The Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families has announced in the attached February 21, 2012, Federal Register notice that it will consult with tribes regarding making changes to the Title IV-B child welfare program regulations. There are two Title IV-B programs:
• Title IV-B, Subpart 1 (also known as the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services). Tribes currently receive $6.2 million annually from this program; there are 166 tribal grantees.
• Title IV-B, Subpart 2 (also known as the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program). Tribes receive three percent of appropriated funds which currently results in $11 million annually for tribes; there are 126 tribal grantees.
The Children’s Bureau points out that the Title IV-B regulations have not been updated since 1996 and that a number of statutory changes have been made to the programs since then. While Program Instructions and Information Memoranda issued to tribes have reflected statutory changes, the regulations remain outdated.
The Children’s Bureau will hold conference calls and in-person consultations in Regions II (March 15); VI (March 6); VII (February 24); and X (March 19). In addition, there will be conference calls which are not specific to any region on February 27 and March 2. See the attached notice for additional information.
Please let us know if we may provide additional information or assistance regarding the consultations on Title IV-B regulations.
