Federal Regs & Guidance

Implementation of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 involves the process of promulgating and issuing federal guidance and regulations. This page will be updated as new information is issued by the Children's Bureau, but you can also access the information directly. The Child Welfare Policy Manual and additional policy and program information is also available. You can review and comment on federal regulations at Regulations.gov, an E-Government initiative sponsored by the federal government to increase access to and participation in the regulatory process. Using 'Fostering Connections' in the search will produce relevant regulatory information.

Federal Regulatory Guidance

Adoption

ACYF-CB-IM-09-03
Extends the Adoption Incentive Program through FY 2013, updates the "base year" used to measure increases to FY 2007, doubles incentive payment amounts for special needs and older child adoptions and creates a "highest ever" foster child adoption rate pay
ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-10
Establishes new criteria associated with the delinking of Adoption Assistance eligibility AFDC eligibility requirements, phased in over time beginning in FY 2010. In FY 2010 beginning with children aged 16 years and older, eligibility for Adoption Assista
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-14
The purpose of this Program Instruction is to provide State, Territorial and Tribal title IV-E agencies (hereafter, "title IV-E agencies") with the revised form and instructions approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for reporting quarterly financial information on the title IV-E Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Guardianship Assistance Programs.
Adoption Incentives Program Grantees 2009
States that received 2009 Incentive Awards
Adoption Incentives Program Grantees 2010
States that received 2010 Incentive Awards

Education

ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.3B Q#1
Adds travel to school in the foster care maintenance payment definition.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.4 Q#2
Adds a case plan requirement to assure educational stability for children in foster care.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.4 Q#3
Requires that the title IV-E agency assure that each child receiving a payment under the title IV-E plan is attending school full time or has completed secondary school.

Health

ACYF-CB-PI-09-06
Proivdes guidance to States, Territories, and Insular Areas on actions they are required to take for June 30, 2009 submission of Title IV-B plan among other provisions.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-07
Provides guidance to Tribes on actions they are required to take for the June 30, 2009 submission of the Title IV-B Plan among other provisions
ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-10
The President signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) on March 23, 2010. The law amended three sections of titles IV-B and IV-E of the Act to ensure that children receiving independent living services and/or education and training vouchers and those who are aging out of foster care have information and education about the importance of having a health care power of attorney or health care proxy and to provide the youth with the option to execute such a document.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-10 Attachment A
Attachment A for ACF-CB-PI-10-10
ACYF-CB-PI-10-10 Attachment B
Attachment B for ACF-CB-PI-10-10
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
ACYF-CB-IM-12-03
Oversight of Psychotropic Medication for Children in Foster Care

Kinship/Guardianship

ACYF-CB-PI-08-07
Provides title IV-E agencies instructions for how to implement and operate the Guardianship Assistance Program option.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-04
Provides the title IV-E Form ACF-IV-E-1 Interim Financial Reporting Instructions Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Guardianship Assistance Programs.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-06
Guidance to States, Territories and Insular Areas on how to report data on foster family homes to ACF among other provisions.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-01
Provide interested State Title IV-E agencies and Tribes revised instructions on how to implement and operate the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) Title IV-E plan option as authorized by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, Public Law (P.L.) 110-351. For more on what this means see www.childrensdefense.org/child-research-data-publications/new-program-instruction-kingap-assistance.pdf
ACYF-CB-PI-10-07
Provides State title IV-E agencies with revised interim instructions on how to report on existing financial reporting form ACF-IV-E-1 estimates and expenditures associated with the GAP, post-termination assisted guardianship waiver demonstration project assistance and services and short-term training for additional trainees eligible for Federal Financial Participation (FFP) at transitional reimbursement rates.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-14
The purpose of this Program Instruction is to provide State, Territorial and Tribal title IV-E agencies (hereafter, "title IV-E agencies") with the revised form and instructions approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for reporting quarterly financial information on the title IV-E Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Guardianship Assistance Programs.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5 Q&As on GAP
Section 8.5 of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5A Q&As on GAP, Agreements
Section 8.5A of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program and Agreements.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5B Q&As on GAP, Eligibility
Section 8.5B of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program and Eligibility.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5B.1 Q&As on GAP, Siblings
Section 8.5B.1 of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program and Siblings
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5B.2 Q&As on GAP, Guardian Requirements
Section 8.5B.2 of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program and Guardian Requirements.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5C Q&As on GAP, Payments
Section 8.5C of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program and Payments.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5C.1 Q&As on GAP, Termination
Section 8.5C.1 of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program and Termination.
Child Welfare Policy Manual - Section 8.5D Q&As on GAP, Interstate
Section 8.5D of the Child Welfare Policy Manual (CWPM) provides questions and answers (Q/As) regarding the Guardianship Assistance Program, Interstate.
Family Connection Grantees
Approximately $15 million in discretionary grants to State, local or Tribal child welfare agencies and private private non-profit organizations that have experience in working with fostering children or children in kinship care arrangements in four progra

Older Youth

ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-14
The purpose of this Program Instruction is to provide State, Territorial and Tribal title IV-E agencies (hereafter, "title IV-E agencies") with the revised form and instructions approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for reporting quarterly financial information on the title IV-E Foster Care, Adoption Assistance and Guardianship Assistance Programs.

