[Title 25 CFR D]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - April 1, 2004 Edition]
[Title 25 - INDIANS]
[Chapter I - BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR]
[Subchapter D - HUMAN SERVICES]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
25INDIANS12004-04-012004-04-01falseHUMAN SERVICESDSUBCHAPTER DINDIANSBUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SUBCHAPTER D_HUMAN SERVICES
PART 20_FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS--Table of Contents
Subpart A_Definitions, Purpose and Policy
Sec.
20.100 What definitions clarify the meaning of the provisions of this
part?
20.101 What is the purpose of this part?
20.102 What is the Bureau's policy in providing financial assistance and
social services under this part?
20.103 Have the information collection requirements in this part been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget?
Subpart B_Welfare Reform
20.200 What contact will the Bureau maintain with State, tribal, county,
local, and other Federal agency programs?
20.201 How does the Bureau designate a service area and what information
is required?
20.202 What is a tribal redesign plan?
20.203 Can a tribe incorporate assistance from other sources into a
tribal redesign plan?
20.204 Must all tribes submit a tribal redesign plan?
20.205 Can tribes change eligibility criteria or levels of payments for
General Assistance?
20.206 Must a tribe get approval for a tribal redesign plan?
20.207 Can a tribe use savings from a tribal redesign plan to meet other
priorities of the tribe?
20.208 What if the tribal redesign plan leads to increased costs?
20.209 Can a tribe operating under a tribal redesign plan go back to
operating under this part?
20.210 Can eligibility criteria or payments for Burial Assistance, Child
Assistance, and Disaster Assistance and Emergency Assistance
change?
Subpart C_Direct Assistance
Eligibility for Direct Assistance
20.300 Who qualifies for Direct Assistance under this subpart?
20.301 What is the goal of General Assistance?
20.302 Are Indian applicants required to seek assistance through
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
20.303 When is an applicant eligible for General Assistance?
20.304 When will the Bureau review eligibility for General Assistance?
20.305 What is redetermination?
20.306 What is the payment standard for General Assistance?
Determining Need and Income
20.307 What resources does the Bureau consider when determining need?
20.308 What does earned income include?
20.309 What does unearned income include?
20.310 What recurring income must be prorated?
20.311 What amounts will the Bureau deduct from earned income?
20.312 What amounts will the Bureau deduct from income or other
resources?
20.313 How will the Bureau compute financial assistance payments?
Employment Requirements
20.314 What is the policy on employment?
20.315 Who is not covered by the employment policy?
20.316 What must a person covered by the employment policy do?
20.317 How will the ineligibility period be implemented?
20.318 What case management responsibilities does the social services
worker have?
20.319 What responsibilities does the general assistance recipient have?
Tribal Work Experience Program (TWEP)
20.320 What is TWEP?
20.321 Does TWEP allow an incentive payment?
20.322 Who can receive a TWEP incentive payment?
20.323 Will the local TWEP be required to have written program
procedures?
Burial Assistance
20.324 When can the Bureau provide Burial Assistance?
20.325 Who can apply for Burial Assistance?
20.326 Does Burial Assistance cover transportation costs?
Disaster Assistance
20.327 When can the Bureau provide Disaster Assistance?
20.328 How can a tribe apply for Disaster Assistance?
Emergency Assistance
20.329 When can the Bureau provide Emergency Assistance payments?
20.330 What is the payment standard for Emergency Assistance?
[[Page 80]]
Adult Care Assistance
20.331 What is Adult Care Assistance?
20.332 Who can receive Adult Care Assistance?
20.333 How do I apply for Adult Care Assistance?
20.334 What happens after I apply?
20.335 What is the payment standard for Adult Care Assistance?
Subpart D_Services to Children, Elderly, and Families
20.400 Who should receive Services to Children, Elderly, and Families?
20.401 What is included under Services to Children, Elderly, and
Families?
20.402 When are protective services provided?
20.403 What do protective services include?
20.404 What information is contained in a social services assessment?
Subpart E_Child Assistance
20.500 Who is eligible for Child Assistance?
How Child Assistance Funds Can Be Used
20.501 What services can be paid for with Child Assistance funds?
20.502 Can Child Assistance funds be used to place Indian children in
residential care facilities?
20.503 When can Child Assistance funds be used for Indian adoption or
guardianship subsidies?
20.504 What short-term homemaker services can Child Assistance pay for?
20.505 What services are provided jointly with the Child Assistance
Program?
Foster Care
20.506 What information is required in the foster care case file?
20.507 What requirements must foster care providers meet?
20.508 What must the social services agency do when a child is placed in
foster care, residential care or guardianship home?
20.509 What must the social services worker do when a child is placed in
foster care or residential care facility?
20.510 How is the court involved in child placements?
20.511 Should permanency plans be developed?
20.512 Can the Bureau/tribal contractors make Indian adoptive
placements?
20.513 Should Interstate Compacts be used for the placement of children?
20.514 What assistance can the courts request from social services on
behalf of children?
20.515 What is required for case management?
20.516 How are child abuse, neglect or exploitation cases to be handled?
Subpart F_Administrative Procedures
20.600 Who can apply for financial assistance or social services?
20.601 How can applications be submitted?
20.602 How does the Bureau verify eligibility for social services?
20.603 How is an application approved or denied?
20.604 How is an applicant or recipient notified that benefits or
services are denied or changed?
20.605 What happens when an applicant or recipient appeals a decision
under this subpart?
20.606 How is an incorrect payment adjusted or recovered?
20.607 What happens when applicants or recipients knowingly and
willfully provide false or fraudulent information?
Subpart G_Hearings and Appeals
20.700 Can an applicant or recipient appeal the decision of a Bureau
official?
20.701 Does a recipient receive financial assistance while an appeal is
pending?
20.702 When is an appeal hearing scheduled?
20.703 What must the written notice of hearing include?
20.704 Who conducts the hearing or appeal of a Bureau decision or action
and what is the process?
20.705 Can an applicant or recipient appeal a tribal decision?
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 13; Pub. L. 93-638; Pub. L. 98-473; Pub. L.
102-477; Pub. L. 104-193; Pub. L. 105-83.
Source: 65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_Definitions, Purpose and Policy
Sec. 20.100 What definitions clarify the meaning of the provisions of
this part?
Adult means an Indian person age 18 or older.
Adult care assistance means financial assistance provided on behalf
of an Indian adult who is not eligible for any other state, federal, or
tribal assistance as documented in the case file and who requires non-
medical personal care and supervision due to advanced age, infirmity,
physical condition or mental impairment.
Appeal means a written request for correction of an action or
decision of a specific program decision by a Bureau
[[Page 81]]
official (Sec. 20.700) or a tribal official (Sec. 20.705).
Applicant means an Indian individual by or on whose behalf an
application for financial assistance and/or social services has been
made under this part.
Application means the written or oral process through which a
request is made for financial assistance or social services.
Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs.
Authorized representative means a parent or other caretaker
relative, conservator, legal guardian, foster parent, attorney,
paralegal acting under the supervision of an attorney, friend or other
spokesperson duly authorized and acting on behalf or representing the
applicant or recipient.
Bureau means the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the United States
Department of the Interior.
Bureau Standard of Assistance means payment standards established by
the Assistant Secretary for burial, disaster, emergency, TWEP and
adoption and guardian subsidy. In accordance with Public Law 104-193,
the Bureau standard of assistance for general assistance is the state
rate for TANF in the state where the applicant resides. Where the Bureau
provides general assistance on a reservation that extends into another
state, the Bureau will provide general assistance to eligible Indians
based on the standard of assistance where the applicant resides if the
applicant is not eligible for state general assistance or TANF. The
Bureau standard of assistance for adult care assistance is the state
rate for adult care assistance in the state where the applicant resides.
The Bureau standard of assistance for foster care is the state rate for
foster care in the state where the applicant resides as provided by
Title IV of the Social Security Act (49 Stat. 620).
Burial assistance means a financial assistance payment made on
behalf of an indigent Indian who meets the eligibility criteria to
provide minimum burial expenses according to Bureau payment standards
established by the Assistant Secretary.
Case means a single type of assistance and/or service provided to an
individual or household in response to an identified need which requires
intervention by social services.
Case management means the activity of a social services worker in
assessing client and family problem(s), case planning, coordinating and
linking services for clients, monitoring service provisions and client
progress, advocacy, tracking and evaluating services provided, such as
evaluation of child's treatment being concurrent with parent's
treatment, and provision of aftercare service. Activities may also
include resource development and providing other direct services such as
accountability of funds, data collection, reporting requirements, and
documenting activities in the case file.
Case plan means a written plan with time limited goals which is
developed and signed by the service recipient and social services
worker. The case plan will include documentation of referral and
disapproval of eligibility for other services. The plan must incorporate
the steps needed to assist individuals and families to resolve social,
economic, psychological, interpersonal, and/or other problems, to
achieve self-sufficiency and independence. All plans for children in
foster care or residential care must include a permanency plan which
contains a time specific goal of the return of the child to the natural
parents or initiation of a guardianship/adoption.
Child means an Indian person under the age of 18 except that no
person who has been emancipated by marriage will be deemed a child.
Child assistance means financial assistance provided on behalf of an
Indian child, who has special needs as specified in Sec. 20.100. In
addition, assistance includes services to a child who requires placement
in a foster home or a residential care facility in accordance with
standards of payment levels established by the state or county in which
the child resides. Further, assistance includes services to a child in
need of adoption or guardianship in accordance with payment levels
established by the Assistant Secretary.
Designated representative means an official of the Bureau who is
designated by a Superintendent to hold a hearing as prescribed in
Sec. Sec. 20.700 through 20.705 and who has had no prior involvement
[[Page 82]]
in the proposed decision under Sec. 20.603 and whose hearing decision
under Sec. Sec. 20.700 through 20.705 will have the same force and
effect as if rendered by the Superintendent.
Disaster means a situation where a tribal community is adversely
affected by a natural disaster or other forces which pose a threat to
life, safety, or health as specified in Sec. Sec. 20.327 and 20.328.
Emergency means a situation where an individual or family's home and
personal possessions are either destroyed or damaged through forces
beyond their control as specified in Sec. 20.329.
Employable means an eligible Indian person who is physically and
mentally able to obtain employment, and who is not exempt from seeking
employment in accordance with the criteria specified in Sec. 20.315.
Essential needs means shelter, food, clothing and utilities, as
included in the standard of assistance in the state where the eligible
applicant lives.
Extended family means persons related by blood, marriage or as
defined by tribal law or custom.
Family assessment means a social services assessment of a family's
history and present abilities and resources to provide the necessary
care, guidance and supervision for individuals within the family's
current living situation who may need social service assistance and/or
services.
Financial Assistance means any of the following forms of assistance
not provided by other federal, state, local or tribal sources:
(1) Adult Care Assistance for adults who require non-medical
personal care and supervision;
(2) Burial Assistance for indigent burials;
(3) Child Assistance for any child with special needs, in need of
placement in a foster home or residential care facility, or in need of
adoption or guardianship;
(4) Disaster Assistance;
(5) Emergency Assistance for essential needs to prevent hardship
caused by burnout, flooding of homes, or other life threatening
situations that may cause loss or damage of personal possessions;
(6) General Assistance for basic essential needs; or
(7) Tribal Work Experience Program for participants in work
experience and training.
Foster care services means those social services provided to an
eligible Indian child that is removed from his or her home due to
neglect, abandonment, abuse or other maltreatment and placed in a foster
home. Services must also be extended to the affected family members and
foster parent(s) with a goal of reuniting and preserving the family.
General Assistance means financial assistance payments to an
eligible Indian for essential needs provided under Sec. Sec. 20.300
through 20.319.
Guardianship means long-term, social services and court approved
placement of a child.
Head of household means a person in the household that has primary
responsibility and/or obligation for the financial support of others in
the household. In the case of a two parent household, one will be
considered the head of household for the purpose of making an
application for benefits.
Homemaker services means non-medical services provided by social
services, in the absence of other resources, to assist an eligible
Indian in maintaining self-sufficiency, and preventing placement into
foster care or residential care. Examples of services included in
homemaker services are: cleaning an individual's home, preparing meals
for an individual, and maintaining or performing basic household
functions.
Household means persons living together who may or may not be
related to the ``head of household.''
Indian means:
(1) Any person who is a member of an Indian tribe; or
(2) In the Alaska service area only, any person who meets the
definition of ``Native'' as defined under 43 U.S.C. 1602(b): ``A citizen
of the United States and one-fourth degree or more Alaska Indian
(including Tsimshian Indians not enrolled in the Metlakatla Indian
Community) Eskimo, or Aleut blood, or combination thereof. The term
includes any Native as so defined either or both of whose adoptive
parents are
[[Page 83]]
not Natives. It also includes, in the absence of proof of a minimum
blood quantum, any citizen of the United States who is regarded as an
Alaska Native by the Native village or Native group of which he claims
to be a member and whose father or mother is (or, if deceased, was)
regarded as Native by any village or group. Any decision of the
Secretary regarding eligibility for enrollment shall be final.''
Indian court means Indian tribal court or Court of Indian Offenses.
Indian tribe means an Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation,
pueblo, village, or community which is recognized as eligible for the
special programs and services provided by the United States because of
their status as Indians.
Individual Self-sufficiency Plan (ISP) means a plan designed to meet
the goal of employment through specific action steps and is incorporated
within the case plan for the general assistance recipient. The plan is
jointly developed and signed by the recipient and social services
worker.
Near Reservation means those areas or communities designated by the
Assistant Secretary that are adjacent or contiguous to reservations
where financial assistance and social service programs are provided.
Need means the deficit after consideration of income and other
resources necessary to meet the cost of essential need items and special
need items as defined by the Bureau standard of assistance for the state
in which the applicant or recipient resides.
Permanency plan means the documentation in a case plan which
provides for permanent living alternatives for the child in foster care,
a residential care facility, or in need of adoption or guardianship.
Permanency plans are developed and implemented in accordance with
tribal, cultural, and tribal/state legal standards when the parent or
guardian is unable to resolve the issues that require out-of-home
placement of the child.
Protective services means those services necessary to protect an
Indian who is the victim of an alleged and/or substantiated incident of
abuse, neglect or exploitation or who is under the supervision of the
Bureau in regard to the use and disbursement of funds in his or her
Individual Indian Money (IIM) account.
Public assistance means those programs of financial assistance
provided by state, tribal, county, local and federal organizations
including programs under Title IV of the Social Security Act (49 Stat.
620), as amended, and Public Law 104-193.
Recipient is an eligible Indian receiving financial assistance or
social services under this part.
Recurring income means any cash or in-kind payment, earned or
unearned, received on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis.
Regional Director means the Bureau official in charge of a Regional
Office.
Reservation means any federally recognized Indian tribe's
reservation, pueblo, or colony, including Alaska Native regions
established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85
Stat. 688).
Residential care services means those rehabilitation services
provided to an eligible Indian child that is removed from his or her
home due to lack of resources in the home to care for him or her and
placed in a residential care facility.
Resources means income, both earned and unearned, and other liquid
assets available to an Indian person or household to meet current living
costs, unless otherwise specifically excluded by federal statute. Liquid
assets are those properties in the form of cash or other financial
instruments which can be converted to cash, such as savings or checking
accounts, promissory notes, mortgages and similar properties, and
retirements and annuities.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Service area means a geographic area designated by the Assistant
Secretary where financial assistance and social services programs are
provided. Such a geographic area designation can include a reservation,
near reservation, or other geographic location. ``The Assistant
Secretary has designated the entire State of Alaska as a service area.''
Services to children, elderly and families means social services,
including protective services provided through the
[[Page 84]]
social work skills of casework, group work or community development to
assist in solving social problems involving children, elderly and
families. These services do not include money payments.
Special needs means a financial assistance payment made to or on
behalf of children under social services supervision for circumstances
that warrant financial assistance that is not included in the foster
care rates; for example, respite care, homemaker service, day care
service, and may include basic needs (special diets) which are not
considered as a medical need where other resources are not available.
Superintendent means the Bureau official in charge of an agency
office.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) means cash assistance provided
under Title XVI of the Social Security Act (49 Stat. 620), as amended.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) means one of the
programs of financial assistance provided under the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA).
Tribal governing body means the federally recognized governing body
of an Indian tribe.
Tribal redesign plan means a tribally designed method for changing
general assistance eligibility and/or payment levels in accordance with
25 U.S.C.A. Sec. 13d-3.
Tribal Work Experience Program (TWEP) means a program operated by
tribal contract/grant or self-governance annual funding agreement, which
provides eligible participants with work experience and training that
promotes and preserves work habits and develops work skills aimed toward
self-sufficiency. The Bureau payment standard is established by the
Assistant Secretary.
Unemployable means a person who meets the criteria specified in
Sec. 20.315.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000, as amended at 66
FR 15030, Mar. 15, 2001]
Sec. 20.101 What is the purpose of this part?
The regulations in this part govern the provision to eligible
Indians of the following kinds of financial assistance and social
services:
(a) Adult Care Assistance;
(b) Burial Assistance;
(c) Child Assistance;
(d) Disaster Assistance;
(e) Emergency Assistance;
(f) General Assistance;
(g) Services to Children, Elderly and Families; and
(h) Tribal Work Experience Program.
Sec. 20.102 What is the Bureau's policy in providing financial assistance
and social services under this part?
(a) Bureau social services programs are a secondary, or residual
resource, and must not be used to supplement or supplant other programs.
(b) The Bureau can provide assistance under this part to eligible
Indians when comparable financial assistance or social services are
either not available or not provided by state, tribal, county, local or
other federal agencies.
(c) Bureau financial assistance and social services are subject to
annual Congressional appropriations.
Sec. 20.103 Have the information collection requirements in this part been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget?
The information collection requirements contained in Sec. Sec.
20.300, 20.400, and 20.500 were submitted for clearance to the Office of
Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 35d et seq. This information
collection was approved by OMB with OMB Control 1076-0017. The
expiration date is on the form. The information is collected to
determine applicant eligibility for services. The information will be
used to determine applicant eligibility and to insure uniformity of
services. Response is required to obtain a benefit. The public reporting
burdens for this form are estimated to average 15 minutes per response
including time for reviewing the instructions, gathering and maintaining
data, and completing and reviewing the form.
