Search Results for agency_names:"Children and Families Administration"

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking public comments on the extension of the ACF-696: Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Quarterly Financial Report form. This form is used by 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. Territories to report financial expenditures related to CCDF funding. The ACF proposes to renew this form without any changes and is requesting feedback on its necessity, accuracy, clarity, and any suggestions to reduce the reporting burden. Comments are invited within 60 days of the notice publication.

The Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Trafficking in Persons announced a virtual meeting of the National Advisory Committee on the Trafficking of Children and Youth in the U.S., scheduled for January 13, 2025. This Committee will discuss strategies to help children and youth affected by labor and sex trafficking and suggest policy changes. Members of the public can submit written comments by January 10, 2025. The meeting is open to the public, and details are available on their website.

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 Health and Human Services Department has delegated authority to the Chief of the Unaccompanied Children Bureau to make decisions related to juvenile court jurisdiction for unaccompanied alien children seeking special immigrant status. This delegation is in accordance with the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008. It will be effective on the date of signature and conforms with existing financial, administrative, and departmental policies. The actions taken by the Chief prior to this date are also affirmed and ratified.

The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families, has announced the allotment percentages for each state under the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Grant Program. These percentages are important because they help determine the amount of federal grant money each state receives for child welfare services. The new allotment percentages will be applicable for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. More detailed information and the specific percentages for each state are available on the Administration for Children and Families' website.

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) is asking for public comments on changes to their process of collecting information about unaccompanied children. This includes moving some forms to a new collection for incident reporting and revising other forms to make them clearer and more efficient. They want feedback on whether these changes are useful, accurate, clear, and how they could be less burdensome for people to fill out. Comments are requested by February 18, 2025, and the public is encouraged to share their thoughts.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a change in the name of the Office of Child Support Enforcement to the Office of Child Support Services. This change was initially set to take effect on March 3, 2025, but HHS has reopened the comment period and delayed the effective date to April 28, 2025, so they can review any questions or comments from the public. People can submit their feedback electronically or by mail. If there are significant concerns, HHS may further delay or withdraw the rule.

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 (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 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.