, the provider must conduct a comprehensive, linguistically and culturally appropriate assessment of the client's needs, using an individualized assessment process, as prescribed by the Department.
    2. Within 30 days of determining that a youth is pregnant or parenting, the youth must have an additional assessment, as prescribed by the Department.
    3. Additional assessments should be conducted as necessary. These would include, but are not limited to Substance Abuse; Mental Health; Educational; Trauma etc. These can be completed by referral.
  3. Case Planning - Within 45 days of enrollment into the program, and after completing the comprehensive assessment, the provider agency must develop an individualized case plan with the youth, that reflects any marginalized identities (including youth of color, LEP youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, etc.) as follows:
    1. The provider must convene a case planning meeting which must include, at a minimum, the youth and provider staff. The youth's support (e.g., friends, family, guardian, other service providers, and/or clergy) are encouraged to participate, when possible and appropriate.
    2. The case plan must include clearly stated goals and measurable objectives, in language that the youth can understand.
    3. The goals should relate directly to the needs identified by the youth's comprehensive assessment and should be aimed toward positive discharge of the youth from the program. This will also include any needs resulting from additional assessments conducted and may include items from the emergency/safety plan that are yet to be completed.
    4. The case plan must include the frequency and manner of interaction between the youth and their case worker, as appropriate to the achievement of their goals.
    5. The case plan must be signed by the youth, provider staff, and any other service provider who was present at the meeting, indicating that they agree to and support the plan. Other individuals who attend the meeting are encouraged to sign, when appropriate.
    6. The provider agency must keep the original case plan on file and provide a copy to the youth.
    7. The case plan must be monitored as described in Section f. Case Monitoring and Tracking, below.
  4. Required Services - All providers must provide or subcontract for the following services, in a manner that is culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate, indicated through the assessment of the client's needs and appropriate to implementation of the case plan. Available services should be responsive to any marginalized identities (including youth of color, LEP youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, etc.), and shall include, but not be limited to:
    1. Housing
    2. Food - The provider will ensure that the youth has access to sufficient food to meet their physical needs
    3. Needed goods - The provider will assure that the youth has access to needed goods, including, but not limited to, clothing, shoes, food and personal hygiene products
    4. Benefits - The provider will assist youth in obtaining and maintaining available entitlements supports and services (e.g., SSI, SSDI, WIC, TANF, subsidized housing).
    5. Educational services - The provider will assure that the youth has access to an educational program promoting achievement of a GED or high school diploma.
    6. Life skills/independent living skills - Life skills or independent living skills training that promote the youth's self-sufficiency and address the needs of special populations.
    7. Youth Employment Services (YES) - The provider will ensure that youth have access to employment readiness programming and services, an employment/vocational training program, a paid work experience or a job opportunity that promotes achievement of career or vocational goals.
    8. Social skills training - The provider will promote the development of interpersonal skills in the youth through positive modeling and/or access to formal training or involvement in group activities.
    9. Prevention services - Any of a variety of support services designed to improve the health and well-being of the youth and to enhance his/her chances of achieving or maintaining self-sufficiency and a healthy lifestyle.
    10. Transportation - May include the purchase of tickets and/or passes for airplanes, buses or trains; taxi or car fare; or provision of transportation for a youth by a driver approved by the provider agency.
    11. Individual counseling - Problem-solving, guidance and consultation with the youth around the case plan and/or their immediate concerns
    12. Special population needs - Services to address the needs of youth with special needs, such as those who are pregnant and/or parenting, including fathers; LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, queer, questioning); delinquent; developmentally disabled.
  5. Additional Services - The provider may provide onsite, refer and/or link the youth to community-based resources for the following services, in a manner that is culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate, as indicated through the assessment of needs and appropriate to implementation of the case plan:
    1. Substance abuse services
    2. Legal services
    3. Mental health services
    4. Individual therapy
    5. Physical health services
    6. Dental services
  6. Case Monitoring/Tracking - Providers must monitor and track the youth's progress toward achievement of his/her goals as established in the case plan.
    1. Providers must document the youth's progress toward achievement of the youth's stated goals, entering case notes into the youth's file that are clearly related to the case plan.
    2. The case plan in its entirety must be reviewed with the youth every 90 days, at a minimum, and updated as necessary. Updating will include the development of new goals and objectives that reflect the youth's progress and current status.
  7. Discharge/Case Closure - When possible, prior to leaving the program, the provider will meet with the youth and others, as appropriate, to discuss the youth's impending discharge.
    1. The provider will document the circumstances of and reason(s) for the youth's discharge from the program.
    2. The provider will meet with the youth to develop a discharge plan which includes, at a minimum, a summary of services received, activities currently in place, and services that will be available to the youth through the provider and other community agencies for a minimum of 30 days. The plan will also include recommendations for follow-up.
    3. The provider will collect data necessary to track program and youth progress and outcomes. At a minimum this will include: Discharge date and reason, education and employment status, information regarding special population status for example if youth was pregnant, did the youth receive pre-natal care. Information will also be collected on case plan progress and additional items deemed necessary by the Department.
  8. Follow-up Services - Three months after the case is closed, the provider must have documented attempt(s) to contact the youth to assure that the situation continues to be stable. If necessary, the case will be re-opened to provide additional needed services.
2. Administration
  Each provider is required to adhere to the following:
  1. Agency Licensure - Agencies that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 must be licensed by DCFS. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program (for example, child welfare, aggregate living, etc.) will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters.
  2. Staffing
    1. Ratio - The youth-to-staff ratio varies based on the type and intensity of services being provided, as follows:
      1. Group housing - The youth-to-staff ratio in licensed programs that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 will be determined by the DCFS license. In cases where licensing does not apply, the program shall maintain a ratio of staff to youth that is sufficient to ensure adequate supervision and treatment, as determined by the Department.
      2. Scattered site housing - The youth-to-staff ratio for case management of youth in scattered site living must be no more than 25 to 1.
      3. Outreach events/activities - For safety purposes, two staff persons or one staff person and one trained volunteer, at a minimum, must be present at every outreach event/activity.
  3. Qualifications - Staff qualifications will vary based on the services being provided, as follows:
    1. Housing - Staff qualifications in licensed programs that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 will be determined by the DCFS license. In cases where licensing does not apply, staff qualifications are as follows:
      1. Direct service - At least 21 years of age with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED plus experience; bachelors degree is preferred.
      2. Case managers - At least 21 years of age with a minimum of a bachelors degree in a related field plus experience; masters degree plus experience preferred.
      3. Supervisor - At least 25 years of age with a minimum of a bachelors degree plus experience; masters degree plus experience is preferred.
      4. Administrator - At least 25 years of age with a minimum of a masters degree plus experience.
    2. Outreach
      1. Direct service - At least 18 years of age with a minimum of a high school diploma or GED plus experience (prior work experience and/or life experience); bachelors or masters degree plus experience is preferred.
      2. Supervisor/Administrator - At least 25 years of age with a minimum of bachelors degree plus experience; masters degree plus experience is preferred.
      3. Training and Continuing Education - Ongoing training and education is essential for the professional growth of the staff and assurance of high quality care for youth. At a minimum, each staff person must complete 15 hours of training every two years. This training must include:
        