Training

ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-09
Provides guidance to States, Territories, and Insular Areas on actions they are required to take to receive their allotments for FY2011 (subject to the availability of appropriations) authorized under title IV-B, subparts 1 and 2, section 106 of CAPTA, CFCIP and ETV programs
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.1H, Q#1
Permits title IV-E agencies to claim the costs of short-term training for relative guardians, attorneys and others.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.1H, Q#8
Permits title IV-E agencies to claim the costs of short-term training for relative guardians, attorneys and others.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.1H, Q#17
Permits title IV-E agencies to claim the costs of short-term training for relative guardians, attorneys and others.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.1H, Q#18
Permits title IV-E agencies to claim the costs of short-term training for relative guardians, attorneys and others.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.1H, Q#19
Permits title IV-E agencies to claim the costs of short-term training for relative guardians, attorneys and others.
Child Welfare Policy Manual 8.1H, Q#20
Permits title IV-E agencies to claim the costs of short-term training for relative guardians, attorneys and others.

Tribal

ACYF-CB-IM-11-05
This Information Memorandum provides notice to title IV-E agencies and interested Tribes that the Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final notice with respect to the calculation of Tribal FMAP rates.
ACYF-CB-IM-08-03
Notifies Indian Tribes of the opportunity to operate the title IV-E programs.
ACYF-CB-PI-08-06
Requested that Tribes submit a letter of intent if the Tribe intended to directly operate a title IV-E Program or apply for a Fostering Connections grant. Note: The request for letters of intent has expired.
ACYF-CB-IM-09-02
Provides automation requirements and options for Tribes operating a title IV-E program pursuant to section 479B of the Social Security Act.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-06
Provides guidance to states and territories on actions they are required to take for the June 30, 2009 submission of the Title IV-B, CFCIP and ETV plans.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-07
Provides guidance to Tribes on the June 30, 2009 submission of a CFCIP and ETV plan, among other provisions
ACYF-CB-PI-09-07
Provides guidance to Tribes on actions they are required to take for the June 30, 2009 submission of the Title IV-B, CFCIP and ETV plans.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-08
Provides a revised Title IV-E plan pre-print that incorporatesthe statutory provisions made by Public Law 110-351 which are effective through fiscal year 2010.
ACYF-CB-PI-09-11
Provides guidance on the Federal Advance Planning Document (APD) regulations that Tribes have to comply with to claim title IV-B and/or title IV-E Federal Financial Participation for child welfare information technology projects, equipment, and services.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-08
Provides guidance to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations or Tribal Consortia on actions they are required to take in order to receive their allotments for FY2011 (subject to the availability of appropriations) authorized under title IV-B, subparts 1 and/or 2, the CFCIP and ETV programs.
ACYF-CB-PI-10-11
The purpose of this Program Instruction (PI) is to provide title IV-E agencies comprehensive information on the provisions of titles IV-B and IV-E as a result of the amendments made by the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, P.L. 110-351. In addition to providing new guidance on the option for a title IV-E agency to extend assistance for the foster care maintenance, adoption assistance, and/or kinship guardianship programs to an eligible youth age 18 and older up to age 21, this instruction provides additional guidance on the other provisions of P.L. 110-351 and the flexibilities afforded to a title IV-E agency in complying with the law. This instruction also provides instruction on changes to the titles IV-B/IV-E plan requirements as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).
ACYF-CB-PI-10-12
This program instruction covers the Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rates affecting programs under IV-E of the Social Security Act.
ACFY-CB-PI-10-13
Provides information on the applicable cost allocation requirements to Tribes that are operating or planning to operate a title IV-E program pursuant to section 479B of the Act.
FY 2009 Tribal IV-E Development Plan Grantees
The grantees at bottom of this page are authorized to develop a Tribal Title IV-E plan and implement a program.
Tribal Title IV-E Program Considerations
Provides technical assistance for Tribes to use in considering how to plan for the resources, policies, and procedures they will or may need to implement a direct title IV-E program.
Title IV-E Tribal Consultation Meetings
A request for public comment concerning the Tribal title IV-E requirements and notice of Tribal consultation meetings. Note: The public comment period is closed, and Tribal consultation meetings have concluded.