Search Results for keywords:"Children and Families Administration"

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 Additionally, the rule removes outdated terms and updates sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) to reflect the new name and facilitate modern Tribal processes and reporting for child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The Administration for Children and Families within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has withdrawn a proposed rule concerning the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Originally proposed on October 2, 2023, the rule aimed to update TANF regulations, including defining "needy," clarifying allowable expenditures, and aligning holidays with Federal standards. After receiving over 7,000 comments, the department decided they need more public input and are focusing on other priorities, such as implementing the TANF provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. Thus, the proposed rule has been officially withdrawn as of January 14, 2025.

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 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) released a notice correcting a previous document about changes to the Office of Child Care. Published on December 4, 2024, the document mistakenly contained an incorrect code related to the addition of a Regional Operations Division. This correction specifies that the Regional Operations Division will oversee and guide the ten OCC Regional Offices and ensure coordination with central office planning.

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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is looking for public feedback on proposed changes to their data collection process for the ORR-1 Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA) Program Estimates. These changes include minor updates to the existing ORR-1 form and introducing a required template for recipients to use when preparing annual budget estimates. This standardized format aims to simplify the process, as recipients must now submit their budget justifications in a Microsoft Excel workbook that auto-calculates necessary values, reducing burden for both submitters and reviewers. Comments on the necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements of this information collection are welcome until February 25, 2025.

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 Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve a report called the “State SNAP Agency NDNH Matching Program Performance Report” for another three years. This report requires state agencies that manage the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to share performance data with OCSS. These reports help in verifying identities and determining eligibility for SNAP benefits. The public is invited to comment on the proposed information collection until January 8, 2025, through the specified process.

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is seeking public comments on a plan to extend the collection of information for the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) for another three years. This information collection, identified by OMB #0970-0463, involves the Automated Function List and the Data Quality Plan with no new required tools or changes. Comments can be submitted via email and should address the necessity, utility, clarity, and burden of the information collection. Feedback is due by May 23, 2025.