        First aid/CPR certification
        
        Agency/program policies and procedures
        
        Youth and adolescent development
        
        Child Care Act of 1969 (22 5 ILCS 10) and mandated reporting
        
        Crisis intervention
      4. Training - The organization must have a staff training program that includes ongoing training on the following topics: risk reductions; aftercare; homelessness and poverty; case management/planning; case documentation; safety protocols; ethics and boundaries; harm reduction; crisis intervention; trauma informed care; positive youth development; basic counseling skills; healthy sexual behavior; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues; cultural awareness and sensitivity; mental health awareness; alcohol, drug and chemical dependency awareness; bullying and harassment; and sexual exploitation and prostitution.
      5. Safety Protocol - Grantees must have policies prohibiting harassment based on race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (or expression), religion, and notional origin. Grantees must have procedures established to monitor claims, address them seriously, and document their corrective action(s) so all participants are assured that programs are safe, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing by design and in operation.
      6. Supervision - Providers must ensure that there is sufficient supervision to provide for the safety and oversight of outreach workers.
      7. Reporting of Unusual Incidents
        The agency must notify appropriate Department staff in writing of any of the following incidents involving youth enrolled in the program, within 24 business hours of the incident:
        
        Serious threat or violence to self or other
        
        Death
        
        Suicide/suicide attempt
        
        Violence between youth and staff that results in injury
        
        Allegation of abuse or neglect reported to the State's Central Registry (DCFS)
      8. A confidential record keeping system, which includes a central standardized file on all clients will be developed, maintained and kept in a locked file cabinet. Files on each client shall include the intake/assessment, legal documents, care plan, agreements for care, and case notes reflective of the ongoing care and services to the youth.
      9. Policy and Procedure Manual - each agency will develop/maintain a written local policy and procedure manual that contains at a minimum, the policies/procedures for the following:
        
        Emergency procedures for:
        
        transportation - bad weather practices, accident procedures, driver requirements
        
        serious illness/medical emergencies
        
        assessing medical care for youth in agency placement
        
        taking necessary precautions to guard against contagious and communicable diseases
        
        Maintenance of personnel files for all staff, including volunteers and interns
        
        Monitoring of staff who serve as child transporters for possession of a valid Illinois driver's license, good driving record documented by Secretary of State Transcript, current proof of insurance and a current background check on file.
        
        Maintenance of client confidentiality-both on paper and in computer.
        
        Non-traditional (off-site and after hours) usage of the Department's e-Cornerstone system.
        
        Notifying the local CCBYS agency about any youth who is a minor away from home, who has run away, or whose parents will not allow him/her to return home.
        
        All staff who administers the Ansell-Casey assessment must participate in the required DHS sponsored Ansell-Casey training in advance of administering the assessment. This training will be offered multiple times per year. Any exception to this must be pre-approved by the Department.
        
        Methods for assuring that staff are trained and updated on local policies.
        
        Maintenance of a central record for reporting unusual incidents that includes documentation of contact with DHS at a minimum and DCFS (as appropriate to the nature of the incident).
        
        Agency plan for outreach to local social service provider community to educate them about Homeless Youth and facilitate referrals (minimally with schools). Agency maintains documentation that outreach activities occur at least annually.
        
        Handling DCFS wards who are not program eligible.
        
        A policy for determining how and where outreach activities will be offered. Policy should include how data is used to support decisions, as well as information from other community entities or agencies such as law enforcement, faith-based organizations, etc. Agency has a methodology to determine "where youth are known to congregate."
        
        Availability of staff on a 24/7 basis.
        
        A policy addressing the review and updating of the Policy and Procedure Manual including the frequency with which it is done.
      10. The Provider agrees to send a minimum of one staff representative to attend mandated regional and/or statewide meetings sponsored by the Department. The Provider should budget for 2 meetings per year. Efforts will be made to schedule meetings in locations to ensure one-way travel time does not exceed 3 hours.
      11. Client Reporting: The Provider agrees to use the Department's eCornerstone system to fully document the provision of services to each client. This will be enrolling all youth served in the program, capturing demographic and risk factor data; capturing education, employment, living and other status information; assessment information, case planning information; service delivery; termination and follow up information.
        
        Clients will be enrolled in eCornerstone within 24 hours of initial contact.
        
        A Casey Assessment must be conducted within 30 days of enrollment.
        
        A case plan will be developed within 45 days of enrolment.
        
        Additional assessments will be recorded in eCornerstone upon completion.
        
        Casey Assessment(s) must be conducted upon discharge from program and recorded in e-Cornerstone.
        
        The client's eCornerstone enrollment must be terminated within 72 hours of exiting the program
      12. Client Records: A current hard copy record shall be maintained for each youth receiving services. Records for each child shall include, but not be limited to supporting documentation for the following:
        
        Initial assessment
        
        Intake information
        
        Ansell-Casey Assessment including subsequent timely Assessments.
        
        Signed and dated client case plan with any subsequent revisions, updates, etc. and documentation that copy of case plan was provided to youth.
        
