[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 2, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76446-76480]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26063]



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Vol. 81

Wednesday,

No. 212

November 2, 2016

Part III





Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families





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45 CFR Part 1370





 Family Violence Prevention and Services Programs; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 212 / Wednesday, November 2, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

45 CFR Part 1370

RIN 0970-AC62


Family Violence Prevention and Services Programs

AGENCY: Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB), Administration on 
Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), Administration for Children and 
Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule will better prevent and protect survivors of family 
violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, by clarifying that 
all survivors must have access to services and programs funded under 
the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act. More specifically, the 
rule enhances accessibility and non-discrimination provisions, 
clarifies confidentiality rules, promotes coordination among community-
based organizations, State Domestic Violence Coalitions, States, and 
Tribes, as well as incorporates new discretionary grant programs. 
Furthermore, the rule updates existing regulations to reflect statutory 
changes made to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, and 
updates procedures for soliciting and awarding grants. The rule also 
increases clarity and reduces potential confusion over statutory and 
regulatory standards. The rule codifies standards already used by the 
program in the Funding Opportunity Announcements and awards, in 
technical assistance, in reporting requirements, and in sub-regulatory 
guidance.

DATES: This final rule becomes effective January 3, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marylouise Kelley, Ph.D., Division 
Director, (202) 401-5756 (not a toll-free call), 
[email protected]. Individuals who are deaf or hard of 
hearing may call the Federal Dual Party Relay Service at 1-800-977-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Statutory Authority
II. Background
III. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
IV. General Comments and the Final Rule
V. Section-by-Section Discussion of Comments and the Final Rule
VI. Impact Analysis
    A. Paperwork Reduction Act
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
    C. Regulatory Impact Analysis
    D. Congressional Review
    E. Federalism Review
    F. Family Impact Review

I. Statutory Authority

    This final rule is being issued under the authority granted to the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services by the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), 42 U.S.C. 10404(a)(4), as most 
recently amended by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment (CAPTA) 
Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-320).

II. Background

    FVPSA grants are administered to: Assist States and Indian Tribes 
in efforts to increase public awareness about, and primary and 
secondary prevention of, family violence, domestic violence, and dating 
violence; assist States and Indian Tribes in efforts to provide 
immediate shelter and supportive services for victims of family 
violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; 
provide for a national domestic violence hotline; provide for technical 
assistance and training relating to family violence, domestic violence, 
and dating violence programs to States and Indian Tribes, local public 
agencies (including law enforcement agencies, courts, and legal, social 
service, and health care professionals in public agencies), nonprofit 
private organizations (including faith-based and charitable 
organizations, community-based organizations, and voluntary 
associations), Tribal organizations, and other persons seeking such 
assistance and training. This final rule covers all of these 
activities.

III. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    ACF published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on October 14, 
2015 to propose regulations that ensure victims of domestic and dating 
violence and their dependents are provided shelter and supportive 
services that meet statutory requirements and incorporate field-based 
best practices. The NPRM proposed regulatory guidance for all FVPSA-
funded formula and discretionary grantees and subgrantees.\1\ The NPRM 
also proposed to incorporate statutory provisions that were not in the 
existing rule. In addition to general comments, the NPRM sought input 
from commenters on a number of specific requirements and provisions.
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    \1\ The terms ``grantee'' and ``recipient'' are interchangeable 
pursuant to 45 CFR part 75. Although 45 CFR part 75 uses the term 
``recipient'' throughout, its definition section defines ``grantee'' 
by citing to the definition for ``recipient''. See 45 CFR 75.2. 
Therefore, for purposes of this rule, ACF will primarily use the 
terms ``grantee'' and ``subgrantee'' to refer to ``recipients'' and 
``sub-recipients'' to align with the terms used in 45 CFR part 75, 
except where there are FVPSA references to ``contractors'', in which 
case ``recipient'' and ``sub-recipient'' will be used where 
appropriate. For purposes of referring to victims of domestic, 
dating, and family violence as program or service clients or 
beneficiaries, the term ``beneficiary'' will be used where 
appropriate and to avoid confusion with ``recipient.''
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    ACF received 41 public comments from individuals and advocacy 
organizations. We include a detailed summary of comments as well as 
HHS' responses to comments in Section IV of this final rule. Public 
comments on the proposed rule are available for review on 
www.regulations.gov.

IV. General Comments and the Final Rule

    Key provisions to this ACF final rule lay out a framework to 
address reauthorized statutory language within the context of field-
based best practices and programmatic guidance. The rule reflects a 
reorganization of the previous regulations that specifically divide 
formula grants and discretionary grants into independent sections and 
add new grants programs; including Specialized Services for Abused 
Parents and Their Children (emphasis added). The rule also provides 
guidance that addresses accessibility and discrimination by clarifying 
and reinforcing that anti-discrimination provisions apply to all 
grantees. In FVPSA Reauthorization 2010, the anti-discrimination 
language, formerly contained in a separate statutory section applicable 
to the entire title, was relocated to the formula grants to States 
section. This led to confusion and was interpreted by some as only 
applying to State formula grantees. The new regulatory language 
eliminates this confusion and makes it clear that the anti-
discrimination provisions continue to encompass all FVPSA grant 
programs and apply to all grantees and subgrantees.
    The final rule also includes a definition for ``personally 
identifying information (PII) or personal information'' to ensure that 
all grantees and subgrantees have a clear, shared understanding of 
confidentiality requirements. The statutory voluntary services and no 
conditions on the receipt of emergency shelter requirements reinforce 
that services must be voluntary and no conditions can be imposed on 
receipt of emergency shelter. The regulation incorporates these new 
requirements, and further specifies the prohibition on imposing 
``conditions'' to prohibit shelters from

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applying inappropriate screening mechanisms, such as criminal 
background checks or sobriety requirements. Similarly, the receipt of 
shelter should not be conditioned on participation in other services, 
such as counseling, parenting classes, or life-skills classes. Such 
requirements not only impede on the basic human need for access to 
shelter, but could also limit access to lifesaving shelter and services 
and have the potential of contradicting best practices related to 
trauma-informed direct service provision.
    The final rule also includes guidance about State/Tribal planning 
and State/Tribal Domestic Violence needs assessments that promote 
greater coordination of these statutorily required activities to foster 
inclusion of underserved communities and better identify the needs of 
all victims of domestic and dating violence. Specialized Services for 
Abused Parents and Their Children and State resource centers to reduce 
disparities in domestic violence in States with high proportions of 
Indian (including Alaska Native) or Native Hawaiian populations (Sec.  
1370.30) are newly authorized programs, also included in the rule.
    Below we have summarized the primary changes made after the NPRM 
was published as a direct result of the comments received. It is 
important to note that all of the changes are fairly minor and none 
result in a significant impact on the overall direction of the key 
provisions listed above.

Section 1370.2 What definitions apply to these programs?

    Definitions--Most of the definitions included in the final rule are 
amended to clarify and specify the terms. The primary-purpose domestic 
violence service provider definition is clarified through discussion to 
indicate that the term only applies to the membership requirements of a 
State Domestic Violence Coalition. In some cases, examples are added to 
the definitions to paint a clearer picture for the field.
    Confidentiality--Additional language is added to the 
confidentiality provisions to clarify that nothing in the rule 
prohibits disclosure if there is an imminent risk of serious bodily 
injury or death of the victim or another individual. The final rule 
also includes two additional subsections that provide guidance to 
shelters to clarify that consent to a release of information cannot be 
a condition of service, and to clarify that tribal governments may 
determine how to maintain the safety and confidentiality of shelter 
locations. Additional technical changes are made to this section in 
response to the comments.
    Non-Discrimination and Accessibility--Revisions to the text are 
made to strengthen the non-discrimination requirements related to 
sexual orientation and gender identity, including specific language 
related to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. This 
final rule also partially incorporates standards outlined by the 
Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women in order to 
allow sex segregation or sex-specific programming when it is essential 
to the normal or safe operation of the program. Additionally, changes 
are also made to this section to better describe the policies related 
to housing families together.
    Human Trafficking--Based on comments received, provisions of the 
rule text are removed that would have allowed FVPSA-funded programs to 
serve victims of human trafficking if space allowed and if they had not 
experienced domestic or dating violence. We agree with the commenters 
who stated that effectively serving human trafficking victims who have 
not experienced domestic violence or dating violence requires 
specialized resources, training, and expertise that may be outside the 
scope of FVPSA-funded programs.
    State and Tribal Grants--The rule text is slightly revised to 
clarify the expectation for States and State Domestic Violence 
Coalitions to work together. The final rule specifies how States should 
identify underserved populations and work with Tribes and Tribal 
coalitions. We also allow States to use their own definition of urban 
and rural in the final rule.
    State Domestic Violence Coalition Grants--Minor and technical 
changes are made throughout this section of the rule to more accurately 
reflect the roles and purposes of State Domestic Violence Coalitions 
and to ensure newly formed Coalitions can compete for resources should 
there be newly-designated coalitions due to mergers or dissolution.
    Grants for Specialized Services for Abused Parents and their 
Children--The final rule includes a stronger emphasis on 
confidentiality requirements for these grants. We also added a section 
that prevents professionals working with children and families from 
inappropriately punishing non-abusive parents for, among other things, 
cohabiting with an abusive parent. Technical changes are also made to 
better reflect the statutory language.
    Domestic Violence Hotline Grants--This section now includes video 
among the examples of communication methods in the definition of 
telephone.
    ACF received general comments about this rule. Below, ACF 
summarizes comments and responds accordingly.
    Comment: Many commenters supported the NPRM generally, including 
Tribes and Tribal organizations, national and State organizations, 
shelters, non-residential service providers, and community members. One 
commenter said the proposed rule strengthens Family Violence Prevention 
and Services programs and benefits those affected by domestic violence. 
Another commenter stated that the regulations seem very helpful and 
hoped that the NPRM achieves its goals. A commenter agreed with the 
proposed revisions because they benefit underprivileged populations and 
would increase the clarity and reduce confusion over statutory and 
regulatory changes. One other commenter stated that they feel strongly 
that this proposed rule has merit behind it, that with dating abuse 
being such a sensitive and important subject, it is clear that the 
intent of the revisions is to help victims of domestic violence. This 
commenter also felt that it is beneficial to give clearer definitions 
of domestic violence so that there is no confusion about eligibility 
for services. Finally, another commenter commended HHS and the 
Administration for the work to ensure that domestic violence survivors 
have appropriate access to domestic violence programs and to safety and 
confidentiality for victims.
    Response: ACF appreciates the positive comments and believes that 
FVPSA-funded programs will benefit from the additional clarity and 
program guidance. In this final rule, ACF includes provisions that 
improve Federal oversight, ensure accountability for purposes 
consistent with FVPSA, and promote increased coordination and 
collaboration among and between grantees and subgrantees.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the NPRM preamble be amended 
to clarify how this rule furthers the government's efforts to ensure 
the human right to be free from domestic violence. The commenter 
suggested that the preamble explicitly capture how the proposed rule 
fosters human rights and meets basic needs and asked that ACF include 
revised preamble language to incorporate the ``due diligence'' 
standard, representing the internationally accepted standard to guide 
government efforts to address the

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rights of women, specifically the right to be free from domestic 
violence.\2\
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    \2\ See e.g., Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, The 
Due Diligence Standard as a Tool for the Elimination of Violence 
Against Women, ] 17, U.N. Doc. E/CN.4/2006/61 (Jan. 20, 2006) (by 
Yakin Ert[uuml]rk), available at http://daccessddsny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G06/103/50/PDF/G0610350.pdf?OpenElement; Special 
Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Report of the Special 
Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, 
Mission to the United States, U.N. Doc. A/HRC/17/26/Add.5 (Jun. 6, 
2011), available at http://daccess-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G11/138/26/PDF/G1113826.pdf?OpenElement.
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    Response: Our goal in implementing this rule is to better prevent 
and protect survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and dating 
violence, in accordance with the Family Violence Prevention and 
Services Act (FVPSA) at 42 U.S.C. 10404(a)(4). While we have not 
revised the language in this preamble to extensively discuss the human 
rights framework, ACF appreciates the goals of the human rights 
framework for addressing gender-based violence and the incorporation of 
human rights into government programs, such as how basic needs like 
housing are critical for people to live free from violence. 
Additionally, while we have not revised the language in this preamble 
to extensively discuss the human rights framework, ACF appreciates the 
goals of the human rights framework for addressing gender-based 
violence and the incorporation of human rights into government 
programs, such as how basic needs like housing are critical for people 
to live free from violence.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that any HHS regulation should 
mirror the language in FVPSA and not create new requirements beyond 
what FVPSA requires and which are not legally tenable.
    Response: The Secretary is delegated specific authority in 42 
U.S.C. 10404(a)(4) to prescribe such regulations and guidance as are 
reasonably necessary in order to carry out the objectives and 
provisions of FVPSA, including regulations and guidance on implementing 
new grant conditions established or provisions modified by amendment to 
FVPSA by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) 
Reauthorization Act of 2010, Public Law 111-320, to ensure 
accountability and transparency of the actions of grantees and 
contractors, or as determined by the Secretary to be reasonably 
necessary to carry out FVPSA. As such, regulatory requirements 
identified in this rule, including new or revised definitions, are 
provided to support grantees and ensure consistency in FVPSA-funded 
programs and projects. Other non-definitional and programmatic 
requirements are included to support the effective Federal 
administration of FVPSA and to promote field-based best practices, 
which have been longstanding in the program, and communicated through 
funding opportunity announcements and other guidance to the field.
    Comment: A few commenters suggested that a complaint process be 
included in this rule for program beneficiaries and others to use when 
they believe their civil rights are being violated by ACF/FVPSA-funded 
programs and subgrantees.
    Response: Consistent with existing law and regulations, HHS Office 
of Civil Rights (OCR) will continue to accept, screen and investigate 
civil rights complaints for all federal health and human services 
programs, including FVPSA. More specifically, the OCR addresses 
complaints of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, 
disability, age, sex (including sex stereotyping and gender identity), 
or religion in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to 
which HHS provides federal financial assistance. Given OCR's expertise, 
it does not make sense for FVPSA to have its own complaint process. At 
the same time, the ACF/FVPSA Program may be contacted by grantees, 
subgrantees, contractors, and individuals to make complaints and 
identify other concerns, and it will monitor such issues to provide 
guidance and potentially take corrective action to remedy violations of 
FVPSA statutory and regulatory requirements. Corrective action is an 
official process involving multiple HHS/ACF components to help ensure 
legal and programmatic integrity. However, there is no requirement that 
ACF be contacted first for alleged civil rights violations and/or ACF 
may receive a complaint and refer it for investigation rather than 
address it programmatically; decisions on these matters are addressed 
case by case. To file a complaint of discrimination regarding a program 
receiving Federal financial assistance through the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS), write: HHS Director, Office for Civil 
Rights (OCR), Room 515-F, 200 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20201. Persons needing help filing a civil rights complaint may contact 
OCR at [email protected], or call 1-800-368-1019 (voice) or (800) 537-
7697 (TTY). Persons may also file complaints using the OCR Complaint 
Portal at: https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/cp/complaint_frontpage.jsf.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that the rule address violence 
generally, beyond the statutorily required family, domestic, and dating 
violence.
    Response: The FVPSA program and this rule focus entirely on family, 
domestic, and dating violence. Violence, other than family, domestic 
and dating violence, is not within the scope of the FVPSA statute and 
therefore cannot be addressed in this rule.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that more grants be awarded to 
public entities in contrast to private entities. This commenter 
acknowledged that private entities tend to have more capacity and 
abilities when it comes to certain areas versus the public sector. 
Specifically, the commenter would like to see more colleges and 
universities funded by ACF with FVPSA funding.
    Response: ACF did not make any changes in response to this comment. 
ACF makes funding available to all categories of eligible applicants 
based on the eligibility requirements outlined in statute for each 
program identified in FVPSA, which may include institutions of higher 
education. Discretionary grants are awarded pursuant to independent 
peer review processes and, in accordance with statutory requirements, 
formula grants are awarded directly to State grantees, Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and State Domestic Violence Coalitions. States may 
subgrant/subcontract to programs, organizations, and agencies within 
their jurisdictions using independent grants' awards processes. Tribes 
or Tribal organizations may subgrant/subcontract to programs or 
organizations within their jurisdictions. Due to the statutory formula, 
ACF has limited discretion in determining who receives FVPSA funding.
    Comment: Multiple commenters supported NPRM language that addressed 
the need for improving access for underserved populations, including 
battered immigrants and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and 
Questioning (LGBTQ) individuals, to FVPSA-funded programs and services.
    Response: ACF appreciates the positive comments and believes that 
FVPSA-funded programs will benefit from the additional clarity and 
program guidance related to serving these populations. We also provide 
additional detail throughout the section-by-section public comments and 
responses, including definitions and other guidance, that help to 
promote programmatic accessibility for victims and their families 
regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration 
status. We discuss the comments on the definition of

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``underserved population'' and the services that must be provided to 
FVPSA recipients in more detail later in the rule.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the implementation of the 
rule be delayed to allow grantees (specifically State formula grantees) 
to close out existing FVPSA sub-recipient awards. This commenter 
suggested that because it recently competed and awarded contracts to 
sub-recipients that new requirements imposed prior to the expiration of 
sub-recipient contracts would potentially require re-competing sub-
recipient contracts and create funding delays for shelter and 
supportive services throughout the State.
    Response: The NPRM preamble states ``all grantees will be expected 
to comply with standards and other requirements upon the final rule's 
effective date.'' While ACF understands and acknowledges that some 
direct grantees will need to make adjustments to both current and 
future subgrant/recipient award instruments resulting from new 
regulatory guidance, it is not feasible to delay the effective date to 
align with the contracting and procurement regulations in all States. 
ACF expects States to amend subgrant/recipient awards where appropriate 
to ensure compliance with these regulations. Further, there is no 
language in the rule which impedes States' FVPSA funding distribution, 
granting, or contracting processes. ACF does not intend through this 
rulemaking for States or Tribes to terminate existing subgrant/
recipient awards for the purpose of implementing new regulatory 
requirements. Finally, for clarification and as indicated above, the 
final rule becomes effective 60 days after publication in the Federal 
Register. As previously mentioned, many of the provisions in this rule 
have been longstanding practice in the program, and have been 
communicated through funding opportunity announcements and other 
guidance to the field.

V. Section-by-Section Discussion of Comments and the Final Rule

    ACF received comments about changes proposed to specific sections 
in the regulation. Below, ACF identifies each section, summarizes the 
comments, and responds accordingly.

Subpart A--General Provisions

Section 1370.1 What are the purposes of the Family Violence Prevention 
and Services Act programs?

    Comment: A commenter suggested that one of the purposes of FVPSA-
funded programs, to assist States and Indian Tribes in efforts to 
provide immediate shelter and supportive services for victims of 
family, domestic, and dating violence, should also include and support 
evolving mechanisms to provide safety and stability in, and connected 
to, shelter for victims. The commenter interpreted the definition of 
shelter, defined as temporary refuge in the statute and NPRM, as 
offering victims a place away from danger and to allow the form of 
refuge to be more flexible than shelter, often interpreted as communal 
living, especially in reference to immediate or emergency shelter. The 
commenter suggested that the shelter and supportive services statutory 
purpose area include housing advocacy and supports that allow for other 
methods of shelter service delivery.
    Response: We agree. Therefore, ACF interprets the statutory purpose 
of assisting States and Indian Tribes in efforts to provide immediate 
shelter and supportive services to include flexibility in the types of 
shelter/housing provided for victims of family, domestic, and dating 
violence. Therefore, we incorporated into the final rule a revised 
definition of shelter/temporary refuge to include evolving models of 
shelter/housing and supportive services. ACF has been quite involved 
with the field and Federal partners as well as the private sector to 
address family homelessness, including homelessness caused by domestic 
violence. State and Tribal grantees and subgrantees have reported that 
flexibility in the methods of shelter provision and supportive services 
is necessary to meet demand, and more importantly, what victims need 
and desire to achieve safety and social and emotional well-being. The 
field reports that many victims would prefer supports connected to 
temporary refuge while offering non-communal methods of shelter and 
supportive services. Victims benefit from having access to multiple 
options for safe housing which could include mobile advocacy connected 
to temporary housing assistance/shelter, scattered site housing, or 
support for victims who remain in their homes, in addition to shelter-
based options.

Section 1370.2 What definitions apply to these programs?

Dating Violence
    Comment: A few commenters suggested revisions to the definition of 
dating violence. Commenters identified that the definition does not 
include the types of violence that the definition is intended to cover 
and therefore is more restrictive than the expanded definition of 
domestic violence.
    Response: After careful consideration, ACF agrees that it would be 
helpful to revise the definition to include examples of the kinds of 
violence that are intended in the definition. Following additional 
comments and responses below, the final rule revises the definition of 
dating violence to include, but not be limited to, the physical, 
sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating 
relationship, including stalking.
    Comment: One of the commenters noted that dating violence does not 
explicitly include emotional or psychological abuse, unlike the 
definition of domestic violence. The same commenter suggested for 
consistency that we define the term by adding the definition used by 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC defines 
dating violence as the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional 
violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. The CDC 
further explains this can happen in person or electronically and might 
occur between a current or former dating partner.
    Response: Per the previous comment, a revised definition is 
provided to reflect the CDC's definition of dating violence to include, 
but not be limited to, the physical, sexual, psychological, or 
emotional violence within a dating relationship, including stalking. 
The definition is further revised to read that dating violence can 
happen in person or electronically. Specifically, the definition of 
dating violence is revised as follows: Violence committed by a person 
who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate 
nature with the victim and where the existence of such a relationship 
shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: 
The length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the 
frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the 
relationship. This part of the definition reflects the definition also 
found in Section 40002(a) of VAWA (as amended), 42 U.S.C. 13925(a), as 
required by FVPSA. Dating violence also includes but is not limited to 
the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a 
dating relationship, including stalking. It can happen in person or 
electronically, and may involve financial abuse or other forms of 
manipulation which may occur between a current or former dating partner 
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that the definition of dating 
violence