Subpart B_Welfare Reform
Sec. 20.200 What contact will the Bureau maintain with State, tribal,
county, local, and other Federal agency programs?
We will coordinate all financial assistance and social services
programs
[[Page 85]]
with state, tribal, county, local and other federal agency programs to
ensure that the financial assistance and social services program avoids
duplication of assistance.
Sec. 20.201 How does the Bureau designate a service area and what
information is required?
The Assistant Secretary can designate or modify service areas for a
tribe. If you are a tribe requesting a service area designation, you
must submit each of the following:
(a) A tribal resolution that certifies that:
(1) All eligible Indians residing within the service area will be
served; and
(2) The proposed service area will not include counties or parts
thereof that have reasonably available comparable services.
(b) Additional documentation showing that:
(1) The area is administratively feasible (that is, an adequate
level of services can be provided to the eligible Indians residing in
the area.);
(2) No duplication of services exists; and
(3) A plan describing how services will be provided to all eligible
Indians can be implemented.
(c) Documentation should be sent to the Regional Director or Office
of Self-Governance.
The Director or office will evaluate the information and make
recommendations to the Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary can
make a determination to approve or disapprove and publish notice of the
designation of service area and the Indians to be served in the Federal
Register. Tribes currently providing services are not required to
request designation for service areas unless they make a decision to
modify their existing service areas.
Sec. 20.202 What is a tribal redesign plan?
If you are a tribe administering a general assistance program, you
can develop and submit to us a tribal redesign plan to change the way
that you administer the program.
(a) A tribal redesign plan allows a tribe to:
(1) Change eligibility for general assistance in the service area;
or
(2) Change the amount of general assistance payments for individuals
within the service area.
(b) If you develop a tribal redesign plan it must:
(1) Treat all persons in the same situation equally; and
(2) Will not result in additional expenses for the Bureau solely
because of any increased level of payments.
Sec. 20.203 Can a tribe incorporate assistance from other sources into
a tribal redesign plan?
Yes, when a tribe redesigns its general assistance program, it may
include assistance from other sources (such as Public Law 102-477
federal funding sources) in the plan.
Sec. 20.204 Must all tribes submit a tribal redesign plan?
No, you must submit a tribal redesign plan under Sec. 20.206 only
if you want to change the way that the General Assistance program
operates in your service area.
Sec. 20.205 Can tribes change eligibility criteria or levels of payments
for General Assistance?
Yes, if you have a redesign plan, you can change eligibility
criteria or levels of payment for general assistance.
(a) The funding level for your redesigned general assistance program
will be the same funding received in the most recent fiscal or calendar
year, whichever applies.
(b) If you do not have a prior year level of funding, the Bureau or
Office of Self-Governance will establish a tentative funding level based
upon best estimates for caseload and expenditures.
(c) A Bureau servicing office can administer a tribal redesign plan
as requested by a tribal resolution.
Sec. 20.206 Must a tribe get approval for a tribal redesign plan?
If you have a Public Law 93-638 contract or receive direct services
from us, you must obtain our approval before implementing a redesign
plan. You can apply for approval to the Regional Director through the
Bureau servicing office.
[[Page 86]]
(a) You must submit your redesign plan for approval at least 3
months before the effective date.
(b) If you operate with a self-governance annual funding agreement,
you must obtain the approval of the redesign from the Office of Self-
Governance.
(c) If you operate with a Public Law 102-477 grant, you must obtain
approval from the Bureau Central Office.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000]
Sec. 20.207 Can a tribe use savings from a tribal redesign plan to meet
other priorities of the tribe?
Yes, you may use savings from a redesign of the general assistance
program to meet other priorities.
Sec. 20.208 What if the tribal redesign plan leads to increased costs?
The tribe must meet any increase in cost to the General Assistance
program that results solely from tribally increased payment levels due
to a redesign plan.
Sec. 20.209 Can a tribe operating under a tribal redesign plan go back
to operating under this part?
Yes, a tribe operating under a tribal redesign plan can choose to
return to operation of the program as provided in Sec. Sec. 20.300
through 20.323.
Sec. 20.210 Can eligibility criteria or payments for Burial Assistance,
Child Assistance, and Disaster Assistance and Emergency Assistance change?
No, unless otherwise provided by law, the Bureau nor a tribe may
change eligibility criteria or levels of payment for Burial Assistance,
Child Assistance, Disaster Assistance, and Emergency Assistance awarded
in Public Law 93-638 contracts, Public Law 102-477 grants, or Public Law
103-413 self-governance annual funding agreements.
Subpart C_Direct Assistance
Eligibility for Direct Assistance
Sec. 20.300 Who qualifies for Direct Assistance under this subpart?
To be eligible for assistance or services under this part, an
applicant must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) Meet the definition of Indian as defined in this part;
(b) Not have sufficient resources to meet the essential need items
defined by the Bureau standard of assistance for those Bureau programs
providing financial payment;
(c) Reside in the service area as defined in Sec. 20.100; and
(d) Meet the additional eligibility criteria for each of the
specific programs of financial assistance or social services in
Sec. Sec. 20.301 through 20.516.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 15030, Mar. 15, 2001]
Sec. 20.301 What is the goal of General Assistance?
The goal of the General Assistance program is to increase self-
sufficiency. Each General Assistance recipient must work with the social
services worker to develop and sign an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan
(ISP). The plan must outline the specific steps the individual will take
to increase independence by meeting the goal of employment.
Sec. 20.302 Are Indian applicants required to seek assistance through
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?
Yes, all Indian applicants with dependent children are required to
apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and follow TANF
regulations.
Sec. 20.303 When is an applicant eligible for General Assistance?
To be eligible for General Assistance an applicant must:
(a) Meet the criteria contained in Sec. 20.300;
(b) Apply concurrently for financial assistance from other state,
tribal, county, local, or other federal agency programs for which he/she
is eligible;
[[Page 87]]
(c) Not receive any comparable public assistance; and
(d) Develop and sign an employment strategy in the ISP with the
assistance of the social services worker to meet the goal of employment
through specific action steps including job readiness and job search
activities.
Sec. 20.304 When will the Bureau review eligibility for General Assistance?
The Bureau will review eligibility for General Assistance:
(a) Every 3 months for individuals who are not exempt from seeking
or accepting employment in accordance with Sec. 20.315 or the ISP;
(b) Every 6 months for all recipients; and
(c) Whenever there is a change in status that can affect a
recipient's eligibility or amount of assistance. Recipients must
immediately inform the social services office of any such changes.
Sec. 20.305 What is redetermination?
Redetermination is an evaluation by a social services worker to
assess the need for continued financial assistance as outlined in Sec.
20.304. It includes:
(a) A home visit;
(b) An estimate of income, living circumstances, household
composition for the month(s) for which financial assistance is to be
provided; and
(c) Appropriate revisions to the case plan and the ISP.
Sec. 20.306 What is the payment standard for General Assistance?
(a) Under Public Law 104-193, the Bureau must use the same TANF
payment standard (and any associated rateable reduction) that exists in
the state or service area where the applicant or recipient resides. This
payment standard is the amount from which the Bureau subtracts net
income and resources to determine General Assistance eligibility and
payment levels;
(b) If the state does not have a standard for an adult, we will use
either the difference between the standard for a child and the standard
for a household of two, or one-half of the standard for a household of
two, whichever is greater; and
(c) If the state does not have a TANF program, we will use the AFDC
payment standard which was in effect on September 30, 1995, in the State
where the applicant or recipient resides.
Determining Need and Income
Sec. 20.307 What resources does the Bureau consider when determining need?
When the Bureau determines General Assistance eligibility and
payment levels, we consider income and other resources as specified in
Sec. Sec. 20.308 and 20.309.
(a) All income, earned or unearned, must be calculated in the month
it is received and as a resource thereafter, except that certain income
obtained from the sale of real or personal property may be exempt as
provided in Sec. 20.309.
(b) Resources are considered to be available when they are converted
to cash.
Sec. 20.308 What does earned income include?
Earned income is cash or any in-kind payment earned in the form of
wages, salary, commissions, or profit, from activities by an employee or
self-employed individual. Earned income includes:
(a) Any one-time payment to an individual for activities which were
sustained over a period of time (for example, the sale of farm crops,
livestock, or professional artists producing art work); and
(b) With regard to self-employment, total profit from a business
enterprise (i.e., gross receipts less expenses incurred in producing the
goods or services). Business expenses do not include depreciation,
personal business and entertainment expenses, personal transportation,
capital equipment purchases, or principal payments on loans for capital
assets or durable goods.
Sec. 20.309 What does unearned income include?
Unearned income includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Income from interest; oil and gas and other mineral royalties;
gaming income per capita distributions; rental property; cash
contributions, such as child support and alimony, gaming winnings;
retirement benefits;
[[Page 88]]
(b) Annuities, veteran's disability, unemployment benefits, and
federal and state tax refunds;
(c) Per capita payments not excluded by federal statute;
(d) Income from sale of trust land and real or personal property
that is set aside for reinvestment in trust land or a primary residence,
but has not been reinvested in trust land or a primary residence at the
end of one year from the date the income was received;
(e) In-kind contributions providing shelter at no cost to the
individual or household, this must equal the amount for shelter included
in the state standard, or 25 percent of the state standard, whichever is
less; and
(f) Financial assistance provided by a state, tribal, county, local,
or other federal agency.
Sec. 20.310 What recurring income must be prorated?
The social services worker will prorate the following recurring
income:
(a) Recurring income received by individuals over a 12-month period
for less than a full year's employment (for example, income earned by
teachers who are not employed for a full year);
(b) Income received by individuals employed on a contractual basis
over the term of a contract; and
(c) Intermittent income received quarterly, semiannually, or yearly
over the period covered by the income.
Sec. 20.311 What amounts will the Bureau deduct from earned income?
(a) The social services worker will deduct the following amounts
from earned income:
(1) Other federal, state, and local taxes;
(2) Social Security (FICA);
(3) Health insurance;
(4) Work related expenses, including reasonable transportation
costs;
(5) Child care costs for children under the age of 6 except where
the other parent in the home is unemployed and physically able to care
for the children; and
(6) The cost of special clothing, tools, and equipment directly
related to the individual's employment.
(b) For self-employed individuals, the social services worker will
deduct the costs of conducting business and all of the amounts in
paragraph (a) of this section.
Sec. 20.312 What amounts will the Bureau deduct from income or other
resources?
The social services worker will deduct the following amounts from
income, or other resources:
(a) The first $2,000 of liquid resources annually available to the
household;
(b) Any home produce from a garden, livestock, and poultry used by
the applicant or recipient and his/her household for their consumption;
and
(c) Resources specifically excluded by federal statute.
Sec. 20.313 How will the Bureau compute financial assistance payments?
(a) The social services worker will compute financial assistance
payments by beginning with the Bureau standard of assistance and doing
the following:
(1) Subtracting from all resources calculated under Sec. Sec.
20.307 through 20.310;
(2) Subtracting the rateable reduction or maximum payment level used
by the state where the applicant lives;
(3) Subtracting an amount for shelter (see paragraph (b) of this
section for details on how to calculate a shelter amount); and
(4) Rounding the result down to the next lowest dollar.
(b) The social services worker must calculate a shelter amount for
purposes of paragraph (a)(3) of this section. To calculate the shelter
amount:
(1) The shelter amount must not exceed the amount for shelter in the
state TANF standard;
(2) If the state TANF does not specify an amount for shelter, the
social services worker must calculate the amount as 25 percent of the
total state TANF payment; and
(3) If there is more than one household in a dwelling, the social
services worker must prorate the actual shelter cost among the
households receiving General Assistance; this amount cannot exceed the
amount in the standard for individuals in similar circumstances. The
head of each household is responsible for his/her portion of the
documented shelter cost.
[[Page 89]]
(c) The social services worker must not provide General Assistance
payments for any period before the date of the application for
assistance.
Employment Requirements
Sec. 20.314 What is the policy on employment?
(a) An applicant or recipient must:
(1) Actively seek employment, including the use of available state,
tribal, county, local or Bureau-funded employment services;
(2) Make satisfactory progress in an ISP; and
(3) Accept local and seasonable employment when it is available.
(b) A head of household who does not comply with this section will
not be eligible for General Assistance for a period of at least 60 days
but not more than 90 days. This action must be documented in the case
file.
(c) The policy in this section does not apply to any person meeting
the criteria in Sec. 20.315.
Sec. 20.315 Who is not covered by the employment policy?
The employment policy in Sec. 20.314 does not apply to the persons
shown in the following table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The employment policy in
Sec. 20.314 does not apply if . . . and . . .
to . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Anyone younger than 16..
-----------------------------
(b) A full-student under the He/she is attending He/she is making
age of 19. an elementary or satisfactory
secondary school or progress.
a vocational or
technical school
equivalent to a
secondary school.
-----------------------------
(c) A person enrolled at He/she is making He/she was an active
least half-time in a satisfactory General Assistance
program of study under progress. recipient for a
Section 5404 of Pub. L. 100- minimum of 3 months
297. before
determination/
redetermination of
eligibility.
-----------------------------
(d) A person suffering from It is documented in He/she must be
a temporary medical injury the case plan that referred to SSI if
or illness. the illness or the disability
injury is serious status exceeds 3
enough to months.
temporarily prevent
employment.
-----------------------------
(e) An incapacitated person A physician, The assessment is
who has not yet received psychologist, or documented in the
Supplemental Security social services case plan.
Income (SSI) assistance. worker certifies
that a physical or
mental impairment
(either by itself,
or in conjunction
with age) prevents
the individual from
being employed.
-----------------------------
(f) A caretaker who is A physician or The case plan
responsible for a person in certified documents that: the
the home who has a physical psychologist condition requires
or mental impairment. verifies the the caretaker to be
condition. home on a virtually
continuous basis;
and there is no
other appropriate
household member
available to
provide this care.
-----------------------------
(g) A parent or other He/she personally
individual who does not provides full-time
have access to child care. care to a child
under the age of 6.
-----------------------------
(h) A person for whom There is a minimum
employment is not commuting time of
accessible. one hour each way.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 20.316 What must a person covered by the employment policy do?
(a) If you are covered by the employment policy in Sec. 20.314, you
must seek employment and provide evidence of your monthly efforts to
obtain employment in accordance with your ISP.
(b) If you do not seek and accept available local and seasonal
employment, or you quit a job without good cause, you cannot receive
General Assistance for a period of at least 60 days but not more than 90
days after you refuse or quit a job.
Sec. 20.317 How will the ineligibility period be implemented?
(a) If you refuse or quit a job, your ineligibility period will
continue as provided in Sec. 20.316(b) until you seek
[[Page 90]]
and accept appropriate available local and seasonal employment and
fulfill your obligations already agreed to in the ISP;
(b) The Bureau will reduce your suspension period by 30 days when
you show that you have sought local and seasonal employment in
accordance with the ISP; and
(c) Your eligibility suspension will affect only you. The Bureau
will not apply it to other eligible members of the household.
Sec. 20.318 What case management responsibilities does the social
services worker have?
In working with each recipient, you, the social services worker
must:
(a) Assess the general employability of the recipient;
(b) Assist the recipient in the development of the ISP;
(c) Sign the ISP;
(d) Help the recipient identify the service(s) needed to meet the
goals identified in their ISP;
(e) Monitor recipient participation in work related training and
other employment assistance programs; and
(f) Document activities in the case file.
Sec. 20.319 What responsibilities does the general assistance recipient
have?
In working with the social services worker, you, the recipient,
must:
(a) Participate with the social services worker in developing an ISP
and sign the ISP;
(b) Perform successfully in the work related activities, community
service, training and/or other employment assistance programs developed
in the ISP;
(c) Participate successfully in treatment and counseling services
identified in the ISP;
(d) Participate in evaluations of job readiness and/or any other
testing required for employment purposes; and
(e) Demonstrate that you are actively seeking employment by
providing the social services worker with evidence of job search
activities as required in the ISP.
Tribal Work Experience Program (TWEP)
Sec. 20.320 What is TWEP?
TWEP is a program that provides work experience and job skills to
enhance potential job placement for the general assistance recipient.
TWEP programs can be incorporated within Public Law 93-638 self-
determination contracts, Public Law 102-477 grants, and Public Law 103-
413 self-governance annual funding agreements at the request of the
tribe.
Sec. 20.321 Does TWEP allow an incentive payment?
Yes, incentive payments to participants are allowed under TWEP.
(a) Incentive payments are separate. The Bureau will not consider
incentive payments as wages or work related expenses, but as grant
assistance payments under Sec. Sec. 20.320 through 20.323.
(b) The approved payment will not exceed the Bureau maximum TWEP
payment standard established by the Assistant Secretary.
Sec. 20.322 Who can receive a TWEP incentive payment?
(a) The head of the family unit normally receives the TWEP
assistance payment.
(b) The social services worker can designate a spouse or other adult
in the assistance group to receive the TWEP assistance payment. The
social services worker will do this only if:
(1) The recognized head of the family unit is certified as
unemployable; and
(2) The designation is consistent with the ISP.
(c) Where there are multiple family units in one household, one
member of each family unit will be eligible to receive the TWEP
incentive payment.
Sec. 20.323 Will the local TWEP be required to have written program
procedures?
Yes, the local TWEP must have specific written program procedures
that cover hours of work, acceptable reasons for granting leave from
work, evaluation criteria and monitoring plans and ISP's for
participants. Work readiness progress must be documented in each ISP.
[[Page 91]]
Burial Assistance
Sec. 20.324 When can the Bureau provide Burial Assistance?
In the absence of other resources, the Bureau can provide Burial
Assistance for eligible indigent Indians meeting the requirements
prescribed in Sec. 20.300.
Sec. 20.325 Who can apply for Burial Assistance?
If you are a relative of a deceased Indian, you can apply for burial
assistance for the deceased Indian under this section.
(a) To apply for burial assistance under this section, you must
submit the application to the social services worker. You must submit
this application within 30 days following death.
(b) The Bureau will determine eligibility based on the income and
resources available to the deceased in accordance with Sec. 20.100.
