The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) created the “Grants to States for Access and Visitation” program (AV grant program). Funding for the program began in FY 1997 with a capped, annual entitlement of $10 million. The statutory goal of the program is to provide funds to states that will enable them to provide services for the purpose of increasing noncustodial parent (NCP) access to and visitation with their children. State governors decide which state entity will be responsible for implementing the AV grant program and the state determines who will be served, what services will be provided, and whether the services will be statewide or in local jurisdictions. The statute specifies certain activities which may be funded, including: voluntary and mandatory mediation, counseling, education, the development of parenting plans, supervised visitation, and the development of guidelines for visitation and alternative custody arrangements. Even though OCSE manages this program, the funding for the AV grant is separate from funding for federal and state administration of the Child Support program.
Section 469B(e)(3) of the Social Security Act (Pub.L.104-193) requires that each state receiving an Access and Visitation (AV) grant award monitor, evaluate and report on such programs in accordance with regulations (45 CFR Part 303). The AV Grant Program Terms and Conditions Addendum references administration of the grant program in accordance with an approved state application. Additionally, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, states that there is an application requirement for Grants to States for Access and Visitation Programs (93.597). The application process will assist OCSE in complying with this requirement and will reflect a greater emphasis on program efficiency, coordination of services, and increased attention to family safety.
We are requesting OMB approval of the AV Grant Application for use beginning August 1, 2016. This would allow grantees sufficient time to compile and submit the application for review of services being offered in FY2017. The proposed application compiles information on actions and decisions related to program priorities, program administration, and program safeguards made by grantees in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities to use grant funds to increase noncustodial parent access to and visitation with their children. As such, the application should create a minimum burden on grantees. Additionally, grantees would be required to submit applications every three years. Grantees would be required to provide updated information to OCSE if a grantee planned to make substantive programmatic or administrative changes during the three-year period covered by the application.
This new, modified application reflects a greater emphasis on program efficiency, coordination of services, and increased attention to family safety. This application will cover three fiscal years (FYs 2017-2019). The applications will include information on how grantees plan to: spend grant funds, monitor service delivery, and implement safety protocols to ensure client and staff safety. OCSE will review the applications to ensure compliance with federal regulation and provide enhanced targeted technical assistance. The application will also assist states in strategic planning of services and knowledge sharing.
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PL: Pub.L. 104 - 193 469B Name of Law: Social Security ACt
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.