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should identify the dating ages covered by the definition and that more 
information on the frequency of the interaction of the individuals in 
the relationship be provided.
    Response: Neither FVPSA nor the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 
address age or frequency of interaction because they are different in 
every case. Adolescents and adults of all ages engage in dating 
relationships. Additionally, providing more guidance on the frequency 
of the interactions of those in such relationships could exclude cases 
where the frequency of interactions is minimal but the length and types 
of the relationships are especially critical in determining whether a 
dating violence relationship exists. Therefore, ACF will use the 
definition provided below without incorporating these suggestions.
    Comment: A few commenters suggested that financial abuse be added 
to the definition of dating violence.
    Response: Financial abuse is a common abuser tactic which may not 
always be interpreted to be a form of psychological or emotional abuse. 
We have clarified the definition of dating violence to explicitly 
reflect that financial abuse is also within the purview of dating 
violence.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the definition of dating 
violence (as well as the definitions of domestic and family violence) 
be revised to combine all three definitions into one section that is 
split into two parts: (1) Definitions for the types of violence; and 
(2) the relationships within the purview of the types of violence.
    Response: We did not make changes based on this comment. FVPSA 
establishes the framework and organization of these definitions, 
therefore ACF, for consistency and continuity, will continue to use the 
definitions as they are fundamentally organized in the statute.
    Comment: As noted in Section IV. General Comments and the Final 
Rule, several commenters on many sections of the NPRM, including the 
definition of dating violence, identified the importance of ensuring 
programmatic accessibility for victims and their families regardless of 
sexual orientation or gender identity.
    Response: To ensure programmatic accessibility for all qualified 
individuals, ACF revised definitions and other rule guidance in section 
1370.5 that makes clear that FVPSA-funded programs must serve victims 
and their families regardless of actual or perceived sexual 
orientation, gender identity.
    Comment: Another commenter stated that the NPRM's definition of 
dating violence fails to acknowledge that it can happen quickly and 
briefly, and that there is no amount of time that can justify violence, 
referring to the definition's focus on the frequency of the interaction 
between the individuals in the relationship.
    Response: We have not made any revisions to the rule in response to 
this comment because the dating violence definition found in the FVPSA 
statute does not imply that violence can be justified because it only 
happens once or just a couple of times. Instead, the definition 
references the frequency of the interaction between those in the 
relationship rather than the frequency of the violence.
    However, given the other comments identified above, we have revised 
the definition. The definition of dating violence is revised to read as 
`violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social 
relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim and where 
the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a 
consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, 
the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the 
persons involved in the relationship'. This part of the definition 
reflects the definition also found in Section 40002(a) of VAWA (as 
amended), 42 U.S.C. 13925(a), as required by FVPSA. Dating violence 
also includes but is not limited to the physical, sexual, 
psychological, or emotional violence within a dating relationship, 
including stalking. It can happen in person or electronically, and may 
involve financial abuse or other forms of manipulation which may occur 
between a current or former dating partner regardless of actual or 
perceived sexual orientation, gender identity.
Domestic Violence
    Comment: A commenter stated that the definition of domestic 
violence is not clear about whether coercive, controlling acts used in 
the NPRM to further clarify the domestic violence definition, must be 
criminal. Read in the context of the first sentence of the definition, 
the commenter said that it appears that domestic violence may not 
encompass coercive, controlling acts that are not criminal, such as 
controlling finances or isolating a partner from friends or family 
members. The commenter suggested that the definition be amended to 
read, ``this definition will also include but will not be limited to 
criminal and non-criminal acts constituting . . . ''
    Response: We appreciate this comment. Domestic Violence includes a 
spectrum of coercive and controlling behaviors which include physical, 
emotional, and psychological behaviors that may be criminal acts in 
some States and not in others. To avoid confusion and to promote 
consistency, we revised the definition to include the proposed 
distinction between criminal and non-criminal coercive, controlling 
acts. The revised definition is below.
    Comment: Several commenters suggested that financial abuse be added 
to the definition of domestic violence.
    Response: As identified in the comments on the dating violence 
definition, financial abuse is a common abuser tactic and, therefore, 
ACF revised the definition accordingly to make clear that financial 
abuse is within the purview of domestic violence. Additionally, ACF 
made a technical correction to the domestic violence definition by 
removing the sentence, ``Older individuals and those with disabilities 
who otherwise meet the criteria herein are also included within this 
term's definition.'' The sentence was removed because commenters 
identified that adding or singling out specific populations while not 
adding others causes confusion and may be interpreted by some to mean 
that ACF is promoting one population over another which is not the 
case.
    As a result of all comments on the domestic violence definition, 
the term is revised to mean felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence 
committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the 
victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a 
person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a 
spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse 
of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the 
jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an 
adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under 
the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. This 
definition also reflects the statutory definition of ``domestic 
violence'' found in Section 40002(a) of VAWA (as amended), 42 U.S.C. 
13925(a). This definition also includes but is not limited to criminal 
or non-criminal acts constituting intimidation, control, coercion and 
coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse and behavior, 
expressive and psychological aggression, financial abuse, harassment, 
tormenting behavior, disturbing or alarming behavior, and additional 
acts recognized in other Federal, Tribal, State, and local laws as well 
as acts in

[[Page 76451]]

other Federal regulatory or sub-regulatory guidance. This definition is 
not intended to be interpreted more restrictively than FVPSA and VAWA 
but rather to be inclusive of other, more expansive definitions. The 
definition applies to individuals and relationships regardless of 
actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity.
Family Violence
    Comment: One commenter indicated that the terms family violence and 
domestic violence are not used interchangeably in their State and that, 
in fact, family violence is not commonly used at all (referencing the 
NPRM preamble language proposing that the terms be used 
interchangeably). The commenter explained that family violence is 
broader than domestic violence and that it encompasses many forms of 
violence with differing circumstances and dynamics, e.g. child 
maltreatment, elder abuse by an adult child, and sibling to sibling 
violence. The commenter suggested that more specific terms be used to 
distinguish between family violence and domestic violence or that 
family violence be defined to refer to forms of violence which are not 
included in the domestic violence definition.
    Response: Both terms are defined in the FVPSA statute which include 
overlapping and intersecting relationships and forms of violence. 
However, as explained in the NPRM preamble, both the field and Congress 
have used the terms interchangeably for decades, notwithstanding that 
there are also those in the field who may not use one term or the 
other, such as due to varying States' laws' definitions of the terms. 
Additionally, legislative history indicates that family violence is the 
term less commonly relied upon and that Congress has historically 
appropriated FVPSA funds to address domestic violence. Both terms will 
continue to be used programmatically, as also explained in the NPRM 
preamble, with more extensive use of the term domestic violence; 
however, the regulatory text will not address interchangeability of the 
terms domestic violence and family violence to avoid potential 
confusion with statutory definitions.
    Comment: Another commenter suggested that the family violence 
definition be expanded to include ``in the context of a pattern of 
coercive control or with the effect of gaining coercive control.''
    Response: Since the domestic violence definition includes coercion 
and coercive control, ACF has determined that continued expansion of 
the family violence term is unnecessary.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that because the definitions of 
family, domestic, and dating violence do not impose age limitation on 
victims, the proposed rule should be clarified to state that younger 
adolescents do not have to be served in domestic violence shelters 
without the presence of their legally responsible adults.
    Response: FVPSA is the legally binding authority regarding 
eligibility for services for FVPSA-funded programs. Since FVPSA does 
not limit services' eligibility to adults, ACF cannot restrict 
services' eligibility in this way. Adolescents' access to domestic 
violence programs as victims of domestic or dating violence themselves, 
rather than as child witnesses who usually enter shelter as dependents 
of abused parents or guardians, is complicated by the variations among 
States' emancipation and/or child abuse and neglect laws. As a result, 
shelter provision to adolescents, as primary victims themselves, is not 
a regulatory issue that will generally be addressed in this rule except 
to say that for adolescents who are able to access shelter as the 
primary victim, they must receive welcoming and accessible shelter and 
supportive services comparable to services provided to other victims. 
Additionally, adolescents and children who enter shelter as a victim's 
dependent must be provided welcoming and accessible shelter and 
supportive services comparable to the services provided to other 
victims. As a result of this comment, we have not revised the 
definition of family violence. However, we made a technical correction 
to the rule text to the remove the sentence originally included in the 
NPRM, ``Please note that this guidance is not a change in previous 
grantee guidance as survivors of intimate partner violence, regardless 
of marital status have always been eligible for FVPSA-funded services 
and programming.'' The sentence ultimately does not change the 
definition and, therefore, is unnecessary.
Personally Identifying Information
    Comment: Three commenters suggested that the personally identifying 
information (PII) definition include the term ``personal information'' 
as reflected in the statute, and to be interchangeable terms.
    Response: ``Personal information'' is not specifically included in 
FVPSA, except that FVPSA cites the VAWA definition as the FVPSA 
definition, and VAWA identifies ``personal information'' and 
``personally identifying information'' as interchangeable. Therefore, 
we revised the term as personally identifying information (PII) or 
personal information in the final rule.
    Comment: One commenter asked that in the proposed rule text, 
referencing the proposed definition of PII, we remove the language 
``note that information remains personally identifying even if 
physically protected through locked filing cabinets . . .'' because the 
FVPSA/VAWA definition already includes information that is ``otherwise 
protected.'' The commenter suggested that a definition that mentions 
locked filing cabinets is confusing in the context of information 
sharing because grantees typically don't disclose information by 
transmitting entire filing cabinets. The commenter also stated that the 
definition may give rise to an implication that it is not allowable for 
grantees to keep personally identifying information, even in a locked 
filing cabinet.
    Response: We agree, therefore, the language is removed in the rule 
definition. The final rule definition is as follows: Personally 
identifying information (PII) or personal information is individually 
identifying information for or about an individual including 
information likely to disclose the location of a victim of domestic 
violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, regardless of 
whether the information is encoded, encrypted, hashed, or otherwise 
protected, including, (A) a first and last name; (B) a home or other 
physical address; (C) contact information (including a postal, email or 
Internet protocol address, or telephone or facsimile number); (D) a 
social security number, driver license number, passport number, or 
student identification number; and (E) any other information, including 
date of birth, racial or ethnic background, or religious affiliation, 
that would serve to identify any individual.
Primary Prevention
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that a non-exhaustive list of 
primary prevention examples be used to provide additional guidance for 
FVPSA-recipients and the field.
    Response: Since primary prevention is an extremely important 
mechanism for eradicating domestic and dating violence by modifying the 
events, conditions, situations, or exposure to influences that result 
in the initiation of domestic and dating violence and associated 
injuries, disabilities, and deaths, ACF agrees that a short list of 
examples in the term's definition would

[[Page 76452]]

be helpful. Therefore, primary prevention is defined in the rule as 
strategies, policies, and programs to stop both first-time perpetration 
and first-time victimization. Primary prevention is stopping domestic 
and dating violence before they occur. Primary prevention includes, but 
is not limited to: School-based violence prevention curricula, programs 
aimed at mitigating the effects on children of witnessing domestic or 
dating violence, community campaigns designed to alter norms and values 
conducive to domestic or dating violence, worksite prevention programs, 
and training and education in parenting skills and self-esteem 
enhancement.
Primary-Purpose Domestic Violence Service Provider
    Comment: One commenter indicated that the NPRM's definition of 
primary-purpose domestic violence provider excludes governmental 
entities or municipalities and therefore limits States from making 
subgrant/recipient awards to governmental entities or municipalities 
for shelter and supportive services pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 10406(b)(2) 
and 10408(a).
    Response: The definition of primary-purpose domestic violence 
provider in Sec.  1370.2 of the proposed rule is provided only to 
clarify the membership requirement in the definition of State Domestic 
Violence Coalition (Coalition(s)) in 42 U.S.C. 10402(11) and therefore 
is limited only to this definition. It is not intended to describe 
eligible entities under 42 U.S.C. 10408(c) for subgrants awarded by 
FVPSA-funded State grantees, nor is it intended to define ``primary-
purpose program or project'', ``primary-purpose organization,'' or any 
other term, phrase, or sentence which uses the term ``primary-
purpose.'' FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10408 does not use the term primary 
purpose domestic violence service provider, nor does that term appear 
in the statute except in the definition of a Coalition.
    Moreover, an eligible entity under FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10408 may be 
a local public agency, or a nonprofit private organization (including 
faith-based and charitable organizations, community-based 
organizations, Tribal organizations, and voluntary associations), that 
assists victims of family, domestic, or dating violence, and their 
dependents (see full description of eligibility including partnerships 
of agencies at 42 U.S.C. 10408(c)); a city, county, township or any 
other municipal governmental entity would qualify as a ``local public 
agency'' under this section. We also therefore agree with the commenter 
that FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10407(a)(2)(B)(iii), which provides that in the 
distribution of funds by a State, the State will give special emphasis 
to the support of community-based projects of demonstrated 
effectiveness that are carried out by nonprofit private organizations, 
does not exclude governmental entities from receiving FVPSA funds. 
Finally, since the term ``service'' was inadvertently left out of 
rule's definition of primary-purpose domestic violence service 
provider, we made a technical correction to add the term to the rule 
text.
    Comment: One commenter stated there is no definition for the word 
``project'' in the definition of ``primary-purpose domestic violence 
service provider'' which is ``a provider that operates a project of 
demonstrated effectiveness and carried out by a nonprofit, 
nongovernmental, private entity, Tribe or Tribal organizations that has 
as its project's primary-purpose the operation of shelters and 
supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their 
dependents . . .'' The commenter recommends that the rule be clarified 
that large social services agencies fit within the definition if they 
provide distinct services for victims of domestic violence in addition 
to services to children and families.
    Response: As indicated above, the definition of primary-purpose 
domestic violence service provider is intended only to provide 
additional clarity to support the membership requirement for Coalitions 
and is not intended to redefine, nor is it relevant to eligible 
entities for the purposes of receiving subgrants from States pursuant 
to 42 U.S.C. 10408. Therefore, if a large social services agency 
otherwise meets the eligibility requirements under FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 
10408(c), i.e. is a local public agency or a nonprofit private 
organization or part of a partnership of two or more organizations, 
then it may receive FVPSA funds as a subgrantee of a State (or Tribe) 
in accordance with the State (or Tribal) plan.
    Comment: Commenters were concerned that the designation of 
``primary-purpose'' project, organization, or entity does not 
automatically mean that an organization is an eligible entity, nor does 
the qualification as an eligible entity for the purposes of receiving a 
State (or Tribal) subgrant award pursuant to FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 
10408(c) mean that an organization, project or entity is necessarily a 
primary-purpose entity. A commenter also identified that FVPSA-funded 
projects or programs that operate under a parent or umbrella agency 
should be required to have a separate mission statement for the 
specific domestic violence project/program and its services. The 
commenter also stated that such a program/project must provide services 
to domestic violence victims that are central to the project's/
program's mission and should not be peripheral or by happenstance.
    Response: Per the responses to previous comments and to comments 
that will follow, the NPRM did not define ``primary-purpose 
organization,'' nor did it define ``primary-purpose'' in the context of 
other terms or phrases, except for clarifying the membership 
requirement espoused in FVPSA defining Coalition. Given the confusion 
expressed by several commenters, we determined that additional clarity 
in the definition is needed.
    In the Coalition statutory definition, the term primary-purpose 
domestic violence service provider is used but not defined. Because of 
the importance of the term in the context of the membership 
requirements for Coalitions, we defined the term to ensure that 
Coalitions understand how to meet FVPSA eligibility requirements. The 
definition of primary purpose domestic violence service provider does 
not apply to the eligibility requirements for State or Tribal 
subgrants; FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10407 through 10409 read together address 
the eligible entities and activities for direct State and Tribal grants 
and their subgrants. The words ``primary purpose'' are statutory terms 
used in the context of those statutory sections for identifying the 
kinds of organizations and activities which may be FVPSA-funded by 
States and Tribes. However, the NPRM did not propose a definition of 
``primary purpose'' because the statute connects the term to State and 
Tribal subgrants for entities with a documented history of effective 
work concerning family, domestic, or dating violence, or for the 
primary purpose of operating shelters (in the context of grants for 
those purposes). Primary purpose domestic violence service provider is 
therefore limited to FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10402(11) and 42 U.S.C. 10411, 
and to this rule in Subpart A, Sec.  1370.2 (definition of primary 
purpose domestic violence service provider) and Subpart C, Sec.  
1370.20.
    After consideration of the comments, the definition of primary 
purpose domestic violence service provider is revised to read: 
`Primary-purpose domestic violence service provider, for the term only 
as it appears in the definition of State Domestic Violence Coalition, 
means an entity that operates a project of demonstrated effectiveness 
carried out by a nonprofit, nongovernmental, private entity, Tribe,

[[Page 76453]]

or Tribal organization, that has as its project's primary-purpose the 
operation of shelters and supportive services for victims of domestic 
violence and their dependents; or has as its project's primary purpose 
counseling, advocacy, or self-help services to victims of domestic 
violence. Territorial Domestic Violence Coalitions may include 
government-operated domestic violence projects as ``primary-purpose'' 
providers for complying with the membership requirement, provided that 
Territorial Coalitions can document providing training, technical 
assistance, and capacity-building of community-based and privately 
operated projects to provide shelter and supportive services to victims 
of family, domestic, or dating violence, with the intention of 
recruiting such projects as members once they are sustainable as 
primary-purpose domestic violence service providers.'
    Regarding the commenter's request that domestic violence projects, 
funded via subgrants by States and Tribes, be required to submit 
mission statements if they operate under the umbrella of a larger 
organization, we believe it should be left to State and Tribal 
grantees' discretion to set such requirements. Regarding the 
commenter's request that such projects' work must be to provide 
domestic violence services that are central to their missions or 
purposes, we believe that FVPSA eligibility requirements for activities 
funded by State and Tribal subgrants already address these issues.
    Comment: One commenter objected to this definition because Congress 
did not define the term and suggested that HHS/ACF exceeded its 
authority by altering requirements for Coalition membership. The 
commenter stated that in the context of Coalition membership that FVPSA 
clearly contemplates that member primary-purpose domestic violence 
service providers will ``establish and maintain shelter and supportive 
services for victims of domestic violence'' [FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 
10402(11)]. The commenter further stated that HHS' proposed definition 
of primary-purpose domestic violence service provider incorrectly 
includes the provision of ``counseling, advocacy, and self-help 
services to victims of domestic violence,'' which are prioritized in 
the State formula grant section pursuant to FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 
10407a)(2)(B)(iii)(I) and (II) but are not included as a primary 
purpose domestic violence service provider in the statutory Coalition 
definition at 42 U.S.C. 10402(11). The commenter opined that the 
proposed definition therefore conflicts with the statutory Coalition 
definition at 42 U.S.C. 10402(11).
    Response: We respectfully disagree. As previously indicated 
pursuant to FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10404(a)(4), the Secretary has the 
authority to prescribe such regulations and guidance as are reasonably 
necessary in order to carry out the objectives and provisions of FVPSA, 
including regulations and guidance on implementing new grant conditions 
established or provisions modified by amendments made to FVPSA by the 
CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010, Public Law 111-320, to ensure 
accountability and transparency of the actions of grantees and 
contractors, or as determined by the Secretary to be reasonably 
necessary to carry out this title (emphasis added).
    One essential element of the Coalition definition is that the 
membership includes a majority of the primary-purpose domestic violence 
service providers in the State. Given the repeated Coalition requests 
over the last 5 years to define primary-purpose domestic violence 
service provider, ACF has determined that considerable confusion exists 
as to the term's meaning and that the impact of not defining the term 
potentially means that FVPSA-funded Coalitions may not be including 
eligible primary-purpose domestic violence service providers in their 
membership; or they may be including providers in membership and 
counting them as primary-purpose domestic violence service providers 
when they are not. Such confusion could lead to potential statutory 
non-compliance findings (regarding continued eligibility).
    The commenter suggests that using the State formula grant 
requirements, which include funding providers of supportive services 
that consist of counseling, advocacy, and self-help services, to define 
primary-purpose domestic violence service provider, contradicts the 
``primary-purpose'' membership requirement.
    However, the commenter acknowledges that one of the requirements 
for Coalitions is to among other requirements, pursuant to FVPSA at 42 
U.S.C. 10402(11), ``provide education, support, and technical 
assistance to such service providers to enable providers to establish 
and maintain shelter and supportive services (emphasis added) for 
victims of domestic violence.'' Supportive services is defined 
separately from shelter in FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10402(12) as ``services 
for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or 
dating violence, and dependents exposed to family violence, domestic 
violence, or dating violence, that are designed to: (a) Meet the needs 
of such victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating 
violence, and their dependents, for short-term, transitional, or long-
term safety; and (b) provide counseling, advocacy, or assistance for 
victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and 
their dependents'' (emphasis added). Therefore, we interpret the 
primary-purpose domestic violence service provider membership 
requirement as including those providers that also primarily focus on 
supportive services as statutorily defined above (and which is defined 
later in this rule). The supportive services definition specifically 
includes counseling, advocacy, or assistance for victims which is 
complementary to the State formula grant eligibility requirements that 
organizations providing such services may also be funded independently 
of shelter services and which are also to be given special emphasis for 
funding by States (and Tribes).
    Finally, while the NPRM included a partial focus on helping to 
define primary purpose domestic violence service provider to complement 
the State formula grant priorities for funding programs that provide 
supportive services independently of shelter, the definition also 
focuses on shelter programs as part of the primary-purpose domestic 
violence service provider definition. Both types of programs are 
contemplated in the Coalition definition by identifying both shelter 
and supportive services, therefore the primary purpose domestic 
violence service provider definition is aligned with specific statutory 
language and intent. Pursuant to the public comments received and 
responses thereto, for the purpose of clarifying the term as it appears 
in the definition of State Domestic Violence Coalition, a primary-
purpose domestic violence service provider is one that operates a 
project of demonstrated effectiveness carried out by a nonprofit, 
nongovernmental, private entity, Tribe, or Tribal organization, that 
has as its project's primary-purpose the operation of shelters and 
supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their 
dependents; or has as its project's primary purpose counseling, 
advocacy, or self-help services to victims of domestic violence. 
Territorial Domestic Violence Coalitions may include government-
operated domestic violence projects as primary-purpose domestic 
violence service provider for complying with the membership 
requirement,

[[Page 76454]]

provided that Territorial Coalitions can document providing training, 
technical assistance, and capacity-building of community-based and 
privately operated projects to provide shelter and supportive services 
to victims of family, domestic, or dating violence, with the intention 
of recruiting such projects as members once they are sustainable as 
primary-purpose domestic violence service providers.
Secondary Prevention
    Comment: One commenter suggested that NPRM preamble explanatory 
language be included in the rule definition to reference the kind of 
service that may be considered a secondary prevention example. 
Specifically, the commenter suggested that the definition include 
services for children and youth, home visiting programs for high-risk 
families, screening programs in health care settings, and self-defense 
training.
    Response: We agree. Secondary prevention is defined to mean 
identifying risk factors or problems that may lead to future family, 
domestic or dating violence, and taking the necessary actions to 
eliminate the risk factors and the potential problem. It may include, 
but is not limited to, healing services for children and youth who have 
been exposed to domestic or dating violence, home visiting programs for 
high-risk families, and screening programs in health care settings.
Shelter
    Comment: Three commenters suggested that shelter be interpreted 
flexibly to capture a full range of sheltering and supportive services' 
provision that meet the evolving housing and support needs of victims 
and their families. One commenter indicated that a combination of 
methods could be arrived at through numerous options, including 
scattered site housing, programs that offer a rental subsidy plus 
advocacy, or an emergency housing program composed of individual units 
that do not require individuals or families to live communally.
    Response: In keeping with the recognition enunciated in Sec.  
1370.1 (above) that shelter defined as temporary refuge and supportive 
services is interpreted flexibly by ACF, we agree with the commenters. 
In response to the comment, we have included the following revised 
language: This definition . . . , which may include housing provision, 
rental subsidies, temporary refuge, or lodging in properties that could 
be individual units for families and individuals (such as apartments). 
A complete, revised shelter definition follows after additional public 
comments on the term are discussed.
    Comment: One commenter, while supporting that shelter be 
interpreted flexibly to include a range of housing and supports, 
cautioned that the mere provision of shelter, without the additional 
provision of supportive services, should never allow a shelter to be 
FVPSA-funded, nor should it allow such a project to be considered a 
``primary purpose'' organization. The commenter further explained that 
the provision of shelter is not simply a warm referral to another 
entity for shelter; it is using the organization's own resources to 
provide the shelter and supportive services. Under no circumstances, 
the commenter indicated, shall referrals alone, to shelter or housing, 
be considered the provision of shelter and supportive services as 
required by FVPSA. The commenter expressed concern that programs that 
offer basic shelter, without providing supportive services, such as 
hotel vouchers or other minimal housing services, would be able to 
claim that they are providing FVPSA-defined shelter.
    Response: ACF's guidance to its grantees and subgrantees has always 
been that shelter and supportive services must both be provided when 
providing shelter. This requirement is already clear in the statutory 
definition of shelter. To be considered the provision of shelter/
temporary refuge and supportive services as required by FVPSA, if a 
provider refers a victim to another resource for shelter, it must also 
ensure that the victim receives supportive services (which is defined 
below), either by verifying that the referral resource will provide 
those supportive services (by providing financial support to the 
referral resource if needed) or by providing supportive services itself 
by transporting the victim to its program for supportive services and 
back to the referral resource providing housing services. In response 
to this comment, we have revised the definition to include that 
temporary refuge must also provide comprehensive supportive services. 
Further, we included in the definition the following: The mere act of 
making a referral to shelter or housing shall not itself be considered 
provision of shelter.
    Comment: The same commenter suggested that if a warm referral is 
made to another resource without the FVPSA-funded shelter helping to 
support a victim with its own resources, that it not be considered a 
``primary-purpose organization.''
    Response: As discussed above, the primary purpose domestic violence 
service provider definition is limited to clarifying the term in the 
Coalition definition for the membership composition of Coalitions. To 
the extent that a program is funded to provide shelter and supportive 
services but instead makes warm referrals to other resources without 
ensuring that a victim receives shelter and supportive services, using 
its own FVPSA resources if needed, such a program would not be included 
in a Coalition's membership for complying with the FVPSA definition of 
a Coalition. As indicated above, this response is meant only to apply 
to those situations where a FVPSA-funded shelter makes a warm referral 
based upon other circumstances not connected to its own lack of 
resources or misinterprets the shelter definition as temporary refuge 
alone without supportive services. If a shelter which also otherwise 
normally provides supportive services as required by FVPSA but is 
unable due to a lack of resources, such circumstances would not 
preclude it from being counted as a primary purpose domestic violence 
service provider for purposes of determining whether a Coalition is in 
compliance with FVPSA membership requirements. No revision to the rule 
text was made resulting from this comment.
    Comment: A commenter indicated that FVPSA requires priority funding 
for the ``primary purpose'' of operating (emphasis added) shelters, and 
authorizes payment for the expenses of operating (emphasis added) a 
shelter. The commenter also said that the NPRM's proposed expanded 
definition of shelter includes a provider that does not operate a 
shelter, but may have vouchers for various residences, including 
hotels/motels that are unregulated and may not be confidential or 
secure locations to protect the safety of victims and children. The 
commenter suggested that the expanded definition conflicts with FVPSA 
requirements because the statute provides that a State give special 
emphasis to the support of community based projects of demonstrated 
effectiveness carried out by nonprofit private organizations that have 
as their ``primary purpose'' the operation of shelters for victims of 
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence and their 
dependents. The commenter also pointed out that FVPSA defines shelter 
as temporary refuge and supportive services in compliance with 
applicable State law (including regulation) (emphasis added) governing 
the provision, on a regular