This includes but is not limited to SSI, veterans' death benefits,
social security, and Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts.
Determination of need will be accomplished on a case-by-case basis using
the Bureau payment standard.
(c) The Bureau will not approve an application unless it meets the
criteria specified at Sec. 20.300.
(d) The approved payment will not exceed the Bureau maximum burial
payment standard established by the Assistant Secretary.
Sec. 20.326 Does Burial Assistance cover transportation costs?
Transportation costs directly associated with burials are normally a
part of the established burial rate. If a provider adds an additional
transportation charge to the burial rate because of extenuating
circumstances, the social services worker can pay the added charge. To
do this, the social services worker must ensure and document in the case
plan that:
(a) The charges are reasonable and equitable;
(b) The deceased was an eligible indigent Indian who was socially,
culturally, and economically affiliated with his or her tribe; and
(c) The deceased resided in the service area for at least the last 6
consecutive months of his/her life.
Disaster Assistance
Sec. 20.327 When can the Bureau provide Disaster Assistance?
Disaster assistance is immediate and/or short-term relief from a
disaster and can be provided to a tribal community in accordance with
Sec. 20.328.
Sec. 20.328 How can a tribe apply for Disaster Assistance?
(a) The tribe affected by the disaster is considered the applicant
and must submit the following to the Regional Director through the local
Superintendent:
(1) A tribal resolution requesting disaster assistance;
(2) A copy of county, state, or Presidential declaration of
disaster; and
(3) The projected extent of need in the service area not covered by
other federal funding sources.
(b) The Regional Director must forward the above tribal documents
and his/her recommendation to the Assistant Secretary for final decision
on whether disaster assistance will be provided and to what extent.
Emergency Assistance
Sec. 20.329 When can the Bureau provide Emergency Assistance payments?
Emergency Assistance payments can be provided to individuals or
families who suffer from a burnout, flood, or other destruction of their
home and loss or damage to personal possessions. The Bureau will make
payments only for essential needs and other non-medical necessities.
Sec. 20.330 What is the payment standard for Emergency Assistance?
The approved payment will not exceed the Bureau's maximum Emergency
Assistance payment standard established by the Assistant Secretary.
Adult Care Assistance
Sec. 20.331 What is Adult Care Assistance?
Adult care assistance provides non-medical care for eligible adult
Indians who:
(a) Have needs that require personal care and supervision due to
advanced
[[Page 92]]
age, infirmity, physical condition, or mental impairments; and
(b) Cannot be cared for in their own home by family members.
Sec. 20.332 Who can receive Adult Care Assistance?
An adult Indian is eligible to receive adult care assistance under
this part if he/she:
(a) Is unable to meet his/her basic needs, including non-medical
care and/or protection, with his/her own resources; and
(b) Does not require intermediate or skilled nursing care.
Sec. 20.333 How do I apply for Adult Care Assistance?
To apply for adult care assistance, you or someone acting on your
behalf must submit an application form to the social services worker.
Sec. 20.334 What happens after I apply?
(a) The Bureau will determine eligibility based upon the income and
available resources of the person named in the application.
(b) Upon approval by the Bureau Line Officer, payments will be
approved under purchase of service agreements for adult care provided in
state or tribally licensed or certified group settings, or by individual
service providers licensed or certified for homemaker service.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000]
Sec. 20.335 What is the payment standard for Adult Care Assistance?
The approved payment for adult care assistance will not exceed the
applicable state payment rate for similar care.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000]
Subpart D_Services to Children, Elderly, and Families
Sec. 20.400 Who should receive Services to Children, Elderly, and Families?
Services to Children, Elderly, and Families will be provided for
Indians meeting the requirements prescribed in Sec. 20.300 who request
these services or on whose behalf these services are requested.
Sec. 20.401 What is included under Services to Children, Elderly, and
Families?
Services to Children, Elderly, and Families include, but are not
limited to, the following:
(a) Assistance in solving problems related to family functioning and
interpersonal relationships;
(b) Referral to the appropriate resource for problems related to
illness, physical or mental handicaps, drug abuse, alcoholism, and
violation of the law; and
(c) Protective services.
In addition, economic opportunity and money management may also be
provided.
Sec. 20.402 When are protective services provided?
Protective services are provided when children or adults:
(a) Are deprived temporarily or permanently of needed supervision by
responsible adults;
(b) Are neglected, abused or exploited;
(c) Need services when they are mentally or physically handicapped
or otherwise disabled; or
(d) Are under the supervision of the Bureau in regard to the use and
disbursement of funds in the child's or adult's Individual Indian Money
(IIM) account. Those IIM accounts that are established for children will
be supervised by the Bureau until the child becomes an adult as defined
in 25 CFR 115.
Sec. 20.403 What do protective services include?
Protective services provided to a child, family or elderly person
will be documented in the case files and:
(a) Can include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
(1) Providing responses to requests from members of the community on
behalf of children or adults alleged to need protective services;
(2) Providing services to children, elderly, and families, including
referrals for homemaker and day care services for the elderly and
children;
[[Page 93]]
(3) Coordinating with Indian courts to provide services, which may
include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) Investigating and reporting on allegations of child abuse and
neglect, abandonment, and conditions that may require referrals (such as
mental or physical handicaps);
(ii) Providing social information related to the disposition of a
case, including recommendation of alternative resources for treatment;
and
(iii) Providing placement services by the court order before and
after adjudication.
(4) Coordinating with other community services, including groups,
agencies, and facilities in the community. Coordination can include, but
are not limited to:
(i) Evaluating social conditions that affect community well-being;
(ii) Treating conditions identified under paragraph (b)(1) of this
section that are within the competence of social services workers; and
(iii) Working with other community agencies to identify and help
clients to use services available for assistance in solving the social
problems of individuals, families, and children.
(5) Coordinating with law enforcement and tribal courts, to place
the victim of an alleged and/or substantiated incident of abuse, neglect
or exploitation out of the home to assure safety while the allegations
are being investigated. Social services workers may remove individuals
in life threatening situations. After a social services assessment, the
individual must be either returned to the parent(s) or to the home from
which they were removed or the social services worker must initiate
other actions as provided by the tribal code; and
(6) Providing social services in the home, coordinating and making
referrals to other programs/services, including Child Protection, and/or
establishing Multi-Disciplinary Teams.
(b) Must include, where the service population includes IIM account
holders:
(1) Conducting, upon the request of an account holder or other
interested party, a social services assessment to evaluate an adult
account holder's circumstances and abilities and the extent to which the
account holder needs assistance in managing his or her financial
affairs; and
(2) Managing supervised IIM accounts of children and adults (in
conjunction with legal guardians), which includes, but is not limited
to, the following:
(i) Evaluating the needs of the account holder;
(ii) Developing, as necessary and as permitted under 25 CFR 115, a
one-time or an annual distribution plan for funds held in an IIM account
along with any amendments to the plan for approval by the Bureau;
(iii) Monitoring the implementation of the approved distribution
plan to ensure that the funds are expended in accordance with the
distribution plan;
(iv) Reviewing the supervised account every 6 months or more often
as necessary if conditions have changed to warrant a recommendation to
change the status of the account holder, or to modify the distribution
plan;
(v) Reviewing receipts for an account holder's expenses and
verifying that expenditures of funds from a supervised IIM account were
made in accordance with the distribution plan approved by the Bureau,
including any amendments made to the plan; and
(vi) Petitioning a court of competent jurisdiction for the
appointment of, or change in, a legal guardian for a client, where
appropriate.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000]
Sec. 20.404 What information is contained in a social services assessment?
A social services assessment must contain, but is not limited to,
the following:
(a) Identifying information about the client (for example, name,
address, age, gender, social security number, telephone number,
certificate of Indian blood, education level), family history and
medical history of the account holder;
(b) Description of the household composition: information on each
member of the household (e.g., name, age, and gender) and that person's
relationship to the client;
[[Page 94]]
(c) The client's current resources and future income (e.g., VA
benefits, retirement pensions, trust assets, employment income, judgment
funds, general assistance benefits, unemployment benefits, social
security income, supplemental security income and other governmental
agency benefits);
(d) A discussion of the circumstances which justify special
services, including ability of the client to handle his or her financial
affairs and to conduct day-to-day living activities. Factors to be
considered should include, but are not limited to:
(1) Age;
(2) Developmental disability;
(3) Chronic alcoholism or substance abuse;
(4) Lack of family assistance or social support systems, or
abandonment;
(5) Self-neglect;
(6) Financial exploitation or abuse;
(7) Physical exploitation, neglect or abuse;
(8) Senility; and
(9) Dementia.
(e) Documentation supporting the need for assistance (e.g., medical
reports, police reports, court orders, letters from interested parties,
prior assessments or evaluations, diagnosis by psychologist/
psychiatrist); and
(f) Summary of findings and proposed services to meet the identified
needs of the client.
Subpart E_Child Assistance
Sec. 20.500 Who is eligible for Child Assistance?
A child is eligible for Child Assistance under this subpart if all
of the following criteria are met:
(a) The child must meet the requirements in Sec. 20.300.
(b) The child's legally responsible parent, custodian/guardian, or
Indian court having jurisdiction must:
(1) Request assistance under this part in writing;
(2) State that they are unable to provide necessary care and
guidance for the child, or to provide for the child's special needs in
his/her own home; and
(3) Provide a documented social services assessment from the social
services worker of whether parent(s), custodian, guardian(s) are able to
care for their child.
(c) All income accruing to the child, except income exempted by
federal statute, must be used to meet the cost of special needs, foster
home or residential care facility as authorized and arranged by social
services.
How Child Assistance Funds Can Be Used
Sec. 20.501 What services can be paid for with Child Assistance funds?
The social services program can use Child Assistance funds to pay
for services as shown in the following table.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conditions that must Maximum payment
Service that can be paid be met level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) Room and board at There must be no The state or county
residential care facilities other resources residential care
licensed by the tribe or available to pay rate in the state
state. these costs. See in which the child
Sec. 20.502 for resides.
other conditions
that must be met.
-----------------------------
(b) Adoption or guardianship There must be no The Bureau's maximum
subsidies. other resources adoption and
available to pay guardianship
for this service. payment standard.
See Sec. 20.503
for other
conditions that
must be met.
-----------------------------
(c) Short-term homemaker There must be no As approved by the
services. other resources Bureau line
(such as Medicaid) officer.
available to pay
for this service.
Services can be
purchased for a
maximum of 3
months. See Sec.
20.504 for other
conditions that
must be met.
-----------------------------
(d) Temporary foster care... See Sec. 20.509 The state or county
for conditions that foster care rate in
must be met. the state in which
the child resides.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 95]]
Sec. 20.502 Can Child Assistance funds be used to place Indian children
in residential care facilities?
You, the social service program, can use Child Assistance funds to
purchase or contract for room and board in licensed residential care
facilities.
(a) You can use Child Assistance funds to pay only for room and
board. You must pay for other services that may be needed, including
mental health, education, and physical therapy from other sources.
(b) Before placement the various funding sources must sign an
agreement that specifies the services each source will pay. The Bureau
Line Officer must approve this agreement.
Sec. 20.503 When can Child Assistance funds be used for Indian adoption
or guardianship subsidies?
You, the social services program, can use Child Assistance funds to
provide either adoption or guardianship subsidies if all of the
following are true:
(a) The child is 17 or younger;
(b) The child has been in foster care prior to approval of the
subsidy;
(c) The social services worker has considered all other available
resources, attempted permanency planning, and documented in the case
file that placement was in the best interest of the child; and
(d) The Bureau Line Officer approves the subsidy before it is
authorized and redetermines eligibility on a yearly basis.
Sec. 20.504 What short-term homemaker services can Child Assistance
pay for?
You, the social services program, can use Child Assistance funds to
pay for homemaker services as specified in Sec. 20.501 and this
section. While housekeeping services are covered, homemaker services
must focus on training household members in such skills as child care
and home management. Homemaker services are provided for:
(a) A child who would otherwise need foster care placement or who
would benefit from supportive (protective) supervision;
(b) A severely handicapped or special needs child whose care places
undue stress on the family; or
(c) A child whose care would benefit from specialized training and
supportive services provided to family members.
Sec. 20.505 What services are provided jointly with the Child Assistance
Program?
The services listed in this section are provided by Services to
Children, Elderly, and Families under this subpart jointly with the
Child Assistance Program.
(a) Social services provided for children in their own home aimed at
strengthening the family's ability to provide for and nurture their
child. These supportive services can include:
(1) Social work case management;
(2) Counseling for parents and children;
(3) Group work, day care; and
(4) Homemaker services, when necessary.
(b) Protection of Indian children from abuse, neglect or
exploitation in coordination with law enforcement and courts.
(c) A written case plan must be established within 30 days of
placement and reviewed within 60 days of placement or as outlined in
tribally established standards, when temporary placement outside the
home is necessary. The case plan must contain a written agreement signed
among the various funding sources to identify the services that will be
paid by each source in those instances where the child requires services
outside the authority of the Child Assistance program.
Foster Care
Sec. 20.506 What information is required in the foster care case file?
At a minimum the following information is required:
(a) Tribal enrollment verification in accordance with Sec. 20.100;
(b) A written case plan (established within 30 days of placement),
which would include a permanency plan detailing the need for and
expected length of placement;
(c) Information on each child's health status and school records,
including medications and immunization records;
[[Page 96]]
(d) Parental consent(s) for emergency medical care, school, and
transportation;
(e) A signed plan for payment, including financial responsibility of
parents and use of other appropriate resources;
(f) A copy of the certification/license of the foster home;
(g) A current photo of each child;
(h) A copy of the social security card, birth certificate, Medicaid
card and current court order;
(i) For a placement beyond 30 days, copy of the action taken or
authorized by a court of competent jurisdiction that documents the need
for protection of the child;
(j) For an involuntary placement, a social services assessment
completed by a social services worker within 30 days of placement;
(k) Documentation of a minimum of one visit to the placement setting
per month by the social services worker with each child; and
(l) A list of all prior placements, including the names of the
foster parents and dates of placements.
Sec. 20.507 What requirements must foster care providers meet?
If a child needs foster care, the social services worker must select
care that meets the physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of the
child. Foster care is intended to be short-term. The case plan must show
that all of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this
section are met:
(a) All foster homes must be certified or licensed by the tribe or
other appropriate authority. Foster care placements beyond 30 days must
be made through a court of competent jurisdiction to ensure that:
(1) Federal background checks are completed prior to placement as
required by Public Law 101-630; and
(2) Training (optional for placements with relatives) is provided to
the foster family.
(b) If the child is placed with relatives in an adoption and
guardian placement, the case file must contain an approved current home
study.
(c) An off-reservation foster home, or residential care facility
under contract must meet the licensing standards of the state in which
it is located or tribally established certifying/licensing standards.
Sec. 20.508 What must the social services agency do when a child is
placed in foster care, residential care or guardianship home?
The social services agency must make efforts to secure child support
for the child in foster care or residential care through a court of
competent jurisdiction.
Sec. 20.509 What must the social services worker do when a child is placed
in foster care or residential care facility?
When a child is placed in foster care or a residential care facility
the social services worker must do all of the following:
(a) Discuss with foster parents or caretakers, the child's special
needs, including disabilities;
(b) Provide counseling or referral to available resources;
(c) Refer any child requiring medical, substance abuse, or
behavioral (mental) health services to an appropriate health services to
be assessed and to receive services;
(d) Ensure that the case plan provides for all necessary costs of
care (including clothing, incidentals, and personal allowance) in
accordance with established state standards of payments;
(e) Develop a foster family agreement signed and dated by the
parties involved that specifies the roles and responsibilities of the
biological parents, foster parents, and placing agency; the terms of
payment of care; and the need for adherence to the established case
plan;
(f) Immediately report any occurrences of suspected child abuse or
neglect in a foster home or residential care facility to law enforcement
and protective services in accordance with tribal standards and
reporting requirements under Public Law 101-630; and
(g) Complete a yearly assessment of each tribal or state licensed
foster home or residential care facility evaluating how the home has
fulfilled its function relative to the needs of the child placed in the
home.
[[Page 97]]
Sec. 20.510 How is the court involved in child placements?
The court retains custody of a child in placement and the care and
supervision must be given to the appropriate social services agency.
While the court can issue any court order consistent with tribal law,
the courts do not have the authority to require expenditure of federal
funds to pay for specifically prescribed or restrictive services or out-
of-home placements of children. Case plans must be reviewed with the
appropriate court at least every 6 months and a permanency hearing held
within 12 months after a child enters foster care or residential care,
or according to established tribal standards. These standards can be
established in the tribal code and can be in accordance with available
funding source requirements.
Sec. 20.511 Should permanency plans be developed?
Permanency planning must be developed for all child placements
within 6 months after initial placement of the child. Every reasonable
effort will be made to preserve the family and/or reunify the children
with the family and relatives when developing permanency plans. However,
the child's health and safety are the paramount concern.
Sec. 20.512 Can the Bureau/tribal contractors make Indian adoptive
placements?
The Bureau is not an authorized adoption agency and staff must not
arrange adoptive placements. However, long-term permanency planning can
involve the Bureau social services workers cooperating with tribal
courts to provide an adoption subsidy. Tribal contractors will provide
adoption services as authorized by the tribal courts in accordance with
tribal codes/law.
Sec. 20.513 Should Interstate Compacts be used for the placement of
children?
Interstate compact agreements should be used when appropriate for
foster care, adoption and guardianship to protect the best interests of
the child and to assure the availability of the funding resources and
services from the originating placement source.
Sec. 20.514 What assistance can the courts request from social services
on behalf of children?
The courts can request the following:
(a) Investigations of law enforcement reports of child abuse and
neglect;
(b) Assessment of the need for out-of-home placement of the child;
and
(c) Provision of court-related services following adjudication, such
as monitoring, foster care, or residential care, or pre/post placement
services.
Sec. 20.515 What is required for case management?
Social services workers must document regular contact with children
and families in accordance with specific program requirements. The
social services agency is responsible for implementation of quality case
management; this requires the supervisor's review of case plans every 90
days.
Sec. 20.516 How are child abuse, neglect or exploitation cases to be
handled?
