Quality Improvement Center: Engaging Youth in Finding Permanency

Background
The Quality Improvement Center (QIC) will pilot efforts in 6-8 jurisdictions across the nation to develop, implement, and evaluate methods of successful engagement of youth in finding their own permanency.
The QIC will also develop efforts to build the capacity of the child welfare workforce in the engagement of youth to not only find their own permanency, but also to identify the barriers.

Grant Details
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish a national Quality Improvement Center on Engaging Youth (QIC/EY) that will conduct six to eight projects in partnership with public child welfare systems of the states, tribes, counties, or territories.
The QIC/EY will develop capacity building training, tools, and strategies that will serve as a change agent for the child welfare workforce and system to embrace the voice of youth in all aspects of the system of care.
The project will be completed in two phases: Planning and Site selection (Year 1) and Implementation and Evaluation (Years 2-5).

Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is unrestricted and open to public or private organizations. Faith-based organizations may apply for this award on the same basis as any other organization. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible.

Period of Performance
The project awarded will be for a project period of 60 months with five 12-month budget periods. The initial award will be for a 12-month budget period.

Grant Value
$4,000,000 is the total estimated funding for one award with an average projected award amount of $4,000,000 per budget period.

Place of Performance
The QIC must partner with the state, tribal, or territory public child welfare system in their selection of pilot sites. Selected pilot sites must represent different jurisdictions at the state, county, tribal, or territory level.