[[Page 76455]]

basis of shelter, safe homes, meals and supportive services to victims 
of family, domestic, or dating violence, and their dependents.
    Response: The commenter conflates the FVPSA requirements regarding 
the priority for the ``operation'' of shelters and the authorization to 
use funds for shelter operations to mean that only a limited type of 
shelter may be funded where a provider must only house victims in a 
building directly operated by a FVPSA subgrantee; this is not the case. 
While FVPSA certainly prioritizes the operation of shelter by 
community-based non-profit organizations of demonstrated effectiveness, 
temporary refuge is not defined in the FVPSA's shelter definition. 
Therefore, ACF is using its authority to promulgate guidance for the 
effective administration of the program to identify some of the 
potential variations of shelter, defined as temporary refuge and 
supportive services that meet the needs of all victims as well as the 
statute's intent. Given that shelters are often at capacity throughout 
the country and that nearly 11,000 \3\ people are turned away daily 
from shelters either because the shelters are full or do not have 
adequate shelter staffing, it is unreasonable to expect that all 
domestic violence victims seeking shelter in every State, territory, or 
Tribe/Tribal organization will be housed in one kind of shelter 
facility operated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is also reported 
that there are some individuals from underserved populations and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations who cannot or 
choose not to access domestic violence shelters, either because they 
fear disparate treatment by the residents themselves, do not feel 
comfortable living in congregate housing, or because shelters with 
limited resources do not seem to have the capacity or expertise to 
provide welcoming and accessible services to every individual at all 
times. While ACF requires that all individuals have access to FVPSA-
funded shelter, the reality is that not all victims want to be served 
in domestic violence shelters. Therefore, ACF interprets temporary 
refuge to include shelter options with flexibility. While ACF expects 
that States and Tribes will fund programs based upon the statutory 
requirements to prioritize community based projects of demonstrated 
effectiveness carried out by nonprofit private organizations having as 
their primary purpose the operation of shelters for victims, it does 
not expect that one size will fit all in every community or that every 
community will have domestic violence shelter capacity to serve 
everyone seeking shelter and supportive services. However, pursuant to 
FVPSA, eligible entities must have a documented history of effective 
work concerning family, domestic, or dating violence. Therefore, 
regarding shelter, States and Tribes must fund programs that provide 
shelter and supportive services with the required demonstrated 
expertise which may house victims using various shelter options as 
described in this rule's revised shelter definition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ National Network to End Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence 
Counts 2014, a 24-Hour Census of Domestic Violence Shelter and 
Services.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, the commenter identified that the FVPSA shelter 
definition requires that shelter and supportive services be provided on 
a regular basis (emphasis added) in compliance with applicable State 
[and Tribal] law and regulations (emphasis added); the commenter is 
correct. Therefore, State and Tribal law governing the provision of 
shelter and supportive services on a regular basis (emphasis added) is 
interpreted by ACF to mean, for example, the laws and regulations 
applicable to zoning, fire safety, and other regular safety, and 
operational requirements, including State, Tribal, or local regulatory 
standards for certifying domestic violence advocates who work in 
shelter. The rule text is revised to reflect ACF's interpretation in 
this regard.
    Regarding the commenters concern about shelter location 
confidentiality, as it applies to using hotels or motels as potential 
shelter/temporary refuge options, FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10406(c)(5)(H), 
does not require that all shelters be confidential. The statute reads, 
``the address or location of any shelter facility assisted under this 
title that otherwise maintains a confidential location, except with 
written authorization of the person or persons responsible for 
operation of such shelter, not be made public.'' The statutory language 
is unambiguous and does not require that shelter locations be 
confidential, but rather that if they maintain a confidential location 
the location cannot be made public without written leadership 
authority. The commenter's concerns about the potential lack of 
confidentiality in shelter services provided by motels or hotels 
connected to a shelter's referral and placement of a victim there are 
legitimate. However, FVPSA does not require shelters, and therefore 
their referral sites or contactors, to be confidential. The safety and 
security of victims and their dependents are paramount and therefore 
shelters and other FVPSA-funded programs are prohibited from revealing 
PII. The commenter's additional concern regarding the placement of 
victims in unregulated hotels or motels is also legitimate. If FVPSA-
funded shelters use hotels or motels as a means of sheltering victims, 
PII cannot be shared unless the victim signs an informed, time-limited 
release per FVPSA and this rule at Sec.  1370.4. If shelters and 
hotels/motels enter into contracts to temporarily house victims, PII 
cannot be shared. Additionally, all FVPSA-funded shelters that use 
hotels, motels, or other housing options as shelter must also provide 
supportive services either at the FVPSA-funded primary shelter location 
by transporting victims from hotels to shelter or by providing 
supportive services on-site at hotels, motels, etc.
    Comment: One commenter indicated that the inclusion of ``scattered-
site housing'' in the shelter definition might be interpreted to be 
limited to housing, owned, operated, or leased by a domestic violence 
program, when, in fact, as the commenter indicated the goal should be 
to include any properties or assistance that FVPSA-funded programs use 
for shelter provision. The commenter suggested striking the term 
``scattered-site housing'' and replacing it with ``the provision of 
housing, temporary refuge or lodging in properties that could be in 
multiple locations around a State or local jurisdiction; such 
properties are not required to be owned, operated, leased by the FVPSA-
funded program.''
    Response: We agree. The inclusion of ``scattered-site housing'' was 
not intended to be interpreted the way the commenter is concerned it 
could be. Therefore, the proposed revision is incorporated into the 
rule definition.
    As a result of the comments made regarding the shelter definition, 
shelter is re-defined as: The provision of temporary refuge in 
conjunction with supportive services in compliance with applicable 
State or Tribal law or regulations governing the provision, on a 
regular basis, of shelter, safe homes, meals, and supportive services 
to victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, 
and their dependents. State and Tribal law governing the provision of 
shelter and supportive services on a regular basis is interpreted by 
ACF to mean, for example, the laws and regulations applicable to 
zoning, fire safety, and other regular safety, and operational 
requirements, including State, Tribal, or local regulatory standards 
for certifying domestic violence advocates who work in shelter. This 
definition also includes emergency shelter and immediate shelter, which 
may include housing provision, short-term rental assistance,

[[Page 76456]]

temporary refuge, or lodging in properties that could be individual 
units for families and individuals (such as apartments) in multiple 
locations around a local jurisdiction, Tribe/reservation, or State; 
such properties are not required to be owned, operated, or leased by 
the program. Temporary refuge includes a residential service, including 
shelter and off-site services such as hotel or motel vouchers or 
individual dwellings, which is not transitional or permanent housing, 
but must also provide comprehensive supportive services. The mere act 
of making a referral to shelter or housing shall not itself be 
considered provision of shelter. Should other jurisdictional laws 
conflict with this definition of temporary refuge, the definition which 
provides more expansive housing accessibility governs.
State Domestic Violence Coalition
    Comment: One commenter suggested for clarity that the purpose of 
State Domestic Violence Coalition be revised to help support and 
connect the primary-purpose domestic violence service provider 
membership requirement to the Coalition definition.
    Response: We agree. To ensure that the rule definition includes 
clear statutory purpose requirements which logically connect to 
membership requirements, we have revised the definition to include 
language that the State Domestic Violence Coalition ``has as its 
purpose to provide education, support, and technical assistance to such 
service providers to enable the providers to establish and maintain 
supportive services and to provide shelter to victims of domestic 
violence and their children.'' We have also made a technical correction 
to reference ``Territory'' in the last sentence of the definition.
    The revised definition is: State Domestic Violence Coalition means 
a Statewide, nongovernmental, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose 
membership includes a majority of the primary-purpose domestic violence 
service providers in the State; whose board membership is 
representative of these primary-purpose domestic violence service 
providers and which may include representatives of the communities in 
which the services are being provided in the State; that has as its 
purpose to provide education, support, and technical assistance to such 
service providers to enable the providers to establish and maintain 
supportive services and to provide shelter to victims of domestic 
violence and their children; and that serves as an information 
clearinghouse, primary point of contact, and resource center on 
domestic violence for the State and supports the development of 
policies, protocols, and procedures to enhance domestic violence 
intervention and prevention in the State/Territory.
Supportive Services
    Comment: Two commenters suggested changes to the proposed 
supportive services definition to ensure that grantees and subgrantees 
are clear the allowable uses of grant funds. One of the commenters 
suggested that by including a list of allowable uses as proposed in the 
NPRM, and even though the list as articulated is non-exhaustive, it is 
confusing for grantees and subgrantees by tending to de-emphasize the 
importance of other allowable funds' uses. This commenter suggested 
that the NPRM definition be clarified to include that supportive 
services specifically reference those services identified as allowable 
in FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10408(b)(1)(A) through (H). Another commenter 
suggested that by leaving potential allowable uses off the list, some 
might interpret the rule to mean that HHS does not favor other 
allowable uses not specifically referenced or that other uses are not 
allowable. Both commenters suggested that additional allowable uses be 
added to the list provided in the NPRM definition to focus or emphasize 
terms not in the statute or for those already in the statute to 
deemphasize those that are not generally consistent with best practices 
that center survivor well-being, agency, and autonomy. One of these 
commenters also suggested that certain terms identified in FVPSA at 42 
U.S.C. 10408(b)(1)(A) through (H) be further defined.
    Response: We agree in part. FVPSA provides for supportive services 
targeted directly to the needs of victims for safety and assistance in 
reclaiming their agency, autonomy, and well-being. To help ensure that 
the rule does not confuse grantees and subgrantees, we have revised the 
definition to reference FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10408(b)(1)(A) through (H), 
instead of only paragraph (G).
    As to the suggestions made to add other allowable funds' uses or to 
emphasize or deemphasize other uses, or to add definitions to certain 
terms listed in FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10408(b)(1)(A) through (H), we note 
Congress' specific statutory language and intent as well as HHS' 
interim final rule, codifed at 45 CFR part 75, ``Uniform Administrative 
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards,'' 
which provides additional grant guidance for determining allowable 
costs.
    Supportive services is revised to mean services for adult and youth 
victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and 
their dependents that are designed to meet the needs of such victims 
and their dependents for short-term, transitional, or long-term safety 
and recovery. Supportive services include, but are not limited to: 
Direct and/or referral-based advocacy on behalf of victims and their 
dependents, counseling, case management, employment services, 
referrals, transportation services, legal advocacy or assistance, child 
care services, health, behavioral health and preventive health 
services, culturally- and linguistically-appropriate services, and 
other services that assist victims or their dependents in recovering 
from the effects of the violence. To the extent not already described 
in this definition, supportive services also include but are not 
limited to other services identified in FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 
10408(b)(1)(A) through (H). Supportive services may be directly 
provided by grantees/subgrantees and/or by providing advocacy or 
referrals to assist victims in accessing such services. We also made a 
technical correction to the list of supportive services to include 
linguistically-appropriate services to ensure access for beneficiaries 
with limited English proficiency and to help ensure grantee/sub-grantee 
compliance with Federal civil rights requirements.
Underserved Populations
    Comment: One commenter said that the ``underserved populations'' 
definition includes racial and ethnic minority populations which has 
been included to mean primarily directed toward racial and ethnic 
minority groups (as defined in section 1707(g) of the Public Health 
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300(u-6)(g)). The commenter further identified 
that (g) includes, ``(1) the term ``racial and ethnic minority group'' 
means American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); 
Asian Americans; Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; Blacks 
and Hispanics; and (2) the term ``Hispanic'' means individuals whose 
origin is Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or 
any other Spanish-speaking country.'' The commenter said that inclusion 
of these definitions would underscore the specific needs of survivors 
from racial and ethnic populations who are often overrepresented in 
some systems as a result of systemic oppression but remain marginalized 
and often underserved. The commenter also suggested that since 
decisions about how to prioritize

[[Page 76457]]

funding for underserved populations including racial and ethnic 
populations are made at the State level, these processes can be subject 
to prevailing biases about these populations. The commenter identified 
that States frequently struggle to prioritize some of the most 
marginalized or maligned communities, such as LGBTQ or immigrant 
(including undocumented immigrants) communities, or to account for the 
multiple systemic barriers to safety and autonomy for victims from 
racial and ethnic populations.
    Response: Our experience is that not only do States have the 
challenges identified by the commenter but many other kinds of grantees 
and subgrantees also experience similar hurdles, often because of 
population changes that are hard to track, or because underserved 
populations are sometimes uncomfortable accessing services which may 
not be welcoming and accessible. We agree with the commenter. As a 
result, the underserved populations' definition is revised in Sec.  
1370.2 to include the definitions of racial and ethnic minority groups 
as defined by the Public Health Service Act. Additionally, a technical 
change is made to this definition to substitute the terminology 
``substance abuse'' with ``substance use disorders.'' The American 
Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental 
Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), no longer uses the term ``substance 
abuse'' but rather refers to ``substance use disorders''. In efforts to 
promote consistent terminology, the language is updated. Underserved 
populations is revised to mean, populations who face barriers in 
accessing and using victim services, and includes populations 
underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual 
orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic 
populations, language barriers, disabilities, immigration status, and 
age. Individuals with criminal histories due to victimization and 
individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues are 
also included in this definition. The reference to racial and ethnic 
populations is primarily directed toward racial and ethnic minority 
groups (as defined in section 1707(g) of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 300(u-6)(g)), which means American Indians (including Alaska 
Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); Asian Americans; Native Hawaiians and 
other Pacific Islanders; Blacks and Hispanics. The term ``Hispanic'' or 
``Latino'' means individuals whose origin is Mexican, Puerto Rican, 
Cuban, Central or South American, or any other Spanish-speaking 
country. This underserved populations' definition also includes other 
population categories determined by the Secretary or the Secretary's 
designee to be underserved.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ As noted in other places throughout the rule, Sec.  1370.10 
for example, ``underserved populations'' is the terminology used in 
the rule text to address all populations in the term's definition to 
avoid confusion by listing different populations or groups in 
different sections of the rule. For example, in the NPRM preamble 
and rule text, commenters noted inconsistency throughout which named 
specific groups in some places and not in others. ACF has decided 
that consistent use of ``underserved populations'' eliminates the 
potential for confusion in this regard.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section 1370.3 What Government-wide and HHS-wide regulations apply to 
these programs?

    We received no public comments for this section and therefore, the 
proposed regulatory text is retained without change.

Section 1370.4 What confidentiality requirements apply to these 
programs?

    Comment: One commenter suggested that due to requirements in the 
Affordable Care Act regarding health insurance coverage of health care 
provider screening for inter-personal violence with no cost sharing 
(for women of child-bearing age), and since there has been and will 
continue to be an increase in FVPSA-funded grantees and subgrantees who 
partner with or may seek funding from health care providers, that this 
rule cross-reference VAWA at 42 U.S.C. 13925(b)(2)(D)(ii) prohibiting 
grantees and subgrantees from conditioning the provision of services 
upon the agreement to share PII. The commenter identified the specific 
VAWA language as: ``(ii) In no circumstances may (I) an adult, youth, 
or child victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, 
or stalking be required to provide a consent to release his or her 
personally identifying information as a condition of eligibility for 
the services provided by the grantee or sub grantee; (II) any 
personally identifying information be shared in order to comply with 
Federal, Tribal, or State reporting, evaluation, or data collection 
requirements, whether for this program or any other Federal, Tribal, or 
State grant program.'' The commenter also believes that the NPRM 
preamble language regarding the occasional subgrantee practice to 
standardize releases conflates ``waivers'' and ``releases'' and may add 
confusion about how to standardize or not standardize releases.
    Response: We agree in part. There is a trend for FVPSA-funded 
grantees and subgrantees to partner with or seek funding from health 
care providers to screen for interpersonal violence. As a result, the 
proposed VAWA reference is added to the rule language in Sec.  
1370.4(a) to read: (1) Disclose any personally identifying information 
(as defined in Sec.  1370.2) collected in connection with services 
requested (including services utilized or denied) through grantees' and 
subgrantees' programs; (2) Reveal any personally identifying 
information without informed, written, reasonably time-limited consent 
by the person about whom information is sought, whether for this 
program or any other Federal, Tribal or State grant program, including 
but not limited to whether to comply with Federal, Tribal, or State 
reporting, evaluation, or data collection requirements; or (3) Require 
an adult, youth, or child victim of family violence, domestic violence, 
and dating violence to provide a consent to release his or her 
personally identifying information as a condition of eligibility for 
the services provided by the grantee or subgrantee.
    Finally, we respectfully disagree that the NPRM preamble discussion 
of standardizing releases conflates waivers and releases. We will not 
address this issue further in this rule as the NPRM preamble language 
is not repeated in this rule.
    Comment: One commenter also indicated that subgrantees are 
partnering with or may seek funding from health care providers, 
suggests that Sec.  1370.4(d) of the rule add a fourth section as 
follows: Personally identifying information may be shared with a health 
care provider or payer, but only with the informed, written, reasonably 
time-limited consent of the person about whom such information is 
sought.''
    Response: We agree. Since subgrantees are currently working with 
and are anticipated to enter into partnerships with health care 
providers, the potential for revealing PII is possible, and would be a 
FVPSA and VAWA violation unless a victim provides the necessary release 
required by law. As a result a fourth paragraph is added to Sec.  
1370.4(d) to read: (d)(4) Personally identifying information may be 
shared with a health care provider or payer, but only with the 
informed, written, reasonably time-limited consent of the person about 
whom such information is sought.
    Comment: One commenter opposes the inclusion of Sec.  1370.4(d)(1) 
through (3) because it would prevent them from operating a shelter in 
the same building as a police department.
    Response: The proposed language in the NPRM found in Sec.  
1370.4(d)(1)

[[Page 76458]]

through (3) is a direct restatement of FVPSA statutory requirements at 
42 U.S.C. 10406(c)(5)(D). The commenter would be in violation of FVPSA 
and this rule if PII is shared between the shelter and police 
department unless such information sharing is done in compliance with 
specific exceptions enunciated in FVPSA and this rule. We strongly urge 
this commenter to seek technical assistance from the appropriate 
Resource Center identified in Sec.  1370.30 of this rule or in FVPSA at 
42 U.S.C. 10410.
    Comment: One commenter said that the requirement in Sec.  1370.4(b) 
requiring that both the minor and parent consent to disclosures of 
information will not be feasible if the minor is a very young child. 
The commenter indicated that it is not clear whether a child in this 
situation has a ``functional limitation'' referred to in the last 
sentence of Sec.  1370.4(b). The commenter suggested that an age 
reference be included in the sentence. Additionally, the commenter 
suggested that this provision is problematic in cases where 
unemancipated teens seek services without a parent or guardian. The 
commenter suggested that the VAWA provision at 42 U.S.C.13925(b)(2)(B) 
be included which reads: ``If a minor or a person with a legally 
appointed guardian is permitted by law to receive services without the 
parent's or guardian's consent, the minor or person with a guardian may 
release information without additional consent.''
    Response: We respectfully disagree in part. We interpret the 
provision in Sec.  1370.4(b) which requires both the consent of the 
unemancipated minor and parent to indicate that if the child is too 
young to be emancipated under State law that the State's law addressing 
whether a parent may consent for or on behalf of the child will apply 
in those circumstances. There is no need to include an age requirement 
because many States' laws address a child's right to act on his or her 
behalf without the consent of a parent or guardian and most notably, 
parental consent is usually needed on behalf of unemancipated minors 
and may often be obtained without the consent of the minor. 
Additionally, Sec.  1370.4(b) includes that ``a parent or guardian may 
not give consent if: He or she is the abuser or suspected abuser of the 
minor or individual with a guardian; or the abuser or suspected abuser 
of the other parent of the minor. Therefore, a parent or guardian of a 
young child may consent for or on behalf of the child pursuant to State 
law as long as the parent or guardian is not the suspected abuser; or, 
the abuser or suspected abuser of the other parent of the minor 
according to Sec.  1370.4(b). Finally, the commenter's suggestion to 
reference the VAWA provision for situations where unemancipated teens 
seek services without a parent or guardian is persuasive. Therefore, 
the rule in Sec.  1370.4(b) is revised by adding after the second 
sentence, the following: If a minor or a person with a legally 
appointed guardian is permitted by law to receive services without the 
parent's or guardian's consent, the minor or person with a guardian may 
release information without additional consent.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the rule be revised to 
recognize the right and duty of State licensing agencies to inspect un-
redacted client identifiable records as part of a State's statutory and 
regulatory monitoring responsibilities, including investigating program 
complaints and child abuse and neglect reports.
    Response: We did not make changes to the rule in response to this 
comment. FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10406(c)(5)(B) and this rule at Sec.  
1370.4(a)(1) and (2) state that grantees and subgrantees shall not 
disclose any PII collected in connection with services requested 
through grantees' and subgrantees' programs or reveal any PII without 
informed, written, reasonably time-limited consent, whether for the 
FVPSA grant program or any other Federal or State grant program. FVPSA 
and this rule (in the same sections noted above) also require that if 
the release of PII (in connection with services) is compelled by 
statutory or court mandate, that grantees and subgrantees shall make 
reasonable attempts to provide notice to the victims affected by the 
release and shall take steps necessary to protect the privacy and 
safety of the persons affected by the release of information. A State 
or Tribal grantee does not have the authority under FVPSA to view any 
PII of any victim/survivor of domestic or dating violence that receives 
services from a FVPSA-funded program to monitor the quality or quantity 
of services provided, or for any other reason except under very limited 
circumstances to fulfill other statutory or court mandates. Safety and 
confidentiality protections for victims pursuant to FVPSA prevent 
States and Tribes from monitoring subgrantees/sub-contractors for 
licensing or any other reasons if monitoring or other reviews include 
the collection, inspection, or other access to PII. States and Tribes 
may ensure that quality services are provided and prevent alleged fraud 
as long as they do not view or collect PII. There are many States and 
Coalitions that have developed policies and protocols to monitor local 
domestic violence programs without requiring PII disclosure. PII must 
be redacted or the client must provide the appropriate written, time-
limited release and such release must not be a condition for receipt of 
services nor should victims be compelled to sign releases. State or 
Tribal statutorily required reports of child abuse and neglect made by 
FVPSA-funded programs are limited to the information necessary to make 
the report. Subsequent investigations of allegations of child abuse and 
neglect are limited to viewing only the information related 
specifically to the investigation and must be either statutorily 
required or court mandated.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that rule Sec.  1370.4(e) be 
revised to read (proposed language changes are bolded), ``Nothing in 
this section prohibits a grantee or subgrantee from reporting abuse and 
neglect, as those terms are defined by law, or disclosure without the 
consent of the victim if failure to disclose is likely to result in 
imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death of the victim or 
another person, where mandated or expressly permitted by the State or 
Indian Tribe involved.''
    Response: We agree with the commenter with the exception of 
including the language ``or disclosure without the consent of the 
victim'' because State and Tribal imminent harm laws may differ and ACF 
does not want the rule text to create potential conflicts with State or 
Tribal laws. ACF did not intend for the NPRM to abrogate State or 
Tribal imminent harm reporting laws (see 42 U.S.C. 10406(c)(5)(G) which 
addresses Federal, State and Tribal law preemption issues for laws that 
provide greater protection). Therefore, Sec.  1370.4(e) is revised to 
read: Nothing in this section prohibits a grantee or subgrantee, where 
mandated or expressly permitted by the State or Indian Tribe, from 
reporting abuse and neglect, as those terms are defined by law, or from 
reporting imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death of the victim 
or another person.
    Comment: Two commenters asked that it be reemphasized that shelter 
locations do not have to be confidential per FVPSA requirements and 
this rule in Sec.  1370.4(g). They also stated that with the advent of 
technology, including the proliferation of databases and relatively 
easy internet searches for people that it is most likely impractical or 
impossible to keep shelter locations confidential. They also 
recommended that this rule include guidance, for those shelters that 
choose to remain confidential, that such shelters may refuse to enter 
location

[[Page 76459]]

information into public databases or databases easily accessible to the 
public, such as 311 databases. The commenters also suggested that this 
rule advise programs to develop systems and protocols for keeping 
locations secure, if they choose to maintain program confidentiality, 
and for responding to disruptive or inappropriate contact from abusers. 
One of the commenters suggested that the rule emphasize the importance 
of continued reliance on the local expertise of individual Tribes to 
determine how to best maintain the safety and confidentiality of 
shelter locations.
    Response: It is not within the purview of this rule to declare 
whether shelters which choose to remain confidential may refuse to 
enter location information into databases that may be required by State 
or local law. FVPSA and this rule, as recognized by both commenters, 
allow shelters to decide whether or not they want to be confidential 
locations; as such, ACF has determined that it would be a contradiction 
to regulate whether shelters enter data into public databases when they 
may also choose not to be confidential locations.
    We agree that shelters which choose to be confidential must develop 
policies and protocols, if not already in place, to remain secure and 
must include policies for responding to disruptive or inappropriate 
contact from abusers. Based on Tribal sovereignty and their unique 
culture and customs, we also agree that it is appropriate to defer to 
Tribal governments' local expertise on how best to maintain the 
confidentiality and safety of shelter locations provided they exercise 
due diligence to comply with FVPSA requirements in this regard. 
Therefore, two additional subsections are added to Sec.  1370.4(g) 
which will read: (1) Shelters which choose to remain confidential 
pursuant to this rule must develop and maintain systems and protocols 
to remain secure, which must include policies to respond to disruptive 
or dangerous contact from abusers and (2) Tribal governments, while 
exercising due diligence to comply with statutory provisions and this 
rule, may determine how best to maintain the safety and confidentiality 
of shelter locations.

