Search Results for keywords:"Office of Refugee Resettlement"

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) announced that it is reducing the eligibility period for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) from 12 months to four months. This change will affect refugees who become eligible for ORR benefits 45 days after the notice's publication. The decision was made to prevent budget shortfalls due to high refugee admissions and reduced appropriations. The ORR emphasizes that the duration of assistance is determined by available funds, despite the benefits of longer eligibility periods.

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 Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is asking for public comments on changes to information collection forms related to the release of unaccompanied alien children from ORR custody. They plan to update and integrate several forms into a new case management system called UAC Path. These forms help process releases and provide post-release services. The ORR seeks feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and clarity of these forms, and suggestions to reduce the burden on respondents, with comments welcomed within 60 days of publication.

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), under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking public feedback on a proposed information collection effort to aid Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) with legal services. Several forms are involved, intended to ensure that UACs can access legal service providers and navigate their immigration proceedings. The ACF is specifically collecting comments on aspects such as the necessity, clarity, and practicality of the information collected. Interested parties can submit their opinions within 60 days of the publication, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comments on its request to extend, for one more year, the use of Form ORR-1 for the Cash and Medical Assistance Program. This form helps estimate the financial needs for providing assistance to refugees and certain other eligible groups. Feedback is encouraged within 30 days of the notice's publication, as the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will decide about the information collection within 30 to 60 days. The program is vital for states to receive reimbursement for services offered to eligible individuals upon their arrival in the United States.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is making corrections to an interim rule about investigating child abuse and neglect claims in care facilities for unaccompanied children. These changes correct technical errors in a previously published rule and are aimed at ensuring standards are clear and processes are accurately described, including processes for appeals and records. The corrected rules become effective on December 27, 2024, as originally intended.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced an amendment to a previous statement from April 28, 2009. This change allows the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement more flexibility by enabling them to redelegate certain responsibilities assigned under the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008. The amendment is effective immediately and aims to enhance the management of these duties. All other details in the original statement remain the same.

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 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is addressing an issue with a direct final rule published on December 23, 2024, which was intended to take effect on February 6, 2025. Due to administrative problems, including a wrong email address, HHS is reopening the public comment period and changing the effective date to March 21, 2025. This rule exempts a new Privacy Act system of records, related to the investigation of child abuse or neglect, from certain Privacy Act requirements. People can submit comments until March 5, 2025, using specific methods listed in the document.