ORR releases unaccompanied alien children from its care to a vetted sponsor. ORR’s PRS assist unaccompanied alien children and their sponsors with the children’s transition to their new communities.
Community-based PRS may include referrals to:
- Legal services
- Education and English language classes
- Medical and behavioral healthcare
- Services related to cultural heritage and other traditions
- Integration and independence support
PRS ensure that children leaving ORR care receive the necessary support and services in their new communities, promoting their overall well-being and successful transition to a stable environment.
PRS Provider Requirements
PRS providers must use a case management approach to coordinate services in the community where the released child resides and adjust services in response to the changing needs of the child and sponsor. If the child moves to a new home, the PRS provider must ensure continuation of PRS at the child’s new residence. PRS must end when the child has lawful immigration status, is issued an order of removal, or when the child turns 18 years of age.
ORR-funded PRS providers offer three levels of services:
- Level One: Virtual Check-Ins to confirm children’s safety and wellbeing.
- Level Two: Case Management Services to refer and connect children and sponsors to community-based services.
- Level Three: Intensive In-Home Engagements to offer intensive in-person case management for children with higher needs.
PRS Provider Eligibility
- National providers must be able to deliver PRS in high-need and remote locations.
- PRS providers must use of evidence-based/evidence-informed child welfare best practices that are culturally and linguistically appropriate to the unique needs of each child.
- PRS providers and their subcontractors 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.