Section 1370.5 What additional non-discrimination and accessibility 
requirements apply to these programs?

    Comment: A number of commenters encouraged ACF to explicitly 
prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity 
in FVPSA-funded programs. Two commenters argued that ACF should 
interpret prohibitions against sex discrimination in FVPSA, the 
overarching Civil Rights laws, and other Federal statutes to include 
prohibitions on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Response: FVPSA prohibits discrimination and the failure to serve 
survivors based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or 
gender identity. We have revised the regulatory text of Sec.  1370.5 to 
better reflect that position. ACF recognizes that discrimination based 
on actual or perceived gender identity is sex based discrimination. 
This is consistent with the way that discrimination based on actual or 
perceived gender identity is treated under civil rights laws. Failure 
to serve individuals based on their actual or perceived sexual 
orientation is a violation of FVPSA because all victims of family 
violence, domestic violence, and dating violence should have access to 
FVPSA-funded programs. ACF recognizes sexual orientation discrimination 
as a programmatic prohibition and will enforce that requirement through 
all available programmatic means. As such, rule text at Sec.  1370.5(c) 
is revised to read: (c) No person shall on the ground of actual or 
perceived sexual orientation be excluded from participation in, be 
denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any 
program or activity funded in whole or in part through FVPSA.
    Additionally, rule text at Sec.  1370.5(f) is changed to read: (f) 
Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate or limit the 
rights, remedies, procedures, or legal standards available to 
individuals under other applicable law. (g) The Secretary shall enforce 
the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section (as also 
revised below) in accordance with section 602 of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1). Section 603 of the Civil Rights Act of 
1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-2) shall apply with respect to any action taken 
by the Secretary to enforce this section.
    Comment: Commenters suggested better ways to describe the 
requirement that families be housed together. Commenters noted that the 
reference only to survivors' sons was too narrow and made other 
suggestions for the language in this provision.
    Response: We agree. As a general matter, families should be housed 
together, without regard to the sex of the children, as segregating 
children from their parents compromises' parents ability to supervise 
their children and can add to the trauma both parents and children have 
experienced or are experiencing. Additionally, in most cases, if 
feasible, it is a best practice for families to have their own bedrooms 
and bathrooms. For example, unless the factors or considerations 
identified in Sec.  1370.5(a)(2) require an exception to this general 
rule, mothers should be housed with their sons to prevent trauma beyond 
violence-related impacts, unless there are factors which would make 
such placements inappropriate. Fathers should also be housed with their 
daughters to avoid continued trauma unless there are factors, (i.e. 
safety and health of families and residents) that would make such 
placements inappropriate. Therefore, rule text in Sec.  1370.5 will 
read: (a) No person shall on the ground of actual or perceived sex, 
including gender identity be excluded from participation in, be denied 
the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or 
activity funded in whole or in part through FVPSA. (1) FVPSA grantees 
and subgrantees must provide comparable services to victims regardless 
of actual or perceived sex, including gender identity. This includes 
not only providing access to services for male victims of family, 
domestic, and dating violence, but also making sure not to limit 
services for victims with adolescent children (up to the age of 
majority) on the basis of actual or perceived sex, including gender 
identity. Victims and their minor children must be sheltered or housed 
together, regardless of actual or perceived sex, including gender 
identity, unless requested otherwise or unless the factors or 
considerations identified in Sec.  1370.5(a)(2) require an exception to 
this general rule.
    Comment: Commenters noted that the proposed rule regarding sex-
segregation was too broad or unclear and suggested that, if all 
victims/survivors are to be afforded services and protections under 
FVPSA, the rule text needs to be more narrowly tailored. Two commenters 
encouraged ACF to adopt the VAWA standard. One commenter said that as 
currently written, this section potentially leaves a significant 
portion of LGBTQ populations, namely male identified survivors 
vulnerable to continued domestic or dating violence by not ensuring 
access to essential FVPSA-funded services. Other commenters suggested 
specific language to clarify the rule while recognizing the importance 
sex segregation can play in the sensitive residential situations and 
services provision funded under FVPSA. In that vein, another commenter 
suggested that challenges related to access are connected to the loss 
of privacy that every resident faces in communal living environments; 
that

[[Page 76460]]

loss of privacy becomes more visible when residents are representative 
of both sexes, multiple sexual orientations, or multiple gender 
identities. One other commenter suggested that sex-segregated services 
should be maintained to foster healing and respect religious beliefs.
    Response: We agree with the commenters that this section needed to 
be clarified. We want to stress the importance of promoting 
environments that are both inclusive and safe. As one of the comments 
noted, we want to ensure that all men and women, including transgender 
and gender nonconforming individuals, have access to FVPSA-funded 
services. We also note in response to one particular commenter that 
heterosexual and transgender male victims, as well as gender non-binary 
individuals, who identify with a gender other than male or female, may 
also be vulnerable to continued domestic or dating violence by not 
ensuring access to essential FVPSA-funded services. At the same time, 
we understand that sex-segregated services may need to be maintained 
under certain circumstances as part of the essential operation of a 
FVSPA-funded program. When this happens, all individuals must be 
treated consistent with their gender identity when determining 
placement in sex-segregated facilities or services. Therefore, we 
revised the rule text in this section to address the first part of the 
comment and the revisions to rule text in Sec.  1370.5(c) address the 
second part of the comment. As a result, the rule text is revised to 
include part of the language from the Department of Justice, Office on 
Violence Against Women FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document 
published on April 9, 2014 regarding the Nondiscrimination Grant 
Condition in VAWA Reauthorization 2013. Additionally, FVPSA State 
Administrators are often the same State administering agencies for VAWA 
grant funds. As such, to avoid potential confusion and uncertainty in 
the field, as well as to ensure accessibility to FVPSA-funded programs 
for all victims, Sec.  1370.5(b) is re-designated and revised to read: 
(a)(2) No such program or activity is required to include an individual 
in such program or activity without taking into consideration that 
individual's sex in those certain instances where sex is a bona fide 
occupational qualification or a programmatic factor reasonably 
necessary to the normal or safe operation of that particular program or 
activity. If sex segregation or sex-specific programming is essential 
to the normal or safe operation of the program, nothing in this 
paragraph shall prevent any such program or activity from consideration 
of an individual's sex. In such circumstances, grantees and subgrantees 
may meet the requirements of this paragraph by providing comparable 
services to individuals who cannot be provided with the sex-segregated 
or sex-specific programming, including access to a comparable length of 
stay, supportive services, and transportation as needed to access 
services. If a grantee or subgrantee determines that sex-segregated or 
sex-specific programming is essential for the safe or normal operation 
of the program, it must support its justification with an assessment of 
the facts and circumstances surrounding the specific program, including 
an analysis of factors discussed in paragraph (3) below, and take into 
account established field-based best practices and research findings, 
as applicable. The justification cannot rely on unsupported assumptions 
or overly-broad sex-based generalizations. An individual must be 
treated consistent with their gender identity in accordance with this 
section. (a)(3) Factors that may be relevant to a recipient's 
evaluation of whether sex-segregated or sex-specific programming is 
essential to the normal or safe operations of the program include, but 
are not limited to, the following: The nature of the service, the 
anticipated positive and negative consequences to all eligible 
beneficiaries of not providing the program in a sex-segregated or sex-
specific manner, the literature on the efficacy of the service being 
sex-segregated or sex-specific, and whether similarly-situated grantees 
and subgrantees providing the same services have been successful in 
providing services effectively in a manner that is not sex-segregated 
or sex-specific. A grantee or subgrantee may not provide sex-segregated 
or sex-specific services for reasons that are trivial or based on the 
grantee's or subgrantee's convenience.
    Comment: Commenters suggested the language regarding accessibility 
of FVPSA-funded services for transgender survivors be clarified.
    Response: We agree that additional clarification is needed. It is 
important that accessibility be consistent with equal access based upon 
a person's gender identity, whether one identifies as a man or woman, 
is transgender, or is gender-nonconforming. The gender identity of non-
binary individuals who identify with a gender other than male or female 
must also be considered in programming. It is only in this narrow 
circumstance that program staff should make case by case decisions with 
regard to placement in sex-specific or sex-segregated programs. 
Therefore, a fourth sub-paragraph added to the rule text at Sec.  
1370.5(a)(4) which reads: (4) Transgender and gender nonconforming 
individuals must have equal access to FVPSA-funded shelter and 
nonresidential programs. Programmatic accessibility for transgender and 
gender nonconforming survivors must be afforded to meet individual 
needs to the same extent as those provided to all other survivors. ACF 
requires that a FVPSA grantee or subgrantee that makes decisions about 
eligibility for or placement into single-sex emergency shelters or 
other facilities must offer every individual an assignment consistent 
with their gender identity. For the purpose of assigning a service 
beneficiary to sex-segregated or sex-specific services, the grantee/
subgrantee may ask a beneficiary which group or services the 
beneficiary wishes to join. The grantee/subgrantee may not, however, 
ask questions about the beneficiary's anatomy or medical history or 
make demands for identity documents or other documentation of gender. A 
victim's/beneficiary's or potential victim's/beneficiary's request for 
an alternative or additional accommodation for purposes of personal 
health, privacy, or safety must be given serious consideration in 
making the placement. For instance, if the potential victim/beneficiary 
requests to be placed based on his or her sex assigned at birth, ACF 
requires that the provider place the individual in accordance with that 
request, taking into account the health, safety, and privacy concerns 
of the individual. ACF also requires that a provider will not make an 
assignment or re-assignment of the transgender or gender nonconforming 
individual based on complaints of another person when the sole stated 
basis of the complaint is a victim/client or potential victim/client's 
non-conformance with gender stereotypes or gender identity.
    Comment: Commenters suggested that, in addition to the provisions 
requiring religious accommodation in dietary practices, a more general 
statement regarding religious accommodation should be included.
    Response: We agree. Therefore, consistent with the HHS-wide 
regulations found in 45 CFR parts 87, the FVPSA rule text in Sec.  
1370.5(d) is re-designated and revised to read: (b) An organization 
that participates in programs funded through the FVPSA shall not, in 
providing services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or 
prospective program beneficiary on the basis of religion, a

[[Page 76461]]

religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to 
attend or participate in a religious practice. (1) Dietary practices 
dictated by particular religious beliefs may require some reasonable 
accommodation in cooking or feeding arrangements for particular 
beneficiaries as practicable. Additionally, other forms of religious 
practice may require reasonable accommodation including, but not 
limited to, shelters that have cleaning schedules may need to account 
for a survivor's religion which prohibits him/her from working on 
religious holidays. All grantees/recipients of funding subject to FVPSA 
and this rule at Sec.  1370.5(a) and (c), accept the obligation, as a 
condition of a grant or subgrant/sub-contract, not to discriminate in 
the delivery of services or benefits supported by covered awards, on 
the basis of actual or perceived sex, including gender identity or 
sexual orientation.
    Comment: A commenter noted the requirement regarding documentation 
as it related to accessibility for immigrant survivors was confusing 
and as written could be confused to prohibit collection of information 
ensuring individuals seeking FVPSA-funded services were victims of 
family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence. Another 
commenter suggested that additional language be added to the rule text 
at Sec.  1370.5(e) to include ``grantees and subgrantees shall also 
comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of 
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.'' A final commenter suggested that the 
language in rule text Sec.  1370.30(c)(1) and (2) regarding the 
addition of the requirements in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including the language 
addressing access for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) using 
interpretation and translation services and access for individuals with 
communication-related disabilities, be included in a section that 
applies to a larger number of grantees beyond technical assistance 
providers and resource centers (this request and response is cross-
referenced in Sec.  1370.30(c)(1) and (2)).
    Response: We respectfully disagree, in part. FVPSA-funded programs 
may collect personally identifying information for the purpose of being 
able to provide services to the victim. However, citizenship 
documentation is not required to provide services to an individual. 
Additionally, FVPSA data collection reporting requirements do not 
include personally identifying information. Personal identity or 
citizenship documentation is not collected as part of quantitative data 
gathering regarding services provided by FVPSA-funded programs. ACF, in 
the FVPSA Performance Progress Reports, only requires that grantees and 
subgrantees report aggregate demographic data and include a count of 
the various FVPSA-funded services provided by grantees and subgrantees; 
no identity or citizenship documents need to be accessed for this 
information.
    We also added a new section 1370.5(e) to clearly assert that all 
grantees and subgrantees shall create a plan to ensure effective 
communication and equal access, including: (1) How to identify and 
communicate with individuals with Limited English Proficiency, and how 
to identify and properly use qualified interpretation and translation 
services, and taglines; and (2) How to take appropriate steps to ensure 
that communications with applicants, participants, beneficiaries, 
members of the public, and companions with disabilities are as 
effective as communications with others; and furnish appropriate 
auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford qualified 
individuals with disabilities, including applicants, participants, 
beneficiaries, and members of the public, an equal opportunity to 
participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or 
activity. Auxiliary aids and services include qualified interpreters 
and large print materials.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the proposed rule text in 
Sec.  1370.5(d) regarding FVPSA-funded programs serving human 
trafficking victims be completely stricken because Congress did not 
authorize it in the legislation. The commenter also stated that 
nationally, nearly 11,000 victims of domestic violence are turned away 
daily and it is impossible to prioritize victims of domestic and 
intimate partner violence over victims of human trafficking when 
service providers cannot provide services to all victims of family, 
domestic, and dating violence. The commenter also indicated that even 
without the proposed rule language, victims of family, domestic, and 
dating violence who are also human trafficking victims will continue to 
receive services from FVPSA-funded providers and appropriate referrals 
for services related to human trafficking. Another commenter identified 
that many domestic violence programs serve human trafficking victims if 
their missions encompass such services and/or when other services are 
simply not available. The commenter suggested that FVPSA-funded 
programs cannot be seen as the ``solution'' to sheltering and serving 
human trafficking victims who are not also domestic violence victims. 
The commenter repeated statistics about unserved domestic violence 
victims on a daily basis and stated that FVPSA-funded programs turn 
away approximately 160,000 domestic violence victims annually because 
programs do not have the capacity to meet needs. The commenter 
suggested a language change to allow provider discretion in serving 
human trafficking victims who are not domestic violence victims. An 
additional commenter suggested that requiring domestic violence service 
providers to serve human trafficking victims is beyond the scope of and 
inconsistent with FVPSA. They suggested that the expectations are 
unduly burdensome on staff and that the requirement will create mission 
drift for many FVPSA-funded organizations. The final commenter 
suggested that the proposed rule text be moved to Sec.  1370.10 
addressing State and Tribal formula grant applications because placing 
it alongside anti-discrimination provisions is confusing. The commenter 
made additional suggestions for screening, eligibility and creating 
case plans to serve human trafficking victims but also emphasized that 
FVPSA-funded providers can serve human trafficking victims provided 
domestic violence victims are prioritized and that States and Tribes be 
required to support programs which have the capacity to do the work.
    Response: FVPSA does not specifically identify human trafficking 
victims as a service population; however, there is no statutory 
language that prevents such service provision in the context of serving 
family, domestic, or dating violence victims who may also be victims of 
human trafficking. Human trafficking, as described in section 103 of 
the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102), often 
simultaneously occurs in the context of intimate relationships between 
perpetrators of trafficking/domestic violence or dating violence and 
those who are victimized by such crimes. In the spirit of the Federal 
Strategic Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in 
the United States 2013- 2017, FVPSA-funded programs are strongly 
encouraged to safely screen for and identify victims of human 
trafficking who are also victims or survivors of domestic violence or 
dating violence and provide services that support their unique needs. 
Given Administration priorities as enunciated in the Federal Strategic 
Action Plan on Services for Victims of Human Trafficking in the United 
States 2013-2017, the NPRM preamble and

[[Page 76462]]

regulatory text provided sub-regulatory guidance that FVPSA services 
can also support human trafficking victims who are not experiencing 
domestic or intimate partner violence as long as victims and survivors 
of domestic/intimate partner violence are prioritized first by FVPSA 
grantees/sub-grantees (emphasis added). However, as a result of the 
public comments indicating that this language will confuse grantees and 
subgrantees and that serving human trafficking victims who are not 
victims of domestic or dating violence goes beyond FVPSA's specific 
language and intent, ACF has revised its guidance to reflect that FVPSA 
funds may be used to serve victims who experience co-occurring domestic 
or dating violence and human trafficking. To clarify, we added a new 
paragraph (d) to Sec.  1370.10 to read: Given the unique needs of 
victims of trafficking, FVPSA-funded programs are strongly encouraged 
to safely screen for and identify victims of human trafficking who are 
also victims or survivors of domestic violence or dating violence and 
provide services that support their unique needs. Human trafficking 
victims who are not also domestic or dating violence victims may be 
served in shelter and non-residential programs provided other funding 
mechanisms, such as funds from other federal programs, local programs, 
or private donors, are used to support those services.
    Moreover, to continue to encourage services and supports for human 
trafficking victims, FVPSA funding opportunity announcements include 
human trafficking victims who are also victims of co-occurring domestic 
or dating violence as examples of underserved populations and human 
trafficking has been and will continue to be an Administration priority 
that is addressed at FVPSA grantee meetings and by FVPSA-funded 
technical assistance providers. However, given the numerous challenges 
identified by commenters about serving human trafficking victims, 
including the lack of resources, the inability to serve current 
domestic violence victims who are not human trafficking victims and the 
potential for confusing programs about FVPSA priorities, ACF has 
removed the rule text addressing human trafficking from the final rule 
at Sec.  1370.5(d).
    Comment: Two commenters requested that ACF reference the non-
discrimination enforcement provisions at section 1557 of the Patient 
Protection and Affordable Care Act in addition to the enforcement 
provisions of the Civil Rights Act referenced in the NPRM.
    Response: ACF agrees that section 1557's prohibition on 
discrimination in health programs or activities may in some cases apply 
to FVPSA-funded programs. Accordingly, ACF has added a reference to 45 
CFR part 92 to section 1370.3 of this rule.
    Comment: A number of commenters expressed concern regarding the 
requirement that no conditions can be imposed on the receipt of 
emergency shelter and the requirement that all supportive services 
shall be voluntary. Three commenters suggested that this section's 
placement in the anti-discrimination provisions is confusing and asked 
that the requirements be moved either to the section for State and 
Tribal applications or to Sec.  1370.4 including a new title change 
suggestion for that section. Another commenter suggested that the 
section's current language prevents shelter operators from complying 
with the requirements in the Drug-free Workplace Act, to allow them 
discretion not to serve persons currently using illegal drugs, and to 
adopt reasonable policies or procedures to ensure that a person is not 
using illegal drugs. Three commenters also expressed concern that this 
section conflates the separate concepts of voluntary services and no 
conditions for the receipt of emergency shelter. They suggested that 
current rule text indicates that no condition whatsoever can be placed 
on individuals and families in shelter unless a State imposes a legal 
requirement to protect the safety and welfare of all shelter residents. 
Two commenters were uncomfortable with the NPRM language and noted 
apparent conflicts of laws would be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
Finally, one other commenter suggested that examples used in the NPRM 
preamble also be used in the rule text.
    Response: We partially agree. While the requirements for no 
conditions on the receipt of emergency shelter and that supportive 
services shall be voluntary are to some extent considered accessibility 
challenges, or continued accessibility challenges once in shelter, we 
agree that including these requirements in the anti-discrimination 
section (which is also to a great extent about programmatic 
accessibility) is confusing and that the specific explanation of terms 
in the section could be clearer. Regarding the comment that terms are 
conflated to mean that only States may impose conditions based upon 
legal requirements to protect the safety and welfare of all shelter 
residents, we disagree. The rule text says that these provisions are 
not intended to preempt State law, in any case where a State may impose 
some legal requirement to protect the safety and welfare of all shelter 
residents; the intended rule text was meant to ensure that States may 
impose requirements to protect the safety and welfare of shelter 
residents (emphasis added), which does not conflict with the provision 
that no requirement may be imposed to receive shelter or that 
supportive services shall be voluntary.
    Regarding the comment about complying with the Drug-free Workplace 
Act requirements, we disagree. The Drug-free Workplace Act targets the 
drug use activities of employees and not individuals receiving services 
(see 41 U.S.C. 8103). The commenter's concerns are therefore 
unwarranted.
    The comments that identified concerns about the handling of 
conflicts of laws are addressed in the following rule text revision. To 
address concerns raised by all comments, Sec.  1370.5(g) is re-
designated Sec.  1370.10(b)(10) and will read as follows: (10) Such 
additional agreements, assurances, and information, in such form, and 
submitted in such manner as the Funding Opportunity Announcement and 
related program guidance prescribe. Moreover, additional agreements, 
assurances, and information required by the Funding Opportunity 
Announcement and other program guidance will include that no 
requirement for participating in supportive services offered by FVPSA-
funded programs may be imposed by grantees or subgrantees for the 
receipt of emergency shelter and receipt of all supportive services 
shall be voluntary. Similarly, the receipt of shelter cannot be 
conditioned on participation in other services, such as, but not 
limited to counseling, parenting classes, mental health or substance 
use disorders treatment, pursuit of specific legal remedies, or life 
skill classes. Additionally, programs cannot impose conditions for 
admission to shelter by applying inappropriate screening mechanisms, 
such as criminal background checks, sobriety requirements, requirements 
to obtain specific legal remedies, or mental health or substance use 
screenings. An individual's or family's stay in shelter cannot be 
conditioned upon accepting or participating in services. Based upon the 
capacity of a FVPSA-funded service provider, victims and their 
dependents do not need to reside in shelter to receive supportive 
services. Nothing is these requirements prohibits a shelter operator 
from adopting reasonable policies and procedures reflecting field-based 
best practices, to ensure that persons receiving services are not 
currently engaging in illegal drug use, if

[[Page 76463]]

that drug use presents a danger to the safety of others, creates an 
undue hardship for the shelter operator, or results in unsafe behavior. 
In the case of an apparent conflict with State, Federal, or Tribal 
laws, case-by-case determinations will be made by ACF if they are not 
resolved at the State or Tribal level. In general, when two or more 
laws apply, a grantee/subgrantee must meet the highest standard for 
providing programmatic accessibility to victims and their dependents. 
These provisions are not intended to deny a shelter the ability to 
manage its services and secure the safety of all shelter residents 
should, for example, a client become violent or abusive to other 
clients.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested the regulation should provide 
guidance on sex-segregated education programs, secondary prevention 
programming, and inclusion of content relevant to LGBTQ populations.
    Response: ACF has determined that while the commenter raises 
legitimate issues about other services for LGBTQ populations, these 
concerns are better left to technical assistance providers who are 
experts in providing domestic violence services to these populations.

