Next Generation Child Support Employment Services Demonstration

The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) forecast provides information for eligible candidates interested in submitting applications for the Next Generation Child Support Employment Services Demonstration (NextGen). The NextGen program model is based on lessons learned from the National Child Support Noncustodial Parent Employment Demonstration. Its goal is to expand and enhance child support-led employment services for noncustodial parents. All state and tribal child support programs are eligible. Each applicant will self-identify into one of three groups:Tribal child support agenciesState child support agencies wherein at least one local jurisdiction that participates in the demonstration does not currently have an employment and training program or the program has been in operation for less than five yearsState child support agencies wherein local jurisdictions that participate in the demonstration have had an employment and training program in operation for at least five yearsGroups 1 and 2 will be expected to implement their employment and training projects according to the program design elements described in the NOFO.Group 3 may deviate from the program design elements described in the NOFO if their existing employment and training program deviates from this program design, but the deviation must be justified, and the applicant must explain how their current program handles the design elements described in the NOFO.All groups will provide enhanced child support services, which include:Initiating and expediting order review and if appropriate modificationSuspending enforcement tools while participating in the program, including removing license suspensions and bench warrantsProviding debt reduction if permitted by state lawAssisting with parenting time ordersWraparound services, such as fatherhood and parenting classes, substance abuse, or mental health services, are a plus but not required. OCSS anticipates that the grant recipient will partner with other agencies and programs to provide the employment and training services and other wraparound services.Experience shows that programs work best if each partner focuses on their core competencies. The child support program is expected to be the fiscal agent, manage the day-to-day operation of the program, and provide enhanced child support services. OCSS does not anticipate that child support staff will provide the employment and training services or other wraparound services since these are not the child support program core competencies. These services may be paid for by the grant, but in most instances, they will be delivered by partnering agencies.This grant program will have a 60-month project period with five 12-month budget periods. Year 1 will focus on start-up and development of the program design. Years 2, 3, and 4 will be devoted to providing services, and the final year will be dedicated to evaluation, close-out, and sustainability work. Grant recipients will not have to conduct their own evaluation, but must participate in an OCSS national cross-site evaluation. State and tribal child support agencies selected as implementation sites will receive technical assistance and evaluation support from the NextGen Evaluation grant recipient (see companion forecast). They will also participate in peer-to-peer technical assistance and learning opportunities.OCSS forecasts the awardees may receive up to $2,102,941 over the five-year project period. The annual award ceiling for years 1-2 is $588,235 for each year. The annual award ceiling for years 3-5 is $308,824 for each year. The award floor is $350,000 for the project period ($100,000 in years 1-2 and $50,000 in years 3-5). OCSS anticipates offering bonus points to tribal applicants.
Categories: Income Security and Social Services.