Search Results for keywords:"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 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.

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), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, initially sought public comments on proposed changes to its Family Reunification Application and Sponsor Care Agreement. However, ORR has decided not to pursue these changes and is withdrawing its request for public feedback. This decision was documented in the Federal Register on January 5, 2021. Interested parties can reach out to Toby Biswas, Esq., for further information.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a reorganization to create the Unaccompanied Children Office of the Ombuds (UCOO). This new office will be led by a Director, or "Ombuds," and will oversee issues related to the care and custody of unaccompanied children. The UCOO will investigate reports and work with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to resolve concerns. Additionally, it will provide recommendations to improve policies and ensure the protection of unaccompanied children.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking public comments on changes to forms used to provide services to unaccompanied alien children (UAC). These forms are part of a collection approved under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and include new additions and revisions to existing ones, which will now be integrated into ORR's new case management system, known as UAC Path. The objective is to ensure the safety and well-being of these children in compliance with statute and ORR policy. Public comments on these changes are requested within 60 days of notice publication.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking public comments on revisions to guidance for the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. The proposed changes aim to reduce the burden on grant recipients by streamlining the Community Needs and Readiness Assessment Guidance and Implementation Plan. Respondents are invited to comment on the necessity, clarity, and burden of the information collection. Comments must be submitted by March 17, 2025.

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 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.