Section 1370.6 What requirements for reports and evaluations apply to 
these programs?

    Comment: Two commenters suggested that rule text regarding 
performance reports' submissions at such time as required by the 
Secretary be amended to include, ``although no more often than 
annually.''
    Response: The statute and the proposed rule are clear that the 
Secretary may require performance reports at such time as required. ACF 
declines to limit the Secretary's discretion in this regard to ensure 
that necessary grantee and subgrantee performance information, 
including corrective action performance, are available upon request and 
in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
    Comment: One commenter pointed out that pursuant to 48 U.S.C. 1469a 
and 45 CFR 97.10 and 97.16, Territories that opt to consolidate their 
FVPSA funds with other HHS funds in a Consolidated Block Grant, are not 
required to submit a separate performance progress report to ACF. The 
commenter also identified that if they choose not to consolidate that 
they must provide an annual performance progress report to ACF, just as 
State and Tribal formula grantees are required to do.
    Response: We agree. Therefore, the rule text at Sec.  1370.6 is 
revised to read: Each entity receiving a grant or contract under these 
programs shall submit a performance report to the Secretary at such 
time as required by the Secretary. Such performance report shall 
describe the activities that have been carried out, contain an 
evaluation of the effectiveness of such activities, and provide such 
additional information as the Secretary may require. Territorial 
governments which consolidate FVPSA funds with other HHS funds in a 
Consolidated Block Grant pursuant to 45 CFR 97 are not required to 
submit annual FVPSA performance progress reports if FVPSA funds are not 
designated in the consolidation application for FVPSA purposes. If a 
territorial government either does not consolidate FVPSA funds with 
other HHS funds or does consolidate but indicates that FVPSA funds will 
be used for FVPSA purposes, the territorial government must submit an 
annual FVPSA performance progress report to FYSB.

Subpart B--State and Indian Tribal Grants

Section 1370.10 What additional requirements apply to State and Indian 
Tribal grants?

    Comment: One commenter asked that the rule text in Sec.  1370.10(a) 
be modified. They noted that each time examples are given for 
underserved or racial and ethnic populations, that other eligible 
communities be included. For example, the commenter noted that if older 
individuals or people with disabilities are included that all eligible 
groups and communities be listed (i.e. Tribes, racial and ethnic 
communities, survivors impacted by sexual orientation or gender 
identity, immigration status, etc.). This commenter applied the request 
not only to how States and Tribes include such communities and 
populations in their funding but to include the expertise of people 
from historically marginalized communities in State planning. 
Additionally, the commenter identified that the word ``Tribes'' be 
removed from Sec.  1370.10(a) in the third sentence because Indian 
Tribes include populations that are themselves underserved and lack 
many of the basic services assumed for other communities in the United 
States.
    Response: We respectfully disagree in part. In this and other rule 
sections similar comments were received. To clarify and provide 
consistency throughout this rule, we will use underserved populations 
and culturally- and linguistically-specific populations rather than 
inconsistently identifying different communities in different sections 
of the rule, unless specifically required by statutory language. 
``Tribes'', in deference to Tribal sovereignty, is removed from the 
sentence as suggested by the commenter. Therefore, Sec.  1370.10(a) is 
revised to include the following sentence: States must involve 
community-based organizations that primarily serve underserved 
populations, including culturally- and linguistically-specific 
populations, to determine how such populations can assist the States in 
serving the unmet needs of the underserved populations.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that involving the State Domestic 
Violence Coalitions in State-planning, and having States consult with 
them on statewide needs, is a conflict because many States also fund 
the Coalitions. This funding relationship, and the fact that Coalition 
membership includes FVPSA-funded programs, would create possible 
conflicts of interest if Coalitions were to participate in specific 
award decisions and program monitoring. The commenter said that State's 
purchasing rules would preclude Coalitions in monitoring and in any 
award-related decisions. The commenters indicated that Sec.  1370.10(a) 
is overreaching and needs to be amended to allow States more autonomy 
by deleting the reference, and multiple additional references 
throughout the document, to award making and monitoring.
    Response: We respectfully disagree but we have revised the 
regulatory text to ensure clarity. Section 1370.10(a), while 
identifying that State Domestic Violence Coalitions must be involved in 
the planning and monitoring of the distribution of grants to eligible 
entities and the administration of grant programs and projects (per 
FVPSA requirements at 42 U.S.C. 10407(a)(2)(D)), does not create 
potential conflicts of interest. The language cited by the commenter is 
found in the NPRM preamble and is not reflected in the rule text. 
However, the NPRM preamble also provides examples of what is meant by 
the proposed language. It states that ``at a minimum to further FVPSA 
requirements, we expect that States and Coalitions will work together 
to determine grant priorities based upon jointly identified needs; to 
identify strategies to address needs; to define mutual expectations 
regarding programmatic performance and monitoring; and to implement an 
annual collaboration plan that incorporates concrete steps for 
accomplishing these tasks. All of these requirements are either found 
in the Funding Opportunity Announcements

[[Page 76464]]

dating back to FVPSA reauthorization in 2010 or have been discussed in 
grantee meetings and other informal communications via FYSB 
listservs.'' As such, no conflict is potentially set up by these 
minimum requirements unless States' conflate the requirements to mean 
that Coalitions, who compete for State funding, must be involved in 
making actual award decisions. There is nothing in this rule that 
suggests this. As a result of this comment, Sec.  1370.10(a) is revised 
to include the following sentence: At a minimum to further FVPSA 
requirements, we expect that States and State Domestic Violence 
Coalitions will work together to determine grant priorities based upon 
jointly identified needs; to identify strategies to address needs; to 
define mutual expectations regarding programmatic performance and 
monitoring; and to implement an annual collaboration plan that 
incorporates concrete steps for accomplishing these tasks. If States 
also fund State Domestic Violence Coalitions to provide training, 
technical assistance, or other programming, nothing in this rule is 
intended to conflict with State contracting requirements regarding 
conflicts of interest but rather that this rule's requirements should 
be interpreted to complement States' contracting and procurement laws 
and regulations.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that examples of successful 
collaborations and partnerships between States, Coalitions, and Tribes 
be included in this rule section and that the rule promote examples of 
how States are meeting application requirements related to these 
issues.
    Response: We respectfully disagree. These topics are more suited 
for grantee meetings and technical assistance which may also be 
provided by FVPSA-funded Coalitions and Resource Centers working with 
States in this regard. Additionally, ACF may issue policy guidance with 
examples in order to highlight best practices related to successful 
collaborations.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that rule text Sec.  1370.10(b) is 
an unfunded mandate to fund new programs.
    Response: We respectfully disagree. There are no requirements in 
this section that require funding new programs. The rule text requires 
at Sec.  1370.10(b)(2)(iii) that the States provide in their 
applications ``A description of the specific services to be provided or 
enhanced, such as new shelters or services, improved access to shelters 
or services, or new services for underserved populations such as 
victims from communities of color, immigrant victims, victims with 
disabilities, or older individuals.'' This language does not require 
newly funded programs, but rather requires examples by using ``such 
as'' language to identify potential new shelters or enhanced services. 
If there are no new or enhanced services to describe then a State's 
application should say so.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the States be required to 
describe how they will ensure that at least 10% of the State FVPSA 
funds are distributed to culturally-specific organizations whose 
primary-purpose is serving racial and ethnic populations. They suggest 
this would mirror provisions in VAWA and bring FVPSA and VAWA 
provisions in line with each other to ensure greater coordination and 
more equitable distribution of grant funding across these two critical 
programs.
    Response: The requirements for FVPSA Formula Grants to States are 
very clear and they do not include a State set-aside of 10% for 
culturally-specific organizations. Therefore ACF cannot change the 
formula even if other Federal statutes, namely VAWA, have different 
formulas.
    Comment: One commenter had several recommendations for revising 
Sec.  1370.10(b)(2) to add new requirements addressing: (1) States' 
(and Tribes) requirements to involve community-based organizations 
serving culturally-specific, underserved communities and determine how 
such organizations can assist States and Tribes in serving the unmet 
needs of the underserved community; (2) that States should include 
information on the existence and availability of services, whether or 
not FVPSA-funded; and (3) that States' outreach plans include the 
process for obtaining and integrating input from the community.
    Response: We respectfully disagree. The State's application at 
Sec.  1370.10(b)(2) reflects statutory language and already adds 
guidance to support services for underserved populations and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations. While the 
commenter's ideas are good, they do not significantly enhance or help 
to further explain current statutory or proposed rule text 
requirements.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that LGBTQ communities be added as 
underserved populations for purposes of the State application 
requirements found in rule text Sec.  1370.10(b)(2).
    Response: LGBTQ communities are included in underserved populations 
for the purposes of State application requirements; section 1370.2 
defines underserved populations to include actual or perceived sexual 
orientation and gender identity. As mentioned in previous responses to 
similar comments in other sections asking that all eligible 
organizations representing multiple potential communities be added to 
clarify underserved populations, it is the intent of this rule to, for 
consistency, use the term underserved populations which includes actual 
or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, unless otherwise 
required by FVPSA.
    Comment: Three commenters suggested that it would be useful for 
this rule and FVPSA funding procedures to clarify that while Census 
Bureau data may be important in helping a program to establish its 
relevance to the population in its service area, Census data also has 
significant limits. The commenters suggested amending Sec.  
1370.10(b)(2)(i) to include that other demographic information may be 
used to identify needs. In particular, the commenters identified that 
Census Bureau data undercounts LGBTQ individuals and immigrants and 
refugees. The commenters identified that while victims from racial and 
ethnic populations may appear to be overrepresented in services as 
compared to the Census Bureau population data, other relevant data may 
provide critical information about the vital need for culturally 
relevant and linguistically appropriate programming to those 
communities.
    Response: We agree that there may be other sources of relevant data 
to consult for developing service and programming plans, therefore rule 
text at Sec.  1370.10(b)(2)(i) is revised to read: Identification of 
which populations in the State are underserved, a description of those 
that are being targeted for outreach and services, and a brief 
explanation of why those populations were selected to receive outreach 
and services, including how often the State revisits the identification 
and selection of the populations to be served with FVPSA funding. 
States must review their State demographics and other relevant metrics 
at least every three years or explain why this process in unnecessary.
    Comment: A commenter stated that Sec.  1370.10(b)(2)(ii) requires 
that States use new State dollars to provide training to FVPSA-funded 
grantees. The commenter indicated: (1) The paragraph is unclear whether 
the State is expected to provide training and technical assistance to 
new culturally specific organizations or to existing mainstream 
organizations; and (2) the paragraph is overreaching in the expectation 
that States will be able to provide new training and technical 
assistance

[[Page 76465]]

without any new dollars added to the State award. Additionally, the 
commenter said that due to the potential for conflicts of interest, it 
is not feasible to include representatives of service providers for 
underserved populations in a leadership role in many aspects of FVPSA-
funding including award making and monitoring. The commenter suggested 
that this section should be amended to permit, but not require, 
training and technical assistance, and to clarify that representatives 
from underserved populations be consulted in FVPSA planning.
    Response: We respectfully disagree. Section 1370.10(b)(2)(ii) does 
not require States to involve representatives from underserved 
populations in award-making decisions. It is reasonable to expect that 
States will provide training and technical assistance to those reached 
by States' outreach plans (which is the subject of paragraph (2)) and 
there is nothing in this section that requires States to use new or 
additional funding to meet requirements. Since the section specifically 
addresses underserved populations, who should receive technical 
assistance pursuant to the requirement is already identified.
    Comment: A commenter acknowledged the rule's intent for Tribes to 
participate meaningfully in State planning processes and needs 
assessments, while simultaneously not imposing additional burdensome 
requirements on Tribes or infringing on Tribal sovereignty. The 
commenter suggested that by adding additional language in Sec.  
1370.10(b)(3) to include Tribal Coalitions, ACF's intent will be more 
fully realized.
    Response: We agree. Therefore Sec.  1370.10(b)(3) is revised to 
read: A description of the process and procedures used to involve the 
State Domestic Violence Coalition and Tribal Coalition where one 
exists, knowledgeable individuals, and interested organizations, 
including those serving or representing underserved populations in the 
State planning process.
    Comment: The commenter above suggested for the same reasons that 
Sec.  1370.10(b)(4) be amended to include Tribal Coalitions.
    Response: We agree. Therefore, Sec.  1370.10(b)(4) is revised to 
read: Documentation of planning, consultation with, and participation 
of the State Domestic Violence Coalition and Tribal Coalition where one 
exists, in the administration and distribution of FVPSA programs, 
projects, and grant funds awarded to the State.
    Comment: A commenter suggested revising Sec.  1370.10(b)(4) to 
track the statute specifically and that (b)(4) be stricken and revised 
for this purpose.
    Response: The regulations are intended to provide clarity on 
statutory and programmatic requirements. We believe Sec.  (b)(4) and 
(b)(10) provide the guidance needed to meet statutory guidelines. 
Therefore, we did not change the rule in response to this comment.
    Comment: A commenter urged ACF to delete the language in Sec.  
1370.10(b)(4) and replace with ``the State's overall FVPSA Plan'' based 
on the potential for conflicts of interest described in previous 
comments regarding the State requirement to involve the Coalition in 
the planning and monitoring of the distribution of grant funds, etc.
    Response: The current rule text closely tracks specific statutory 
language because we believe the statute provides the necessary clarity. 
Therefore, we respectfully decline to adopt the suggested revision.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.10(b)(5) align 
specifically with statutory language.
    Response: The regulations are intended to provide clarity on 
statutory and programmatic requirements. We believe the current rule 
text at Sec.  1370.10(b)(5) provides the guidance needed to meet 
statutory guidelines. We did not make any changes to the rule.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.10(b)(5) be amended 
to expand the number of populations to be addressed in States' planning 
on how funding processes and allocations will address the needs of 
various populations. Another commenter stated that the definitions for 
urban and rural based on the U.S. census may conflict with a State's 
definition as specified in State regulations. The commenter suggested 
that the State should be able to use its own definition.
    Response: We respectfully disagree in part. While adding 
populations to those identified in the rule text may seem more 
inclusive, given previous comments and our responses, we have 
determined that using the term underserved populations as defined by, 
but not limited to, multiple populations (see Sec.  1370.2) serves the 
commenter's purpose. Using terminology that is redundant only adds to 
interpretive confusion and inconsistency throughout the rule. 
Additionally, by using the terms underserved populations and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations unless otherwise 
required by FVPSA, help to provide clarity and consistency throughout 
the rule.
    We agree with the comments concerning allowing States to use their 
own definition of urban and rural. In revised Sec.  1370.10(b)(5), we 
allow states to use their own definition unless the definition does not 
achieve the equitable distribution of funds within the State and 
between urban and rural areas. Section 1370.10(b)(5) is revised to 
read: A description of the procedures used to assure an equitable 
distribution of grants and grant funds within the State and between 
urban and rural areas. States may use one of the Census definitions of 
rural or non-metro areas or another State-determined definition. A 
State-determined definition must be supported by data and be available 
for public input prior to its adoption. The State must show that the 
definition selected achieves an equitable distribution of funds within 
the State and between urban and rural areas. The plan should describe 
how funding processes and allocations will address the needs of 
underserved populations as defined in Sec.  1370.2, including Tribal 
populations, with an emphasis on funding organizations that can meet 
unique needs including culturally- and linguistically-specific 
populations. Other Federal, State, local, and private funds may be 
considered in determining compliance.
    Comment: A commenter suggested Sec.  1370.10(b)(6) be amended to 
comport with the clarified and more flexible definition of shelter.
    Response: We agree with the commenter and have revised the rule. We 
have also made edits to Sec.  1370.10(b)(6) to remove ``and culturally 
specific communities.'' Therefore, Sec.  1370.10(b)(6) is revised to 
read: A description of: (1) How the State plans to use the grant funds 
including a State plan developed in consultation with State and Tribal 
Domestic Violence Coalitions and representatives of underserved 
populations; (2) the target populations; (3) the number of shelters and 
programs providing shelter to be funded; (4) the number of non-
residential programs to be funded; the services the State will provide; 
and (5) the expected results from the use of the grant funds. To 
fulfill these requirements, it is critically important that States work 
with State Domestic Violence Coalitions and Tribes to solicit their 
feedback on program effectiveness which may include recommendations 
such as establishing program standards and participating in program 
monitoring.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that the language in Sec. Sec.  
1370.10(b)(7) and (c)(5) be changed to track the statute specifically; 
they believed the language confuses statutory requirements and may 
impose legal impediments not intended by the statute.

[[Page 76466]]

    Response: After careful consideration, we agree the language should 
be revised to reflect the statutory provision. It was not ACF's intent 
to change statutory requirements or to potentially complicate matters 
which may impose undue burdens on victims or conflict with States' 
eviction laws. Therefore, Sec.  1370.10(b)(7) is revised to read: An 
assurance that the State has a law or procedure to bar an abuser from a 
shared household or a household of the abused person, which may include 
eviction laws or procedures, where appropriate. Section 1370.10(c)(7) 
is revised to read: An assurance that the Indian Tribe has a law or 
procedure to bar an abuser from a shared household or a household of 
the abused person, which may include eviction laws or procedures, where 
appropriate.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.10(b)(8) be amended 
to more clearly track statutory language to ensure that States give 
special funding-emphasis to community-based projects of demonstrated 
effectiveness carried out by primary-purpose projects.
    Response: We agree. Therefore, Sec.  1370.10(b)(8) is revised to 
add the following sentence: In the distribution of funds, States will 
give special emphasis to the support of community-based projects of 
demonstrated effectiveness that are carried out by primary-purpose 
projects.
    Comment: One commenter noted that the FVPSA requirement at 42 
U.S.C. 10409(a) for Federal consultation with Tribal governments in the 
planning of grants for Indian Tribes is not referenced in this rule. 
The commenter indicated that this consultation, which should take place 
annually, would greatly strengthen development and provision of 
domestic violence shelter and supportive services for American Indian 
and Alaska Native Tribes.
    Response: ACF is committed to ensuring that FYSB/FVPSA staff 
representatives participate meaningfully in ACF consultations.
    Comment: One commenter, while acknowledging that ACF has been 
cautious to avoid overly burdensome requirements on Tribes identifies 
that Sec.  1370.10(c)(1) requires for consortia applicants that ``a 
representative from each Tribe sign the application'' as well as submit 
Tribal resolutions supporting or approving a consortia. The commenter 
notes that if Tribal resolutions are the vehicles to support 
applications it is in fact duplicative of requiring Tribal resolutions 
themselves. The commenter suggested that signed resolutions from each 
Tribe applying as part of a consortium should suffice as documentation.
    Response: We respectfully believe that specific and current 
information with respect to the roles, responsibilities, and specific 
commitments of consortia members is necessary for the effective 
administration of the grant program and requires documentation separate 
from that indicating approval for application submittal. As such, ACF 
revised the regulatory text in response to this comment to more clearly 
describe the purposes of the documentation requirements. Section 
1370.10(c) is revised to read: An application from a Tribe or Tribal 
Organization must include documentation demonstrating that the 
governing body of the organization on whose behalf the applications is 
submitted approves the application's submission to ACF for the current 
FVPSA grant period. Each application must contain the following 
information or documentation: (1) Written Tribal resolutions, meeting 
minutes from the governing body, and/or letters from the authorizing 
official reflecting approval of the application's submittal, depending 
on what is appropriate for the applicant's governance structure. Such 
documentation must reflect the applicant's authority to submit the 
application on behalf of members of the Tribes and administer programs 
and activities pursuant to FVPSA; (2) The resolution or equivalent 
documentation must specify the name(s) of the Tribe(s) on whose behalf 
the application is submitted and the service area for the intended 
grant services; (3) Applications from consortia must provide letters of 
commitment, memoranda of understanding, or their equivalent identifying 
the primary applicant that is responsible for administering the grant, 
documenting commitments made by partnering eligible applicants, and 
describing their roles and responsibilities as partners in the 
consortia or collaboration. The remaining rule text in this section is 
renumbered to comport with the revisions above.

Subpart C--State Domestic Violence Coalition Grants

Sec.  1370.20 What additional requirements apply to State Domestic 
Violence Coalitions?