Reported child abuse, neglect or exploitation cases and the
requirement for background clearances will be handled in accordance with
the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act of 1990,
Public Law 101-630, 25 CFR part 63, federal and/or state laws where
applicable, and tribal codes which protect Indian children and victims
of domestic violence. This includes developing and maintaining Child
Protection Teams in accordance to Public Law 101-630 and collection of
child abuse, neglect and exploitation data according to Public Law 99-
570. Those cases referred by the state will be handled according to the
Indian Child Welfare Act, Public Law 95-608, and 25 CFR part 23.
Subpart F_Administrative Procedures
Sec. 20.600 Who can apply for financial assistance or social services?
(a) You can apply for financial assistance or social services under
this part if you:
(1) Believe that you are eligible to receive benefits; or
(2) Are applying on behalf of someone who you believe is eligible to
receive benefits.
[[Page 98]]
(b) Under paragraph (a) of this section, any of the following may
apply for benefits on behalf of another person: relatives, interested
individuals, social services agencies, law enforcement agencies, courts,
or other persons or agencies.
Sec. 20.601 How can applications be submitted?
You can apply for financial assistance or social services under this
part by:
(a) Completing an application that you can get from your social
services worker or tribe; or
(b) Through an interview with a social services worker who will
complete an application for you based on the oral interview.
Sec. 20.602 How does the Bureau verify eligibility for social services?
(a) You, the applicant, are the primary source of information used
to determine eligibility and need. If it is necessary to secure
information such as medical records from other sources, you must
authorize the release of information.
(b) You must immediately report to your social services worker any
changes in circumstances that may affect your eligibility or the amount
of financial assistance that you receive.
Sec. 20.603 How is an application approved or denied?
(a) Each application must be approved if the applicant meets the
eligibility criteria in this part for the type of assistance requested
and all recipients will be redetermined for eligibility every 6 months.
Financial assistance will be made retroactive to the application date.
(b) An application must be denied if the applicant does not meet the
eligibility criteria in Sec. Sec. 20.300 through 20.516.
(c) The social services worker must approve or deny an application
within 30 days of the application date. The local social services worker
must issue written notice of the approval or denial of each application
within 45 days of the application date.
(d) If for a good reason the social services worker cannot meet the
deadline in paragraph (c) of this section, he or she must notify the
applicant in writing of:
(1) The reasons why the decision cannot be made; and
(2) The deadline by which the social services worker will send the
applicant a decision.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000]
Sec. 20.604 How is an applicant or recipient notified that benefits
or services are denied or changed?
If the Bureau increases, decreases, suspends, or terminates
financial assistance, the social services worker must mail or hand
deliver to the applicant or recipient a written notice of the action.
The notice must:
(a) State the action taken, the effective date, and the reason(s)
for the decision;
(b) Inform the applicant or recipient of the right to request a
hearing if dissatisfied with the decision;
(c) Advise the applicant or recipient of the right to be represented
by an authorized representative at no expense to the Bureau;
(d) Include the address of the local Superintendent or his/her
designated representative to whom the request for a hearing must be
submitted;
(e) Advise the applicant or recipient that failure to request a
hearing within 20 days of the date of the notice will cause the decision
to become final and not subject to appeal under 25 CFR part 2; and
(f) Be delivered to the applicant 20 days in advance of the
effective date of the action.
Sec. 20.605 What happens when an applicant or recipient appeals a
decision under this subpart?
If you are an applicant or recipient and appeal a decision made
under Sec. 20.604, you can continue to receive your assistance while
your appeal is pending. For this to happen, you must submit your appeal
by the deadline in Sec. 20.604(e).
Sec. 20.606 How is an incorrect payment adjusted or recovered?
(a) When an incorrect payment of financial assistance has been made
to an
[[Page 99]]
individual or family, a proper adjustment or recovery is required.
(b) The proper adjustment or recovery is based upon individual need
as appropriate to the circumstances that resulted in an incorrect
payment.
(c) Before adjustment or recovery, the recipient will be notified of
the proposal to correct the payment and given an informal opportunity to
resolve the matter.
(d) If an informal resolution cannot be attained, the recipient must
be given a written notice of decision and the procedures of Sec. 20.604
will apply.
(e) If a hearing is requested, the hearing will be conducted in
accordance with the procedures under Sec. Sec. 20.700 through 20.705.
Sec. 20.607 What happens when applicants or recipients knowingly and
willfully provide false or fraudulent information?
Applicants or recipients who knowingly and willfully provide false
or fraudulent information are subject to prosecution under 18 U.S.C.
Sec. 1001, which carries a fine of not more than $10,000 or
imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both. The social services
worker will prepare a written report detailing the information
considered to be false and submit the report to the Superintendent or
his/her designated representative for appropriate investigative action.
Subpart G_Hearings and Appeals
Sec. 20.700 Can an applicant or recipient appeal the decision of a Bureau
official?
Yes, if you are an applicant or recipient, and are dissatisfied with
a Bureau decision made under this part, you can request a hearing before
the Superintendent or his/her designated representative. You must submit
your request by the deadline in Sec. 20.604. The Superintendent or his/
her designated representative can extend the deadline if you show good
cause.
Sec. 20.701 Does a recipient receive financial assistance while an appeal
is pending?
Yes, if you appeal under this subpart, financial assistance will be
continued or reinstated to insure there is no break in financial
assistance until the Superintendent or his/her designated representative
makes a decision. The Superintendent or his/her designated
representative can adjust payments or recover overpayments to conform
with his/her decision.
[65 FR 63159, Oct. 20, 2000; 65 FR 76563, Dec. 7, 2000]
Sec. 20.702 When is an appeal hearing scheduled?
The Superintendent or his/her designated representative must set a
date for the hearing within 10 days of the date of request for a hearing
and give written notice to the applicant or recipient.
Sec. 20.703 What must the written notice of hearing include?
The written notice of hearing must include:
(a) The date, time and location of the hearing;
(b) A statement of the facts and issues giving rise to the appeal;
(c) The applicant's or recipient's right to be heard in person, or
to be represented by an authorized representative at no expense to the
Bureau;
(d) The applicant or recipient's right to present both oral and
written evidence during the hearing;
(e) The applicant's or recipient's right to confront and cross-
examine witnesses at the hearing;
(f) The applicant's or recipient's right of one continuance of not
more than 10 days with respect to the date of hearing; and
(g) The applicant's or recipient's right to examine and copy, at a
reasonable time before the hearing, his/her case record as it relates to
the proposed action being contested.
Sec. 20.704 Who conducts the hearing or appeal of a Bureau decision or
action and what is the process?
(a) The Superintendent or his/her designated representative conducts
the hearing in an informal but orderly manner, records the hearing, and
provides the applicant or recipient with a transcript of the hearing
upon request.
[[Page 100]]
(b) The Superintendent or his/her designated representative must
render a written decision within 10 days of the completion of the
hearing. The written decision must include:
(1) A written statement covering the evidence relied upon and
reasons for the decision; and
(2) The applicant's or recipient's right to appeal the
Superintendent or his/her designated representative's decision pursuant
to 25 CFR part 2 and request Bureau assistance in preparation of the
appeal.
Sec. 20.705 Can an applicant or recipient appeal a tribal decision?
Yes, the applicant or recipient must pursue the appeal process
applicable to the Public Law 93-638 contract, Public Law 102-477 grant,
or Public Law 103-413 self-governance annual funding agreement. If no
appeal process exists, then the applicant or recipient must pursue the
appeal through the appropriate tribal forum.
PART 23_INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT--Table of Contents
Subpart A_Purpose, Definitions, and Policy
Sec.
23.1 Purpose.
23.2 Definitions.
23.3 Policy.
23.4 Information collection.
Subpart B_Notice of Involuntary Child Custody Proceedings and Payment
for Appointed Counsel in State Courts
23.11 Notice.
23.12 Designated tribal agent for service of notice.
23.13 Payment for appointed counsel in involuntary Indian child custody
proceedings in state courts.
Subpart C_Grants to Indian Tribes for Title II Indian Child and Family
Service Programs
23.21 Noncompetitive tribal government grants.
23.22 Purpose of tribal government grants.
23.23 Tribal government application contents.
Subpart D_Grants to Off-Reservation Indian Organizations for Title II
Indian Child and Family Service Programs
23.31 Competitive off-reservation grant process.
23.32 Purpose of off-reservation grants.
23.33 Competitive off-reservation application contents and application
selection criteria.
23.34 Review and decision on off-reservation applications by Area
Director.
23.35 Deadline for Central Office action.
Subpart E_General and Uniform Grant Administration Provisions and
Requirements
23.41 Uniform grant administration provisions, requirements and
applicability.
23.42 Technical assistance.
23.43 Authority for grant approval and execution.
23.44 Grant administration and monitoring.
23.45 Subgrants.
23.46 Financial management, internal and external controls and other
assurances.
23.47 Reports and availability of information to Indians.
23.48 Matching shares and agreements.
23.49 Fair and uniform provision of services.
23.50 Service eligibility.
23.51 Grant carry-over authority.
23.52 Grant suspension.
23.53 Cancellation.
Subpart F_Appeals
23.61 Appeals from decision or action by Agency Superintendent, Area
Director or Grants Officer.
23.62 Appeals from decision or action by Area Director under subpart D.
23.63 Appeals from inaction of official.
Subpart G_Administrative Provisions
23.71 Recordkeeping and information availability.
Subpart H_Assistance to State Courts
23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses.
23.82 Assistance in identifying language interpreters.
23.83 Assistance in locating biological parents of Indian child after
termination of adoption.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 2, 9, 1901-1952.
Source: 59 FR 2256, Jan. 13, 1994, unless otherwise noted.
[[Page 101]]
Subpart A_Purpose, Definitions, and Policy
Sec. 23.1 Purpose.
The purpose of the regulations in this part is to govern the
provision of funding for, and the administration of Indian child and
family service programs as authorized by the Indian Child Welfare Act of
1978 (Pub. L. 95-608, 92 Stat. 3069, 25 U.S.C. 2, 9, 1901-1952).
Sec. 23.2 Definitions.
Act means the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Pub. L. 95-608, 92
Stat. 3069, 25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.
Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs,
the Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) means the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
the Department of the Interior.
Child custody proceeding includes:
(1) Foster care placement, which shall mean any action removing an
Indian child from his or her parent or Indian custodian for temporary
placement in a foster home or institution or the home of a guardian or
conservator where the parent or Indian custodian cannot have the child
returned upon demand, but where parental rights have not been
terminated;
(2) Termination of parental rights, which shall mean any action
resulting in the termination of the parent-child relationship;
(3) Preadoptive placement, which shall mean the temporary placement
of an Indian child in a foster home or institution after the termination
of parental rights, but prior to or in lieu of adoptive placement;
(4) Adoptive placement, which shall mean the permanent placement of
an Indian child for adoption, including any action resulting in a final
decree of adoption; and
(5) Other tribal placements made in accordance with the placement
preferences of the Act, including the temporary or permanent placement
of an Indian child in accordance with tribal children's codes and local
tribal custom or tradition;
(6) The above terms shall not include a placement based upon an act
which, if committed by an adult, would be deemed a crime in the
jurisdiction where the act occurred or upon an award, in a divorce
proceeding, of custody to one of the parents.
Consortium means an association or partnership of two or more
eligible applicants who enter into an agreement to administer a grant
program and to provide services under the grant to Indian residents in a
specific geographical area when it is administratively feasible to
provide an adequate level of services within the area.
Extended family member shall be as defined by the law or custom of
the Indian child's tribe or, in the absence of such law or custom, shall
be a person who has reached the age of 18 and who is the Indian child's
grandparent, aunt or uncle, brother or sister, brother-in-law or sister-
in-law, niece or nephew, first or second cousin, or stepparent.
Grant means a written agreement between the BIA and the governing
body of an Indian tribe or Indian organization wherein the BIA provides
funds to the grantee to plan, conduct or administer specific programs,
services, or activities and where the administrative and programmatic
provisions are specifically delineated.
Grantee means the tribal governing body of an Indian tribe or Board
of Directors of an Indian organization responsible for grant
administration.
Grants officer means an officially designated officer who
administers ICWA grants awarded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the
Department of the Interior.
Indian means any person who is a member of an Indian tribe, or who
is an Alaska Native and a member of a Regional Corporation as defined in
section 7 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. 1606.
Indian child means any unmarried person who is under age 18 and is
either a member of an Indian tribe, or is eligible for membership in an
Indian tribe and is the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe.
Indian child's tribe means the Indian tribe in which an Indian child
is a member or is eligible for membership or, in the case of an Indian
child who is a member of or is eligible for membership in more than one
tribe, the Indian tribe with which the Indian child has the more
significant contacts, to be determined in accordance with the BIA's
[[Page 102]]
``Guidelines for State Courts--Indian Child Custody Proceedings.''
Indian custodian means any Indian person who has legal custody of an
Indian child under tribal law or custom or under state law or to whom
temporary physical care, custody and control has been transferred by the
parent of such child.
Indian organization, solely for purposes of eligibility for grants
under subpart D of this part, means any legally established group,
association, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity which is
owned or controlled by Indians, or a majority (51 percent or more) of
whose members are Indians.
Indian preference means preference and opportunities for employment
and training provided to Indians in the administration of grants in
accordance with section 7 (b) of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450).
Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation, or other
organized group or community of Indians federally recognized as eligible
for the services provided to Indians by the Secretary because of their
status as Indians, including any Alaska Native village as defined in
section 3 (c) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 43 U.S.C. 1602
(c).
Off-reservation ICWA program means an ICWA program administered in
accordance with 25 U.S.C. 1932 by an off-reservation Indian
organization.
Parent means the biological parent or parents of an Indian child or
any Indian person who has lawfully adopted an Indian child, including
adoptions under tribal law or custom. The term does not include the
unwed father where paternity has not been acknowledged or established.
Reservation means Indian country as defined in 18 U.S.C. 1151 and
any lands not covered under such section, title to which is either held
by the United States in trust for the benefit of any Indian tribe or
individual or held by any Indian tribe or individual subject to a
restriction by the United States against alienation.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Service areas solely for newly recognized or restored Indian tribes
without established reservations means those service areas
congressionally established by Federal law to be the equivalent of a
reservation for the purpose of determining the eligibility of a newly
recognized or restored Indian tribe and its members for all Federal
services and benefits.
State court means any agent or agency of a state, including the
District of Columbia or any territory or possession of the United
States, or any political subdivision empowered by law to terminate
parental rights or to make foster care placements, preadoptive
placements, or adoptive placements.
Subgrant means a secondary grant that undertakes part of the
obligations of the primary grant, and assumes the legal and financial
responsibility for the funds awarded and for the performance of the
grant-supported activity.
Technical assistance means the provision of oral, written, or other
relevant information and assistance to prospective grant applicants in
the development of their grant proposals. Technical assistance may
include a preliminary review of an application to assist the applicant
in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal, ongoing
program planning, design and evaluation, and such other program-specific
assistance as is necessary for ongoing grant administration and
management.
Title II means title II of Public Law 95-608, the Indian Child
Welfare Act of 1978, which authorizes the Secretary to make grants to
Indian tribes and off-reservation Indian organizations for the
establishment and operation of Indian child and family service programs.
Tribal Court means a court with jurisdiction over child custody
proceedings and which is either a Court of Indian Offenses, a court
established and operated under the code or custom of an Indian tribe, or
any other administrative body of a tribe which is vested with authority
over child custody proceedings.
Tribal government means the federally recognized governing body of
an Indian tribe.
Value means face, par, or market value, or cost price, either
wholesale or retail, whichever is greater.
[[Page 103]]
Sec. 23.3 Policy.
In enacting the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-608,
the Congress has declared that it is the policy of this Nation to
protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the
stability and security of Indian tribes and Indian families by the
establishment of minimum Federal standards to prevent the arbitrary
removal of Indian children from their families and tribes and to ensure
that measures which prevent the breakup of Indian families are followed
in child custody proceedings (25 U.S.C. 1902). Indian child and family
service programs receiving title II funds and operated by federally
recognized Indian tribes and off-reservation Indian organizations shall
reflect the unique values of Indian culture and promote the stability
and security of Indian children, Indian families and Indian communities.
It is the policy of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to emphasize and
facilitate the comprehensive design, development and implementation of
Indian child and family service programs in coordination with other
Federal, state, local, and tribal programs which strengthen and preserve
Indian families and Indian tribes.
Sec. 23.4 Information collection.
(a) The information collection requirements contained in Sec. 23.13
of this part have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and assigned clearance number 1076-
0111.
(1) This information will be used to determine eligibility for
payment of legal fees for indigent Indian parents and Indian custodians,
involved in involuntary Indian child custody proceedings in state
courts, who are not eligible for legal services through other
mechanisms. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit.
(2) Public reporting for this information collection is estimated to
average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and
reviewing the information collection. Direct comments regarding the
burden estimate or any aspect of this information collection should be
mailed or hand-delivered to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Information
Collection Clearance Officer, Room 336-SIB, 1849 C Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20240; and the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs Paperwork Reduction Project--1076-0111, Office of Management and
Budget, Washington, DC 20503.
(b) The information collection requirements contained in Sec. Sec.
23.21; 23.31; 23.46; 23.47, and 23.71 have been approved by the Office
of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and assigned
clearance number 1076-0131. The information collection requirements
under Sec. Sec. 23.21 and 23.31 are collected in the form of ICWA grant
applications from Indian tribes and off-reservation Indian
organizations. A response to this request is required to obtain grant
funds. The information collection requirements under Sec. 23.46 are
collected in compliance with applicable OMB circulars on financial
management, internal and external controls and other fiscal assurances
in accordance with existing Federal grant administration and reporting
requirements. The grantee information collection requirements under
Sec. 23.47 are collected in the form of quarterly and annual program
performance narrative reports and statistical data as required by the
grant award document. Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1951, the information
collection requirement under Sec. 23.71 is collected from state courts
entering final adoption decrees for any Indian child and is provided to
and maintained by the Secretary.
(1) Public reporting for the information collection at Sec. Sec.
23.21 and 23.31 is estimated to average 32 hours per response, including
the time for reviewing the grant application instructions, gathering the
necessary information and data, and completing the grant application.
