Putting the New Standards into Practice

Putting the New Standards into Practice

The Charitable Choice and Equal Treatment standards are expressed in federal regulations that apply to various federal social-service programs.  Some of those programs are operated by federal officials, who send out announcements seeking applicants from across the country and then award grants based on various criteria, including either the Charitable Choice or Equal Treatment rules.

But most federal social-service funds—80 or 90 percent—go as block grants or formula grants to state or local government agencies.  Then it is a state or local agency that seeks applicants and awards the grants or contracts to the successful organizations.  These agencies are required to follow various federal standards, including either the Charitable Choice or Equal Treatment rules.  The agencies may also add certain requirements of their own.

For the new federal standards to make a difference in how federally funded programs are operated and who actually has a fair chance to receive government support, not only federal officials but also state and local officials have to take action to be sure that their policies and practices conform to the new standards.  It is no secret that not all officials are equally enthusiastic about the reforms nor that government practices often change slowly. 

For details on how officials can ensure that their practices conform to the federal standards, go here: For Officials

For details on what faith-based groups can do if officials seem to be ignoring the new federal standards, go here: For Faith Groups