SSB - Prog Supp GenIC - State Capacity and Readiness Assessment for a State-Centered Refugee Resettlement Framework

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State Capacity and Readiness Assessment for a State-Centered Refugee Resettlement Framework


Formative Data Collections for Program Support

0970 - 0531


Supporting Statement
Part B
April 2026

Submitted By:
Office of Refugee Resettlement, Refugee Program Bureau
Administration for Children and Families 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

4th Floor, Mary E. Switzer Building
330 C Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201

Ryan Foster, Diane Landino and Adrienne Young


Overview of Study Objectives

The purpose of the information collection is to:  
    • Assess state readiness to support expanded coordination roles 
    • Identify implementation considerations and risks 
    • Understand operational capacity and variation across states 
    • Gather perspectives from national and local stakeholders 

The information collected will enable ORR to identify technical assistance (TA) needs and implementation challenges, support grantees in meeting statutory and programmatic requirements, and achieve intended outcomes. The data will also inform program planning and strengthen implementation strategies. Summary findings may be shared with state partners to facilitate the identification and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned. Additionally, the information will inform ORR leadership on implementation progress and emerging priorities related to the model. 

    1. Respondent Universe and Sampling Methods
Target Population  
This assessment will engage a range of stakeholders involved in refugee resettlement and integration, including:
    • State Governments (State Refugee Coordinators and related state partners)
    • National Initial Resettlement Providers (IRPs) 
    • National ecosystem partners including advocacy organizations, workforce partners, technical assistance providers, and other national stakeholders
    • Local resettlement providers 
    • Other local service providers (e.g., healthcare providers, employment services, education partners, community organizations)
    • Refugees and impacted individuals 
Participation may vary across instruments depending on relevance and availability.
Sampling and Site Selection
This assessment will use a combination of purposive and convenience sampling strategies. Participants will be selected based on their roles in refugee resettlement, geographic representation, program experience, and relevance to the proposed state-centered model. 

All 50 States will be invited to participate broadly to support a nationwide understanding of the current state. Additional stakeholders (estimated to include about 200-225 total between collections), including national partners, local providers, and Refugees (estimated to include up to 80 total between the survey and focus groups), will be identified through existing networks, referrals, and survey responses to ensure diverse perspectives and representation across geographic regions and service contexts. 

Participation in interviews and focus groups will be targeted based on survey responses and thematic priorities. Furthermore, some, but not all, respondents may be engaged up to two times: first through a survey, and then through a follow-up interview or focus group.

This study is designed to collect qualitative and descriptive information to inform planning and implementation. The sampling approach is not intended to produce statistically representative findings or to support causal or impact evaluation. Findings will reflect the perspectives of participating stakeholders and should be interpreted as implementation insights rather than generalizable estimates of system-wide outcomes. These limitations will be clearly noted in written products associated with the study to help prevent misuse or overgeneralization of findings.

Appropriateness of Study Design and Methods for Planned Uses 
This information collection is designed to gather implementation insights and stakeholder perspectives to inform program planning and technical assistance. The data collection is not intended to produce statistically generalizable results but rather to provide directional insights and operational considerations.

This information is not intended to be used as the principal basis for public policy decisions and is not expected to meet the threshold of influential or highly influential scientific information.

    2. Procedures for Collection of Information
Data Collection Processes
Data will be collected using a combination of:
    • Online surveys 
    • Virtual key informant interviews
    • Virtual focus groups
Participants will receive invitations via email with instructions and information about participation. A link to the survey will be distributed in the email and surveys will be completed through an online platform. Interviews and focus groups will be conducted using virtual meeting platforms. 
To broaden participation beyond ORR’s primary partners (State Refugee Coordinators and Resettlement Providers), SRCs will help identify smaller local organizations to include in the assessment. This approach ensures that selected participants are well-informed and representative of the broader service landscape.


Data Handling
Information collected will be stored securely and accessible only to authorized project personnel. Identifiable information will be limited to the extent necessary for coordination and follow-up. When possible, findings will be summarized in aggregate form to protect privacy.

To support data quality, computerized survey instruments may include features such as required fields, response validation, and skip logic where appropriate. Data will be reviewed for general completeness and consistency, and structured templates may be used for interviews and focus groups to promote consistency. The project team will conduct periodic checks during data entry, coding, and processing to identify and address any detectable errors.

Data Analysis
Survey data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding for open-ended responses. Interview and focus group data will be analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis to identify common themes, implementation considerations, and technical assistance needs. No inferential statistical testing is planned, as the data are intended to provide descriptive insights rather than statistically representative estimates.

Findings will be synthesized across stakeholder groups and interpreted alongside other sources of information, including survey results, document review, and prior stakeholder input, to identify patterns, differences, and practical considerations for implementation.

Data Use
Findings will be used to:
    • Assess readiness and implementation considerations
    • Identify technical assistance needs
    • Inform program planning and pilot design
    • Support future implementation planning
    • Identify best practices and emerging challenges
Summary findings may be shared internally and with stakeholders as appropriate.

    3. Methods to Maximize Response Rates and Deal with Nonresponse
Response Rates
To maximize participation, the project will:
    • Use targeted outreach to relevant stakeholders
    • Send reminder emails
    • Offer flexible scheduling for interviews and focus groups
    • Keep instruments concise and focused
    • Clearly communicate purpose and value of participation
Non Response
As participants will not be randomly sampled and findings are not intended to be representative, non-response bias will not be calculated. Respondent demographics will be documented and reported in written materials associated with the data collection. However, nonresponse will still be addressed through follow-up outreach and alternative participant identification when necessary. If response rates are lower than anticipated, additional outreach may be conducted to ensure adequate representation across stakeholder groups.     

    4. Test of Procedures or Methods to be Taken
Development of Data Collection Instruments
Data collection instruments were developed through iterative drafting and review. Instruments were informed by:
    • Prior research and program experience
    • Stakeholder input
    • Subject matter expertise
    • Federal information collection best practices

    5. Individuals Consulted on Statistical Aspects and Individuals Collecting and/or Analyzing Data
This information collection will be conducted by project staff with expertise in refugee resettlement, program evaluation, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Subject matter experts and stakeholders were consulted during instrument development to ensure clarity, relevance, and feasibility.

Statistical and Methodological Lead
Carman Nareau of Berrian Advisory (Consultant to Welcoming Initiative for Newcomers)
Email: [email protected]

Organizations Collecting, Processing, and/or Analyzing Data
    • Berrian Advisory
    • Welcoming Initiative for Newcomers (WIN)
    • World Education Services (WES)
    • Multicultural Coaching

Attachments
    1. State Readiness Survey
    2. National Initial Resettlement Provider Survey
    3. Local Resettlement Provider Survey
    4. Refugee Experience Survey
    5. Key Informant Interview Guide
    6. Interdisciplinary Focus Group Guide
    7. Refugee Focus Group Guide