Search Results for agency_names:"Children and Families Administration"

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 Office of Child Care (OCC), a part of the Administration for Children and Families, is seeking public comments on a proposed application for disaster relief funds provided by the American Relief Act of 2025. These funds, totaling $250 million, are intended to help eligible states, territories, and tribes affected by major disasters in 2023 and 2024. The OCC is specifically interested in comments about the necessity and effectiveness of the information collection process, and they are considering setting predetermined funding grant ranges. Comments are due by March 18, 2025.

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 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced changes to the way it manages records about unaccompanied children in federal custody due to their immigration status. The updated system, now called the ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau (UCB) Administrative Program Records, aims to enhance privacy protections and clarify routine uses of data, especially concerning law enforcement and child welfare investigations. The revisions prohibit using children's information for immigration enforcement purposes without consent and specify situations where information can be shared, like health care coordination or missing children investigations. These changes are part of HHS's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children.

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 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires its regulations to be reviewed periodically, with most regulations set to expire automatically every ten years unless reviewed. This is intended to ensure that regulations stay up-to-date and relevant. The final rule also includes processes for public comments and specifies the criteria for reviews, which include assessing whether the regulations significantly impact small entities, and if they are still necessary or need amendments. Certain regulations, such as those mandated by federal law and the annual Medicare payment update rules, are exempt from these reviews.

The Department of Health and Human Services has updated the name of the child support program from the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) to the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). This change aligns the program with its commitment to support entire families rather than just enforce child support. Additionally, the rule removes outdated terms and updates sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to reflect the new name and facilitate modern Tribal processes and reporting for child support programs. These updates aim to enhance family self-sufficiency and clarity in regulations without imposing any financial impact.

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.