Search Results for agency_names:"Children and Families Administration"

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 Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking public comments on new report templates for the Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood (HMRF) programs. These templates are intended to help grant recipients efficiently report their evaluation findings as required by the ACF. The request is connected to the HMRF Local Evaluation Technical Assistance projects, which support the evaluation of programs aimed at improving family stability and healthy relationships. Public comments must be submitted by January 6, 2025, to be considered in OMB’s decision-making process.

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 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 Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue the "Child Support Portal Registration" for three more years, updating some minor details. This portal helps states manage child support by providing applications that registered users can access to perform tasks like updating and obtaining information. The public is asked to submit comments on the proposal by January 8, 2025. The collection of information is essential for securing and setting preferences for users such as employers and state agencies involved in child support operations.

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 Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has reorganized its Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) by establishing a new Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) and the Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO). This reorganization aims to enhance guidance, research, and data management related to programs designed to improve the lives of children and families. The OPRE will now focus on strategic planning, research, and evaluation while maintaining and supporting other divisions related to economic independence, child and family development, and family strengthening. The OCDO will handle data governance and enhance data usage to improve program effectiveness and efficiency.

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 Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is seeking input from the public for changes to the State Plan for Child Support Collection and Establishment of Paternity under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act. These revisions are in line with a new rule that allows states to provide employment and training services to non-custodial parents involved in the child support program. This means that states opting into these services need to update their State Plans accordingly. The public can send comments within 30 days of this notice using specific platforms or by email.