National Communication System for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) will award one cooperative agreement on a competitive basis for a period of three years to operate the National Communication System (NCS) for Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. The NCS Program is a dedicated toll-free, U.S. national communication system that provides information, referral services, crisis intervention, prevention approaches, and other supportive services to vulnerable, at-risk, and runaway and homeless youth and their families or legal guardians. The purpose of the NCS is to a) prevent youth from running away and becoming homeless, and b) link youth with a family member or guardian, and/or an available resource that can provide and/or assist the youth in acquiring needed services, and c) increase prevention education to reduce runaway incidents and youth homelessness. To fulfill the objectives of the legislation, the NCS must provide, among other services, a neutral and confidential channel of communication (online and off lines services) that is available on a 24-hours per day, seven days per week, basis throughout the United States to ensure a youth contemplating running away, youth who are on the run, and those experiencing homelessness can receive crisis services interventions and referrals or re- establish communication with their parents or legal guardians if possible. The NCS Program is also expected to work closely and collaboratively with FYSB to fulfill its mission as the federally funded Communication System Program for Runaway and Homeless Youth. A full description of services and requirements for the NCS Program recipient will be provided in the published announcement.

In addition, public (state and local) and private non-profit entities, and coordinated networks of such entities, are eligible to apply for a Runaway and Homeless Youth Program grant unless they are part of the juvenile justice system. (45 C.F.R. § 1351.11). In accordance with section 331 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Act, priority will be given to applicants demonstrating experience in providing communication services to vulnerable youth, youth at-risk, runaway and homeless youth, including telephone, Internet, mobile applications, and other technology-driven services. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from competitive review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this funding opportunity. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization, as set forth at and, subject to the protections and requirements of 45 CFR Part 87 and 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq., ACF will not, in the selection of recipients, discriminate against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character, affiliation, or exercise.