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.
None
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.