Public reporting for the information collection at Sec. Sec. 23.46 and
23.47 is estimated to average a combined total of 16 annual hours per
grantee, including the time for gathering the necessary information and
data, and completing the required forms and reports. Public reporting
for the information collection at Sec. 23.71 is estimated to average 4
hours per response, including the time for obtaining and preparing the
final adoption decree for transmittal to the Secretary.
[[Page 104]]
(2) Direct comments regarding any of these burden estimates or any
aspect of these information collection requirements should be mailed or
hand-delivered to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Information Collection
Clearance Officer, room 336-SIB, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC,
20240; and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs Paperwork
Reduction Project--1076-0131, Office of Management and Budget,
Washington, DC 20503.
Subpart B_Notice of Involuntary Child Custody Proceedings and Payment
for Appointed Counsel in State Courts
Sec. 23.11 Notice.
(a) In any involuntary proceeding in a state court where the court
knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is involved, and where
the identity and location of the child's Indian parents or custodians or
tribe is known, the party seeking the foster care placement of, or
termination of parental rights to, an Indian child shall directly notify
the Indian parents, Indian custodians, and the child's tribe by
certified mail with return receipt requested, of the pending proceedings
and of their right of intervention. Notice shall include requisite
information identified at paragraphs (d)(1) through (4) and (e)(1)
through (6) of this section, consistent with the confidentiality
requirement in paragraph (e)(7) of this section. Copies of these notices
shall be sent to the Secretary and the appropriate Area Director listed
in paragraphs (c)(1) through (12) of this section.
(b) If the identity or location of the Indian parents, Indian
custodians or the child's tribe cannot be determined, notice of the
pendency of any involuntary child custody proceeding involving an Indian
child in a state court shall be sent by certified mail with return
receipt requested to the appropriate Area Director listed in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (12) of this section. In order to establish tribal
identity, it is necessary to provide as much information as is known on
the Indian child's direct lineal ancestors including, but not limited
to, the information delineated at paragraph (d)(1) through (4) of this
section.
(c)(1) For proceedings in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District
of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia or any territory or possession of the
United States, notices shall be sent to the following address: Eastern
Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 3701 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite
260, Arlington, Virginia 22201.
(2) For proceedings in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota,
Ohio, or Wisconsin, notices shall be sent to the following address:
Minneapolis Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 331 Second Avenue
South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401-2241.
(3) For proceedings in Nebraska, North Dakota, or South Dakota,
notices shall be sent to the following address: Aberdeen Area Director,
Bureau of Indian Affairs, 115 Fourth Avenue, SE, Aberdeen, South Dakota
57401.
(4) For proceedings in Kansas, Texas (except for notices to the
Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of El Paso County, Texas), and the western
Oklahoma counties of Alfalfa, Beaver, Beckman, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian,
Cimarron, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield,
Grant, Greer, Harmon, Harper, Jackson, Kay, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Lincoln,
Logan, Major, Noble, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills,
Texas, Tillman, Washita, Woods and Woodward, notices shall be sent to
the following address: Anadarko Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
P.O. Box 368, Anadarko, Oklahoma 73005. Notices to the Ysleta del Sur
Pueblo of El Paso County, Texas shall be sent to the Albuquerque Area
Director at the address listed in paragraph (c)(6) of this section.
(5) For proceedings in Wyoming or Montana (except for notices to the
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation,
Montana), notices shall be sent to the following address: Billings Area
Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 316 N. 26th Street, Billings,
Montana 59101. Notices to the
[[Page 105]]
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation,
Montana, shall be sent to the Portland Area Director at the address
listed in paragraph (c)(11) of this section.
(6) For proceedings in the Texas counties of El Paso and Hudspeth
and proceedings in Colorado or New Mexico (exclusive of notices to the
Navajo Tribe from the New Mexico counties listed in paragraph (c)(9) of
this section), notices shall be sent to the following address:
Albuquerque Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 615 First Street,
P.O. Box 26567, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87125. Notices to the Navajo
Tribe shall be sent to the Navajo Area Director at the address listed in
paragraph (c)(9) of this section.
(7) For proceedings in Alaska (except for notices to the Metlakatla
Indian Community, Alaska), notices shall be sent to the following
address: Juneau Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 709 West 9th
Street, Juneau, Alaska 99802-1219. Notices to the Metlakatla Indian
Community of the Annette Islands Reserve, Alaska, shall be sent to the
Portland Area Director at the address listed in paragraph (c)(11) of
this section.
(8) For proceedings in Arkansas, Missouri, and the eastern Oklahoma
counties of Adair, Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Cherokee, Craig, Creek,
Choctaw, Coal, Delaware, Garvin, Grady, Haskell, Hughes, Jefferson,
Johnson, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, Mayes, McCurtain, McClain, McIntosh,
Murray, Muskogee, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pittsburg,
Pontotoc, Pushmataha, Marshall, Rogers, Seminole, Sequoyah, Wagoner,
Washington, Stephens, and Tulsa, notices shall be sent to the following
address: Muskogee Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 101 North
Fifth Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401.
(9) For proceedings in the Arizona counties of Apache, Coconino
(except for notices to the Hopi and San Juan Paiute Tribes) and Navajo
(except for notices to the Hopi Tribe); the New Mexico counties of
McKinley (except for notices to the Zuni Tribe), San Juan, and Socorro;
and the Utah county of San Juan, notices shall be sent to the following
address: Navajo Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, P.O. Box 1060,
Gallup, New Mexico 87301. Notices to the Hopi and San Juan Paiute Tribes
shall be sent to the Phoenix Area Director at the address listed in
paragraph (c)(10) of this section. Notices to the Zuni Tribe shall be
sent to the Albuquerque Area Director at the address listed in paragraph
(c)(6) of this section.
(10) For proceedings in Arizona (exclusive of notices to the Navajo
Tribe from those counties listed in paragraph (c)(9) of this section),
Nevada or Utah (exclusive of San Juan county), notices shall be sent to
the following address: Phoenix Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
1 North First Street, P.O. Box 10, Phoenix, Arizona 85001.
(11) For proceedings in Idaho, Oregon or Washington, notices shall
be sent to the following address: Portland Area Director, Bureau of
Indian Affairs, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232. All notices
to the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead
Reservation, located in the Montana counties of Flathead, Lake,
Missoula, and Sanders, shall also be sent to the Portland Area Director.
(12) For proceedings in California or Hawaii, notices shall be sent
to the following address: Sacramento Area Director, Bureau of Indian
Affairs, Federal Office Building, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento,
California 95825.
(d) Notice to the appropriate Area Director pursuant to paragraph
(b) of this section may be sent by certified mail with return receipt
requested or by personal service and shall include the following
information, if known:
(1) Name of the Indian child, the child's birthdate and birthplace.
(2) Name of Indian tribe(s) in which the child is enrolled or may be
eligible for enrollment.
(3) All names known, and current and former addresses of the Indian
child's biological mother, biological father, maternal and paternal
grandparents and great grandparents or Indian custodians, including
maiden, married and former names or aliases; birthdates; places of birth
and death; tribal enrollment numbers, and/or other identifying
information.
[[Page 106]]
(4) A copy of the petition, complaint or other document by which the
proceeding was initiated.
(e) In addition, notice provided to the appropriate Area Director
pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section shall include the following:
(1) A statement of the absolute right of the biological Indian
parents, the child's Indian custodians and the child's tribe to
intervene in the proceedings.
(2) A statement that if the Indian parent(s) or Indian custodian(s)
is (are) unable to afford counsel, and where a state court determines
indigency, counsel will be appointed to represent the Indian parent or
Indian custodian where authorized by state law.
(3) A statement of the right of the Indian parents, Indian
custodians and child's tribe to be granted, upon request, up to 20
additional days to prepare for the proceedings.
(4) The location, mailing address, and telephone number of the court
and all parties notified pursuant to this section.
(5) A statement of the right of the Indian parents, Indian
custodians and the child's tribe to petition the court for transfer of
the proceeding to the child's tribal court pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1911,
absent objection by either parent: Provided, that such transfer shall be
subject to declination by the tribal court of said tribe.
(6) A statement of the potential legal consequences of the
proceedings on the future custodial and parental rights of the Indian
parents or Indian custodians.
(7) A statement that, since child custody proceedings are conducted
on a confidential basis, all parties notified shall keep confidential
the information contained in the notice concerning the particular
proceeding. The notices shall not be handled by anyone not needing the
information contained in the notices in order to exercise the tribe's
rights under the Act.
(f) Upon receipt of the notice, the Secretary or his/her designee
shall make reasonable documented efforts to locate and notify the
child's tribe and the child's Indian parents or Indian custodians. The
Secretary or his/her designee shall have 15 days, after receipt of the
notice from the persons initiating the proceedings, to notify the
child's tribe and Indian parents or Indian custodians and send a copy of
the notice to the court. If within the 15-day time period the Secretary
or his/her designee is unable to verify that the child meets the
criteria of an Indian child as defined in 25 U.S.C. 1903, or is unable
to locate the Indian parents or Indian custodians, the Secretary or his/
her designee shall so inform the court prior to initiation of the
proceedings and state how much more time, if any, will be needed to
complete the search. The Secretary or his/her designee shall complete
all research efforts, even if those efforts cannot be completed before
the child custody proceeding begins.
(g) Upon request from a party to an Indian child custody proceeding,
the Secretary or his/her designee shall make a reasonable attempt to
identify and locate the child's tribe, Indian parents or Indian
custodians to assist the party seeking the information.
Sec. 23.12 Designated tribal agent for service of notice.
Any Indian tribe entitled to notice pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1912 may
designate by resolution, or by such other form as the tribe's
constitution or current practice requires, an agent for service of
notice other than the tribal chairman and send a copy of the designation
to the Secretary or his/her designee. The Secretary or his/her designee
shall update and publish as necessary the names and addresses of the
designated agents in the Federal Register. A current listing of such
agents shall be available through the area offices.
Sec. 23.13 Payment for appointed counsel in involuntary Indian child
custody proceedings in state courts.
(a) When a state court appoints counsel for an indigent Indian party
in an involuntary Indian child custody proceeding for which the
appointment of counsel is not authorized under state law, the court
shall send written notice of the appointment to the BIA Area Director
designated for that state in Sec. 23.11. The notice shall include the
following:
[[Page 107]]
(1) Name, address, and telephone number of attorney who has been
appointed.
(2) Name and address of client for whom counsel is appointed.
(3) Relationship of client to child.
(4) Name of Indian child's tribe.
(5) Copy of the petition or complaint.
(6) Certification by the court that state law makes no provision for
appointment of counsel in such proceedings.
(7) Certification by the court that the Indian client is indigent.
(b) The Area Director shall certify that the client is eligible to
have his or her appointed counsel compensated by the BIA unless:
(1) The litigation does not involve a child custody proceeding as
defined in 25 U.S.C. 1903 (1);
(2) The child who is the subject of the litigation is not an Indian
child as defined in 25 U.S.C. 1903 (4);
(3) The client is neither the Indian child who is the subject of the
litigation, the Indian child's parent as defined in 25 U.S.C. 1903 (9),
nor the child's Indian custodian as defined in 25 U.S.C. 1903 (6);
(4) State law provides for appointment of counsel in such
proceedings;
(5) The notice to the Area Director of appointment of counsel is
incomplete; or
(6) Funds are not available for the particular fiscal year.
(c) No later than 10 days after receipt of the notice of appointment
of counsel, the Area Director shall notify the court, the client, and
the attorney in writing whether the client has been certified as
eligible to have his or her attorney fees and expenses paid by the BIA.
If certification is denied, the notice shall include written reasons for
that decision, together with a statement that complies with 25 CFR 2.7
and that informs the applicant that the decision may be appealed to the
Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall consider appeals
under this subsection in accordance with 25 CFR 2.20 (c) through (e).
Appeal procedures shall be as set out in part 2 of this chapter.
(d) When determining attorney fees and expenses, the court shall:
(1) Determine the amount of payment due appointed counsel by the
same procedures and criteria it uses in determining the fees and
expenses to be paid appointed counsel in state juvenile delinquency
proceedings; and
(2) Submit approved vouchers to the Area Director who certified
eligibility for BIA payment, together with the court's certification
that the amount requested is reasonable under the state standards
considering the work actually performed in light of criteria that apply
in determining fees and expenses for appointed counsel in state juvenile
delinquency proceedings.
(e) The Area Director shall authorize the payment of attorney fees
and expenses in the amount requested in the voucher approved by the
court unless:
(1) The amount of payment due the state-appointed counsel is
inconsistent with the fees and expenses specified in Sec. 23.13 (d)(1);
or
(2) The client has not been certified previously as eligible under
paragraph (c) of this section; or
(3) The voucher is submitted later than 90 days after completion of
the legal action involving a client certified as eligible for payment of
legal fees under paragraph (b) of this section.
(f) No later than 15 days after receipt of a payment voucher, the
Area Director shall send written notice to the court, the client, and
the attorney stating the amount of payment, if any, that has been
authorized. If the payment has been denied, or the amount authorized is
less than the amount requested in the voucher approved by the court, the
notice shall include a written statement of the reasons for the decision
together with a statement that complies with 25 CFR 2.7 and that informs
the client that the decision may be appealed to the Interior Board of
Indian Appeals in accordance with 25 CFR 2.4 (e); 43 CFR 4.310 through
4.318 and 43 CFR 4.330 through 4.340.
(g) Failure of the Area Director to meet the deadline specified in
paragraphs (c) and (f) of this section may be treated as a denial for
purposes of appeal under paragraph (f) of this section.
(h) Payment for appointed counsel does not extend to Indian tribes
involved in state court child custody proceedings or to Indian families
involved in Indian child custody proceedings in tribal courts.
[[Page 108]]
Subpart C_Grants to Indian Tribes for Title II Indian Child and Family
Service Programs
Sec. 23.21 Noncompetitive tribal government grants.
(a) Grant application information and technical assistance.
Information on grant application procedures and related information may
be obtained from the appropriate Agency Superintendent or Area Director.
Pre-award and ongoing technical assistance to tribal governments shall
be provided in accordance with Sec. 23.42 of this part.
(b) Eligibility requirements for tribal governments. The tribal
government(s) of any Indian tribe or consortium of tribes may submit a
properly documented application for a grant to the appropriate Agency
Superintendent or Area Director. A tribe may neither submit more than
one application for a grant nor be the beneficiary of more than one
grant under this subpart.
(1) Through the publication of a Federal Register announcement at
the outset of the implementation of the noncompetitive grant award
process during which tribal applications will be solicited, the
Assistant Secretary will notify eligible tribal applicants under this
subpart of the amount of core funds available for their ICWA program.
The funding levels will be based on the service area population to be
served. Upon the receipt of this notice from the Agency Superintendent
or appropriate Area Director, tribal applicants shall submit a completed
ICWA application no later than 60 days after the receipt of this notice.
(2) A grant to be awarded under this subpart shall be limited to the
tribal governing body(ies) of the tribe(s) to be served by the grant.
(3) For purposes of eligibility for newly recognized or restored
Indian tribes without established reservations, such tribes shall be
deemed eligible to apply for grants under this subpart to provide ICWA
services within those service areas legislatively identified for such
tribes.
(4) A grantee under this subpart may make a subgrant to another
Indian tribe or an Indian organization subject to the provisions of
Sec. 23.45.
(c) Revision or amendment of grants. A grantee under this subpart
may submit a written request and justification for a post-award grant
modification covering material changes to the terms and conditions of
the grant, subject to the approval of the grants officer. The request
shall include a narrative description of any significant additions,
deletions, or changes to the approved program activities or budget in
the form of a grant amendment proposal.
(d) Continued annual funding of an ICWA grant under this subpart
shall be contingent upon the fulfillment of the requirements delineated
at Sec. 23.23(c).
(e) Monitoring and program reporting requirements for grantees under
this subpart are delineated at Sec. Sec. 23.44 and 23.47.
Sec. 23.22 Purpose of tribal government grants.
(a) Grants awarded under this subpart are for the establishment and
operation of tribally designed Indian child and family service programs.
The objective of every Indian child and family service program shall be
to prevent the breakup of Indian families and to ensure that the
permanent removal of an Indian child from the custody of his or her
Indian parent or Indian custodian shall be a last resort. Such child and
family service programs may include, but need not be limited to:
(1) A system for licensing or otherwise regulating Indian foster and
adoptive homes, such as establishing tribal standards for approval of
on-reservation foster or adoptive homes;
(2) The operation and maintenance of facilities for counseling and
treatment of Indian families and for the temporary custody of Indian
children with the goal of strengthening Indian families and preventing
parent-child separations;
(3) Family assistance, including homemaker and home counselors,
protective day care and afterschool care, recreational activities,
respite care, and employment support services with the goal of
strengthening Indian families and contributing to family stability;
(4) Home improvement programs with the primary emphasis on
preventing the removal of children due to
[[Page 109]]
unsafe home environments by making homes safer, but not to make
extensive structural home improvements;
(5) The employment of professional and other trained personnel to
assist the tribal court in the disposition of domestic relations and
child welfare matters, but not to establish tribal court systems;
(6) Education and training of Indians, including tribal court judges
and staff, in skills relating to child and family assistance and service
programs;
(7) A subsidy program under which Indian adoptive children not
eligible for state or BIA subsidy programs may be provided support
comparable to that for which they could be eligible as foster children,
taking into account the appropriate state standards of support for
maintenance and medical needs;
(8) Guidance, legal representation and advice to Indian families
involved in tribal, state, or Federal child custody proceedings; and
(9) Other programs designed to meet the intent and purposes of the
Act.
(b) Grants may be provided to tribes in the preparation and
implementation of child welfare codes within their jurisdiction or
pursuant to a tribal-state agreement.
(c) Grantees under this subpart may enhance their capabilities by
utilizing ICWA funds as non-Federal matching shares in connection with
funds provided under titles IV-B, IV-E and XX of the Social Security Act
or other Federal programs which contribute to and promote the intent and
purposes of the Act through the provision of comprehensive child and
family services in coordination with other tribal, Federal, state, and
local resources available for the same purpose.