    Comment: Two commenters referencing Sec.  1370.20(a) suggested 
revising the language because urging States, localities, cities, and 
the private sector to become involved in State and local planning 
towards an integrated service delivery approach misinterprets the role 
of various stakeholders. The commenters suggested that striking 
``become involved'' and insert ``improve responses to. . .'' would more 
accurately reflect the roles of stakeholders.
    Response: We agree that the commenters' suggested language provides 
clarity. Therefore Sec.  1370.20(a) is revised as follows: State 
Domestic Violence Coalitions reflect a Federal commitment to reducing 
domestic violence; to urge States, localities, cities, and the private 
sector to improve the responses to and the prevention of domestic 
violence and encourage stakeholders and service providers to plan 
toward an integrated service delivery approach that meets the needs of 
all victims, including those in underserved populations; to provide for 
technical assistance and training relating to domestic violence 
programs; and to increase public awareness about and prevention of 
domestic violence and increase the quality and availability of shelter 
and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their 
dependents.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that LGBTQ communities be named as 
an underserved population in the planning identified in Sec.  
1370.20(a).
    Response: For the reasons previously identified in responses to 
other comments we will not revise the rule. Underserved populations and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations are terms used 
throughout the rule for consistency and to avoid confusion, except 
where required by statute. In the definitions section of the rule, the 
term underserved populations includes actual or perceived sexual 
orientation and gender identity.
    Comment: One commenter, referencing Sec.  1370.20(b)(2), strongly 
objected to the non-statutory language ``though not exclusively 
composed of'' and strongly urged that the rule strike this language. 
The commenter also said that the proposed language could be read as a 
mandate not contemplated in the statute or the NPRM preamble which 
states, ``that Boards of Directors composed of member representatives 
and community members are highly encouraged.'' Another commenter 
suggested that this section be revised to read, ``As authorized by 
applicable law and regulations, contains such agreements, assurances, 
and information, in such forms, and submitted in such matter as the 
Funding Opportunity Announcement and related program guidance 
prescribe.''
    Response: We disagree in part. The second half of the commenter's 
proposed language is already included in Sec.  1370.20(c)(2) for 
application

[[Page 76467]]

submissions. As such, their request to include it in the eligibility/
designation purpose of the rule is not relevant to that section. 
Regarding the first commenter's concern, we agree and Sec.  
1370.20(b)(2) is revised to read: The Board membership of the Coalition 
must be representative of such programs, and may include 
representatives of communities in which the services are being provided 
in the State.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.20(b)(3) be 
revised to remove unnecessary detail, specifically that Coalitions as 
independent, autonomous nonprofit organizations, need to be financially 
sustained by their boards of directors and their membership bodies.
    Response: We respectfully disagree. Our experience through 
conducting site visits and monitoring of grantees has revealed that 
coalition members often do not acknowledge or understand that 
coalitions as independent non-profit organizations need to financially 
sustain the organizations independent of the work they do to 
financially sustain member programs. Therefore, the rule language is 
unchanged.
    Comment: Three commenters identified that Sec.  1370.20(b)(4) does 
not fully or accurately reflect the full statutory purposes of 
Coalitions. They recommended that the rule explicitly follow the 
statute and clarify that there are additional Coalition purposes named 
in the statute.
    Response: We agree the statutory language would be helpful in this 
section. As such Sec.  1370.20(b)(4) is revised to read: The purpose of 
a State Domestic Violence Coalition is to provide education, support, 
and technical assistance to such service providers to enable the 
providers to establish and maintain shelter and supportive services for 
victims of domestic violence and their dependents; and to serve as an 
information clearinghouse, primary point of contact, and resource 
center on domestic violence for the State; and support the development 
of polices, protocols, and procedures to enhance domestic violence 
intervention and prevention in the State.
    Comment: Two commenter's suggested that the language in Sec.  
1370.20(c)(1) is too specific, beyond the reach of the statute, and 
misaligned with coalitions' work. They stated that the rule should not 
include additional required abilities or capacities not directly tied 
to the statute and that additional mandates not be imposed without 
changes to the law. The commenters strongly recommended that the rule 
strike the following language in Sec.  1370.20(c)(1): ``Demonstrated 
ability or capacity may include but is not limited to: identifying 
successful efforts that support child welfare agencies' identification 
and support of victims during intake processes; creation of membership 
standards that enhance victim safety and fully require training and 
technical assistance for compliance with Federal housing, disability, 
and sex discrimination laws and regulations; and, training judicial 
personnel on trauma-informed courtroom practice.'' The commenters also 
suggested that the requirement in the last sentence of Sec.  
1370.20(c)(1) be changed from ``must also have documented experience 
in'' to ``should reflect the subject areas and activities described 
in:''
    Response: We disagree in part. The requirements in the last 
sentence of Sec.  1370.20(c)(1) are statutory in that Coalitions must/
shall have documented experience in the statutory areas identified in 
that section, therefore, there is no discretion to change the 
requirements to ``should (emphasis added) reflect the subject areas. . 
.''. Otherwise, we agree that the language should more closely track 
the statute to avoid confusion. The language in Sec.  1370.20(c)(1) is 
revised to read: Includes a complete description of the applicant's 
plan for the operation of a State Domestic Violence Coalition, 
including documentation that the Coalition's work will demonstrate the 
capacity to support state-wide efforts to improve system responses to 
domestic and dating violence as outlined in (iii) through (viii) below. 
Coalitions must also have documented experience in administering 
Federal grants to conduct the activities of a Coalition or a documented 
history of active participation in . . .
    Comment: In reference to Sec.  1370.20(c)(1)(iii), one commenter 
suggested each time examples are offered for underserved and/or racial 
and ethnic populations that if one example is given, that all eligible 
communities be listed in the section.
    Response: As identified in previous responses to comments, 
providing examples throughout the rule of different populations 
promotes inconsistency and confusion. Therefore, for the purposes of 
identifying such communities, the terms underserved populations and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations are used throughout 
the rule unless otherwise statutorily required. As such, Sec.  
1370.20(c)(1)(iii) is revised to read: Working in collaboration with 
service providers and community-based organizations to address the 
needs of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence 
victims, and their dependents, who are members of underserved 
populations and culturally- and linguistically-specific populations.
    Comment: Two commenters asked that Sec.  1370.20(c)(1)(iv) be 
amended to add the phrase ``to support'' and it be placed in between 
the terms ``mental health'' and ``the development'' as well as include 
the statutory phrases of ``social welfare and businesses.''
    Response: We respectfully disagree because the rule text tracks 
statutory language and the proposed changes do not provide additional 
clarity to improve a reader's understanding of the statutory language.
    Comment: One commenter asked that Sec.  1370.20(c)(1)(vi) be 
changed while acknowledging that it tracks the statute. The commenter 
specifically recommended a clarification that the referenced child 
abuse is present as a co-occurrence with the domestic, dating or family 
violence by inserting ``and there is a co-occurrence of child abuse'' 
and striking ``and child abuse is present.'' Additionally, the 
commenter recommended striking ``family law'' and ``criminal court 
judges'' and only refer to ``judges,'' so as to not limit the types of 
judges with whom the Coalitions may work.
    Response: We respectfully disagree because, as the commenter notes, 
the language tracks the statute. To change the language would 
specifically change the statute rather than help clarify it. 
Additionally, the statutory language does not limit the types of judges 
with whom the Coalitions may work; it only provides examples of the 
kinds of judges envisioned by the statute.
    Comment: Two commenters identified that Sec.  1370.20(c)(1)(vii) is 
not required by statute and that if the section is meant to be 
allowable rather than mandatory that it be amended to say so.
    Response: We agree. Since current sub-section (vii) is not mandated 
when the rest of Sec.  1370.20(c)(1) is mandated, the entire section is 
revised to re-designate current subsection (ix) as (viii); current 
subsection (viii) will be re-designated as (vii) and the current 
subsection (vii) will be removed.
    Comment: A commenter suggested Sec.  1370.20(e) be revised to 
include that HHS should work in close consultation with a nationwide 
organization of Coalitions that has a demonstrated history of providing 
technical assistance to Coalitions. They also requested that language 
be added that a Coalition should have the reach throughout the State 
that reflects its depth and breadth of connections.
    Response: We respectfully disagree. HHS will determine the 
technical

[[Page 76468]]

resources it needs, if any, to determine the designation or re-
designation of a Coalition because Federal staff are experts in the 
field with the relationships needed to make such determinations. 
Additionally, the statute and this rule require that Coalitions be 
statewide entities so the commenter's requested language change is not 
necessary. A technical correction is made to rule text at Sec.  
1370.20(d) to correct the FVPSA citation that originally referenced 
section 311(e) to 42 U.S.C. 10411(e). Technical corrections are also 
made to the regulatory text at Sec.  1370.20(e) to: (1) Replace 
``primary-purpose domestic violence programs'' with ``primary-purpose 
domestic violence service provider'' to avoid confusion previously 
identified about Coalition membership requirements and (2) remove the 
term ``racial and ethnic populations'' because the term is already 
included in the underserved populations' definition.
    Comment: A commenter suggested, in reference to Sec.  1370.20(f) 
(regarding situations where an HHS-designated Coalition financially or 
otherwise dissolves), that HHS work in close consultation with a 
national organization of Coalitions to designate a new coalition. The 
commenter also recommended the HHS consider limiting the stakeholders 
to the identified service providers and referencing statutory criteria 
without further explication. The commenter encouraged that the rule 
include reference to coalitions that are newly formed or merged.
    Response: We respectfully disagree in part. The designation of a 
new Coalition is within the exclusive discretion of HHS which will 
determine the technical resources it needs, if any, to determine the 
designation or re-designation of a Coalition. In response to the 
commenter's suggestion that HHS' designation or re-designation of 
Coalition limit the inclusion of stakeholders, HHS reserves the right 
to include all appropriate stakeholders as it determines appropriate. 
As to the commenter's last suggestion, we agree. Therefore, Sec.  
1370.20(f) is revised to read: Regarding FVPSA funding, in cases where 
a Coalition financially or otherwise dissolves, is newly formed, or 
merges with another entity, the designation of a new Coalition is 
within the exclusive discretion of HHS. HHS will seek individual 
feedback from domestic violence service providers, community 
stakeholders, State leaders, and representatives of underserved and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations to identify an 
existing organization that can serve as the Coalition or to develop a 
new organization. The new Coalition must reapply for designation and 
funding following steps determined by the Secretary. HHS will determine 
whether the applicant fits the statutory criteria, with particular 
attention paid to the applicant's documented history of effective work, 
support of primary-purpose domestic violence service providers and 
programs that serve underserved populations and culturally- and 
linguistically-specific populations, coordination and collaboration 
with the State government, and capacity to accomplish the FVPSA 
mandated role of a Coalition.

Subpart D--Discretionary Grants and Contracts

Section 1370.30 What national resource center and training and 
technical assistance grant programs are available and what additional 
requirements apply?

    Comment: One commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.30(a)(1)(i) be 
removed because it adds requirements related to programs and research 
for older individuals and those with disabilities which were not 
contemplated by Congress in FVPSA.
    Response: We agree because underserved populations and culturally- 
and linguistically-specific populations will be used rather than 
identifying a list of other populations inconsistently, specifically 
older individuals and those with disabilities in this particular 
instance, Therefore, older individuals and those with disabilities are 
removed from the rule text because they are included in the underserved 
populations and culturally- and linguistically-specific populations 
definitions. As a result, Sec.  1370.30(a)(1)(i) is revised to read, 
(i) offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance and training 
resources to Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, domestic 
violence service providers, community-based organizations, and other 
professionals and interested parties, related to domestic violence 
service programs and research, including programs and research related 
to victims and their children who are exposed to domestic violence.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.30(a)(5)(iv), 
which they acknowledge reflects specific statutory language, is not 
FVPSA's intent. The specific language they object to is: 
``Additionally, eligible entities shall offer training and technical 
assistance and capacity-building resources in States where the 
population of Indians (including Alaska Natives) and Native Hawaiians 
exceeds 2.5 percent of the total population of the State.'' The 
commenter indicated that technical assistance and capacity building is 
particularly needed in Alaska, where 40% of the nation's Tribes are 
located and where the incidence of domestic violence is morally 
unconscionable. They also noted that the original 10% formula of total 
FVPSA appropriations for Tribes was established in the 1980's which did 
not account for Alaska's 229 Tribal governments whose Federal 
recognition was not clarified by the Department of the Interior until 
January, 1993. The commenter stated that they believe the intent of the 
State-based Tribal resource centers is to provide focused and targeted 
technical assistance and capacity-building to the State in which they 
are located; requiring them to also serve additional States would 
impose significant capacity and resource challenges.
    Response: ACF acknowledges the high rates of domestic violence 
impacting Tribal nations throughout the United States. However, FVPSA 
is very clear that eligible entities shall provide training and 
technical assistance and capacity-building resources in States where 
the populations of Indians exceeds 2.5%. Additionally, FVPSA was 
reauthorized by Congress in 2010 where presumably Alaska's 229 
Federally-recognized Tribal nations were taken into account when the 
statute was drafted. As a result, ACF cannot agree that FVPSA is 
limited to eligible entities (which must be located in States where the 
population exceeds 10% of the State) which only focus on the State in 
which they are located. To provide clarity, ACF moved the requirement 
that state resource centers offer technical assistance and training 
resources in States in which the population of Indians (including 
Alaska Natives) or Native Hawaiians exceeds 2.5 percent of the total 
population of the State to Sec.  1370.30(a)(5)(i). Section 
1370.30(a)(5)(iv) is amended to reference the FVPSA statute at 42 
U.S.C. 10410(c)(4).
    Comment: One commenter suggested Sec.  1370.30(c)(1) and (2) 
(addressing the requirements in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, including language 
addressing access for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) using 
interpretation and translation services and access for individuals with 
communication-related disabilities) be included in a section that 
applies to a larger number of grantees beyond technical assistance 
providers and resource centers (this request and

[[Page 76469]]

response is cross-referenced in Sec.  1370.5(e)).
    Response: We agree. The language in rule text Sec. Sec.  
1370.30(c)(1) and (2) has been moved to Sec.  1370.5(d) so that it 
applies to all FVPSA-funded services.

Section 1370.31 What additional requirements apply to grants for 
specialized services for abused parents and their children?

    Comment: A commenter suggested that a fourth section be added to 
rule text Sec.  1370.31(b)(1) that addresses preventing professionals 
working with children and families from inappropriately punishing non-
abusive parents for, among other things, cohabiting with an abusive 
parent.
    Response: We agree because it has been reported throughout the 
field that the non-abusing parent is often penalized for continuing 
contact or having a relationship with a domestic violence perpetrator 
even if the non-abusive parent determines that the best way to keep 
children safe is to continue contact in some form with an abusive 
partner until the abuser is held accountable or demonstrates changed 
behavior that will keep the family safe. Therefore, Sec.  1370.31(b)(1) 
is revised to add a subsection (iv) to read: How, in the case of 
victims who choose to or by virtue of their circumstances must remain 
in contact with an abusive partner/parent, the entity will: Consider 
the victim's decision-making for keeping children safe within the 
continuum of domestic violence (see the definition of domestic violence 
in the regulatory text at Sec.  1370.2 which describes the potential 
range of behaviors constituting domestic violence); not place burdens 
or demands on the non-abusive parent that the parent cannot comply with 
due to the coercive control of the offender; and take precautions to 
avoid actions that discourage victims from help-seeking, such as making 
unnecessary referrals to child protective services when survivors go to 
community-based organizations for assistance in safety planning to 
protect children.
    Comment: One commenter suggested language changes to Sec.  
1370.31(b)(1)(i) to strengthen confidentiality requirements for these 
grants.
    Response: We agree. Therefore the rule text at Sec.  
1370.31(b)(1)(i) is revised specifically in response to the commenter's 
suggestion to read: how the entity will prioritize the safety of, and 
confidentiality of, information about victims of family violence, 
victims of domestic violence, and victims of dating violence and their 
children, and will comply with the confidentiality requirements of 
FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10406(c)(5) and this rule at Sec.  1370.4.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that Sec.  1370.31(b)(2) be 
revised to allow for partnering organizations to provide the activities 
in this section and to add examples of other coordinating entities in 
addition to coordinating with the child welfare system.
    Response: The proposed changes, which add language that is not in 
FVPSA, provide additional ways within the intent of the statutory 
framework to help address the needs of children exposed to domestic 
violence and foster strong, healthy relationships between children and 
their non-abusing parent. The commenter's proposed language reflects 
the realities of the multiple systems which support children and their 
non-abusing parent to promote healing and social and emotional well-
being and the need to work within those systems to achieve 
comprehensive successes on behalf of families experiencing domestic 
violence. We agree with these suggested changes and therefore, Sec.  
1370.31(b)(2) is revised to read: Demonstrates that the applicant has 
the ability to effectively provide, or partner with an organization 
that provides, direct counseling, appropriate services, and advocacy on 
behalf of victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating 
violence, and their children, including coordination with services 
provided by the child welfare system, schools, health care providers, 
home visitors, family court systems, and any other child or youth 
serving system.
    Comment: One commenter suggested language changes to rule text 
Sec.  1370.31(c)(1) through (3) because it does not mirror the 
discretionary uses of grant funds and mistakenly includes an 
application requirement. They also suggested re-designating the NPRM 
proposed rule text in Sec.  1370.31(c)(4) as Sec.  1370.31(b)(4) in the 
application section because the language is mistakenly placed in the 
discretionary uses section.
    Response: We agree with the commenter's assessment of this section. 
Therefore Sec.  1370.31(c)(1) through (3) is revised to read: (c) 
Eligible applicants may use funds under a grant pursuant to this 
section: (1) To provide early childhood development and mental health 
services; (2) To coordinate activities with and provide technical 
assistance to community-based organizations serving victims of family 
violence, domestic violence, or dating violence or children exposed to 
family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence; and (3) To 
provide additional services and referrals to services for children, 
including child care, transportation, educational support, respite 
care, supervised visitation, or other necessary services. Section 
1370.31(c)(4) is re-designated as Sec.  1370.31(b)(4).

Section 1370.32 What additional requirements apply to National Domestic 
Violence Hotline grants?

    Comment: Two commenters suggested that language be added to Sec.  
1370.32(c)(1)(vi) to codify a requirement for a 24/7 operation of a 
hotline that is directly accessible to deaf and hard of hearing 
survivors of domestic violence, which will close the significant gap in 
access that currently exists, and provide the deaf and hard of hearing 
community with equal access to a valuable community resource.
    Response: We agree that survivors of domestic violence who are deaf 
or hard of hearing should be able to receive hotline services 24/7 
through methods that are accessible to them. FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 
10413(d)(2)(F) states that `an eligible awardee for a national domestic 
violence hotline grant shall include a plan for facilitating access to 
the hotline by persons with hearing impairments'. As noted by the 
commenter, we have already included this language in our regulatory 
text. We interpret this to mean that the plan shall include methods for 
providing services for survivors who are deaf and hard of hearing on a 
24/7 basis. Furthermore, as outlined in the comment and response below, 
we included video to the definition of ``telephone'' in order to 
increase access to the hotline for our survivors who are deaf or hard 
of hearing.
    Comment: Two commenters suggested that ``video'' be added to the 
definition of telephone in Sec.  1370.32(b), particularly as face to 
face communications can be very helpful for certain users, such as 
victims who are deaf or hard of hearing.
    Response: We agree that ``video'' is another example of a method of 
communication that fits within the proposed definition of 
``telephone''. The last part of the proposed definition which states 
``. . . or other technological means which connects callers or users 
together'' specifically allows for any current or future devices and/or 
methods to be included. However, we have revised the language to 
include video as another example of a method of communication.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that the grant eligibility 
requirements in Sec.  1370.32(c)(iv) through (vi) be revised to 
include: The use of social media and other emerging technologies to 
publicize

[[Page 76470]]

the hotline; that the plan for providing service to Limited English 
Proficient callers include advocacy or supportive services in the 
native languages of Limited English Proficient individuals who contact 
the hotline; and that the plan for facilitating access to the hotline 
by persons with disabilities include other mechanisms, such as face to 
face video, where possible, for persons who are Deaf or hard of 
hearing.
    Response: Section 1370.32(c)(1)(iv) through (vi) relates 
specifically to what must be included in an applicant's plan, and does 
not prescribe the methods that an applicant will use to conduct its 
plan. The merits of each application (plan) are evaluated based on many 
factors including statutory requirements and the extent to which the 
applicant proposes comprehensive service provision, especially to 
underserved populations. Additionally, in terms of social media, while 
we encourage creativity and use of new technology, we do not prescribe 
methods for an applicant as they conduct their plan. As such, we 
respectfully decline to include these additional requirements as this 
section closely tracks statutory requirements. However, we did include 
additional language in section 1370.32(c)(1) to clarify that the term 
``service'' includes advocacy and supportive services.
    Comment: A commenter suggested that the word ``teen'' be stricken 
from ``national teen dating violence hotline'' in Sec.  
1370.32(c)(1)(vii) because many of those who contact the National 
Domestic Violence Hotline's youth helpline, Loveisrespect.org, are not 
in fact teenagers; most range in age from 12-24 years old.
    Response: While we recognize that many of those who contact the 
youth helpline may not in fact be teens, we respectfully disagree with 
the recommendation that ``teen'' be stricken in 1370.32(c)(1)(vii) 
because 42 U.S.C. 10413(e)(2)(F) specifically identifies ``a national 
teen dating violence hotline'' and the rule tracks the statutory 
language. Further, the statute states that the hotline ``shall provide 
assistance and referrals for youth victims of domestic violence and for 
victims of dating violence who are minors, which may be carried out 
through a national teen dating violence hotline.'' However, we would 
note that it does not state that a national teen dating violence 
hotline may not serve adults.

VIII. Impact Analysis

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13, 
minimizes government imposed burden on the public. In keeping with the 
notion that government information is a valuable asset, it also is 
intended to improve the practical utility, quality, and clarity of 
information collected, maintained, and disclosed. Notwithstanding any 
other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall 
any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA, 
unless that collection of information displays a currently valid Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number. This rule contains no 
new information collection requirements. There is an existing 
requirement for grantees to provide performance progress reports under 
OMB Control Number 0970-0280. Grantees are also required to submit an 
application and annual financial status report. State domestic violence 
coalitions are also required to provide certain information to the 
public. These existing requirements are also approved under the OMB 
Control Number 0970-0280. Nothing in this rule requires changes in the 
current requirements, all of which have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction 
Act.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b), as enacted by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354), that this rule will not 
result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. We have not proposed any new requirements that would 
have such an effect. These standards would almost entirely conform to 
the existing statutory requirements and existing practices in the 
program. In particular, we have proposed imposing only a few new 
processes, procedural, or documentation requirements that are not 
encompassed within the existing rule, existing Funding Opportunity 
Announcements, or existing information collection requirements. None of 
these would impose consequential burdens on grantees. Accordingly, a 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required.

Regulatory Impact Analysis

    Executive Order 12866 and 13563 require that regulations be drafted 
to ensure that they are consistent with the priorities and principles 
set forth in these Executive Orders, including imposing the least 
burden on society, written in plain language and easy to understand, 
and seeking to improve the actual results of regulatory requirements. 
The Department has determined that this rule is consistent with these 
priorities and principles. The Executive Orders require a Regulatory 
Impact Analysis for proposed or final rules with an annual economic 
impact of $100 million or more. Nothing in this rule approaches effects 
of this magnitude. Nor does this rule meet any of the other criteria 
for significance under these Executive Orders. This rule has been 
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

Congressional Review

    This rule is not a major rule (economic effects of $100 million or 
more) as defined in the Congressional Review Act.

Federalism Review

    Executive Order 13132, Federalism, requires that Federal agencies 
consult with State and local government officials in the development of 
regulatory policies with Federalism implications. This rule will not 
have substantial direct impact on the States, on the relationship 
between the Federal government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. 
Therefore, in accordance with the Executive Order we have determined 
that this rule does not have sufficient Federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a Federalism summary impact Statement.

Family Impact Review

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a 
Family Policymaking Assessment for any rule that may affect family 
well-being. This rule would not have any new or adverse impact on the 
autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Like the 
existing rule and existing program practices, it directly supports 
family well-being. Since we propose no changes that would affect this 
policy priority, we have concluded that it is not necessary to prepare 
a Family Policymaking Assessment.

List of Subjects in 45 CFR Part 1370

    Administrative practice and procedure, Domestic Violence, Grant 
Programs--Social Programs, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Technical assistance.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Numbers: 93.671 
Family Violence Prevention and Services/Grants for Domestic Violence 
Shelters and Supportive Services/Grants to States and Native 
American Tribes and Tribal Organizations; 93.591 Family Violence 
Prevention and Services/Grants to

[[Page 76471]]

State Domestic Violence Coalitions; and 93.592 Family Violence 
Prevention and Services/Discretionary Grants)

    Dated: July 26, 2016.
Mark H. Greenberg,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
    Approved: July 29, 2016.
Sylvia M. Burwell,
Secretary.

    Note:  This document was received by the Office of the Federal 
Register on October 25, 2016.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 45 CFR part 1370 
is revised to read as follows:

0
1. Revise part 1370 to read as follows:

PART 1370--FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES PROGRAMS

Subpart A--General Provisions
Sec.
1370.1 What are the purposes of the Family Violence Prevention and 
Services Act Programs?
1370.2 What definitions apply to these programs?
1370.3 What Government-wide and HHS-wide regulations apply to these 
programs?
1370.4 What confidentiality requirements apply to these programs?
1370.5 What additional non-discrimination requirements apply to 
these programs?
1370.6 What requirements for reports and evaluations apply to these 
programs?
Subpart B--State and Indian Tribal Grants
1370.10 What additional requirements apply to State and Indian 
Tribal grants?
Subpart C--State Domestic Violence Coalition Grants
1370.20 What additional requirements apply to State Domestic 
Violence Coalitions?
Subpart D--Discretionary Grants and Contracts
1370.30 What National Resource Center and Training and Technical 
Assistance grant programs are available and what additional 
requirements apply?
1370.31 What additional requirements apply to grants for specialized 
services for abused parents and their children?
1370.32 What additional requirements apply to National Domestic 
Violence Hotline grants?

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.

Subpart A--General Provisions


Sec.  1370.1  What are the purposes of the Family Violence Prevention 
and Services Act Programs?

    This part addresses sections 301 through 313 of the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), as amended, and codified at 42 
U.S.C. 10401 et seq. FVPSA authorizes the Secretary to implement 
programs for the purposes of increasing public awareness about and 
preventing family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence; 
providing immediate shelter and supportive services for victims of 
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence and their 
dependents; providing for technical assistance and training relating to 
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence programs; 
providing for State Domestic Violence Coalitions; providing specialized 
services for abused parents and their children; and operating a 
national domestic violence hotline. FVPSA emphasizes both primary, and 
secondary, prevention of violence.


Sec.  1370.2  What definitions apply to these programs?

