COVID-19: FAQs for Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Program Grantees

Publication Date: May 4, 2020
Current as of:

On March 19, 2020, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Memorandum M-20-17 providing administrative relief guidance for recipients and applicants of federal financial assistance as federal awarding agencies continue to address recipients and applicants directly impacted by COVID-19. On March 31, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued Information Memorandum IM-ACF-OA-2020-01 offering additional guidance about grant flexibilities to ACF applicants and recipients where the entity is conducting human service activities related to or affected by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Based on the guidance provided by OMB and ACF, the Administration on Children, Youth and Families’ Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) developed the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) grantees seeking additional information on flexibilities available specific to the administration of grants funded under the RHY Program.

RHY grantees are encouraged to contact their Federal Project Officer (FPO) to discuss individual programmatic, administrative, or financial questions their organization may have, should they need further clarification or direction regarding guidance provided thus far.

This information sheet provides answers to several frequently asked questions, including but not limited to:

  • Can grantees use ACF funds to pay for staff who need to take extended leave for care of family members or themselves?
  • Can Transitional Living Programs (TLP)/Maternity Group Homes (MGH) permit youth to stay beyond the 18/21 months?
  • Can Basic Center Programs (BCP) allow youth to stay longer than 21 days if they cannot leave (return home and/or have an alternative safe housing option)?
  • What can providers to to assess for the virus?
  • Can we deny youth from entering our shelter if they are positive for the virus?