(d) Program income resulting from the operation of programs under
this subpart, such as day care operations, may be retained and used for
purposes similar to those for which the grant was awarded.
Sec. 23.23 Tribal government application contents.
(a) The appropriate Area Director shall, subject to the tribe's
fulfillment of the mandatory application requirements and the
availability of appropriated funds, make a grant to the tribal governing
body of a tribe or consortium of tribes eligible to apply for a grant
under this subpart.
(b) The following mandatory tribal application requirements must be
submitted to the appropriate Agency Superintendent or Area Director in
accordance with the timeframe established in Sec. 23.21 (b) of this
subpart:
(1) A current tribal resolution requesting a grant by the Indian
tribe(s) to be served by the grant. If an applicant is applying for a
grant benefiting more than one tribe (consortium), an authorizing
resolution from each tribal government to be served must be included.
The request must be in the form of a current tribal resolution by the
tribal governing body and shall include the following information:
(i) The official name of tribe(s) applying for the grant and who
will directly benefit from or receive services from the grant;
(ii) The proposed beginning and ending dates of the grant;
(iii) A provision stating that the resolution will remain in effect
for the duration of the program or until the resolution expires or is
rescinded; and
(iv) The signature of the authorized representative of the tribal
government and the date thereof.
(2) A completed Application for Federal Assistance form, SF-424.
(3) A narrative needs assessment of the social problems or issues
affecting the resident Indian population to be served; the geographic
area(s) to be served; and estimated number of resident Indian families
and/or persons to receive benefits or services from the program.
(4) A comprehensive developmental multi-year plan in narrative form
describing what specific services and/or activities will be provided
each program year and addressing the above-identified social problems or
issues. At a minimum, the plan must include:
(i) The program goals and objectives, stated in measurable terms, to
be achieved through the grant;
(ii) A narrative description of how Indian families and communities
will benefit from the program; and
[[Page 110]]
(iii) The methodology, including culturally defined approaches, and
procedures by which the tribe(s) will accomplish the identified goals
and objectives.
(5) An internal monitoring system to measure progress and
accomplishments, and to assure that the quality and quantity of actual
performance conforms to the requirements of the grant.
(6) A staffing plan that is consistent with the implementation of
the above-described program plan of operation and the procedures
necessary for the successful delivery of services.
(i) The plan must include proposed key personnel; their
qualifications, training or experience relevant to the services to be
provided; responsibilities; Indian preference criteria for employment;
and position descriptions.
(ii) In accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3201 et seq. (Pub. L. 101-630),
title IV, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention
Act, grantees shall conduct character and background investigations of
those personnel identified in that statute. Grantees must initiate
character and background investigations of said personnel prior to their
actual employment, and complete the investigations in a timely manner.
(7) A program budget and budget narrative justification submitted on
an annual basis for the amount of the award and supported by the
proposed plan, appropriate program services and activities for the
applicable grant year.
(8) Identification of any consultants and/or subgrantees the
applicant proposes to employ; a description of the consultant and/or
subgrantee services to be rendered; the qualifications and experience in
performing the identified services; and the basis for the cost and
amount to be paid for such services.
(9) A certification by a licensed accountant that the bookkeeping
and accounting procedures which the tribe(s) uses or intends to use meet
existing Federal standards for grant management and administration
specified at Sec. 23.46.
(10) A system for managing property and recordkeeping which complies
with subpart D of 43 CFR part 2 implementing the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C.
552a) and with existing Federal requirements for grants at 25 CFR 276.5
and 276.11, including the maintenance and safeguarding of direct service
case records on families and/or individuals served by the grant.
(11) A listing of equipment, facilities, and buildings necessary to
carry out the grant program. Liability insurance coverage for buildings
and their contents is recommended for grantees under this subpart.
(12) Pursuant to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, tribal
programs shall comply with the mandatory Drug-Free Workplace
Certification, a regulatory requirement for Federal grant recipients.
(c) Continued annual funding of an ICWA program under this subpart
shall be contingent upon the existing grant program receiving a
satisfactory program evaluation from the area social services office for
the previous year of operation. A copy of this evaluation must be
submitted together with an annual budget and budget narrative
justification in accordance with paragraph (b)(7) of this section.
Minimum standards for receiving a satisfactory evaluation shall include:
(1) The timely submission of all fiscal and programmatic reports;
(2) A narrative program report indicating work accomplished in
accordance with the applicant's approved multi-year plan and, if
applicable, a description of any modification in programs or activities
to be funded in the next fiscal year; and
(3) The implementation of mutually determined corrective action
measures, if applicable.
Subpart D_Grants to Off-Reservation Indian Organizations for Title II
Indian Child and Family Service Programs
Sec. 23.31 Competitive off-reservation grant process.
(a) Grant application procedures and related information may be
obtained from the Area Director designated at Sec. 23.11 for processing
ICWA notices for the state in which the applicant is located. Pre-award
and ongoing technical assistance of off-reservation Indian organization
grantees shall be provided in accordance with Sec. 23.42.
[[Page 111]]
(b) Prior to the beginning of or during the applicable year(s) in
which grants for off-reservation programs will be awarded competitively,
the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs shall publish in the Federal
Register an announcement of the grant application process for the
year(s), including program priorities or special considerations (if
any), applicant eligibility criteria, the required application contents,
the amount of available funding and evaluation criteria for off-
reservation programs.
(c) Based on the announcement described in paragraph (b) of this
section, an off-reservation applicant shall prepare a multi-year
developmental application in accordance with Sec. 23.33 of this
subpart. To be considered in the area competitive review and scoring
process, a complete application must be received by the deadline
announced in the Federal Register by the Area Director designated at
Sec. 23.11 for processing ICWA notices for the state in which the
applicant is located.
(d) Eligibility requirements for off-reservation Indian
organizations. The Secretary or his/her designee shall, contingent upon
the availability of funds, make a multi-year grant under this subpart
for an off-reservation program when officially requested by a resolution
of the board of directors of the Indian organization applicant, upon the
applicant's fulfillment of the mandatory application requirements and
upon the applicant's successful competition pursuant to Sec. 23.33 of
this subpart.
(e) A grant under this subpart for an off-reservation Indian
organization shall be limited to the board of directors of the Indian
organization which will administer the grant.
(f) Continued annual funding of a multi-year grant award to an off-
reservation ICWA program under this subpart shall be contingent upon the
grantee's fulfillment of the requirements delineated at Sec. 23.33 (e).
(g) Monitoring and program reporting requirements for grants awarded
to off-reservation Indian organizations under this subpart are
delineated at Sec. Sec. 23.44 and 23.47.
Sec. 23.32 Purpose of off-reservation grants.
The Secretary or his/her designee is authorized to make grants to
off-reservation Indian organizations to establish and operate off-
reservation Indian child and family service programs for the purpose of
stabilizing Indian families and tribes, preventing the breakup of Indian
families and, in particular, to ensure that the permanent removal of an
Indian child from the custody of his/her Indian parent or Indian
custodian shall be a last resort. Child and family service programs may
include, but are not limited to:
(a) A system for regulating, maintaining, and supporting Indian
foster and adoptive homes, including a subsidy program under which
Indian adoptive children may be provided support comparable to that for
which they would be eligible as Indian foster children, taking into
account the appropriate state standards of support for maintenance and
medical needs;
(b) The operation and maintenance of facilities and services for
counseling and treatment of Indian families and Indian foster and
adoptive children with the goal of strengthening and stabilizing Indian
families;
(c) Family assistance (including homemaker and home counselors),
protective day care and afterschool care, employment support services,
recreational activities, and respite care with the goal of strengthening
Indian families and contributing toward family stability; and
(d) Guidance, legal representation and advice to Indian families
involved in state child custody proceedings.
Sec. 23.33 Competitive off-reservation application contents and application
selection criteria.
(a) An application for a competitive multi-year grant under this
subpart shall be submitted to the appropriate Area Director prior to or
on the announced deadline date published in the Federal Register. The
Area Director shall certify the application contents pursuant to Sec.
23.34 and forward the application within five working days to the area
review committee, composed
[[Page 112]]
of members designated by the Area Director, for competitive review and
action. Modifications and/or information received after the close of the
application period, as announced in the Federal Register, shall not be
reviewed or considered by the area review committee in the competitive
process.
(b) Mandatory application requirements for Indian organization
applicants shall include:
(1) An official request for an ICWA grant program from the
organization's board of directors covering the duration of the proposed
program;
(2) A completed Application for Federal Assistance form, SF 424;
(3) Written assurances that the organization meets the definition of
Indian organization at Sec. 23.2;
(4) A copy of the organization's current Articles of Incorporation
for the applicable grant years;
(5) Proof of the organization's nonprofit status;
(6) A copy of the organization's IRS tax exemption certificate and
IRS employer identification number;
(7) Proof of liability insurance for the applicable grant years; and
(8) Current written assurances that the requirements of Circular A-
128 for fiscal management, accounting, and recordkeeping are met.
(9) Pursuant to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, all grantees
under this subpart shall comply with the mandatory Drug-Free Workplace
Certification, a regulatory requirement for Federal grant recipients.
(c) Competitive application selection criteria. The Area Director or
his/her designated representative shall select those proposals which
will in his/her judgment best promote the proposes of the Act. Selection
shall be made through the area review committee process in which each
application will be scored individually and ranked according to score,
taking into consideration the mandatory requirements as specified above
and the following selection criteria:
(1) The degree to which the application reflects an understanding of
the social problems or issues affecting the resident Indian client
population which the applicant proposes to serve;
(2) Whether the applicant presents a narrative needs assessment,
quantitative data and demographics of the client Indian population to be
served;
(3) Estimates of the number of Indian people to receive benefits or
services from the program based on available data;
(4) Program goals and objectives to be achieved through the grant;
(5) A comprehensive developmental multi-year narrative plan
describing what specific services and/or activities will be provided
each program year and addressing the above-identified social problems or
issues. At a minimum, the plan must include a narrative description of
the program; the program goals and objectives, stated in measurable
terms, to be achieved through the grant; and the methodology, including
culturally defined approaches, and procedures by which the grantee will
accomplish the identified goals and objectives;
(6) An internal monitoring system the grantee will use to measure
progress and accomplishments, and to ensure that the quality and
quantity of actual performance conforms to the requirements of the
grant;
(7) Documentation of the relative accessibility which the Indian
population to be served under a specific proposal already has to
existing child and family service programs emphasizing the prevention of
Indian family breakups, such as mandatory state services. Factors to be
considered in determining accessibility include:
(i) Cultural barriers;
(ii) Discrimination against Indians;
(iii) Inability of potential Indian clientele to pay for services;
(iv) Technical barriers created by existing public or private
programs;
(v) Availability of transportation to existing programs;
(vi) Distance between the Indian community to be served under the
proposal and the nearest existing programs;
(vii) Quality of services provided to Indian clientele; and
(viii) Relevance of services provided to specific needs of the
Indian clientele.
(8) If the proposed program duplicates existing Federal, state, or
local
[[Page 113]]
child and family service programs emphasizing the prevention of Indian
family breakups, proper and current documented evidence that repeated
attempts to obtain services have been unsuccessful;
(9) Evidence of substantial support from the Indian community or
communities to be served, including but not limited to:
(i) Tribal support evidenced by a tribal resolution or cooperative
service agreements between the administrative bodies of the affected
tribe(s) and the applicant for the duration of the grant period, or
(ii) Letters of support from social services organizations familiar
with the applicant's past work experience;
(10) A staffing plan that is consistent with the implementation of
the above-described program plan of operation and the procedures
necessary for the successful delivery of services. The plan must include
proposed key personnel, their qualifications, training or experience
relevant to the services to be provided, responsibilities, Indian
preference criteria for employment and position descriptions. In
accordance with 25 U.S.C. 3201 et seq. (Pub. L. 101-630), title IV, the
Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, grantees
shall conduct character and background investigations of those personnel
identified in that statute prior to their actual employment;
(11) The reasonableness and relevance of the estimated overall costs
of the proposed program or services and their overall relation to the
organization's funding base, activities, and mission;
(12) The degree to which the detailed annual budget and
justification for the requested funds are consistent with, and clearly
supported by, the proposed plan and by appropriate program services and
activities for the applicable grant year;
(13) The applicant's identification of any consultants and/or
subgrantees it proposes to employ; description of the services to be
rendered; the qualifications and experience of said personnel,
reflecting the requirements for performing the identified services; and
the basis for the cost and the amount to be paid for such services;
(14) Certification by a licensed accountant that the bookkeeping and
accounting procedures that the applicant uses or intends to use meet
existing Federal standards for grant administration and management
specified at Sec. 23.46;
(15) The compliance of property management and recordkeeping systems
with subpart D of 43 CFR part 2 (the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a), and
with existing Federal requirements for grants at 25 CFR 276.5 and
276.11, including the maintenance and safeguarding of direct service
case records on families and/or individuals served by the grant;
(16) A description of the proposed facilities, equipment, and
buildings necessary to carry out the grant activities; and
(17) Proof of liability insurance coverage for the applicable grant
year(s).
(d) Two or more applications receiving the same competitive score
will be prioritized in accordance with announcements made in the Federal
Register pursuant to Sec. 23.31 (b) for the applicable year(s).
(e) Continued annual funding of a multi-year grant award to an off-
reservation ICWA program under this subpart shall be contingent upon the
availability of appropriated funds and upon the existing grant program
receiving a satisfactory program evaluation from the area social
services office for the previous year of operation. A copy of this
evaluation shall be submitted together with an annual budget and budget
narrative justification in accordance with paragraph (c)(10) of this
section. Minimum standards for receiving a satisfactory evaluation shall
include the timely submission of all fiscal and programmatic reports; a
narrative program report indicating work accomplished in accordance with
the initial approved multi-year plan; and the implementation of mutually
determined corrective action measures, if applicable.
Sec. 23.34 Review and decision on off-reservation applications by Area
Director.
(a) Area office certification. Upon receipt of an application for a
grant by an off-reservation Indian organization
[[Page 114]]
at the area office, the Area Director shall:
(1) Complete and sign the area office certification form. In
completing the area certification form, the Area Director shall assess
and certify whether applications contain and meet all the application
requirements specified at Sec. 23.33. Area Directors shall be
responsible for the completion of the area office certification forms
for all applications submitted by off-reservation Indian organizations.
(2) Acknowledge receipt of the application to the applicant and
advise the applicant of the disposition of the application within 10
days of receipt; and
(3) Transmit all applications within five working days of receipt to
the area review committee for competitive review and subsequent approval
or disapproval of the applications.
(b) Area office competitive review and decision for off-reservation
applications. Upon receipt of an application for an off-reservation
grant under this part requiring the approval of the Area Director, the
Area Director shall:
(1) Establish and convene an area review committee, chaired by a
person qualified by knowledge, training and experience in the delivery
of Indian child and family services.
(2) Review the area office certification form required in paragraph
(a) of this section.
(3) Review the application in accordance with the competitive review
procedures prescribed in Sec. 23.33. An application shall not receive
approval for funding under the area competitive review and scoring
process unless a review of the application determines that it:
(i) Contains all the information required in Sec. 23.33 which must
be received by the close of the application period. Modifications of the
grant application received after the close of the application period
shall not be considered in the competitive review process.
(ii) Receives at least the established minimum score in an area
competitive review, using the application selection criteria and scoring
process set out in Sec. 23.33. The minimum score shall be established
by the Central Office prior to each application period and announced in
the Federal Register for the applicable grants year(s).
(4) Approve or disapprove the application and promptly notify the
applicant in writing of the approval or disapproval of the application.
If the application is disapproved, the Area Director shall include in
the written notice the specific reasons therefore.
(c) The actual funding amounts for the initial grant year shall be
subject to appropriations available nationwide and the continued funding
of an approved off-reservation grant application under subpart D of this
part shall be subject to available funds received by the respective area
office for the applicable grant year. Initial funding decisions and
subsequent decisions with respect to funding level amounts for all
approved grant applications under this part shall be made by the Area
Director.
Sec. 23.35 Deadline for Central Office action.
Within 30 days of the receipt of grant reporting forms from the Area
Directors identifying approved and disapproved applications pursuant to
subpart D of this part and recommended funding levels for approved
applications, the Secretary or his/her designee shall process the Area
Directors' funding requests.
Subpart E_General and Uniform Grant Administration Provisions and
Requirements
Sec. 23.41 Uniform grant administration provisions, requirements and
applicability.
The general and uniform grant administration provisions and
requirements specified at 25 CFR part 276 and under this subpart are
applicable to all grants awarded to tribal governments and off-
reservation Indian organizations under this part, except to the extent
inconsistent with an applicable Federal statute, regulation or OMB
circular.
Sec. 23.42 Technical assistance.
(a) Pre-award and ongoing technical assistance may be requested by
an Indian tribe or off-reservation Indian organization from the
appropriate agency
[[Page 115]]
or area office to which the tribe or organization will be submitting an
application for funds under subparts C and D of this part. A request for
pre-award technical assistance by an off-reservation Indian organization
must be received by the Area Director designated at Sec. 23.11 for the
state in which the applicant is located no later than 10 days prior to
the application deadline to assure sufficient time for area response.
(b) Pre-award and ongoing technical assistance may be provided by
the appropriate BIA agency or area office for purposes of program
planning and design, assistance in establishing internal program
monitoring and evaluation criteria for ongoing grant administration and
management, and for other appropriate assistance requested.
(c) The area social services staff shall provide technical
assistance to grantees upon receipt of an authorized request from the
grantee or when review of the grantee's quarterly performance reports
shows that:
(1) An ICWA program is yielding results that are or will be
detrimental to the welfare of the intended Indian beneficiaries of the
program;
(2) A program has substantially failed to implement its goals and
objectives;
(3) There are serious irregularities in the fiscal management of the
grant; or
(4) The grantee is otherwise deficient in its program performance.
(5) Upon receiving an authorized request from the grantee, the area
social services staff and/or grants officer shall provide the necessary
technical assistance to arrive at mutually determined corrective action
measures and their actual implementation, if necessary, and the
timeframes within which said corrective actions will be implemented.
Sec. 23.43 Authority for grant approval and execution.