        Other legal documents, and agreements for care, as appropriate, and case notes reflective of the ongoing care and treatment of the child.
      13. Trauma Informed: Providers must be trauma informed and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization. Training and technical assistance was/is available to successful applicants to achieve/maintain this status.
      14. DHS Local Area Offices - Providers will develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with local Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs). This includes sharing information about provider agency employment opportunities and regularly participating in service provider meetings or events as requested.
Performance Measures and Standards
1. Program Performance Measures
  1. Percent of approved/funded service slots available.
  2. Percent of youth with a completed Safety Assessment.
  3. Percent of youth with an Emergency Care Plan implemented.
  4. Percent of youth with a completed Ansell Casey Assessment.
  5. Percent of youth with a Case Management Plan developed.
  6. Percent of youth with a Case Management Plan Implemented.
  7. Percent of Case Management Plans that include strategies to encourage employment and/or education (High School, GED, Vocational etc.)
  8. Percent of Case Management Plans that include the strategies to increase life skills.
  9. Percent of Emergency Shelter Youth who exited the program to stable housing
  10. Percent of Transitional Living Youth who exited the program to stable housing
  11. Percent of Transitional Living Youth who exited the program employed and/or enrolled in educational program
  12. Percent of pregnant youth that received prenatal care
  13. Percent of parenting Transitional Living Youth that receive parenting skills education
  14. Percent of eligible youth acquiring one or more new mainstream benefits (SSI, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, WIC)
2. Program Performance Standards
  1. 100 Percent of approved /funded service slots were available at any given time throughout the year.
  2. 80 Percent of youth will have a completed Safety Assessment.
  3. 95 Percent of youth with a completed safety assessment that required immediate attention will have an Emergency Care Plan implemented.
  4. 70 Percent of youth will have a completed Casey Assessment. (Excludes Outreach Brief Contacts.)
  5. 90 Percent of youth with a completed Casey Assessment will have a Case Management Plan developed.
  6. 90 Percent of youth will have a Case Management Plan Implemented. (Considers only youth with a case plan developed. Considers those with the case plan 50% or more completed upon exit)
  7. 90 Percent of Case Management Plans will include strategies to encourage employment and/or education (High School, GED, Vocational etc.)
  8. 90 Percent of Case Management Plans will include the strategies to increase life skills.
  9. 70 Percent of Emergency Shelter Youth will exit the program to stable housing.
  10. 80 Percent of Transitional Living Youth will exit the program to stable housing.
  11. 80 Percent of Transitional Living Youth will exit the program employed and/or enrolled in educational program.
  12. 95 Percent of pregnant youth will receive prenatal care.
  13. 95 Percent of parenting Transitional Living Youth will receive parenting skills education.
  14. 65 Percent of eligible youth will acquire one or more new mainstream benefits (SSI, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, WIC).
For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have is: N/A - NOT be a cooperative agreement.
Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following:
Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from DHS:
1. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
4. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
5. Deposits for items, services, or space
Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements:
1. Youth aged 11 - 24
2. Youth whose safety is compromised and
3. Youth is at risk for negative consequences in the community (i.e., school dropout, violent crimes, engagement in the juvenile justice system)
Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: Section 80-30 of the Department of Human Services Act [20 ILCS 1305/80-30].
Limitation of Use
Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. A salary table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website.pdf.

4. - Application Contents and Format.

i. Content and Format Requirements

Content and Format of Application Submission
1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required (or encouraged).
2. Required Content of Application
  Applicants must demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met and must submit an application that consists of the following four parts. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below.
  1. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (available as an Appendix)
  2. A Proposal Narrative (Described below in this section) consisting of the following sub-parts:
    1. Executive Summary
    2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
    3. Equity and Racial Justice
    4. Need
    5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
    6. Budget Narrative
    7. Attachments to Your Application
  3. Uniform Grant Budget (Entered in the CSA system - described below.)
  4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
3. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments
  Applicants must submit an application that covers the 12-month project period from 7/1/25 to 6/30/26. If an applicant receives an award through this NOFO the proposal will become the local program plan and budget unless revisions are required. The application/plan will be the basis for monitoring compliance by DHS.
  Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments: If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section.
  IMPORTANT: The proposal narrative below makes up the bulk of your application. Please provide a complete response to each of the sub-sections. If the proposal narrative is missing from your application packet or is incomplete, your application will receive a significantly reduced score, and the applicant organization will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
  The total application may not exceed 20 pages, single-spaced. The application Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, executive summary, checklist, attachments, letters of intent and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation.
  1. Executive Summary (10 points)
    The Executive Summary will serve to demonstrate organization's eligibility and compliance with mandatory requirements and to determine if the organization will meet the intent of this funding opportunity as described in Section 3: Program Description. The Executive Summary will also serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description.
    Applicants must complete Appendix 9: Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of the program narrative. This Executive Summary will NOT count toward the required page limitations.
    Each of the following items is included on Appendix 9 and must be answered/responded to on the Appendix 9 Form:
    1. List the name, address, FEIN, County and website (if any) of applicant organization
    2. List name, phone number, and email address Authorized Representative and Program Contact Person for the organization
    3. Identify your agency's proposed service area(s) including county(s) and neighborhoods and the number and location of sites where services will be provided
    4. Provide the information below for the entire project (including sub-recipients, etc.) regarding your planned program for the FY 2026 grant year. The amount in each program category should total to equal the requested Grant Award. All 3 Components (noted below) are required for the Homeless Youth program. Indicate total amount of funds requested through this grant.
      1. Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing
        
        Grant dollars allocated
        
        % of Total Grant Amount
        
        Daily # of Beds available in FY26
        
        Projected total # to be served in FY26
      2. Outreach/Outreach Case Management:
        
        Grant dollars allocated
        
        % of Total Grant Amount
        
        Projected total # to be served in FY 26 as Outreach Brief Contacts
        
        Average daily # to be served as Outreach Brief Contacts
        
        Projected total # to be served in FY26 as Outreach Case Management
        
        Average daily # to be served as Outreach Case Management
        
        Maximum Daily Capacity for Outreach Case Management
        
        Capacity to provide basic needs services; Daily capacity for Assessment-based Case Management; annual projected number of youth to receive basic needs services and annual projected number of youth to receive Assessment-based case management services.
      3. Transitional Living:
        
        Grant dollars allocated
        
        % of total Grant Amount
        
        Daily # of beds available to program in FY26
        
        Projected total # to be served in FY26
        
        Estimated Average daily # to be served
      4. Provide FY 26 Program Totals
        
        Grant Award Requested ($ES + $OR + $TL)
        
        Maximum daily Program Capacity (ES beds + TL beds + OR Case Management Daily Capacity)
        
        Total Projected # Served (excluding OR/Brief Contact)
      5. Briefly describe your experience serving at-risk youth, homeless youth, etc.
      6. Provide a brief overview of planned approach; anticipated services, activities, etc. to be performed and the anticipated outcomes for each program component identified below:
        
        Outreach
        
        Outreach Case Management
        
        Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing
        
        Transitional Living
      7. Provide a signature in the designated box indicating applicant's understanding and commitment to the following:
        
        The applicant agency will provide ALL three required program components (Outreach/Outreach Case Management; Emergency Shelter; Transitional Living) throughout the grant period AND will maintain, at all times, their proposed and approved daily capacities under each separate program component.
        
