Search Results for keywords:"Children and Families Administration"

The Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a report called the “State SNAP Agency NDNH Matching Program Performance Report” for another three years. This report requires state agencies that manage the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to share performance data with OCSS. These reports help in verifying identities and determining eligibility for SNAP benefits. The public is invited to comment on the proposed information collection until January 8, 2025, through the specified process.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting a 3-year extension for the Administration for Native Americans Project Outcome Assessment Survey. This survey aids in reporting on performance measures and fulfilling statutory requirements. ACF invites public comments and suggestions on the proposed information collection until February 12, 2025. Those interested can provide feedback via the specified online platform or email.

The Administration for Children and Families has issued a final rule permitting State and Tribal child support agencies to use federal funds to provide employment and training services to eligible noncustodial parents. These services aim to help parents find and keep jobs to ensure consistent child support payments. Effective January 13, 2025, the rule allows noncustodial parents with open child support cases to receive assistance such as job search help, skills training, and work support services. The initiative also seeks to enhance coordination with existing federal employment and training programs to prevent duplication and maximize benefits.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is correcting a final rule about the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) that was initially published on December 5, 2024. This rule mandates state agencies to report additional data concerning the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978. The correction states the rule will take effect 30 days after publication, on January 4, 2025, except for certain amendments, which will be effective on October 1, 2028. The correction addresses a technical error in the document to ensure all provisions are accurately stated.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is introducing a new system of records to be managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within its Administration for Children and Families. This system, titled ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau Child Abuse or Neglect Investigation Records and Central Registry, aims to document cases related to child abuse or neglect at ORR facilities and maintain a registry to vet individuals who may work with unaccompanied children. The information stored will be used for investigations and to ensure that those with a history of abuse or neglect are not allowed to work or volunteer in positions involving direct contact with children under ORR care. Importantly, the data recorded will not be shared for immigration enforcement purposes without prior written consent from the individual concerned.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is asking the public to comment on a new plan for collecting information about unaccompanied children who have left their care. ORR aims to organize and refine the data collection process by grouping related forms and introducing new fields to help case managers track and support these children better. The changes focus on safely reconnecting children with sponsors and improving home study and post-release services. The public comment period is open until February 18, 2025, and ORR is especially interested in feedback on the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed changes.

The Office of Community Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking public comments on their plan to keep collecting data on diaper needs. This data collection is part of the Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research Pilot (DDDRP) and involves surveys and reports from both caregivers and grant recipients. These surveys gather information on demographics, employment, and diaper needs, while the reports provide updates on outcomes and characteristics of those being served. Public comments should be submitted by January 21, 2025, for consideration by the Office of Management and Budget.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under the Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection activity. This collection involves various forms designed to help monitor care provider facilities for compliance with laws, standards, and policies related to the welfare of Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC). The proposed forms cover areas such as corrective action reports, compliance and safety site visit reports, and checklists for maintaining child-friendly environments, among others. Public comments on this proposed collection are invited within 60 days of the publication of this notice.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule revising the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). This rule mandates that state Title IV-E agencies collect and report more detailed data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for children in foster care. The aim is to better understand the experiences and outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and to improve culturally responsive care. States are given a three-year timeframe to implement these changes, which will take effect on October 1, 2028.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has reorganized the Office of Child Care (OCC) by adding a new Regional Operations Division. This change involves moving impacted staff from the Office of the Director to the newly established division. The OCC is responsible for overseeing various child care programs and supporting grantees' efforts to provide subsidies for low-income families, improve child care quality, and support the workforce. This reorganization maintains the existing policies and re-delegations of authority within the ACF and ensures continuity in their operations.