The High Risk Family Case Management (HRFCM) Pilot Program is a competitive grant initiative funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Bureau of Maternal Child Health. Its primary goal is to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through nursing assessments, interventions, and service coordination provided to high-risk pregnant and postpartum individuals and their infants during pregnancy and for one year post-birth. The program emphasizes reducing disparities in maternal and infant outcomes across racial and ethnic lines, and exclusively serves medically high-risk families as defined in the HRFCM Vulnerability Index.

Applicants are expected to have or establish a physical presence in one of the three designated Illinois counties: Sangamon, St. Clair, or Winnebago. The pilot will fund up to four awards in total, with one award each in Sangamon and Winnebago, and two in St. Clair County. Program activities include monthly nurse home visits during pregnancy and the first three months postpartum, followed by ongoing nurse contact through the child's first year. Required staffing includes Illinois licensed RNs or APRNs, with a maximum ratio of one nurse per 50 families. Agencies may also utilize a multidisciplinary team for supplemental services.

The total available funding for the program is $2,106,000. Award amounts range from $351,000 to $1,053,000, corresponding to expected monthly caseloads per county. No cost sharing or matching is required. Indirect costs are permitted but must be based on an election or pre-negotiated rate; they cannot be billed otherwise. While pre-award costs are not automatically allowed, they may be approved at IDHS’s discretion if outlined in the budget narrative and approved in advance.

Eligible applicants include local governments, hospitals, community-based organizations, federally qualified health centers, and nonprofits. Applicants must be registered and prequalified through the Illinois GATA portal and meet federal and state standing requirements (e.g., active UEI, SAM.gov registration, good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, etc.). Incomplete applications or those missing mandatory forms will not be reviewed.

Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.OFWNOFO@illinois.gov by May 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT. Awards will be announced on May 28, 2025. The grant period runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with potential for two one-year renewals contingent on funding and performance. A technical assistance session is available but not mandatory, and further information will be posted on the IDHS website. Evaluation is based on merit review, with a maximum of 200 points available, including bonus points for culturally representative staffing and Drug Overdose Prevention Program participation.

Applicants may direct questions to Natalie Bullock at DHS.OFWNOFO@illinois.gov or call (312) 415-7369.