        The applicant agency will begin providing services under each program component in the identified community within 90 days of the contract start date (anticipated to be 07/01/2025.)
        This subsection must identify the required content of an application and the forms or formats an applicant must use. If any requirements are stated elsewhere, this section should refer to where those requirements may be found. This section also should include required forms or formats as part of the announcement or state where the applicant may obtain them.
  2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity - 30 Points
    The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
    1. Provide convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program - i.e., to ensure the safety of youth in crisis situations; to minimize the youth's contact with the child welfare and/or juvenile justice systems; and to provide services for family reunification (minors), exiting to long-term stable housing; increased educational outcomes; increased employment outcomes; any special population outcomes achieved such as pregnant and parenting youth. For existing providers, include data and outcomes as evidence of previous program provision.
    2. Indicate number of years of experience delivering homeless youth services.
    3. Briefly describe Applicant's experience providing homeless youth services, including program successes and challenges
    4. Briefly describe your experience in providing crisis intervention services to youth
    5. Provide a description of your agency's existing programs and activities relevant to the services described in this Funding Notice. Please describe how these programs will impact the targeted population. Please include an Organizational Chart as Attachment A2 of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If sub-recipients will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart.
    6. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program. Include evidence that your agency maintains adequate staff coverage. Present the résumés and/or Job Descriptions of the Homeless Youth Coordinator, Agency Director and Fiscal Manager as Attachment A3 of your proposal Provide staffing ratios to be used by the applicant for each service area: Outreach, Emergency Shelter/Interim and Transitional Living.
    7. Include as Attachment A4 the Program Contact Information Forms found in Appendix 2.
    8. Provide a description of your agency's readiness for service provision commencing no later than October 1, 2025, taking particular note of the following:
      1. Describe the physical sites / placements and services for the program and describe how the youth will be separated where necessary. The applicant will have immediate access to physical space in which homeless youth activities will be provided (e.g. existing, new construction).
      2. Describe the agency's willingness to ensure that all staff will participate in training to develop and maintain staff competencies regarding youth issues and service delivery methods such as risk reductions; aftercare; homelessness and poverty; case management/planning; case documentation; safety protocols; ethics and boundaries; harm reduction; crisis intervention; trauma informed care; positive youth development; basic counseling skills; healthy sexual behavior; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues; cultural awareness and sensitivity; mental health awareness; alcohol, drug and chemical dependency awareness; bullying and harassment; and sexual exploitation and prostitution.
      3. Include an implementation timeline listing milestones, deliverables, program start date, etc. as Attachment A5.
    9. Include evidence of agency licensure as Attachment A6 in the event that youth under 18 years of age will be served. Agencies that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 must be licensed by DCFS. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program (for example, child welfare, aggregate living, etc.) will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters.
    10. Include as Attachment A7 the Program Site Information Forms for the Grantee (see Appendix 5: Program Site Information Forms).
    11. Include as Attachment A8 the Program Placement Options Form(s) found in Appendix 6: Program Placement Options-Transitional Living Programs and Appendix 7: Program Placement Options-Emergency Shelters/Interim Housing Placements.
    12. Provide a description of existing linkages and/or referral procedures your agency has to other community resources and services essential to the positive development of youth, including employment providers, advocacy services, education services etc. Include copies of signed, current or expected linkage agreements in Attachment A9 of your application.
    13. Document the applicant's capacity and commitment to use the IDHS eCornerstone system to enroll all participants, capture demographic and risk factors; assessments, record education, employment, living, legal and other status information; and chronicle service delivery, termination and follow-up information.
    14. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
    15. Provide documentation to support that the applicant organization is recognized as a trauma-informed organization as recognized through a Department approved assessment tool such as the CBAT-O. Include supporting documentation of trauma-informed status as Attachment A10. For applicants who have not achieved Trauma Informed status as determined by the CBAT-O or other recognized tool, the applicant must provide a statement of commitment to becoming trauma-informed by 6/30/26 and describe their commitment to working with the Department to achieve this status. Assessment, Training and technical assistance will be made available to successful applicants to achieve/maintain this status. Include this statement/commitment as Attachment A10.
    16. Describe your policy and procedure for conducting background checks for employees and contractors of your organization.
    17. Describe the Safety Protocol used by the applicant that details policies prohibiting harassment based on race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (or expression), religion, and notional origin. Applicants must have procedures established to monitor claims, address them seriously, and document their corrective action(s) so all participants are assured that programs are safe, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing by design and in operation. Further, applicants must ensure sufficient supervision for the safety and oversight of outreach workers. Finally, the applicant must have procedures in place to notify authorities, including the Illinois Department of Human Services of the following incidents involving participants:
      1. Serious threat or violence to self or others
      2. Death
      3. Suicide/suicide attempt
      4. Violence between youth OR between youth and staff that results in injury
      5. Allegation of abuse or neglect reported to the State's Central Registry (DCFS)
    18. If the applicant plans to use a Subrecipient to deliver services related to this program, describe how the applicant agency will monitor the Subrecipient. Subrecipient Attachments will be described under the Budget Narrative Section.
  3. Equity and Racial Justice - 10 Points
    The purpose of this section is for the applicant to demonstrate understanding of the history and impact of racism and other inequities on communities and on homeless youth and to describe the organization's response to address these inequities. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequities and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
    1. Describe the applicant's commitment and actions to address equity and racial justice. Examples of commitment and activities may include but are not limited to, having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have) a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/equity and racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have) an equity and racial justice training plan.
    2. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being practiced, describe the applicant's plan to implement those efforts, including a timeline of activities.
    3. Describe how the applicant will use an equity lens when conducting outreach and serving youth. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes.
    4. Describe how the applicant will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of the program on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, LEP communities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, homeless youth, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
    5. Describe how the proposed program will impact the disparate impact of homelessness on underserved and marginalized groups.
    6. Include demographic information of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the designated community(ies).
    7. Indicate the number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities and other inequities at your agency.
  4. Need - Description of Need - 10 Points
    The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs in the youth that will be served by this application.
    1. Identify the proposed service area this application/program will target and serve. Justify the need for these services in this proposed service area.
    2. Identify the proposed target population based on the needs identified. Describe specific plans to identify, target and serve youth with the highest need youth in your proposed service area.
  5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services - 30 Points
    1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear and accurate picture of its intended program design. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. At a minimum, the proposal must address each of the following components in the order below:
      1. Introduction
        The Introduction will briefly describe the proposed program. It will present the applicant's plans to provide Outreach, Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing and Transitional Living to the homeless youth in the proposed target area.
      2. Methodology
        The Methodology section will describe how the applicant intends to deliver a continuum of Outreach, Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing and Transitional Living services through Intake, Comprehensive Assessment, Case Planning, Case Monitoring/Tracking, Discharge/Case Closure and Follow-up of homeless youth in the target area.
      3. Service Delivery Approach
        The proposed service delivery approach must demonstrate the applicant understands of the importance of providing:
        
        Positive youth development (PYD) approach
        
        Trauma-informed care
        
        Evidence-based and evidence-informed services and interventions
        
        Strategy for working with schools to address the educational needs of identified homeless youth
        
        Youth employment services
        
        Education, prevention, and access to intervention services for domestic violence, sexual abuse, or exploitation
        
        Strategies for helping youth build protective factors
        
        Youth voice in decision making
        
        Outreach
        Describe how the applicant will conduct outreach to identify homeless youth to ensure that their basic safety, survival and immediate needs are being met, and to provide when possible, case management and other services designed to assist the youth in making healthy lifestyle choices. Describe how the organization will ensure that outreach will include marginalized youth, including youth of color, LGBTQ+, youth with disabilities, gender nonconforming youth, etc.
        