    For the purposes of this part:
    Dating violence means violence committed by a person who is or has 
been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the 
victim and where the existence of such a relationship shall be 
determined based on a consideration of the following factors: The 
length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency 
of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. This 
part of the definition reflects the definition also found in Section 
40002(a) of VAWA (as amended), 42 U.S.C. 13925(a), as required by 
FVPSA. Dating violence also includes but is not limited to the 
physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional violence within a dating 
relationship, including stalking. It can happen in person or 
electronically, and may involve financial abuse or other forms of 
manipulation which may occur between a current or former dating partner 
regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender 
identity.
    Domestic violence means felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence 
committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the 
victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a 
person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a 
spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse 
of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the 
jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an 
adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under 
the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. This 
definition also reflects the statutory definition of ``domestic 
violence'' found in Section 40002(a) of VAWA (as amended), 42 U.S.C. 
13925(a). This definition also includes but is not limited to criminal 
or non-criminal acts constituting intimidation, control, coercion and 
coercive control, emotional and psychological abuse and behavior, 
expressive and psychological aggression, financial abuse, harassment, 
tormenting behavior, disturbing or alarming behavior, and additional 
acts recognized in other Federal, Tribal State, and local laws as well 
as acts in other Federal regulatory or sub-regulatory guidance. This 
definition is not intended to be interpreted more restrictively than 
FVPSA and VAWA but rather to be inclusive of other, more expansive 
definitions. The definition applies to individuals and relationships 
regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender 
identity.
    Family violence means any act or threatened act of violence, 
including any forceful detention of an individual, that results or 
threatens to result in physical injury and is committed by a person 
against another individual, to or with whom such person is related by 
blood or marriage, or is or was otherwise legally related, or is or was 
lawfully residing.
    Personally identifying information (PII) or personal information is 
individually identifying information for or about an individual 
including information likely to disclose the location of a victim of 
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, 
regardless of whether the information is encoded, encrypted, hashed, or 
otherwise protected, including, a first and last name; a home or other 
physical address; contact information (including a postal, email or 
Internet protocol address, or telephone or facsimile number); a social 
security number, driver license number, passport number, or student 
identification number; and any other information, including date of 
birth, racial or ethnic background, or religious affiliation, that 
would serve to identify any individual.
    Primary prevention means strategies, policies, and programs to stop 
both first-time perpetration and first-time victimization. Primary 
prevention is stopping domestic and dating violence before they occur. 
Primary prevention includes, but is not limited to: School-based 
violence prevention curricula, programs aimed at mitigating the effects 
on children of witnessing domestic or dating violence, community 
campaigns designed to alter norms and values conducive to domestic or 
dating violence, worksite prevention programs, and training and 
education in parenting skills and self-esteem enhancement.

[[Page 76472]]

    Primary-purpose domestic violence service provider, for the term 
only as it appears in the definition of State Domestic Violence 
Coalition, means an entity that operates a project of demonstrated 
effectiveness carried out by a nonprofit, nongovernmental, private 
entity, Tribe, or Tribal organization, that has as its project's 
primary-purpose the operation of shelters and supportive services for 
victims of domestic violence and their dependents; or has as its 
project's primary purpose counseling, advocacy, or self-help services 
to victims of domestic violence. Territorial Domestic Violence 
Coalitions may include government-operated domestic violence projects 
as primary-purpose domestic violence service providers for complying 
with the membership requirement, provided that Territorial Coalitions 
can document providing training, technical assistance, and capacity-
building of community-based and privately operated projects to provide 
shelter and supportive services to victims of family, domestic, or 
dating violence, with the intention of recruiting such projects as 
members once they are sustainable as primary-purpose domestic violence 
service providers.
    Secondary prevention is identifying risk factors or problems that 
may lead to future family, domestic, or dating violence, and taking the 
necessary actions to eliminate the risk factors and the potential 
problem, and may include, but are not limited to, healing services for 
children and youth who have been exposed to domestic or dating 
violence, home visiting programs for high-risk families, and screening 
programs in health care settings.
    Shelter means the provision of temporary refuge in conjunction with 
supportive services in compliance with applicable State or Tribal law 
or regulations governing the provision, on a regular basis, of shelter, 
safe homes, meals, and supportive services to victims of family 
violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents. 
State and Tribal law governing the provision of shelter and supportive 
services on a regular basis is interpreted by ACF to mean, for example, 
the laws and regulations applicable to zoning, fire safety, and other 
regular safety, and operational requirements, including State, Tribal, 
or local regulatory standards for certifying domestic violence 
advocates who work in shelter. This definition also includes emergency 
shelter and immediate shelter, which may include housing provision, 
rental subsidies, temporary refuge, or lodging in properties that could 
be individual units for families and individuals (such as apartments) 
in multiple locations around a local jurisdiction, Tribe/reservation, 
or State; such properties are not required to be owned, operated, or 
leased by the program. Temporary refuge includes a residential service, 
including shelter and off-site services such as hotel or motel vouchers 
or individual dwellings, which is not transitional or permanent 
housing, but must also provide comprehensive supportive services. The 
mere act of making a referral to shelter or housing shall not itself be 
considered provision of shelter. Should other jurisdictional laws 
conflict with this definition of temporary refuge, the definition which 
provides more expansive housing accessibility governs.
    State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, except as otherwise provided in 
statute, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and 
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    State Domestic Violence Coalition means a Statewide, 
nongovernmental, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose membership 
includes a majority of the primary-purpose domestic violence service 
providers in the State; whose board membership is representative of 
these primary-purpose domestic violence service providers and which may 
include representatives of the communities in which the services are 
being provided in the State; that has as its purpose to provide 
education, support, and technical assistance to such service providers 
to enable the providers to establish and maintain supportive services 
and to provide shelter to victims of domestic violence and their 
children; and that serves as an information clearinghouse, primary 
point of contact, and resource center on domestic violence for the 
State and supports the development of policies, protocols and 
procedures to enhance domestic violence intervention and prevention in 
the State/Territory.
    Supportive services means services for adult and youth victims of 
family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their 
dependents that are designed to meet the needs of such victims and 
their dependents for short-term, transitional, or long-term safety and 
recovery. Supportive services include, but are not limited to: Direct 
and/or referral-based advocacy on behalf of victims and their 
dependents, counseling, case management, employment services, 
referrals, transportation services, legal advocacy or assistance, child 
care services, health, behavioral health and preventive health 
services, culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and other 
services that assist victims or their dependents in recovering from the 
effects of the violence. To the extent not already described in this 
definition, supportive services also include but are not limited to 
other services identified in FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10408(b)(1)(A)-(H). 
Supportive services may be directly provided by grantees and/or by 
providing advocacy or referrals to assist victims in accessing such 
services.
    Underserved populations means populations who face barriers in 
accessing and using victim services, and includes populations 
underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual 
orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic 
populations, and populations underserved because of special needs 
including language barriers, disabilities, immigration status, and age. 
Individuals with criminal histories due to victimization and 
individuals with substance use disorders and mental health issues are 
also included in this definition. The reference to racial and ethnic 
populations is primarily directed toward racial and ethnic minority 
groups (as defined in section 1707(g) of the Public Health Service Act 
(42 U.S.C. 300(u-6)(g)), which means American Indians (including Alaska 
Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); Asian American; Native Hawaiians and 
other Pacific Islanders; Blacks and Hispanics. The term ``Hispanic'' or 
``Latino'' means individuals whose origin is Mexican, Puerto Rican, 
Cuban, Central or South American, or any other Spanish-speaking 
country. This underserved populations' definition also includes other 
population categories determined by the Secretary or the Secretary's 
designee to be underserved.


Sec.  1370.3  What Government-wide and HHS-wide regulations apply to 
these programs?

    (a) A number of government-wide and HHS regulations apply or 
potentially apply to all grantees. These include but are not limited 
to:
    (1) 2 CFR part 182--Government-wide Requirements for Drug Free 
Workplaces;
    (2) 2 CFR part 376--Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension;
    (3) 45 CFR part 16--Procedures of the Departmental Grant Appeals 
Board;
    (4) 45 CFR part 30--Claims Collection;
    (5) 45 CFR part 46--Protection of Human Subjects;
    (6) 45 CFR part 75--Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost 
Principles and Audit Requirements for HHS Awards

[[Page 76473]]

    (7) 45 CFR part 80--Nondiscrimi- nation Under Programs Receiving 
Federal Assistance Through the Department of Health and Human Services 
Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
    (8) 45 CFR part 81--Practice and Procedure for Hearings under part 
80;
    (9) 45 CFR part 84--Nondiscrimi- nation on the Basis of Handicap in 
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance;
    (10) 45 CFR part 86--Nondiscrimi- nation on the Basis of Sex in 
Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial 
Assistance;
    (11) 45 CFR part 87--Equal Treatment for Faith-Based Organizations;
    (12) 45 CFR part 91--Nondiscrimi- nation on the Basis of Age in 
Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance for HHS;
    (13) 45 CFR part 92--Nondiscrimi- nation in Health Programs and 
Activities; and
    (14) 45 CFR part 93--New Restrictions on Lobbying.
    (b) A number of government-wide and HHS regulations apply to all 
contractors. These include but are not limited to:
    (15) 48 CFR Chapter 1--Federal Acquisition Regulations; and
    (16) 48 CFR Chapter 3--Federal Acquisition Regulations--Department 
of Health and Human Services.


Sec.  1370.4  What confidentiality requirements apply to these 
programs?

    (a) In order to ensure the safety of adult, youth, and child 
victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and 
their families, grantees and subgrantees under FVPSA shall protect the 
confidentiality and privacy of such victims and their families. Subject 
to paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, grantees and 
subgrantees shall not--
    (1) Disclose any personally identifying information (as defined in 
Sec.  1370.2) collected in connection with services requested 
(including services utilized or denied) through grantees' and 
subgrantees' programs;
    (2) Reveal any personally identifying information without informed, 
written, reasonably time-limited consent by the person about whom 
information is sought, whether for this program or any other Federal, 
Tribal or State grant program, including but not limited to whether to 
comply with Federal, Tribal, or State reporting, evaluation, or data 
collection requirements; or
    (3) Require an adult, youth, or child victim of family violence, 
domestic violence, and dating violence to provide a consent to release 
his or her personally identifying information as a condition of 
eligibility for the services provided by the grantee or subgrantee.
    (b) Consent shall be given by the person, except in the case of an 
unemancipated minor it shall be given by both the minor and the minor's 
parent or guardian; or in the case of an individual with a guardian it 
shall be given by the individual's guardian. A parent or guardian may 
not give consent if: he or she is the abuser or suspected abuser of the 
minor or individual with a guardian; or, the abuser or suspected abuser 
of the other parent of the minor. If a minor or a person with a legally 
appointed guardian is permitted by law to receive services without the 
parent's or guardian's consent, the minor or person with a guardian may 
release information without additional consent. Reasonable 
accommodations shall also be made for those who may be unable, due to 
disability or other functional limitation, to provide consent in 
writing.
    (c) If the release of information described in paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of this section is compelled by statutory or court mandate:
    (1) Grantees and sub-grantees shall make reasonable attempts to 
provide notice to victims affected by the release of the information; 
and
    (2) Grantees and subgrantees shall take steps necessary to protect 
the privacy and safety of the persons affected by the release of the 
information.
    (d) Grantees and subgrantees may share:
    (1) Non-personally identifying information, in the aggregate, 
regarding services to their clients and demographic non-personally 
identifying information in order to comply with Federal, State, or 
Tribal reporting, evaluation, or data collection requirements;
    (2) Court-generated information and law enforcement-generated 
information contained in secure, governmental registries for protective 
order enforcement purposes; and
    (3) Law enforcement- and prosecution-generated information 
necessary for law enforcement and prosecution purposes.
    (4) Personally identifying information may be shared with a health 
care provider or payer, but only with the informed, written, reasonably 
time-limited consent of the person about whom such information is 
sought.
    (e) Nothing in this section prohibits a grantee or subgrantee, 
where mandated or expressly permitted by the State or Indian Tribe, 
from reporting abuse and neglect, as those terms are defined by law, or 
from reporting imminent risk of serious bodily injury or death of the 
victim or another person.
    (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede any 
provision of any Federal, State, Tribal, or local law that provides 
greater protection than this section for victims of family violence, 
domestic violence, or dating violence.
    (g) The address or location of any shelter facility assisted that 
maintains a confidential location shall, except with written 
authorization of the person or persons responsible for the operation of 
such shelter, not be made public.
    (1) Shelters which choose to remain confidential pursuant to this 
rule must develop and maintain systems and protocols to remain secure, 
which must include policies to respond to disruptive or dangerous 
contact from abusers, and
    (2) Tribal governments, while exercising due diligence to comply 
with statutory provisions and this rule, may determine how best to 
maintain the safety and confidentiality of shelter locations.


Sec.  1370.5  What additional non-discrimination requirements apply to 
these programs?

    (a) No person shall on the ground of actual or perceived sex, 
including gender identity, be excluded from participation in, be denied 
the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or 
activity funded in whole or in part through FVPSA.
    (1) FVPSA grantees and subgrantees must provide comparable services 
to victims regardless of actual or perceived sex, including gender 
identity. This includes not only providing access to services for all 
victims, including male victims, of family, domestic, and dating 
violence regardless of actual or perceived sex, including gender 
identity, but also making sure not to limit services for victims with 
adolescent children (under the age of 18) on the basis of the actual or 
perceived sex, including gender identity, of the children. Victims and 
their minor children must be sheltered or housed together, regardless 
of actual or perceived sex, including gender identity, unless requested 
otherwise or unless the factors or considerations identified in Sec.  
1370.5(a)(2) require an exception to this general rule.
    (2) No such program or activity is required to include an 
individual in such program or activity without taking into 
consideration that individual's sex in those certain instances where 
sex is a bona fide occupational qualification or a programmatic factor 
reasonably

[[Page 76474]]

necessary to the essential operation of that particular program or 
activity. If sex segregation or sex-specific programming is essential 
to the normal or safe operation of the program, nothing in this 
paragraph shall prevent any such program or activity from consideration 
of an individual's sex. In such circumstances, grantees and subgrantees 
may meet the requirements of this paragraph by providing comparable 
services to individuals who cannot be provided with the sex-segregated 
or sex-specific programming, including access to a comparable length of 
stay, supportive services, and transportation as needed to access 
services. If a grantee or subgrantee determines that sex-segregated or 
sex-specific programming is essential for the normal or safe operation 
of the program, it must support its justification with an assessment of 
the facts and circumstances surrounding the specific program, including 
an analysis of factors discussed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, 
and take into account established field-based best practices and 
research findings, as applicable. The justification cannot rely on 
unsupported assumptions or overly-broad sex-based generalizations. An 
individual must be treated consistent with their gender identity in 
accordance with this section.
    (3) Factors that may be relevant to a grantee's or subgrantee's 
evaluation of whether sex-segregated or sex-specific programming is 
essential to the normal or safe operations of the program include, but 
are not limited, to the following: The nature of the service, the 
anticipated positive and negative consequences to all eligible 
beneficiaries of not providing the program in a sex-segregated or sex-
specific manner, the literature on the efficacy of the service being 
sex-segregated or sex-specific, and whether similarly-situated grantees 
and subgrantees providing the same services have been successful in 
providing services effectively in a manner that is not sex-segregated 
or sex-specific. A grantee or subgrantee may not provide sex-segregated 
or sex-specific services for reasons that are trivial or based on the 
grantee's or subgrantee's convenience.
    (4) As with all individuals served, transgender and gender 
nonconforming individuals must have equal access to FVPSA-funded 
shelter and nonresidential programs. Programmatic accessibility for 
transgender and gender nonconforming survivors and minor children must 
be afforded to meet individual needs consistent with the individual's 
gender identity. ACF requires that a FVPSA grantee or subgrantee that 
makes decisions about eligibility for or placement into single-sex 
emergency shelters or other facilities offer every individual an 
assignment consistent with their gender identity. For the purpose of 
assigning a service beneficiary to sex-segregated or sex-specific 
services, the grantee/subgrantee may ask a beneficiary which group or 
services the beneficiary wishes to join. The grantee/subgrantee may 
not, however, ask questions about the beneficiary's anatomy or medical 
history or make demands for identity documents or other documentation 
of gender. A victim's/beneficiary's or potential victim's/beneficiary's 
request for an alternative or additional accommodation for purposes of 
personal health, privacy, or safety must be given serious consideration 
in making the placement. For instance, if the potential victim/
beneficiary requests to be placed based on his or her sex assigned at 
birth, ACF requires that the provider will place the individual in 
accordance with that request, consistent with health, safety, and 
privacy concerns of the individual. ACF also requires that a provider 
will not make an assignment or re-assignment of the transgender or 
gender nonconforming individual based on complaints of another person 
when the sole stated basis of the complaint is a victim/client or 
potential victim/client's non-conformance with gender stereotypes or 
sex, including gender identity.
    (b) An organization that participates in programs funded through 
the FVPSA shall not, in providing services, discriminate against a 
program beneficiary or prospective program beneficiary on the basis of 
religion, a religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or 
a refusal to attend or participate in a religious practice.
    (1) Dietary practices dictated by particular religious beliefs may 
require reasonable accommodation in cooking or feeding arrangements for 
particular beneficiaries as practicable. Additionally, other forms of 
religious practice may require reasonable accommodation including, but 
not limited to, shelters that have cleaning schedules may need to 
account for a survivor's religion which prohibits him/her from working 
on religious holidays.
    (c) No person shall on the ground of actual or perceived sexual 
orientation be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits 
of, or be subject to discrimination under, any program or activity 
funded in whole or in part through FVPSA.
    (1) All programs must take into account participants' needs and be 
inclusive and not stigmatize participants based on actual or perceived 
sexual orientation.
    (d) All FVPSA-funded services must be provided without requiring 
documentation of immigration status because HHS has determined that 
FVPSA-funded services do not fall within the definition of federal 
public benefit that would require verification of immigration status.
    (e) Grantees and subgrantees should create a plan to ensure 
effective communication and equal access, including:
    (1) How to identify and communicate with individuals with Limited 
English Proficiency, and how to identify and properly use qualified 
interpretation and translation services, and taglines; and
    (2) How to take appropriate steps to ensure that communications 
with applicants, participants, beneficiaries, members of the public, 
and companions with disabilities are as effective as communications 
with others; and furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where 
necessary to afford qualified individuals with disabilities, including 
applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and members of the public, an 
equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a 
service, program, or activity. Auxiliary aids and services include 
qualified interpreters and large print materials.
    (f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate or 
limit the rights, remedies, procedures, or legal standards available to 
individuals under other applicable law.
    (g) The Secretary shall enforce the provisions of paragraphs (a) 
and (b) of this section in accordance with section 602 of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-1). Section 603 of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d-2) shall apply with respect to any action 
taken by the Secretary to enforce this section.


Sec.  1370.6  What requirements for reports and evaluations apply to 
these programs?

    Each entity receiving a grant or contract under these programs 
shall submit a performance report to the Secretary at such time as 
required by the Secretary. Such performance report shall describe the 
activities that have been carried out, contain an evaluation of the 
effectiveness of such activities, and provide such additional 
information as the Secretary may require. Territorial governments which 
consolidate FVPSA funds with other HHS funds in a Consolidated Block 
Grant pursuant to 45 CFR part 97 are not required to submit annual 
FVPSA

[[Page 76475]]

performance progress reports and programmatic assurances if FVPSA funds 
are not designated in the consolidation application for FVPSA purposes. 
If a territorial government either does not consolidate FVPSA funds 
with other HHS funds or does consolidate but indicates that FVPSA funds 
will be used for FVPSA purposes, the territorial government must submit 
an annual FVPSA performance progress report and programmatic assurances 
to FYSB.

Subpart B--State and Indian Tribal Grants


Sec.  1370.10  What additional requirements apply to State and Indian 
Tribal grants?

    (a) These grants assist States and Tribes to support the 
establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects to 
prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating 
violence; to provide immediate shelter, supportive services, and access 
to community-based programs for victims of family violence, domestic 
violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; and to provide 
specialized services for children exposed to family violence, domestic 
violence, or dating violence, including victims who are members of 
underserved populations. States must consult with and provide for the 
participation of State Domestic Violence Coalitions and Tribal 
Coalitions in the planning and monitoring of the distribution and 
administration of subgrant programs and projects. At a minimum to 
further FVPSA requirements, States and State Domestic Violence 
Coalitions will work together to determine grant priorities based upon 
jointly identified needs; to identify strategies to address needs; to 
define mutual expectations regarding programmatic performance and 
monitoring; and to implement an annual collaboration plan that 
incorporates concrete steps for accomplishing these tasks. If States 
also fund State Domestic Violence Coalitions to provide training, 
technical assistance, or other programming, nothing in this rule is 
intended to conflict with State contracting requirements regarding 
conflicts of interest but rather that this rule's requirements should 
be interpreted to complement States' contracting and procurement laws 
and regulations. States must involve community-based organizations that 
primarily serve underserved populations, including culturally- and 
linguistically-specific populations, to determine how such populations 
can assist the States in serving the unmet needs of underserved 
populations and culturally- and linguistically-specific populations. 
Tribes should be involved in these processes where appropriate, but 
this rule is not intended to encroach upon Tribal sovereignty. States 
also must consult with and provide for the participation of State 
Domestic Violence Coalitions and Tribal Coalitions in State planning 
and coordinate such planning with needs assessments to identify service 
gaps or problems and develop appropriate responsive plans and programs. 
Similar coordination and collaboration processes for Tribes and State 
Domestic Violence Coalitions are expected when feasible and appropriate 
with deference to Tribal sovereignty as previously indicated.
    (b) A State application must be submitted by the Chief Executive of 
the State and signed by the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief 
Program Official designated as responsible for the administration of 
FVPSA. Each application must contain the following information or 
documentation:
    (1) The name of the State agency, the name and contact information 
for the Chief Program Official designated as responsible for the 
administration of funds under FVPSA and coordination of related 
programs within the State, and the name and contact information for a 
contact person if different from the Chief Program Official;
    (2) A plan describing in detail how the needs of underserved 
populations will be met, including:
    (i) Identification of which populations in the State are 
underserved, a description of those that are being targeted for 
outreach and services, and a brief explanation of why those populations 
were selected to receive outreach and services, including how often the 
State revisits the identification and selection of the populations to 
be served with FVPSA funding. States must review their State 
demographics and other relevant metrics at least every three years or 
explain why this process is unnecessary;
    (ii) A description of the outreach plan, including the domestic 
violence training to be provided, the means for providing technical 
assistance and support, and the leadership role played by those 
representing and serving the underserved populations in question;
    (iii) A description of the specific services to be provided or 
enhanced, such as new shelters or services, improved access to shelters 
or services, or new services for underserved populations; and
    (iv) A description of the public information component of the 
State's outreach program, including the elements of the program that 
are used to explain domestic violence, the most effective and safe ways 
to seek help, and tools to identify available resources; and
    (v) A description of the means by which the program will provide 
meaningful access for limited English proficient individuals and 
effective communication for individuals with disabilities.
    (3) A description of the process and procedures used to involve the 
State Domestic Violence Coalition and Tribal Coalition where one 
exists, knowledgeable individuals, and interested organizations, 
including those serving or representing underserved populations in the 
State planning process;
    (4) Documentation of planning, consultation with and participation 
of the State Domestic Violence Coalition and Tribal Coalition where one 
exists, in the administration and distribution of FVPSA programs, 
projects, and grant funds awarded to the State;
    (5) A description of the procedures used to assure an equitable 
distribution of grants and grant funds within the State and between 
urban and rural areas. States may use one of the Census definitions of 
rural or non-metro areas or another State-determined definition. A 
State-determined definition must be supported by data and be available 
for public input prior to its adoption. The State must show that the 
definition selected achieves an equitable distribution of funds within 
the State and between urban and rural areas. The plan should describe 
how funding processes and allocations will address the needs of 
underserved populations as defined in Sec.  1370.2, including Tribal 
populations, with an emphasis on funding organizations that can meet 
unique needs including culturally- and linguistically-specific 
populations. Other Federal, State, local, and private funds may be 
considered in determining compliance;
    (6) A description of:
    (i) how the State plans to use the grant funds including a State 
plan developed in consultation with State and Tribal Domestic Violence 
Coalitions and representatives of underserved populations;
    (ii) the target populations;
    (iii) the number of shelters and programs providing shelter to be 
funded;
    (iv) the number of non-residential programs to be funded; the 
services the State will provide; and
    (v) the expected results from the use of the grant funds. To 
fulfill these requirements, it is critically important that States work 
with State Domestic