(a) Tribal government programs. The appropriate Agency
Superintendent or Area Director may approve a grant application and its
subsequent execution under subpart C when the intent, purpose and scope
of the application pertains solely to reservations located within the
service area jurisdiction of the agency or area office.
(b) Off-reservation programs. The appropriate Area Director may
approve a grant application and its subsequent execution under subpart D
when the intent, purpose and scope of the grant proposal pertains to
off-reservation Indian service populations or programs.
Sec. 23.44 Grant administration and monitoring.
All grantees under this part shall be responsible for managing day-
to-day program operations to ensure that program performance goals are
being achieved and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the grant
award document and other applicable Federal requirements. Unless
delegated to the Agency Superintendent, appropriate area office
personnel designated by the Area Director shall be responsible for all
grant program and fiscal monitoring responsibilities.
Sec. 23.45 Subgrants.
A tribal government grantee may make a subgrant under subpart C of
this part, provided that such subgrants are for the purpose for which
the grant was made and that the grantee retains administrative and
financial responsibility over the activity and the funds.
Sec. 23.46 Financial management, internal and external controls and other
assurances.
Grantee financial management systems shall comply with the following
standards for accurate, current and complete disclosure of financial
activities.
(a) OMB Circular A-87 (Cost principles for state and local
governments and federally recognized Indian tribal governments).
(b) OMB Circular A-102 (Common rule 43 CFR part 12).
(c) OMB Circular A-128 (Single Audit Act).
(d) OMB Circular A-110 or 122 (Cost principles for non-profit
organizations and tribal organizations, where applicable).
(e) Internal control. Effective control and accountability must be
maintained for all grants. Grantees must adequately safeguard any
property and must ensure that it is used solely for authorized purposes.
[[Page 116]]
(f) Budget control. Actual expenditures must be compared with
budgeted amounts for the grant. Financial information must be related to
program performance requirements.
(g) Source documentation. Accounting records must be supported by
such source documentation as cancelled checks, paid bills, payrolls,
time and attendance records, grant documents, or other information
required by the grantee's financial management system. The Secretary or
his/her designee may review the adequacy of the financial management
system of an Indian tribe(s) or off-reservation Indian organization
applying for a grant under this part.
(h) Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 641, whoever embezzles, steals, purloins,
or knowingly converts to his or her use or the use of another, or
without authority, sells, conveys or disposes of any record, voucher,
money, or thing of value of the United States or of any department or
agency thereof, or any property made or being made under contract for
the United States or any department or agency thereof; or whoever
receives, conceals, or retains the same with intent to convert it to his
or her use or gain, knowing it to have been embezzled, stolen,
purloined, or converted shall be fined not more than $10,000 or
imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both; but if the value of such
property does not exceed the sum of $100, he or she shall be fined not
more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Sec. 23.47 Reports and availability of information to Indians.
(a) Any tribal government or off-reservation Indian organization
receiving a grant under this part shall make general programmatic
information and reports concerning that grant available to the Indian
people it serves or represents. Access to this information may be
requested in writing and shall be made available within 10 days of
receipt of the request. Except as required by title IV of Pub. L. 101-
630, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act,
grantees shall hold confidential all information obtained from persons
receiving services from the program, and shall not release such
information without the individual's written consent. Information may be
disclosed in a manner which does not identify or lead to the
identification of particular individuals.
(b) Grantees shall submit Standard Form 269 or 269A on a quarterly
and an annual basis to report their status of funds by the dates
specified in the grant award document.
(c) Grantees shall furnish and submit the following written
quarterly and annual program reports by the dates specified in the award
document:
(1) Quarterly and annual statistical and narrative program
performance reports which shall include, but need not be limited to, the
following;
(i) A summary of actual accomplishments and significant activities
as related to program objectives established for the grant period;
(ii) The grantee's evaluation of program performance using the
internal monitoring system submitted in their application;
(iii) Reports on all significant ICWA direct service grant
activities including but not limited to the following information:
(A) Significant title II activities;
(B) Data reflecting numbers of individuals referred for out-of-home
placements, number of individuals benefiting from title II services and
types of services provided, and
(C) Information and referral activities.
(iv) Child abuse and neglect statistical reports and related
information as required by 25 U.S.C. 2434, Pub. L. 99-570, the Indian
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1986;
(v) A summary of problems encountered or reasons for not meeting
established objectives;
(vi) Any deliverable or product required in the grant; and
(vii) Additional pertinent information when appropriate.
(2) The BIA may negotiate for the provision of other grant-related
reports not previously identified.
(d) Events may occur between scheduled performance reporting dates
which have significant impact on the grant-supported activity. In such
cases, the grantee must inform the awarding
[[Page 117]]
agency as soon as problems, delays, adverse conditions, or serious
incidents giving rise to liability become known and which will
materially impair its ability to meet the objectives of the grant.
Sec. 23.48 Matching shares and agreements.
(a) Grant funds provided to Indian tribes under subpart C of this
part may be used as non-Federal matching shares in connection with funds
provided under titles IV-B, IV-E and XX of the Social Security Act or
such other Federal programs which contribute to and promote the purposes
of the Act as specified in Sec. Sec. 23.3 and 23.22 (25 U.S.C. 1931).
(b) Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1933, in furtherance of the establishment,
operation, and funding of programs funded under subparts C and D of this
part, the Secretary may enter into agreements with the Secretary of
Health and Human Services. The latter Secretary is authorized by the Act
to use funds appropriated for the Department of Health and Human
Services for programs similar to those funded under subparts C and D of
this part (25 U.S.C. 1931 and 1932), provided that authority to make
payment pursuant to such agreements shall be effective only to the
extent and in such amounts as may be provided in advance by
appropriation Acts.
Sec. 23.49 Fair and uniform provision of services.
(a) Grants awarded under this part shall include provisions assuring
compliance with the Indian Civil Rights Act; prohibiting discriminatory
distinctions among eligible Indian beneficiaries; and assuring the fair
and uniform provision by the grantees of the services and assistance
they provide to eligible Indian beneficiaries under such grants. Such
procedures must include criteria by which eligible Indian beneficiaries
will receive services, recordkeeping mechanisms adequate to verify the
fairness and uniformity of services in cases of formal complaints, and
an explanation of what rights will be afforded an individual pending the
resolution of a complaint.
(b) Indian beneficiaries of the services to be rendered under a
grant shall be afforded access to administrative or judicial bodies
empowered to adjudicate complaints, claims, or grievances brought by
such Indian beneficiaries against the grantee arising out of the
performance of the grant.
Sec. 23.50 Service eligibility.
(a) Tribal government Indian child and family service programs. Any
person meeting the definition of Indian, Indian child, Indian custodian,
or Indian parent of any unmarried person under the age of 18 as defined
in Sec. 23.2 is eligible for services provided under 25 U.S.C. 1931 of
the Act. Tribal membership status shall be determined by tribal law,
ordinance, or custom. The tribe may, under subpart C, extend services to
nontribal family members related by marriage to tribal members, provided
such services promote the intent and purposes of the Act. A tribe may
also, within available resources, extend services under this part to
individuals who are members of, or are eligible for membership in other
Indian tribes, and who reside within the tribe's designated service
area.
(b) Off-reservation Indian child and family service programs and
agreements with the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to
25 U.S.C. 1933. For purposes of eligibility for services provided under
25 U.S.C. 1932 and 1933 of the Act, any person meeting the definition of
Indian, Indian child, Indian custodian, or Indian parent of any
unmarried person under the age of 18 as defined in Sec. 23.2, or the
definition of Indian as defined in 25 U.S.C. 1603(c), shall be eligible
for services. Tribal membership status shall be determined by tribal
law, ordinance, or custom.
Sec. 23.51 Grant carry-over authority.
Unless restricted by appropriation, and contingent upon satisfactory
program evaluations from the appropriate area or agency office for an
existing program, grantees are authorized to carry over unliquidated
grant funds which remain at the end of a budget period. Such funds may
be carried over for a maximum period of two years beyond the initial
grant funding period
[[Page 118]]
and must be utilized only for the intent, purpose and scope of the
original grant. These carry-over grant funds shall not be reprogrammed
into other appropriation activities or subactivities. Funds carried over
into another fiscal year will be added to the grantee's new fiscal year
funding amount.
Sec. 23.52 Grant suspension.
(a) When a grantee has materially failed to comply and remains out
of compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant, the grants
officer may, after reasonable notice to the grantee and the provision of
requested technical assistance, suspend the grant. The notice preceding
the suspension shall include the effective date of the suspension, the
corrective measures necessary for reinstatement of the grant and, if
there is no immediate threat to safety, a reasonable timeframe for
corrective action prior to actual suspension.
(b) No obligation incurred by the grantee during the period of
suspension shall be allowable under the suspended grant, except that the
grants officer may at his/her discretion allow necessary and proper
costs which the grantee could not reasonably avoid during the period of
suspension if such costs would otherwise be allowable under the
applicable cost principles.
(c) Appropriate adjustments to the payments under the suspended
grant will be made either by withholding the payments or by not allowing
the grantee credit for disbursements which the grantee may make in
liquidation of unauthorized obligations the grantee incurs during the
period of suspension.
(d) Suspension shall remain in effect until the grantee has taken
corrective action to the satisfaction of the grants officer, or given
assurances satisfactory to the grants officer that corrective action
will be taken, or until the grants officer cancels the grant.
Sec. 23.53 Cancellation.
(a) The grants officer may cancel any grant, in whole or in part, at
any time before the date of completion whenever it is determined that
the grantee has:
(1) Materially failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the
grant;
(2) Violated the rights as specified in Sec. 23.49 or endangered
the health, safety, or welfare of any person; or
(3) Been grossly negligent in, or has mismanaged the handling or use
of funds provided under the grant.
(b) When it appears that cancellation of the grant will become
necessary, the grants officer shall promptly notify the grantee in
writing of this possibility. This written notice shall advise the
grantee of the reason for the possible cancellation and the corrective
action necessary to avoid cancellation. The grants officer shall also
offer, and shall provide, if requested by the grantee, any technical
assistance which may be required to effect the corrective action. The
grantee shall have 60 days in which to effect this corrective action
before the grants officer provides notice of intent to cancel the grant
as provided for in paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Upon deciding to cancel for cause, the grants officer shall
promptly notify the grantee in writing of that decision, the reason for
the cancellation, and the effective date. The Area Director or his/her
designated official shall also provide a hearing for the grantee before
cancellation. However, the grants officer may immediately cancel the
grant, upon notice to the grantee, if the grants officer determines that
continuance of the grant poses an immediate threat to safety. In this
event, the Area Director or his/her designated official shall provide a
hearing for the grantee within 10 days of the cancellation.
(d) The hearing referred to in paragraph (c) of this section shall
be conducted as follows:
(1) The grantee affected shall be notified, in writing, at least 10
days before the hearing. The notice should give the date, time, place,
and purpose of the hearing.
(2) A written record of the hearing shall be made. The record shall
include written statements submitted at the hearing or within five days
following the hearing.
[[Page 119]]
Subpart F_Appeals
Sec. 23.61 Appeals from decision or action by Agency Superintendent,
Area Director or Grants Officer.
A grantee or prospective applicant may appeal any decision made or
action taken by the Agency Superintendent, Area Director, or grants
officer under subpart C or E of this part. Such an appeal shall be made
to the Assistant Secretary who shall consider the appeal in accordance
with 25 CFR 2.20 (c) through (e). Appeal procedures shall be as set out
in part 2 of this chapter.
Sec. 23.62 Appeals from decision or action by Area Director under subpart D.
A grantee or applicant may appeal any decision made or action taken
by the Area Director under subpart D that is alleged to be in violation
of the U.S. Constitution, Federal statutes, or the regulations of this
part. These appeals shall be filed with the Interior Board of Indian
Appeals in accordance with 25 CFR 2.4 (e); 43 CFR 4.310 through 4.318
and 43 CFR 4.330 through 4.340. However, an applicant may not appeal a
score assigned to its application or the amount of grant funds awarded.
Sec. 23.63 Appeals from inaction of official.
A person or persons whose interests are adversely affected, or whose
ability to protect such interests is impeded by the failure of an
official to act on a request to the official, may make the official's
inaction the subject of an appeal under part 2 of this chapter.
Subpart G_Administrative Provisions
Sec. 23.71 Recordkeeping and information availability.
(a)(1) Any state court entering a final decree or adoptive order for
any Indian child shall provide the Secretary or his/her designee within
30 days a copy of said decree or order, together with any information
necessary to show:
(i) The Indian child's name, birthdate and tribal affiliation,
pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1951;
(ii) Names and addresses of the biological parents and the adoptive
parents; and
(iii) Identity of any agency having relevant information relating to
said adoptive placement.
(2) To assure and maintain confidentiality where the biological
parent(s) have by affidavit requested that their identity remain
confidential, a copy of such affidavit shall be provided to the
Secretary or his/her designee. Information provided pursuant to 25
U.S.C. 1951(a) is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act (5
U.S.C. 552), as amended. The Secretary or his/her designee shall ensure
that the confidentiality of such information is maintained. The address
for transmittal of information required by 25 U.S.C. 1951(a) is: Chief,
Division of Social Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1849 C Street,
NW., Mail Stop 310-SIB, Washington, DC 20240. The envelope containing
all such information should be marked ``Confidential.'' This address
shall be sent to the highest court of appeal, the Attorney General and
the Governor of each state. In some states, a state agency has been
designated to be repository for all state court adoption information.
Where such a system is operative, that agency may assume reporting
responsibilities for the purposes of the Act.
(b) The Division of Social Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, is
authorized to receive all information and to maintain a central file on
all state Indian adoptions. This file shall be confidential and only
designated persons shall have access to it. Upon the request of an
adopted Indian individual over the age of 18, the adoptive or foster
parents of an Indian child, or an Indian tribe, the Division of Social
Services shall disclose such information as may be necessary for
purposes of tribal enrollment or determining any rights or benefits
associated with tribal membership, except the names of the biological
parents where an affidavit of confidentiality has been filed, to those
persons eligible under the Act to request such information. The chief
tribal enrollment officer of the BIA is authorized to disclose
enrollment information relating to an adopted Indian child where the
biological parents have by affidavit
[[Page 120]]
requested anonymity. In such cases, the chief tribal enrollment officer
shall certify the child's tribe, and, where the information warrants,
that the child's parentage and other circumstances entitle the child to
enrollment consideration under the criteria established by the tribe.
Subpart H_Assistance to State Courts
Sec. 23.81 Assistance in identifying witnesses.
Upon the request of a party in an involuntary Indian child custody
proceeding or of a court, the Secretary or his/her designee shall assist
in identifying qualified expert witnesses. Such requests for assistance
shall be sent to the Area Director designated in Sec. 23.11(c). The BIA
is not obligated to pay for the services of such expert witnesses.
Sec. 23.82 Assistance in identifying language interpreters.
Upon the request of a party in an Indian child custody proceeding or
of a court, the Secretary or his/her designee shall assist in
identifying language interpreters. Such requests for assistance should
be sent to the Area Director designated in Sec. 23.11(c). The BIA is
not obligated to pay for the services of such language interpreters.
Sec. 23.83 Assistance in locating biological parents of Indian child
after termination of adoption.
Upon the request of a child placement agency, the court or an Indian
tribe, the Secretary or his/her designee shall assist in locating the
biological parents or prior Indian custodians of an adopted Indian child
whose adoption has been terminated pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 1914. Such
requests for assistance should be sent to the Area Director designated
in Sec. 23.11(c).
PART 26_EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR ADULT INDIANS--Table of Contents
Subpart A_Definitions, Scope of the Employment Assistance Program and
Information Collection
Sec.
26.1 Definitions.
26.2 Scope of the Employment Assistance Program.
26.3 Information collection.
Subpart B_Administrative Procedures
26.4 Filing applications.
26.5 Selection of applicants.
26.6 Program services and client participation.
26.7 Financial assistance for program participants.
Subpart C_Appeals
26.8 Appeals.
Authority: 25 U.S.C. 13.
Source: 49 FR 2098, Jan. 18, 1984, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_Definitions, Scope of the Employment Assistance Program and
Information Collection
Sec. 26.1 Definitions.
(a) Agency office means the current organization unit of the Bureau
which provides direct services to the governing body or bodies and
members of one or more specified Indian tribes.
(b) Appeal means a written request for correction of an action or
decision claimed to violate a person's legal rights or privileges as
provided in part 2 of this chapter.
(c) Applicant means an individual applying under this part.
(d) Application means the process through which a request is made
for assistance or services.
(e) Area Director means the Bureau official in charge of an Area
Office.
(f) Contract office means the office established by a tribe or
tribes who have a contract to administer the Employment Assistance
Program.
(g) Indian means any person of Indian or Alaska native descent who
is an enrolled member of any of those tribes listed or eligible to be
listed in the Federal Register pursuant to 25 CFR
[[Page 121]]
83.6 as recognized by and receiving services from the Bureau of Indian
Affairs or a descendant of one-fourth degree or more Indian blood of an
enrolled member; and any person not a member of one of the listed or
eligible to be listed tribes who possesses at least one-half degree of
Indian blood which is not derived from a tribe whose relationship is
terminated by an Act of Congress.
(h) Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation or other
organized group or community including any Alaska Native Village which
is recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as having special rights
and responsibilities and is recognized as eligible for the services
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as
Indians.
(i) Near reservation means those areas or communities adjacent or
contiguous to reservations which are designated by the Assistant
Secretary upon recommendation of the local Bureau superintendent, which
recommendation shall be based upon agreement with the tribal governing
body of those reservations, as locales appropriate for the extension of
financial and/or social services, on the basis of such general criteria
as:
(1) Number of Indian people native to the reservation residing in
the area,
(2) Geographical proximity of the area to the reservation, and
(3) Administrative feasibility of providing an adequate level of
services to the area. The Assistant Secretary shall designate each area
and publish the designations in the Federal Register.
(j) Reservation means any bounded geographical area established or
created by treaty, statute, executive order or interpreted by court
decision and over which a federally recognized Indian Tribal entity may
exercise certain jurisdiction.
(k) Superintendent means the Superintendent or Officer in Charge of
any one of the Agency offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or his/her
authorized representative.