        Intake
        Describe how the applicant will complete intake within 24 hours of accepting a participant into the program. The intake process must be standardized. In the description of the intake process, the applicant must address how it will involve Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services providers in its target area. Describe the procedures used during the intake process. Intake includes, at a minimum, a Safety Assessment, an Emergency Care/Safety Plan, Enrollment (demographics, history etc.), Client's Rights, Informed Consent and Rules of the Home. Finally, detail methods for conducting intake for homeless youth regardless of shelter arrangements.
        
        Comprehensive Assessment
        Explain how the applicant will conduct comprehensive assessment and identify the tools to be used in this process. Provide details on risk factors included in the assessment (e.g. medical, psychosocial, substance use, mental health, educational, trauma) and protective factors. Describe the life skills assessment to be conducted. Describe how youth will be reassessed to determine progress. Detail methods for conducting comprehensive assessments on homeless youth regardless of shelter arrangements.
        
        Case Planning
        Identify and justify the specific tool that will be used for case planning. Provide details on the process for creating a care plan, identifying appropriate resources and services in the community, facilitating linkages to appropriate services and resources, and monitoring and follow-up. Discuss how the applicant will determine differing levels of participant risk and the type, timing, duration and intensity of services matched to the risk level. Identify the services to be delivered directly by the applicant and indirectly through subcontracts or referrals/linkage agreements. Detail methods to provide case management for homeless youth regardless of shelter arrangements. Briefly describe the intended methods of service delivery. Detail linkages with service providers in the community including police, health care and educational services etc. Include detailed linkage agreements for non-sub-contracted service providers where referrals will be made in Attachment A9.
        
        Case Monitoring/Tracking
        Homeless Youth Providers must monitor and track the youth's progress toward achievement of his/her goals as established in the case plan. Describe the process by which the applicant will continuously monitor progress and modify the care plan based on progress and current status. Describe how the youth will be involved in this process.
        
        Discharge/Case Closure
        Describe the applicant's Discharge/Case Closure process. Discuss method used to develop the discharge plan. Provide a description of the contents of the discharge plan. Identify the full range of resources potentially available to a participant up to 30 days post discharge.
        
        Follow-up Services
        Describe the methods to be used by the applicant to contact participants three and six months post discharge.
        
        Workplan
        Describe the activities or steps that will be used to deliver Outreach, Emergency Shelter/Interim House and Transitional Living through Intake, Comprehensive Assessment, Case Planning, Case Management and Tracking, Discharge/Case Closure, and Follow-up. Describe a service timeline for a "typical" homeless youth participant in each of the following four areas: 1) Outreach - Basic Needs services; 2) Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing; 3) Transitional Living and 4) Outreach - Case Management for youth not housed in the program. (Example: youth staying with a friend.) Include each activity and identify the staff person(s) who is responsible for leading and implementing each activity. Identify meaningful support and collaboration with key stakeholders in planning, designing and implementing all activities.
        
        Youth Employment Services
        Describe the applicant organization's plan to provide Youth Employment Services (YES) - The provider will provide or ensure that youth 16 and older, while participating in the HY program will have access to employment readiness programming, Essential Employability Skill development, Career Planning and employment supportive services. In addition, youth will be connected to a youth employment provider so that the youth may have access to employment/vocational training program opportunities, a paid work experience or a job opportunity that promotes achievement of career or vocational goals.
        
