Section 363.30  Operation of the Grant Program

a)         The Department, in consultation with the Board, shall establish the DCFS Residential Services Construction Grant Program and, pursuant to the Department's resource allocation management plan determined in consultation with eligible providers, may make grants to eligible licensed residential services providers, subject to appropriations, out of funds reserved for capital improvements or expenditures as provided for in this Part.  The Program shall operate in a manner so that the estimated cost of the Program during the fiscal year will not exceed the total appropriation for the Program.  The grants shall be for the purpose of constructing new residential services sites, renovating existing residential services sites, and supporting capital rate enhancements for residential services sites' capital projects.  [20 ILCS 530/10]

b)         The Department shall develop criteria and issue policy guidance each year for assessing grant requests.  Requests will be evaluated based on the Department's strategic direction, the overall residential needs for the children being served at any given time, and the Department's current and anticipated levels of funding.  The criteria will include specific requirements that demonstrate the agency's performance and financial status.  The criteria will be analyzed, discussed and updated from time to time, in collaboration with representatives of the provider community.