Home Study Services

As part of assessing the suitability of a potential sponsor, ORR may require a home study (HS). A home study includes an investigation of the living conditions in which the unaccompanied alien child would be placed and takes place prior to the child's physical release, the standard of care the child would receive, and interviews with the potential sponsor and others in the sponsor's household.

HS services must include:

• Home visits by case workers
• Interviews with potential sponsor and their household members
• A written report of the HS case worker’s findings
• Other services outlined in the posted funding opportunity

Provider Requirements

• The HS provider must accept a referral from ORR within three calendar days.
• The HS provider conducts an in-person home visit and interviews the potential sponsor and their household members.
• The HS provider assesses and verifies the information gathered.
• To prepare for the unaccompanied alien child’s release, the HS provider may provide education for the potential sponsor as appropriate.
• The HS provider submits a written HS report to ORR within ten calendar days of receiving the referral from ORR.

Provider Eligibility

• National providers must be able to deliver HS services in high-need and remote locations.
• HS providers must use evidence-based/evidence-informed child welfare best practices that meet the unique cultural and linguistic needs of each child and sponsor.
• HS providers and any subrecipients must have prior experience in providing child welfare services.
• For full eligibility requirements, always refer to the posted funding opportunity.

Contact Information

For questions, please email UCBgrants@acf.hhs.gov.