[[Page 76476]]

Violence Coalitions and Tribes to solicit their feedback on program 
effectiveness which may include recommendations such as establishing 
program standards and participating in program monitoring;
    (7) An assurance that the State has a law or procedure to bar an 
abuser from a shared household or a household of the abused person, 
which may include eviction laws or procedures, where appropriate;
    (8) An assurance that not less than 70 percent of the funds 
distributed by a State to sub-recipients shall be distributed to 
entities for the primary purpose of providing immediate shelter and 
supportive services to adult and youth victims of family violence, 
domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents, and that 
not less than 25 percent of the funds distributed by a State to 
subgrantees/recipients shall be distributed to entities for the purpose 
of providing supportive services and prevention services (these 
percentages may overlap with respect to supportive services but are not 
included in the 5 percent cap applicable to State administrative 
costs). In the distribution of funds, States will give special emphasis 
to the support of community-based projects of demonstrated 
effectiveness that are carried out by primary-purpose domestic violence 
providers. No grant shall be made under this section to an entity other 
than a State unless the entity agrees that, with respect to the costs 
to be incurred by the entity in carrying out the program or project for 
which the grant is awarded, the entity will make available (directly or 
through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal 
contributions in an amount that is not less than $1 for every $5 of 
Federal funds provided under the grant. The non-Federal contributions 
required under this paragraph may be in cash or in kind;
    (9) Documentation of policies, procedures and protocols that ensure 
individual identifiers of client records will not be used when 
providing statistical data on program activities and program services 
or in the course of grant monitoring, that the confidentiality of 
records pertaining to any individual provided family violence, domestic 
violence, or dating violence prevention or intervention services by any 
program or entity supported under the FVPSA will be strictly 
maintained, and the address or location of any shelter supported under 
the FVPSA will not be made public without the written authorization of 
the person or persons responsible for the operation of such shelter;
    (10) Such additional agreements, assurances, and information, in 
such form, and submitted in such manner as the Funding Opportunity 
Announcement and related program guidance prescribe. Moreover, 
additional agreements, assurances, and information required by the 
Funding Opportunity Announcement and other program guidance will 
include that no requirement for participating in supportive services 
offered by FVPSA-funded programs may be imposed by grantees or 
subgrantees for the receipt of emergency shelter and receipt of all 
supportive services shall be voluntary. Similarly, the receipt of 
shelter cannot be conditioned on participation in other services, such 
as, but not limited to counseling, parenting classes, mental health or 
substance use disorders treatment, pursuit of specific legal remedies, 
or life skill classes. Additionally, programs cannot impose conditions 
for admission to shelter by applying inappropriate screening 
mechanisms, such as criminal background checks, sobriety requirements, 
requirements to obtain specific legal remedies, or mental health or 
substance use disorder screenings. An individual's or family's stay in 
shelter cannot be conditioned upon accepting or participating in 
services. Based upon the capacity of a FVPSA-funded service provider, 
victims and their dependents do not need to reside in shelter to 
receive supportive services. Nothing is these requirements prohibits a 
shelter operator from adopting reasonable policies and procedures 
reflecting field-based best practices, to ensure that persons receiving 
services are not currently engaging in illegal drug use, if that drug 
use presents a danger to the safety of others, creates an undue 
hardship for the shelter operator, or causes a fundamental alteration 
to the operator's services. In the case of an apparent conflict with 
State, Federal, or Tribal laws, case-by-case determinations will be 
made by ACF if they are not resolved at the State or Tribal level. In 
general, when two or more laws apply, a grantee/subgrantee must meet 
the highest standard for providing programmatic accessibility to 
victims and their dependents. These provisions are not intended to deny 
a shelter the ability to manage its services and secure the safety of 
all shelter residents should, for example, a client become violent or 
abusive to other clients.
    (c) An application from a Tribe or Tribal Organization must include 
documentation demonstrating that the governing body of the organization 
on whose behalf the application is submitted approves the application's 
submission to ACF for the current FVPSA grant period. Each application 
must contain the following information or documentation:
    (1) Written Tribal resolutions, meeting minutes from the governing 
body, and/or letters from the authorizing official reflecting approval 
of the application's submittal, depending on what is appropriate for 
the applicant's governance structure. Such documentation must reflect 
the applicant's authority to submit the application on behalf of 
members of the Tribes and administer programs and activities pursuant 
to FVPSA;
    (2) The resolution or equivalent documentation must specify the 
name(s) of the Tribe(s) on whose behalf the application is submitted 
and the service areas for the intended grant services;
    (3) Applications from consortia must provide letters of commitment, 
memoranda of understanding, or their equivalent identifying the primary 
applicant that is responsible for administering the grant, documenting 
commitments made by partnering eligible applicants, and describing 
their roles and responsibilities as partners in the consortia or 
collaboration;
    (4) A description of the procedures designed to involve 
knowledgeable individuals and interested organizations in providing 
services under the FVPSA. For example, knowledgeable individuals and 
interested organizations may include Tribal officials or social 
services staff involved in child abuse or family violence prevention, 
Tribal law enforcement officials, representatives of Tribal or State 
Domestic Violence Coalitions, and operators of domestic violence 
shelters and service programs;
    (5) A description of the applicant's operation of and/or capacity 
to carry out a family violence prevention and services program. This 
might be demonstrated in ways such as:
    (i) The current operation of a shelter, safe house, or domestic 
violence prevention program;
    (ii) The establishment of joint or collaborative service agreements 
with a local public agency or a private, non- profit agency for the 
operation of family violence prevention and intervention activities or 
services; or
    (iii) The operation of social services programs as evidenced by 
receipt of grants or contracts awarded under Indian Child Welfare 
grants from the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Child Welfare Services grants 
under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act; or Family Preservation and 
Family Support grants under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act.

[[Page 76477]]

    (6) A description of the services to be provided, how the applicant 
organization plans to use the grant funds to provide the direct 
services, to whom the services will be provided, and the expected 
results of the services;
    (7) An assurance that the Indian Tribe has a law or procedure to 
bar an abuser from a shared household or a household of the abused 
person, which may include eviction laws or procedures, where 
appropriate;
    (8) Documentation of the policies and procedures developed and 
implemented, including copies of the policies and procedures, to ensure 
that individual identifiers of client records will not be used when 
providing statistical data on program activities and program services 
or in the course of grant monitoring and that the confidentiality of 
records pertaining to any individual provided domestic violence 
prevention or intervention services by any FVPSA-supported program will 
be strictly maintained; and
    (9) Such agreements, assurances, and information, in such form, and 
submitted in such manner as the Funding Opportunity Announcement and 
related program guidance prescribe.
    (d) Given the unique needs of victims of trafficking, FVPSA-funded 
programs are strongly encouraged to safely screen for and identify 
victims of human trafficking who are also victims or survivors of 
domestic violence or dating violence and provide services that support 
their unique needs.

Subpart C--State Domestic Violence Coalition Grants


Sec.  1370.20  What additional requirements apply to State Domestic 
Violence Coalitions?

    (a) State Domestic Violence Coalitions reflect a Federal commitment 
to reducing domestic violence; to urge States, localities, cities, and 
the private sector to improve the responses to and the prevention of 
domestic violence and encourage stakeholders and service providers to 
plan toward an integrated service delivery approach that meets the 
needs of all victims, including those in underserved communities; to 
provide for technical assistance and training relating to domestic 
violence programs; and to increase public awareness about and 
prevention of domestic violence and increase the quality and 
availability of shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic 
violence and their dependents.
    (b) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an 
organization shall be a Statewide, non-governmental, non-profit 
501(c)(3) domestic violence coalition, designated as such by the 
Department. To obtain this designation the organization must meet the 
following criteria:
    (1) The membership must include representatives from a majority of 
the primary-purpose domestic violence service providers operating 
within the State (a Coalition also may include representatives of 
Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations as defined in the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act);
    (2) The Board membership of the Coalition must be representative of 
such programs, and may include representatives of communities in which 
the services are being provided in the State;
    (3) Financial sustainability of State Domestic Violence Coalitions, 
as independent, autonomous non-profit organizations, also must be 
supported by their membership, including those member representatives 
on the Coalitions' Boards of Directors;
    (4) The purpose of a State Domestic Violence Coalition is to 
provide education, support, and technical assistance to such service 
providers to enable the providers to establish and maintain shelter and 
supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their 
dependents; and to serve as an information clearinghouse, primary point 
of contact, and resource center on domestic violence for the State; and 
support the development of polices, protocols, and procedures to 
enhance domestic violence intervention and prevention in the State.
    (c) To apply for a grant under this section, an organization shall 
submit an annual application that:
    (1) Includes a complete description of the applicant's plan for the 
operation of a State Domestic Violence Coalition, including 
documentation that the Coalition's work will demonstrate the capacity 
to support state-wide efforts to improve system responses to domestic 
and dating violence as outlined in (c)(1)(i) through (vii) of this 
section. Coalitions must also have documented experience in 
administering Federal grants to conduct the activities of a Coalition 
or a documented history of active participation in:
    (i) Working with local family violence, domestic violence, and 
dating violence service programs and providers of direct services to 
encourage appropriate and comprehensive responses to family violence, 
domestic violence, and dating violence against adults or youth within 
the State involved, including providing training and technical 
assistance and conducting State needs assessments and participate in 
planning and monitoring of the distribution of subgrants within the 
States and in the administration of grant programs and projects;
    (ii) In conducting needs assessments, Coalitions and States must 
work in partnership on the statutorily required FVPSA State planning 
process to involve representatives from underserved populations and 
culturally- and linguistically-specific populations to plan, assess and 
voice the needs of the communities they represent. Coalitions will 
assist States in identifying underserved populations and culturally- 
and linguistically- specific community based organizations in State 
planning and to work with States to unify planning and needs assessment 
efforts so that comprehensive and culturally-specific services are 
provided. The inclusion of the populations targeted will emphasize 
building the capacity of culturally- and linguistically-specific 
services and programs.
    (iii) Working in collaboration with service providers and 
community-based organizations to address the needs of family violence, 
domestic violence, and dating violence victims, and their dependents, 
who are members of underserved populations and culturally- and 
linguistically-specific populations;
    (iv) Collaborating with and providing information to entities in 
such fields as housing, health care, mental health, social welfare, or 
business to support the development and implementation of effective 
policies, protocols, and programs that address the safety and support 
needs of adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, 
or dating violence;
    (v) Encouraging appropriate responses to cases of family violence, 
domestic violence, or dating violence against adults or youth, 
including by working with judicial and law enforcement agencies;
    (vi) Working with family law judges, criminal court judges, child 
protective service agencies, and children's advocates to develop 
appropriate responses to child custody and visitation issues in cases 
of child exposure to family violence, domestic violence, or dating 
violence and in cases in which family violence, domestic violence, or 
dating violence is present and child abuse is present;
    (vii) Providing information to the public about prevention of 
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, including 
information targeted to underserved populations, including limited 
English proficient individuals; and

[[Page 76478]]

    (viii) Collaborating with Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations 
(and corresponding Native Hawaiian groups or communities) to address 
the needs of Indian (including Alaska Native) and Native Hawaiian 
victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, as 
applicable in the State;
    (2) Contains such agreements, assurances, and information, in such 
form, and submitted in such manner as the Funding Opportunity 
Announcement and related program guidance prescribe.
    (d) Nothing in this section limits the ability of a Coalition to 
use non-Federal or other Federal funding sources to conduct required 
functions, provided that if the Coalition uses funds received under 
section 2001(c)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 
1968 to perform the functions described in FVPSA at 42 U.S.C. 10411(e) 
in lieu of funds provided under the FVPSA, it shall provide an annual 
assurance to the Secretary that it is using such funds, and that it is 
coordinating the activities conducted under this section with those of 
the State's activities under Part T of title I of the Omnibus Crime 
Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.
    (e) In cases in which two or more organizations seek designation, 
the designation of each State's individual Coalition is within the 
exclusive discretion of HHS. HHS will determine which applicant best 
fits statutory criteria, with particular attention paid to the 
applicant's documented history of effective work, support of primary-
purpose domestic violence service providers and programs that serve 
underserved populations, coordination and collaboration with the State 
government, and capacity to accomplish the FVPSA-mandated role of a 
Coalition.
    (f) Regarding FVPSA funding, in cases where a Coalition financially 
or otherwise dissolves, is newly formed, or merges with another entity, 
the designation of a new Coalition is within the exclusive discretion 
of HHS. HHS will seek individual feedback from domestic violence 
service providers, community stakeholders, State leaders, and 
representatives of underserved populations and culturally- and 
linguistically-specific populations to identify an existing 
organization that can serve as the Coalition or to develop a new 
organization. The new Coalition must reapply for designation and 
funding following steps determined by the Secretary. HHS will determine 
whether the applicant fits the statutory criteria, with particular 
attention paid to the applicant's documented history of effective work, 
support of primary-purpose domestic violence programs and programs that 
serve underserved populations, coordination and collaboration with the 
State government, and capacity to accomplish the FVPSA mandated role of 
a Coalition.

Subpart D--Discretionary Grants and Contracts


Sec.  1370.30  What National Resource Center and Training and Technical 
Assistance grant programs are available and what additional 
requirements apply?

    (a) These grants are to provide resource information, training, and 
technical assistance to improve the capacity of individuals, 
organizations, governmental entities, and communities to prevent family 
violence, domestic violence, and dating violence and to provide 
effective intervention services. They fund national, special issue, and 
culturally-specific resource centers addressing key areas of domestic 
violence intervention and prevention, and may include State resource 
centers to reduce disparities in domestic violence in States with high 
proportions of Native American (including Alaska Native or Native 
Hawaiian) populations and to support training and technical assistance 
that address emerging issues related to family violence, domestic 
violence, or dating violence, to entities demonstrating expertise in 
these areas. Grants may be made for:
    (1) A National Resource Center on Domestic Violence which will 
conduct the following activities:
    (i) offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance and 
training resources to Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, 
domestic violence service providers, community-based organizations, and 
other professionals and interested parties, related to domestic 
violence service programs and research, including programs and research 
related to victims and their children who are exposed to domestic 
violence; and
    (ii) Maintain a central resource library in order to collect, 
prepare, analyze, and disseminate information and statistics related to 
the incidence and prevention of family violence and domestic violence; 
and the provision of shelter, supportive services, and prevention 
services to adult and youth victims of domestic violence (including 
services to prevent repeated incidents of violence).
    (2) A National Indian Resource Center Addressing Domestic Violence 
and Safety for Indian Women which will conduct the following 
activities:
    (i) Offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance and 
training resources to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, 
specifically designed to enhance the capacity of the Tribes and Tribal 
organizations to respond to domestic violence and increase the safety 
of Indian women; and
    (ii) Enhance the intervention and prevention efforts of Indian 
Tribes and Tribal organizations to respond to domestic violence and 
increase the safety of Indian women, and
    (iii) To coordinate activities with other Federal agencies, 
offices, and grantees that address the needs of Indians (including 
Alaska Natives) and Native Hawaiians that experience domestic violence.
    (3) Special issue resource centers to provide national information, 
training, and technical assistance to State and local domestic violence 
service providers. Each special issue resource center shall focus on 
enhancing domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts in at 
least one of the following areas:
    (i) Response of the criminal and civil justice systems to domestic 
violence victims, which may include the response to the use of the 
self-defense plea by domestic violence victims and the issuance and use 
of protective orders;
    (ii) Response of child protective service agencies to victims of 
domestic violence and their dependents and child custody issues in 
domestic violence cases;
    (iii) Response of the interdisciplinary health care system to 
victims of domestic violence and access to health care resources for 
victims of domestic violence; and
    (iv) Response of mental health systems, domestic violence service 
programs, and other related systems and programs to victims of domestic 
violence and to their children who are exposed to domestic violence.
    (4) Culturally-Specific Special Issue Resource Centers enhance 
domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts for victims of 
domestic violence who are members of racial and ethnic minority groups, 
to enhance the cultural and linguistic relevancy of service delivery, 
resource utilization, policy, research, technical assistance, community 
education, and prevention initiatives.
    (5) State resource centers to provide Statewide information, 
training, and technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and local domestic violence service organizations 
serving Native Americans (including Alaska Natives and Native 
Hawaiians) in a culturally sensitive and relevant manner. These centers 
shall:

[[Page 76479]]

    (i) Offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance and 
training resources to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and 
providers of services to Native Americans (including Alaska Natives and 
Native Hawaiians) specifically designed to enhance the capacity of the 
Tribes, organizations, and providers to respond to domestic violence, 
including offering the resources in States in which the population of 
Indians (including Alaska Natives) or Native Hawaiians exceeds 2.5 
percent of the total population of the State;
    (ii) Coordinate all projects and activities with the National 
Indian Resource Center Addressing Domestic Violence and Safety for 
Indian Women, including projects and activities that involve working 
with State and local governments to enhance their capacity to 
understand the unique needs of Native Americans (including Alaska 
Natives and Native Hawaiians); and
    (iii) Provide comprehensive community education and domestic 
violence prevention initiatives in a culturally sensitive and relevant 
manner; and
    (iv) Otherwise meet certain eligibility requirements for state 
resource centers to reduce tribal disparities, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 
10410(c)(4).
    (6) Other discretionary purposes to support training and technical 
assistance that address emerging issues related to family violence, 
domestic violence, or dating violence, to entities demonstrating 
related experience.
    (b) To receive a grant under any part of this section, an entity 
shall submit an application that shall meet such eligibility standards 
as are prescribed in the FVPSA and contains such agreements, 
assurances, and information, in such form, and submitted in such manner 
as the Funding Opportunity Announcement and related program guidance 
prescribe.


Sec.  1370.31  What additional requirements apply to grants for 
specialized services for abused parents and their children?

    (a) These grants serve to expand the capacity of family violence, 
domestic violence, and dating violence service programs and community-
based programs to prevent future domestic violence by addressing, in an 
appropriate manner, the needs of children exposed to family violence, 
domestic violence, or dating violence. To be eligible an entity must be 
a local agency, a nonprofit private organization (including faith-based 
and charitable organizations, community-based organizations, and 
voluntary associations), or a Tribal organization, with a demonstrated 
record of serving victims of family violence, domestic violence, or 
dating violence and their children.
    (b) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity 
shall submit an application that:
    (1) Includes a complete description of the applicant's plan for 
providing specialized services for abused parents and their children, 
including descriptions of:
    (i) How the entity will prioritize the safety of, and 
confidentiality of, information about victims of family violence, 
victims of domestic violence, and victims of dating violence and their 
children, and will comply with the confidentiality requirements of 
FVPSA, 42 U.S.C. 10406(c)(5) and this rule at Sec.  1370.4;
    (ii) How the entity will provide developmentally appropriate and 
age-appropriate services, and culturally and linguistically appropriate 
services, to the victims and children;
    (iii) How the entity will ensure that professionals working with 
the children receive the training and technical assistance appropriate 
and relevant to the unique needs of children exposed to family 
violence, domestic violence, or dating violence; and
    (iv) How, in the case of victims who choose to or by virtue of 
their circumstances must remain in contact with an abusive partner/
parent, the entity will: consider the victim's decision-making for 
keeping children safe within the continuum of domestic violence (see 
the definition of domestic violence in the regulatory text at Sec.  
1370.2 which describes the potential range of behaviors constituting 
domestic violence); not place burdens or demands on the non-abusive 
parent that the parent cannot comply with due to the coercive control 
of the offender; and take precautions to avoid actions that discourage 
victims from help-seeking, such as making unnecessary referrals to 
child protective services when survivors go to community-based 
organizations for assistance in safety planning to protect children.
    (2) Demonstrates that the applicant has the ability to effectively 
provide, or partner with an organization that provides, direct 
counseling, appropriate services, and advocacy on behalf of victims of 
family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their 
children, including coordination with services provided by the child 
welfare system, schools, health care providers, home visitors, family 
court systems, and any other child or youth serving system;
    (3) Demonstrates that the applicant can effectively provide 
services for non-abusing parents to support those parents' roles as 
caregivers and their roles in responding to the social, emotional, and 
developmental needs of their children; and
    (4) Contains such agreements, assurances, and information, in such 
form, and submitted in such manner as the Funding Opportunity 
Announcement and related program guidance prescribe.
    (c) Eligible applicants may use funds under a grant pursuant to 
this section:
    (1) To provide early childhood development and mental health 
services;
    (2) To coordinate activities with and provide technical assistance 
to community-based organizations serving victims of family violence, 
domestic violence, or dating violence or children exposed to family 
violence, domestic violence, or dating violence; and
    (3) To provide additional services and referrals to services for 
children, including child care, transportation, educational support, 
respite care, supervised visitation, or other necessary services.
    (d) If Congressional appropriations in any fiscal year for the 
entirety of programs covered in this part (exclusive of the National 
Domestic Violence Hotline which receives a separate appropriation) 
exceed $130 million, not less than 25 percent of such excess funds 
shall be made available to carry out this grant program. If 
appropriations reach this threshold, HHS will specify funding levels in 
future Funding Opportunity Announcements.


Sec.  1370.32  What additional requirements apply to National Domestic 
Violence Hotline grants?

    (a) These grants are for one or more private entities to provide 
for the ongoing operation of a 24-hour, national, toll-free telephone 
hotline to provide information and assistance to adult and youth 
victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, 
family and household members of such victims, and persons affected by 
the victimization.
    (b) Telephone is defined as a communications device that permits 
two or more callers or users to engage in transmitted analog, digital, 
short message service (SMS), cellular/wireless, laser, cable/broadband, 
internet, voice-over internet protocol (IP), video, or other 
communications, including telephone, smartphone, chat, text, voice 
recognition, or other technological means which connects callers or 
users together.

[[Page 76480]]

    (c) To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity 
shall submit an application that:
    (1) Includes a complete description of the applicant's plan for the 
operation of a national domestic violence telephone hotline, including 
descriptions of:
    (i) The training program for hotline personnel, including 
technology training to ensure that all persons affiliated with the 
hotline are able to effectively operate any technological systems used 
by the hotline, and are familiar with effective communication and equal 
access requirements, to ensure access for all, including people who are 
Limited English Proficient and people with disabilities;
    (ii) The hiring criteria and qualifications for hotline personnel;
    (iii) The methods for the creation, maintenance, and updating of a 
resource database;
    (iv) A plan for publicizing the availability of the hotline;
    (v) A plan for providing service such as advocacy and supportive 
services to Limited English Proficient callers, including service 
through hotline personnel who are qualified to interpret in non-English 
languages;
    (vi) A plan for facilitating access to the hotline by persons with 
disabilities, including persons who are deaf or have hearing 
impairments; and
    (vii) A plan for providing assistance and referrals to youth 
victims of domestic violence and for victims of dating violence who are 
minors, which may be carried out through a national teen dating 
violence hotline.
    (2) Demonstrates that the applicant has recognized expertise in the 
area of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence and a 
record of high quality service to victims of family violence, domestic 
violence, or dating violence, including a demonstration of support from 
advocacy groups and State Domestic violence Coalitions;
    (3) Demonstrates that the applicant has the capacity and the 
expertise to maintain a domestic violence hotline and a comprehensive 
database of service providers;
    (4) Demonstrates the ability to provide information and referrals 
for callers, directly connect callers to service providers, and employ 
crisis interventions meeting the standards of family violence, domestic 
violence, and dating violence providers;
    (5) Demonstrates that the applicant has a commitment to diversity 
and to the provision of services to underserved populations, including 
to ethnic, racial, and Limited English Proficient individuals, in 
addition to older individuals and individuals with disabilities;
    (6) Demonstrates that the applicant follows comprehensive quality 
assurance practices; and
    (7) Contains such agreements, information, and assurances, 
including nondisclosure of confidential or private information, in such 
form, and submitted in such manner as the Funding Opportunity 
Announcement and related program guidance prescribe.
    (d) The entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit a 
performance report to the Secretary at such time as reasonably required 
by the Secretary that shall describe the activities that have been 
carried out with grant funds, contain an evaluation of the 
effectiveness of such activities, and provide additional information as 
the Secretary may reasonably require.

[FR Doc. 2016-26063 Filed 10-28-16; 11:15 am]
 BILLING CODE