        Performance Measures/Standards
        Please describe how your program design and implementation policies will ensure that the Performance Measures & Standards identified in Section 3. Program Description: i. F. 1. 2. will be met.
  6. Budget Narrative (10 points)
    In this section of the application narrative, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. This will include all funds budget for the program, including match. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. Illustrate the use of state or federal funds, other than grant funds, that will be used to support the program. If sub-contractors are planned, please also describe how these funds will be utilized to implement the program.
    The budget narrative of the application must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:
    1. Reasonable and necessary
    2. Allocable, and
    3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
4. CSA Budget and CSA Budget Detail Justification
  1. In addition to the Budget Narrative that is part of the scored application narrative above, applicants must also submit a detailed 12-month budget for the project period, July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026 . This budget must be submitted electronically in the CSA system (Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us). The Budget entered in the CSA system will include a detailed justification / description for each line in the proposed budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This detail justification / description must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The FY26 Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan.
  2. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
    1. Reasonable and necessary
    2. Allocable, and
    3. Allowable as defined herein and by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
  3. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. Refer to IDHS: Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority (state.il.us). Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section of the application narrative.
  4. A PDF copy of the budget must be included in the application. The FY26 12-month budget should be included as Attachment A11: Applicant FY26 12-Month CSA Budget. This budget should be printed from the CSA system.
  5. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system.
  6. If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must submit a copy of their organization's approved NICRA as Attachment A14: Applicant NICRA.
  7. The applicant must submit Federal Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) (irs.gov).pdf and a copy of the organization's IRS Determination Letter as Attachment A15: Applicant Federal Form W-9/ IRS Determination Letter
  8. Subrecipients
    If you plan to use subrecipients, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the subrecipients; include a budget narrative describing how subrecipient will use funds. (See below for additional instructions regarding subrecipient budgets.)
    1. Subrecipient budgets must be pre-approved and therefore must be submitted with this application. Subrecipient budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Subrecipient budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template (illinois.gov)
    2. If Subrecipients will be used, include the following for each subrecipient:
      1. Attachment S16-Subrecipient Contact Information and Additional Subrecipient Information Forms (available as Appendix 3)
      2. Attachment S17-Subrecipient Agreement (The Subrecipient Agreement is generated by the applicant agency outlining the scope of work/deliverables the subrecipient will be completing for this program.)
      3. Attachment S18-Subrecipient Agency Licensure (The Subrecipient, like the grantee, must also hold a valid current license issued by the Department of Children and Family Services.)
      4. Attachment S19-Subrecipient Budget (Use the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template (illinois.gov)
      5. Attachment S20-Subrecipient Agency approved NICRA if indirect costs are included and Subrecipient Agency has a current approved Federal or State NICRA
      6. Attachment S21-Subrecipient Agency Federal Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) (irs.gov) and copy of IRS Determination Letter
5. Attachments to Your Application Narrative (Not included in page limitations)
  Although this section is not scored individually, points will be deducted in the above application narrative sections if these items are not included as directed. The attachments should be labeled accordingly and placed in the order listed under 8. Required Format, below. If any attachments are not applicable, a page labeled with the attachment number should be submitted and should include a statement explaining why the attachment was not applicable.
6. Required Forms
  1. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf) is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
  2. The Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf is a required document for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization.
    1. Compliance Requirement: IDHS Grantees must immediately disclose in writing to the Program Administrator any actual or potential conflict of interest as soon as it becomes known, in accordance with 30 ILCS 708/35, 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(5), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.330(f) and the grant agreement. This disclosure must be submitted for the Grantee and all sub-recipients or pass-through entities, whenever an actual or potential conflict may exist.
    2. Continuing Obligation: IDHS Grantee has a continuing obligation to disclose IDHS financial or other interests (public, private, direct or indirect) that may be a potential conflict of interest, or which could prohibit Grantee from entering or continuing the programs for which the grant is intended.
    3. Grantee Form Submission: This form must be completed, signed, and returned for any State or federal grant funds awarded to the Grantee by IDHS. For conflicts that exist at the time of grant application submission, submit this form with your grant application materials. If no actual or potential conflicts exists, the grantee should indicate "no conflicts." For conflicts that arise after application submission, submit this form to your designated grant program point of contact within 7 calendar days after the conflict has been identified.
7. Required Format
  1. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined or points may be deducted.
  2. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied with requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
  3. The total application may not exceed 20 pages, single-spaced. The application Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, executive summary, checklist, attachments, letters of intent and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation.
  4. All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letters of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page with 1-inch margins on all sides.
  5. The complete application must be compiled as described below in a single PDF document and electronically submitted to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov by the deadline.
  6. Applications must be submitted electronically as detailed below in Section 5 Submission Requirements and Deadlines.
  7. The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below.
    1. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance must include the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative, and the proposed budget must be signed and submitted to Program Review in CSA.
    2. Program Narrative and Attachments:
      1. Executive Summary - Appendix 9
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
      3. Equity and Racial Justice
      4. Need - Description of Need
      5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
      6. Budget Narrative
      7. Attachments to your application:
        
        Attachment A1 - Homeless Youth NOFO Checklist (Appendix 11)
        
        Attachment A2 - Organizational Chart
        
        Attachment A3 - Resumes and/or Job Descriptions
        
        Attachment A4 - Program Contact Information (Appendix 2)
        
        Attachment A5 - Implementation Timeline
        
        Attachment A6 - Agency Licensure
        
        Attachment A7 - Program Site Information Forms (Appendix 5)
        
        Attachment A8 - Program Placement Options (Appendix 6 & 7)
        
        Attachment A9 - Linkage Agreements
        
        Attachment A10 - CBAT-O and Statement of Commitment to Trauma-informed Capacity
        
        Attachment A11 - PDF copy of Applicant's FY26 12-Month CSA Budget and Budget Narrative)
        
        Attachment A12 - Executive Summary (Appendix 9)
        
        Attachment A13 - Program Site Information Forms (Appendix 5)
        
        Attachment A14 - Copy of currently approved NICRA if indirect costs are included in the budget
        
        Attachment A15 - Copy of Agency's current Federal Form W9 and IRS determination letter
        
        Attachment S16 - Additional Subrecipient Information (Appendix 4)
        
        Attachment S17 - Subrecipient Agreement
        
        Attachment S18 - Evidence of Subrecipient Agency Licensure
        
        Attachment S19 - Subrecipient Budget
        
        Attachment S20 - Subrecipient Agency approved NICRA if indirect costs are included in the budget and Subrecipient Agency has a current approved Federal or State NICRA.
        
        Attachment S21 - Sub-Recipient Federal Form W9 (Rev. March 2024) and copy of the IRS determination letter
    3. The Uniform Grant Budget must be signed and submitted to Program Review in CSA.
    4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Address to Request Application Package
1. Actions Needed Prior to Applying:
  1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of Financial Assistance and the IDHS Grants Website Page located: IDHS: Grant Funded Programs
  2. Each Applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described in this announcement (Section 4. Basic Information; I.2.) It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO.
2. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov):
  1. Each applicant must:
    1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application.
    2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and
    3. Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration.
    4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
    5. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
Submission Instructions:
1. Applicants must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements
2. The methods for submitting the application:
  1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order:
    1. Uniform-Application-for-State-Grant-Assistance (pdf)
    2. Program Narrative & Attachments
    3. Budget (entered into the CSA system as described in Section 4)
    4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
  2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
    
    The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: [Applicant Organization Name] HY 444-80-0711. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS when sending your application.
    Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, link to an external location where the document is located, or thumb drive. Where possible the electronic copy must be a complete single PDF file. If a single PDF is not possible, a ZIP file must be used instead. DHS will not be responsible for piecing together your application materials and ensuring the documents are in the correct order.
    1. Documents must include the following password: N/A. Applications that are password protected will NOT be accepted.
    2. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows:
      1. Internet Access, preferably high-speed
      2. Email capacity
      3. Microsoft Excel
      4. Microsoft Word
      5. Adobe Reader
    3. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 48 hours of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by IDHS; it is not a confirmation of the applicant's eligibility; prequalification, etc. for more information on the applicant's eligibility.
      Applicants are required to notify IDHS by 12:00 PM on May 12, 2025, if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify IDHS by May 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to IDHS after May 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.
      Applications received after the established due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
3. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows: N/A
  1. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, and you would like assistance from IDHS, please contact:
    1. Name: Julie Stremlau
    2. Email: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov
      You must contact IDHS prior to the deadline if you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application. Contacting IDHS prior to the deadline about issues will NOT extend the deadline for submission unless there is an IDHS system issue that is no fault of the applicant. If you contact IDHS after the deadline, your application is already late and IDHS will be unable to assist.
Submission Dates and Times
1. Full applications are due on the following date May 7, 2025, at the following time 12:00 pm (CST).
2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date: N/A
3. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application) include N/A
4. Missed Deadlines:
  1. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
  2. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
  3. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.
  4. Intergovernmental Review:
    This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs"