(l) Tribal governing body means the recognized entity empowered to
exercise the governmental authority of a federally recognized tribe.
Sec. 26.2 Scope of the Employment Assistance Program.
The purpose of the Employment Assistance Program is to assist Indian
people who have a job skill to obtain and retain permanent employment.
Within that framework, the program provides services to eligible
Indians, as provided in Sec. 26.5, including vocational counseling and
employment services on reservations and at other home areas, in
communities near reservations and in off-reservation areas. Support
services are also included, as provided in Sec. 26.6.
Sec. 26.3 Information collection.
The information collection requirements contained in Sec. Sec. 26.4
and 26.6 have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
under 44 U.S.C. 3504(h) and are assigned clearance numbers 1076-0062 and
1076-0061. Information necessary for an application for employment
assistance will be submitted on an application form which may be
obtained at a local Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency or tribal program
contractor office. This information is being collected for the purpose
of applying for Federal assistance. The information will be used to
determine if an Indian person is eligible to participate in this program
and to determine the amount of assistance needed. The obligation to
respond is a requirement to obtain the benefits.
Subpart B_Administrative Procedures
Sec. 26.4 Filing applications.
(a) Application for Employment Assistance services must be filed at
Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency offices, or at facilities under contract
with the Bureau or contract offices which are located on or near
reservations or other geographic areas of eligibility. Applications are
approved by the Agency Superintendent or designated contractor. An
eligible applicant should apply, be funded and receive services at the
servicing office nearest to his/her residence at the time of
application.
(b) For clarity and uniformity, application forms used will be in
accordance
[[Page 122]]
with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, section 3504(h) of
Pub. L. 96-511.
Sec. 26.5 Selection of applicants.
(a) Applicants must be adult Indians residing on or near Indian
reservations and demonstrate a need for employment services.
(b) An applicant must be unemployed or underemployed in order to
receive employment services.
(c) Selection of applicants shall be made without regard to sex or
marital status.
(d) Only those applicants who declare a desire and intent to accept
and retain full time permanent employment at the employment location
chosen shall be selected, with the exception of those individuals
participating in the temporary summer placement program as provided in
Sec. 26.6(b)(1).
(e) Repeat employment services involving expenditure of grant funds
are to be determined on an individual basis, considering ability, prior
performance, need and motivation. No client shall automatically be
entitled to funded repeat services. No more than two (2) funded repeat
services for a client shall be allowed. Exceptions may be made if
additional funded services not provided would create extreme hardship on
the client. Applications are to be submitted with proper justification
for repeat service to the Area Director for approval or disapproval.
Sec. 26.6 Program services and client participation.
(a) When a request is made for employment services, the applicant
shall be offered assistance to assess his/her job skills and work
experience and to relate these to available employment opportunities. In
many cases, applicants for placement services will already possess
training skills, and/or experience sufficient for entry into job
placement. In other cases, applicants may be encouraged to consider
further education or training options as a preliminary to permanent
employment. In any case, vocational counseling appropriate to the
individual situation shall be made available.
(b) Services may be provided either with or without the expenditure
of financial grants depending upon the type of service requested and the
need for financial assistance. Funds shall not be provided to finance
temporary employment except for the following:
(1) High school students who are at least 17 years of age or college
students participating in summer placement programs to gain work
experience and temporary income may receive limited funding as needed to
enable such persons to secure and hold summer jobs. This special service
will not count against the number of services allowed under Sec.
26.5(e).
(2) Persons who have moved to an off-reservation area for permanent
employment, through services of the Employment Assistance program, may
at times be required to accept temporary employment until permanent
employment is available. Such persons may receive funds as needed within
established limitations and justifiable circumstances, as allowed by the
Area Director, until permanent employment is found and/or the need is
met.
(c) Permanent employment shall normally be defined as employment
which is generally anticipated to be of one year or more in duration.
Employment in the construction or other trades where moving from one job
to another is generally required of persons engaged in such occupations
shall be considered as permanent employment.
(d) In those cases where applicants apply and are selected for
employment services in off-reservation urban locations, a variety of
services may be provided, based upon individual client needs and
requests for assistance. These may include advice in rental of housing,
shopping, money management, community adjustment, counseling, applying
for and seeking employment, and emergency financial assistance for up to
six months from the date of entry into this program. Continuing non-
financial assistance, as needed, shall remain indefinitely available.
(e) Assistance as needed may be provided to enable clients who move
for employment to an off-reservation urban or non-urban area to accept a
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specific job offer. In such cases, however, transportation or financial
assistance may be provided only after confirmation has been obtained
from the employer, giving details of employment, including the
following:
(1) Job title,
(2) Beginning wage,
(3) Date to start work,
(4) First payday,
(5) First full payday, and
(6) A statement that the job is anticipated to be of a permanent
nature.
Sec. 26.7 Financial assistance for program participants.
(a) Individuals or families with a family member participating in
the Employment Assistance program may be granted financial assistance,
as needed, based upon rates established by the Area Director for the
respective areas or jurisdictions within those areas.
(b) Not more than thirty (30) percent of the funds appropriated for
any program year may be used to pay for the costs of administration.
Administrative costs include salaries and fringe benefits of direct
program administrative positions such as program director or program
officer, program/financial analyst, labor market analyst, clerical
personnel, travel costs, materials, supplies, equipment, space and
utilities. The remaining seventy (70) percent of funds available may be
used for transportation and subsistence enroute to employment location;
subsistence for one month or until the first paycheck from employment is
received; emergency assistance is allowed where verified emergencies
justify such grants and must have Area Director approval; and supportive
services. Supportive services includes tools for employment, initial
union dues, transportation of household effects, security and safety
deposits, personal appearance and housewares, child care, and costs of
employment counselors engaged in providing services to applicants
(salaries, fringe benefits and travel costs).
(c) Marital status of applicants is not a consideration for
determining eligibility for services, but this factor is a consideration
for determining appropriate subsistence grants. Proof of a legal
relationship requiring support shall be required as a basis for
application of family subsistence rates. In the case of married persons,
proof of marriage shall be required to satisfy this requirement.
(d) Financial assistance shall not be used to supplement the income
of a person already employed.
Subpart C_Appeals
Sec. 26.8 Appeals.
The decision of any Bureau official under this part can be appealed
pursuant to the procedures in 25 CFR part 2.
PART 27_VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR ADULT INDIANS--Table of Contents
Subpart A_Definitions, Scope of the Vocational Training Program and
Information Collection
Sec.
27.1 Definitions.
27.2 Scope of the vocational training program.
27.3 Information collection.
Subpart B_Administrative Procedures
27.4 Filing applications.
27.5 Selection of applicants.
27.6 Satisfactory progress during training.
27.7 Approval of courses for vocational training at institutions.
27.8 Approval of apprenticeship training.
27.9 Approval of on-the-job training.
27.10 Financial assistance for trainees.
27.11 Contracts and agreements.
Subpart C_Appeals
27.12 Appeals.
Authority: Sec. 1, Pub. L. 84-959, 70 Stat. 986 as amended by Pub.
L. 88-230, 77 Stat. 471 (25 U.S.C. 309).
Source: 49 FR 2101, Jan. 18, 1984, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A_Definitions, Scope of the Vocational Training Program and
Information Collection
Sec. 27.1 Definitions.
(a) Agency office means the current organization unit of the Bureau
which
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provides direct services to the governing body or bodies and members of
one or more specified Indian tribes.
(b) Appeal means a written request for correction of an action or
decision claimed to violate a person's legal rights or privileges as
provided in part 2 of this chapter.
(c) Applicant means an individual applying under this part.
(d) Application means the process through which a request is made
for assistance or services.
(e) Area Director means the Bureau official in charge of an Area
Office or his/her authorized representative.
(f) Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of the
Interior for Indian Affairs or his/her authorized representative.
(g) Contract office means the office established by a tribe or
tribes who have a contract to administer the adult vocational training
program.
(h) Full time institutional training is:
(1) An institutional trade or technical course offered on a clock-
hour basis below the college level, involving shop practices as an
integral part thereof when a minimum of thirty (30) hours per week of
attendance is required with not more than 2\1/2\ hours of rest periods
per week allowed.
(2) An institutional vocational course offered on a clock-hour basis
below the college level in which theoretical or classroom instruction
predominates when a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours per week net of
instruction is required, or
(3) An institutional undergraduate vocational course offered by a
college or university on a quarter or semester-hour basis when a minimum
of twelve (12) semester credit hours or its equivalent is required.
(i) Indian means any person of Indian or Alaska native descent who
is an enrolled member of any of those tribes listed or eligible to be
listed in the Federal Register pursuant to 25 CFR 83.6 as recognized by
and receiving services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs or a descendant
of one-fourth degree or more Indian blood of an enrolled member and any
person not a member of one of the listed or eligible to be listed tribes
who possesses at least one-half degree of Indian blood which is not
derived from a tribe whose relationship is terminated by an Act of
Congress.
(j) Indian tribe means any Indian tribe, band, nation or other
organized group or community, including any Alaska native village, which
is recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as having special rights
and responsibilities and is recognized as eligible for the services
provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as
Indians.
(k) Near reservation means those areas or communities adjacent or
contiguous to reservations which are designated by the Assistant
Secretary upon recommendation of the local Bureau superintendent, which
recommendation shall be based upon agreement with the tribal governing
body of those reservations, as locales appropriate for the extension of
financial assistance and/or social services, on the basis of such
general criteria as:
(1) Number of Indian people native to the reservation residing in
the area,
(2) Geographical proximity of the area to the reservation, and
(3) Administrative feasibility of providing an adequate level of
services to the area. The Assistant Secretary shall designate each area
and publish the designations in the Federal Register.
(l) Reservation means any bounded geographical area established or
created by treaty, statute, executive order or as interpreted by court
decision and over which a Federally recognized Indian tribal entity may
exercise certain jurisdiction.
(m) Superintendent means the Superintendent or Officer in Charge of
any of the Agency offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or his/her
authorized representative.
(n) Tribal governing body means the recognized entity empowered to
exercise the governmental authority of a Federally recognized tribe.
Sec. 27.2 Scope of the vocational training program.
The purpose of the vocational training program is to assist Indian
people to acquire the job skills necessary for full time satisfactory
employment. Within that framework, the program provides testing,
vocational counseling
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or guidance to assist program participants to make career choices
relating personal assets to training option and availability of jobs in
the labor market. The program provides for full time institutional
training in any vocational or trade school as provided in Sec. 27.7.
Apprenticeship and on-the-job training are also provided. Institutional,
apprenticeship, or on-the-job training courses shall not exceed twenty-
four (24) months in length, with the exception that Registered Nurses
training may be for periods not to exceed thirty-six (36) months.
Individual program recipients may not receive more than twenty-four (24)
months of full-time training, except that Registered Nursing students
may receive not more than thirty-six (36) months of training.
Sec. 27.3 Information collection.
The information collection requirements contained in Sec. Sec.
27.4, 27.6 and 27.9 have been approved by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3504(h) and are assigned clearance numbers
1076-0062, 1076-0063 and 1076-0069. Information necessary for an
application for vocational training assistance will be submitted on an
application form which may be obtained at a local Bureau of Indian
Affairs Agency or tribal program contractor office. This information is
being collected for the purpose of applying for Federal assistance. The
information will be used to determine if an Indian individual is
eligible to participate in this program and to determine the amount of
assistance needed. The obligation to respond is a requirement to obtain
the benefits.
Subpart B_Administrative Procedures
Sec. 27.4 Filing applications.
(a) Applications for adult vocational training services must be
filed at Bureau of Indian Affairs agency offices, or at facilities under
contract with the Bureau or contract offices located on or near
reservations or other geographic areas of eligibility. Applications are
approved by the Agency Superintendent or designated contractor. An
eligible applicant should apply, be funded and receive services at the
servicing office nearest to his/her residence at the time of
application.
(b) For clarity and uniformity, application forms used will be in
accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, section
3504(h) of Pub. L. 96-511.
Sec. 27.5 Selection of applicants.
(a) Applicants must be adult Indians residing on or near Indian
reservations.
(b) Eligible individuals shall be at least eighteen (18) years of
age, except that high school graduates shall be eligible at the age of
seventeen (17) years. Also, while the program is designed primarily for
persons between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty-five (35), persons
over the age of thirty-five (35) shall be eligible, assuming training
and permanent employment to be otherwise feasible in terms of health and
physical capability.
(c) An applicant must be in need of training in order to obtain
reasonable and satisfactory employment or is underemployed and without
additional training would result in extreme hardship for the applicant,
and is in need of financial assistance in order to obtain such training.
It must also be feasible for the applicant to pursue training.
(d) Selection of applicants shall be made without regard to sex or
marital status, providing they meet the requirements of paragraphs (a),
(b), and (c) of this section. Non-Indian spouses shall not be eligible
for training.
(e) No more than two (2) repeat training services will be allowed.
Repeat training services will be on a lower priority than the initial
service and will be determined on an individual basis, considering need,
ability, prior performance and present motivation of the applicant. In
order to be in need of repeat institutional training, an applicant must
be unemployed, underemployed, or unable to work in his/her primary
occupation due to physical or other disabilities. Time spent in on-the-
job training programs will be deducted from the maximum of institutional
training eligibility.
(f) Only those applicants who willingly declare intent to accept
full time employment as soon as possible after completion of training
shall be selected. Plans may subsequently
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change, but the intent of the training program is preparation for
employment, and this must be the initial intent of program participants.
The program is not meant to serve as a preliminary to immediate further
education.
Sec. 27.6 Satisfactory progress during training.
An individual who enters training pursuant to the provisions of this
part is required to make satisfactory progress in training. Individuals
in institutional vocational training courses are required to give
evidence of progress by authorizing the institution attended to provide
grade and/or progress reports to the appropriate Bureau of Indian
Affairs or contract office. Program participants shall maintain a
reasonable standard of conduct. Failure to meet these requirements due
to reasons within the trainee's control may result in termination of
training benefits.
Sec. 27.7 Approval of courses for vocational training at institutions.
(a) A course of vocational training at any institution, public or
private, offering vocational training may be approved by the Assistance
Secretary; provided:
(1) The institution is accredited by a recognized national regional
accrediting association; or
(2) The institution is approved for training by a state agency
authorized to make such approvals; and
(3) It is determined that there is reasonable certainty of
employment for graduates of the institution in their respective fields
of training.
(b) Cooperative education (a combination of classroom theory with
related practical job experience) is considered as valuable learning
experience and is specifically allowed and encouraged.
(c) Vocational training courses offered through Indian tribal
governments need not be accredited but must show reasonable expectation
of leading to employment and be approved by the Area Director.
Sec. 27.8 Approval of apprenticeship training.
A program of apprenticeship training may be approved when such
training:
(a) Is offered by a corporation or association which has furnished
such training to bona fide apprentices for at least one year preceding
participation in this program;
(b) Is under the supervision of a State apprenticeship agency, a
State Apprenticeship Council, or the Federal Apprenticeship Training
Services;
(c) Leads to an occupation which requires the use of skills that
normally are learned through training on the job and employment which is
based upon training on the job rather than upon such elements as length
of service, normal turnover, personality, and other personal
characteristics; and
(d) Is identified expressly as apprenticeship training by the
establishment offering it.
Sec. 27.9 Approval of on-the-job training.
(a) On-the-job training contracts shall be approved only by the
official to whom such authority has been delegated in the 10 BIAM.
(b) On-the-job training may be approved when such training is
offered by a corporation, small business, association, tribe or tribal
enterprise which provides an on-the-job training program offering
definite potential for skilled permanent employment.
(c) Yearly on-the-job training contractual agreements with a
specific contractor shall not be renewed beyond the second year without
review and written approval from the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs.
Extension of contracts exceeding two years will be based upon a
contractors demonstrated expansion of the enterprise, need for
additional trainees, and placement of trainees completing the program.
(d) Reimbursement to the on-the-job training contractor may include
one-half of the hourly wage paid during the training period with the
contractor paying the other half. The hourly rate must be at least the
established minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as
amended.
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Sec. 27.10 Financial assistance for trainees.
(a) Applicants entering full-time training under this part may be
granted financial assistance as needed, based upon rates established by
the Area Director for the respective areas, or jurisdictions within
those areas. Trainees may be assisted to secure educational grants from
other sources for which they qualify. Such income shall be considered in
computing amounts of financial assistance to be provided by the Bureau
of Indian Affairs. Marital status of trainees is not a consideration for
determining eligibility for training, but this factor is a consideration
in determining appropriate subsistence grants. Proof of a legal
relationship requiring support shall be required as a basis for
application of family subsistence rates. In the case of married persons,
proof of marriage shall be required to satisfy this requirement.
Financial assistance may be provided for transportation and subsistence
enroute to training; tuition and related training costs; subsistence
while in training; emergency assistance is allowed where verified
emergencies justify such grants and must have Area Director approval;
and supportive services while in training. Supportive services includes
tools for employment, initial union dues, transportation of household
effects, security and safety deposits, personal appearance and
housewares, child care, and cost of vocational training counselors
engaged in providing services to trainees (salaries, fringe benefits and
travel costs).
(b) Not more than thirty (30) percent of the funds appropriated for
any program year may be used to pay for the costs of administration.
Administrative costs include salaries and fringe benefits of direct
program administrative positions such as program director or program
officer, program/financial analyst, labor market analyst, clerical
personnel, travel costs, materials, supplies, equipment, space and
utilities.
Sec. 27.11 Contracts and agreements.
Training facilities and services required for programs of vocational
training may be arranged through contracts or agreements with agencies,
establishments or organizations. These may include:
(a) Indian tribal governing bodies,
(b) Appropriate Federal, State or local government agencies,
(c) Public or private schools which have a recognized reputation in
vocational education as successfully obtaining employment for graduates
in the fields of training approved by the Assistant Secretary or his/her
authorized representative for purposes of the program,
(d) Educational firms to operate residential training centers, or
(e) Corporations and associations or small business establishments
with apprenticeship or on-the-job training programs leading to skilled
employment.
Subpart C_Appeals
Sec. 27.12 Appeals.
The decisions of any Bureau official under this part can be appealed
pursuant to the procedures in 25 CFR part 2.
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