6. Application Review Information

Eligibility Review
1. Applications that are received will be reviewed between May 7, 2025, and June 30, 2025, to ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the criteria in paragraph B below will be rejected and will not enter the Merit Review process.
2. The following are the criteria that must be met for eligibility:
  1. Applicant has a current registration with the State of Illinois in the Grantee Portal.
  2. Applicant has an active Sam.gov public account.
  3. Applicant has an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with Sam.gov
  4. Applicant is in "good standing" with the Secretary of State.
  5. Applicant is not on the DHS Stop Payment List Service or the Illinois Stop Payment List.
  6. Applicant is not on the Sam.gov Exclusion List.
  7. Applicant is not on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions (DHFS Provider Sanctions) List.
  8. Program specific eligibility restrictions include:
    1. Eligible Applicants are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)). Applicants will be asked to verify their eligibility by providing a current Federal Form W9 and a copy of their IRS Determination Letter as Attachment S15.
    2. Applications will only be eligible for consideration that propose programming that includes ALL three required program components (Outreach/Outreach Case Management; Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing; and Transitional Living).
    3. Applications will NOT be considered eligible that propose fewer than 4 daily program slots/beds in any of the 3 required components.
    4. Agency Licensure - Successful applicants must hold all necessary licensees for the program model proposed. Agencies that provide housing for youth under the age of 18 must be licensed by DCFS. The type of license that is appropriate for any given program (for example, child welfare, aggregate living, etc.) will be determined by DCFS. Please refer to Title 89, Chapter II, Subchapter d, Part 37 Facilities and programs exempt from licensure AND subchapter e, Part 410 Licensing standards for youth emergency shelters. A copy of your agency's appropriate current License must be included in Attachment A6. If a HY grantee subcontracts for housing services, the subcontractor (also known as the sub-recipient), like the grantee, must also hold a valid current license issued by the Department of Children and Family Services. A copy of the appropriate License(s) is to also be included as Attachment S18. Providers agree to remain in compliance with the licensing requirements of the Child Care Act of 1969, as amended, including all applicable rules promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Child Care Act with any and all other applicable standards prescribed by State or Federal law or regulations.
    5. The provider must be able to provide all program components at proposed capacity on or before October 1, 2025. This will be demonstrated in the Timeline included as Attachment A5.
3. Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
4. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
Selection Criteria
1. Review Criteria
  1. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The review criteria and sub-criteria include the following categories including associated Attachments:
    1. Executive Summary
    2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
    3. Equity and Racial Justice
    4. Need - Description of Need
    5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
    6. Budget/Budget Narrative
  2. Criteria and Weighting of each criterion
    1. Applications will be evaluated based applicant's response to the program narrative described in Section 4. Application Contents and Format.
    2. Scoring for applications are based on a 100-point scale. The Application and Narrative, including associated Attachments, will be evaluated on the following criteria and weights:
      1. Executive Summary: 10 points
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: 30 points
      3. Equity and Racial Justice: 10 points
      4. Need - Description of Need: 10 points
      5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services: 30 points
      6. *Budget / Budget Narrative: 10 Points
        IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not in this status by the application due date and time, points will be deducted for the Budget Narrative section of the application.
  3. Statutory, regulatory, or other preferences: N/A
  4. Cost Sharing will not be considered in the review process.
  5. Information regarding Applicant-nominated reviewers: N/A
2. Additional Information
  1. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, service capacity, cost effectiveness, demonstrated local community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified in Funding Priorities in Section 3: Program Description; 3. i. C.
  2. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
  3. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
Review and Selection Process.
1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows
  1. The Merit Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by the Department, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic institution. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by the Department, who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest with their assigned applications.
  2. The review teams will be provided with a Merit Based Review Committee Member Orientation Session.
  3. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
  4. The Bureau Chief or designee will conduct a quality assurance review which must include the following:
    1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies,
    2. Assess whether reviewers properly applied Merit Based Review steps as instructed,
    3. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review process.
    4. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all sections of the Merit Based Review Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments,
    5. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and consistently applied by reviewers.
  5. After individual scores have been completed, a post-merit-based review committee meeting will be held. The review committee meeting is required for all competitive merit-based reviews and will be facilitated by the Bureau Chief or designee. The following apply:
    1. Each review team assigned application will be discussed by team members, including application highlights, concerns, application mandates/requirements etc.
    2. Scoring disparities will be identified and discussed. For each application, if a significant disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set amount/formula), review team members will collectively examine the application and discuss comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have identified including application mandates / requirements etc. Application highlights and concerns will also be discussed.
    3. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer determines that they have missed information or made errors in scoring the application.
    4. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
  6. Once the post merit-based review meeting has been held and individual scores have been finalized and resubmitted as necessary, the Review Team member scores will be updated, compiled and averaged on the Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
  7. At any time during the merit-based review or post-review process:
    1. If it is determined that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for removal,
    2. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review task. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
  8. After the updated Review Scores have been compiled and averaged, The Bureau Chief will present the scores, summary comments and reviewer recommendations to the Associate Director for the Office of Community & Positive Youth Development (OCPYD). The Bureau Chief will work with the Associate Director (OCPYD) to prepare funding recommendations for the Director of the Division of Family and Community Services. These recommendations may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, service capacity, cost effectiveness, demonstrated local community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under other items identified in Funding Priorities in Section 3: Program Description; 3. i. C.
  9. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one or more of the following options:
    1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
    2. Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
    3. Not fund any of the tied applications. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
  10. The recommendations will be presented by the OCPYD Associate Director to the Director of the Division of Family and Community Services, or designee for consideration and final award approval.
2. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates:
  1. Announcements anticipated in June, 2025.
  2. Anticipated grant start date: 7/1/25.
3. Merit Based Review Appeal Process
  1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only be evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
    1. Submission of Appeal
      1. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
        
        Contact Name: Karrie Rueter
        
        Email address: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov
        
        Email Subject Line: Agency Name, HY 444-80-0711, Appeal Karrie
      2. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
      3. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
      4. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
        
        Name and address of the appealing party
        
        Identification of the grant; and
        
        Statement of the reasons for the appeal
        
        Supporting documentation, if applicable
    2. Response to appeal
      1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
      2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
      3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request
    3. Resolution
      1. The ARO will make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
      2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
      3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
      4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
        
        Review of the appeal;
        
        Appeal determination; and
        
        Rationale for the determination.
Risk Review
1. Requirements:
  1. IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued.
    1. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic risk in the following categories:
      1. Quality of Management Systems
      2. Financial and Programmatic Reporting
      3. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements
      4. Awardee Audits
    2. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment conducted by the awarding agency to evaluate the following categories:
      1. Programmatic financial stability
      2. Management systems and standards that would affect the program.
      3. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings
      4. Ability to effectively implement program requirements.
      5. External partnerships
      6. Programmatic reporting
    3. Risk assessments are conducted to determine the risk posed by the applicant. Results will be used to evaluate the support, technical assistance, and training that may be needed for the awardee and the level of monitoring that is needed for the award.
    4. Risk assessments may result in Specific Conditions being placed on the award to include more frequent monitoring or the implementation of a corrective action plan.
  2. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
    1. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive award over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold define in 48 CFR part2, subpart 2.1. Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. Therefore, the grantee is subject to the simplified acquisition threshold and related requirements.
      1. Prior to making an award with a total amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, IDHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. (Currently FAPIIS) (See 41 U.S.C. 2313)
      2. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a State or Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through Sam.
      3. IDHS will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicants' integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under State and Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206

7 Award Notices

This section addresses what a successful applicant can expect to receive following selection.
1. State Award Notices
  1. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
    1. Grant award amount
    2. The terms and conditions of the award
    3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review.
  2. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount, and all conditions set forth within the notice. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
  3. The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance).
  4. The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA system. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system.
    Note: The Department cannot issue an Agreement until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system.
  5. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will receive a Notice of Ineligibility.
  6. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit Review process will receive a Notice of Denial/Non-Selection.

8. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all State and Federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
2. Sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement
3. Payment Terms:
  It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (Procedures implementing the Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury State Agreement (TSA)) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods. Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
Post Award Requirements of Applicant
1. Applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice and in accordance with applicable Statutes, Rules.
2. The provider must be in a position to begin providing full services on or before October 1,2025.
3. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required DHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information:
  1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
  2. Email capability
  3. Microsoft Excel
  4. Microsoft Word
  5. Adobe Reader
4. Trauma Informed: Applicants must be trauma-informed at the time of the application or commit to becoming trauma-informed by 6/30/26 as recognized through a Department recognized/accepted assessment tool. For example, the CBAT-O Assessment tool. Applicants will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing /maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization. Training and technical assistance will be made available to successful applicants to achieve/maintain this status.
5. Collaboration with local Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs): Providers will maintain a collaborative working relationship with the local IDHS FCRCs. This will include outreach to FCRCs to develop awareness of this program, recruit potential participants, and participating in local FCRCs' service provider meetings as requested.
6. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subcontractor(s) and collect and report data accordingly. All Applicants are required to utilize the Department's eCornerstone web-based reporting system for all youth served. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in a Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
7. Training and Technical Assistance: Programs must agree to receive consultation and technical assistance from authorized representatives of the Department. The program and collaborating partners will be required to be in attendance at site visits. Programs will be required to attend regular meetings and training as provided by the Department or a subcontractor of the Department. Programs should budget accordingly (at least quarterly).
8. Equity and Racial Justice: IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves correcting existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Organizations that provide services under this funding opportunity must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to develop) a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to develop) an equity and racial justice training plan for organization staff.
9. Site Visits: The Applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department and agrees that program and collaborating partners will attend such site visits if requested.
10. Presentations: The Applicant will be available as requested by the Department to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the Applicant's work.
11. COVID Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written COVID policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Center for Disease Control.
12. Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
13. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting when required. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
14. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Mandate: Per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA, 325 ILCS 5/4), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have "reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child" (ANCRA Sec.4). This is done by calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE. Programs funded through this grant opportunity must review ANCRA and, where appropriate, have a written protocol for identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment.
15. Hiring and Employment Policy: It is the policy of the Department to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The Department philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider TANF clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience.
16. State and Federal Laws and Regulations: The agency awarded funds through this NOFO must agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
17. Other - Program Specific
  Grantees agree to remain in compliance with the licensing requirements of the Child Care Act of 1969, as amended, including all applicable rules promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services pursuant to the Child Care Act with any and all other applicable standards prescribed by State or Federal law or regulations.
Reporting
1. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
  1. Periodic Financial Reports
    1. The monthly expenditure reports must be submitted by email no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month.
    2. The quarterly Periodic Financial Report must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter: Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1 - December 31) is due January 15th; Quarter 3 (January 1 - March 31) is due April 15th and Quarter 4 (April 1 - June 30) is due July 15th.
  2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
    1. The Quarterly Periodic Performance Reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1 - December 31) is due January 15th; Quarter 3 (January 1 - March 31) is due April 15th; and Quarter 4 (April 1 - June 30) is due July 15th.
  3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
  4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements:
    1. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subcontractor(s) and collect and report data accordingly.
    2. All Providers are required to utilize the Department's eCornerstone web-based reporting system to document enrollment and services for all youth served.
    3. Providers will be required to participate in Program Compliance and Performance Assessment reviews. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
    4. Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
  5. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List
    1. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
    2. Non-compliance with any of the above reporting requirements, including timeliness of reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List.

9 Other Information

Appendices
1. Appendix 1 - Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
2. Appendix 2 - Program Contact Information
3. Appendix 3 - Program Contact Information - Subrecipient
4. Appendix 4 - Additional Subcontractor Information
5. Appendix 5 - Program Site Information Forms
6. Appendix 6 - Program Placement Options - Transitional Living Programs
7. Appendix 7 - Program Placement Options - Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing Placements
8. Appendix 8 - Logic Model
9. Appendix 9 - Executive Summary
10. Appendix 10 - Program Services Summary
11. Appendix 11 - Homeless Youth NOFO Checklist
Technical Assistance Conference Information.
One Web-based Technical Assistance (TA) Conference will be provided for potential applicants on April 15, 2025, at 1:00PM. Attendance is NOT a requirement of the application although it is strongly encouraged. During this session, DHS staff will provide an overview of the program and expectations of the grant. DHS staff will devote a significant amount of time responding to questions from potential applicants about the NOFO content. Potential applicants are asked to review the Funding notice and associated Appendices in detail in advance of the TA Conference. Questions should be prepared and submitted in ADVANCE of the scheduled TA session. Although we will still take questions during the TA session, to ensure your question is addressed, please submit your questions as directed below no later than Close of Business Friday, April 11, 2025.
TA Conference Date: April 15, 2025, 1:00PM
Registration Details: Technical Assistance Registration Homeless Youth Session
Technical Assistance Conference Questions should be submitted to:
Email: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@illinois.gov
Subject: HY TA Questions
Deadline: COB Friday, April 11th 2025

10. Mandatory Forms

Mandatory Forms:
1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
2. Proposal Narrative and Attachments
3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf