Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System, 28410-28434 [2020-09817]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
• Administration for Children and Families

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28410-28434]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09817]



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Vol. 85

Tuesday,

No. 92

May 12, 2020

Part IV





 Department of Health and Human Services





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Administration for Children and Families





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45 CFR Part 1355





Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 85 , No. 92 / Tuesday, May 12, 2020 / Rules 
and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families

45 CFR Part 1355

RIN 0970-AC72


Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System

AGENCY: Children's Bureau (CB); Administration on Children, Youth and 
Families (ACYF); Administration for Children and Families (ACF); 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule finalizes revisions to the Adoption and Foster Care 
Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations proposed on April 
19, 2019. AFCARS regulations require title IV-E agencies to collect and 
report data to ACF on children in out-of-home care, children who exit 
out-of-home care to adoption or legal guardianship, and children who 
are covered by a title IV-E adoption or guardianship assistance 
agreement.

DATES: This final rule is effective on July 13, 2020. As of May 12, 
2020, the effective date for amendatory instructions 3 and 5, published 
December 14, 2016, at 81 FR 90524, and delayed August 21, 2018, at 83 
FR 42225, are further delayed to October 1, 2022.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen McHugh, Director, Policy 
Division, Children's Bureau, (202) 205-8618, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Executive Summary per Executive Order 13563
II. Background on the AFCARS Final Rule: Data Elements and Decision 
Making
III. Overview of 2019 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Comments
IV. Implementation Timeframe
V. Section-by-Section Discussion of Regulatory Provisions and 
Responses to Comments
VI. Regulatory Impact Analysis
VII. Tribal Consultation Statement

I. Executive Summary per Executive Order 13563

    Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 requires that regulations be 
accessible, consistent, written in plain language, and easy to 
understand. This means that regulatory preambles for lengthy or complex 
rules (both proposed and final) must include executive summaries. Below 
is the executive summary for this AFCARS final rule.
    (1) Purpose of the AFCARS final rule.
    (a) The need for the regulatory action and how the action will meet 
that need: On February 24, 2017, the President issued E.O. 13777 
Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda to lower regulatory burdens on 
the American people. It directed Federal agencies to establish a 
Regulatory Reform Task Force to review existing regulations and make 
recommendations regarding their repeal, replacement, or modification. 
The HHS Regulatory Reform Task Force identified the AFCARS final rule 
published on December 14, 2016 (81 FR 90524, hereafter referred to as 
the 2016 final rule) as one in which the reporting burden may impose 
costs that exceed benefits. In response to E.O. 13777, we published in 
the Federal Register an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on March 
15, 2018 (83 FR 11449, hereafter referred to as the 2018 ANPRM), 
soliciting specific feedback on the 2016 final rule data elements. 
Based on the feedback we received and our review of the need for and 
utility of the data elements, we later published a streamlined proposal 
for AFCARS in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on April 19, 2019 (84 FR 
16572, hereafter referred to as the 2019 NPRM). This final rule is an 
E.O. 13771 deregulatory action which finalizes the proposal in the 2019 
NPRM to streamline the AFCARS data elements.
    (b) Legal authority for the final rule: AFCARS is a data collection 
system for national adoption and foster care data authorized under 
section 479 of the Social Security Act (the Act). Section 479(c)(3)(A) 
of the Act requires the collection of comprehensive national 
information with respect to the demographic characteristics of children 
in foster care and those who are adopted with state involvement and 
their biological, foster, and adoptive parents. Section 474(f) of the 
Act requires HHS to impose penalties for non-compliant AFCARS data. 
Section 1102 of the Act instructs the Secretary to promulgate 
regulations necessary for the effective administration of the functions 
for which HHS is responsible under the Act.
    (2) Summary of the major provisions of the final rule.
    (a) Out-of-home care data file data elements. We finalize the out-
of-home care data elements proposed in the 2019 NPRM. The out-of-home 
care data file in the 2016 final rule requires title IV-E agencies to 
report approximately 272 items; this final rule reduces the number of 
required items to approximately 183. This final rule does not include 
data elements asking for information on, among other things, the sexual 
orientation of the child, foster parent, adoptive parent, or legal 
guardian, and reduces data elements related to the Indian Child Welfare 
Act of 1978 (ICWA).
    (b) Conforming changes. We made conforming changes to Sec. Sec.  
1355.40, 1355.41, 1355.43, 1355.45, and 1355.46 to update the citations 
or dates as a result of amendments in other sections.
    (3) Costs and benefits. The benefits are that the streamlined 
AFCARS data elements will reduce the title IV-E agency reporting burden 
from the 2016 final rule, thus resulting in an estimated $46 million in 
total annual savings. (Affected entities will continue to incur $43 
million in annual costs, net of Federal reimbursements, attributable to 
the 2016 final rule.)

II. Background on the AFCARS Final Rule: Data Elements and Decision 
Making

    Prior to issuing the 2019 NPRM, we conducted an in-depth analysis 
of the 2018 ANPRM comments, held tribal consultation, consulted with 
HHS experts that use AFCARS data, consulted with representatives of the 
Department of Interior (DOI) regarding the ICWA-related data elements, 
and considered the concerns and interests of all stakeholders. We 
reviewed each data element in the 2016 final rule and evaluated whether 
it is needed for a specific purpose, such as a title IV-B or IV-E 
statutory requirement, program monitoring, Congressional reporting, or 
budgeting, and to specifically identify whether including the data 
element in AFCARS would improve the accuracy and reliability of the 
data. After careful consideration, we proposed in the 2019 NPRM to 
streamline the out-of-home care data elements to what we believe is a 
reasonable amount, while also reducing redundancies in the data 
elements. Additional details regarding this evaluative process and 
decision-making are available in the preamble of the 2019 NPRM (84 FR 
16573).
    We believe that the approach we took in determining the data 
elements to propose in the 2019 NPRM was comprehensive and inclusive of 
the purposes for which we will use the AFCARS data. We also understood 
that there have been several opportunities to comment on different 
iterations of AFCARS, so in the 2019 NPRM we provided specific guidance 
in section V. Public Participation on the type of comments that would 
be most useful to ACF in making decisions on the final rule. Specific 
considerations for commenters, included the following:

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     How reporting the data elements in the 2019 NPRM will 
specifically enhance work with children and families.
     Why AFCARS is the most effective vehicle for collecting 
the data proposed in the 2019 NPRM and why no other current method is 
feasible to collect the information.
     How AFCARS data, which is aggregated at the national 
level, would help specific work with title IV-E agencies, children, and 
families.

III. Overview of 2019 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Comments

    The comment period for the 2019 NPRM was open for 60 days and 
closed on June 18, 2019. We received 150 comments from 24 states and 
local child welfare agencies; 33 Indian tribes, tribal organizations or 
consortiums; 10 organizations representing tribal interests; 45 
national advocacy groups and universities; one Member of Congress; and 
37 anonymous or private citizens. The comments are available in the 
docket for this action on Regulations.gov.
    Summary of State and Local Child Welfare Agency Comments: The 
overwhelming majority of state and local agencies supported 
streamlining the data elements as proposed in the 2019 NPRM. Their 
cited reasons include that it balances the need for updated information 
with the burden of having to revise systems to report data and it keeps 
a focus on Federal compliance and continuous quality improvement rather 
than turning AFCARS data into a research tool by adding measures that 
do not or cannot accurately capture the realities of child welfare 
practice. They also believe that the proposal would enable caseworkers 
to spend more time working with families and engaging in case planning, 
rather than data entry. Half of the state and local child welfare 
agencies specifically commented on the proposal to remove the sexual 
orientation data elements for the child, foster parents, adoptive 
parents and legal guardians. Of those, the majority agreed with the 
proposal, expressing that AFCARS is not the appropriate vehicle to 
collect this information, that it was unclear how this information in a 
Federal Government database will result in support services for 
children, and that this information should be tracked separately from 
AFCARS. Eleven state and local child welfare agencies specifically 
commented on the proposal to simplify the ICWA-related data elements. 
Of those, the overwhelming majority were in favor of the proposal and 
agreed with our rationale to keep the data elements that are essential 
to understanding nationally the ICWA-applicable population of children 
in foster care, while removing those that were based on DOI 
regulations, qualitative in nature, or requirements of the courts. 
Further reduction in these data elements was also recommended due to an 
extremely low population of American Indian/Native Alaskan children in 
foster care in certain states.
    Summary of Comments from Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations or 
Consortiums, and Organizations Representing Tribal Interests: All 
Indian tribes, tribal organizations or consortiums, and organizations 
representing tribal interests opposed the proposal to reduce the ICWA-
related data elements. In general, the commenters opposed streamlining 
primarily because they felt that all data elements in the 2016 final 
rule are needed to assess ICWA compliance, and that national 
information is important to address disparities, analyze outcomes, and 
help in working with Indian children and families. There were very few 
comments on the other data elements.
    Summary of Comments from National Advocacy Organizations and Other 
Entities: The vast majority of the national advocacy organizations and 
other individuals or entities that commented expressed general 
opposition to the streamlining proposed in the 2019 NPRM. The 
commenters opposed streamlining for various reasons with the general 
sentiment being that the 2016 final rule would provide more insight 
into the foster care population, promote visibility for marginalized 
groups, and allow data-informed legislating, policy, and program 
decisions.

Comment Analysis

    We reviewed and analyzed all of the 2019 NPRM comments and 
estimates provided and considered them in finalizing this rule and as 
it related to meeting the statutory requirements in Sec.  479 of the 
Act to avoid unnecessary diversion of child welfare agency resources 
and to ensure that data collected is reliable and consistent. Our 
conclusion is that we do not have a sufficient justification, or a 
rational basis, for retaining the data elements proposed for removal, 
thus we did not make substantive changes in finalizing this rule. We 
received no new information that was convincingly articulated to 
persuade us to add in data elements from the 2016 final rule that were 
not proposed in the 2019 NPRM. In finalizing this rule, we maintain 
that we will collect the most critical information on the out-of-home 
care population from a national perspective while avoiding the 
unnecessary diversion of resources from title IV-E agencies, consistent 
with the statute authorizing AFCARS.
    In drafting the 2019 NPRM, we balanced the commenters' desires for 
more information with the need to minimize burden pursuant to E.O. 
13777 and to focus on improving quality of services and achieving 
positive outcomes for children and families. This final rule will 
provide ample data for analysis via a combination of information from 
the data elements and will provide more robust national information on 
children in foster care not available in the current AFCARS. Specific 
to ICWA, we maintain that the detailed ICWA-related information 
requirements promulgated in the 2016 final rule are not appropriate for 
AFCARS.
    Lastly, our decision to not add data elements aligns with the 
statutory requirements in section 479 of the Act to avoid unnecessary 
diversion of agency resources and to ensure that the data collected is 
reliable and consistent. We address specific comments to the proposal 
in the beginning of V. Section-by-Section Discussion of Regulatory 
Provisions of this final rule.

IV. Implementation Timeframe

    We are providing two fiscal years for title IV-E agencies to comply 
with Sec. Sec.  1355.41 through 1355.47, which we believe is sufficient 
for title IV-E agencies to implement the changes necessary to comply 
with this final rule. State commenters to both the 2019 NPRM and the 
2018 ANPRM indicated they would need sufficient time to make changes to 
their electronic case management systems to collect new information and 
train employees on new requirements, and suggested timeframes ranging 
from one to five fiscal years post publication of the final rule. A 
third of states that commented suggested two fiscal years post 
publication of the final rule would be acceptable. States also 
suggested that this final rule not be implemented until after the state 
has fully implemented a Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System 
(CCWIS). A few states recommended a phased-in approach to penalties and 
compliance with the AFCARS requirements, stating that penalties should 
not begin until after the implementation period ends.
    During the implementation period, state and tribal title IV-E 
agencies must continue to report to ACF data related to children in 
foster care and those who have been adopted with title IV-E

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agency involvement in accordance with Sec.  1355.40 and the appendices 
to part 1355. It is essential for agencies to continue to report AFCARS 
data to ACF without interruption because AFCARS data is used for 
various reports, planning, and monitoring, and to make the Adoption and 
Legal Guardianship Incentive awards.

V. Section-by-Section Discussion of Regulatory Provisions and Responses 
to Comments

    We respond to the comments we received in response to the 2019 NPRM 
in this section-by-section discussion. We also address in the section-
by-section preamble whether we made any changes to our 2019 NPRM 
proposal. Before discussing each section of the final rule, we respond 
to the general comments we received in response to our 2019 NPRM 
proposal to streamline the data elements, reduce the ICWA-related data 
elements, and remove the data elements on the child/foster parent/
adoptive parent/guardian's sexual orientation. Many comments we 
received iterated the same or similar information that fell into these 
broad categories and we believe that it is clearer for us to respond to 
similarly grouped comments in this way. Following these discussions is 
a discussion of specific sections of the 2019 NPRM.

Response to Comments on Streamlining the Data Elements

    Comment: Indian tribes, commenters representing tribal interests, 
national advocacy organizations, and other commenters opposed 
streamlining the AFCARS data elements as proposed in the 2019 NPRM and 
requested that we re-institute the 2016 final rule in its entirety. 
Their common reasons for doing so were essentially the same as 
previously provided in response to the ANPRM and included that:
     The entire 2016 final rule will provide a comprehensive 
data set that will help us track outcomes, address disparities, and 
address a perceived need for research and legislation.
     ACF overstated the burden in the 2019 NPRM and did not 
consider that the information from additional data may lead to lower 
future costs because families would get the help they need.
     The 2016 final rule would promote visibility for 
marginalized groups and help us understand their particular experiences 
in foster care.
     Caseworkers should be collecting all of the information 
promulgated in the 2016 final rule as part of routine casework, so it 
should be in the case file and transmitted to ACF for AFCARS.
    In contrast, the vast majority of state commenters supported the 
streamlined proposal and specified that a lower reporting burden will 
help their work with children and families by enabling caseworkers to 
spend less time on data entry.
    Response: We considered the circumstances and capacity of all title 
IV-E agencies in setting the AFCARS requirements. The vast majority of 
commenters who opposed simplifying and reducing the data elements in 
the 2019 NPRM were not agencies responsible for reporting data to 
AFCARS. They reiterated similar justifications that they made in 
response to the 2018 ANPRM for including in this final rule all of the 
data elements promulgated in the 2016 final rule. The commenters did 
not provide additional evidence for collecting the data elements at a 
Federal level that we proposed to remove or simplify. The commenters 
that opposed streamlining did not elaborate on why AFCARS is the most 
effective vehicle for collecting the information required under the 
2016 final rule that we proposed to remove, which in large part was 
qualitative data, describe work done to coordinate with title IV-E 
agencies in collecting and reporting data for AFCARS, or specify how 
the data we proposed to remove would help their specific work with 
children and families served by the title IV-E agency. The comments 
from non-title IV-E agencies, which opposed streamlining due to a 
perceived ``need'' for the data, lead us to believe that there is a 
misunderstanding of AFCARS and its functionality. The information that 
title IV-E agencies report to AFCARS is aggregated and de-identified at 
the national level, meaning it does not include names, numbers, or 
other information. This means that the data provides broad insight into 
the national population of children in foster care because AFCARS is 
designed to have a few response options that must be broad enough to 
capture a range of experiences across the country. The title IV-E 
agency extracts the information from electronic case files, via a 
programming code, and transmits it to ACF. Section 479 of the Act does 
not authorize us to collect all information from a title IV-E agency 
case file, nor would that be appropriate.

Response to Comments on Streamlining ICWA-Related Data Elements

    Comment: In general, Indian tribes, commenters representing tribal 
interests, national advocacy organizations, a member of congress, and 
private individuals opposed our proposal to streamline the ICWA-related 
data elements and requested that we re-institute all of the ICWA-
related data elements from the 2016 final rule for essentially the same 
reasons previously provided in response to the 2018 ANPRM including 
that:
     The 2019 NPRM was too drastic in streamlining the ICWA-
related data elements and the information is needed to assess 
compliance with ICWA;
     Section 422(b)(9) in title IV-B of the Act includes 
processes regarding ICWA; and
     Unlike DOI, ACF has established relationships with states 
and the Federal AFCARS system in place to receive data on Native 
American children in state foster care systems, and therefore is better 
positioned to collect ICWA-related data.
    Response: First, in this final rule, we are attempting to correct 
any confusion or misperception that we may have created by justifying 
the ICWA-related data elements in the 2016 final rule on the basis of 
consistency with DOI's final rule on ICWA (published on June 14, 2016, 
81 FR 38778). DOI is the lead agency for ICWA compliance, statute, and 
regulations and HHS is not the cognizant authority over implementing, 
overseeing, or assessing compliance with ICWA. Retaining all of the 
2016 final rule ICWA-related data elements would put HHS in the 
position of interpreting various ICWA requirements. We have authority 
only for the collection of data elements that are used for functions 
and oversight under HHS authority, namely the title IV-B and IV-E 
programs.
    Second, we want to clarify that section 422(b)(9) of the Act does 
not provide the legal authority for HHS to collect ICWA-related data in 
AFCARS or for HHS to determine state compliance with ICWA. Rather, it 
simply requires a description of specific measures taken by the state 
to comply with ICWA. HHS is not authorized to determine compliance with 
ICWA and/or penalize states for failure to comply with ICWA through 
this requirement.
    Third, sections 479(c)(3)(A) through (D) of the Act require the 
collection of comprehensive national information with respect to the 
demographic characteristics of, status of, and assistance provided to 
children in foster care and those who are adopted with state 
involvement along with their biological, foster, and adoptive parents. 
The AFCARS statute does not provide authority for ACF to require states 
to report specific details on ICWA's requirements in AFCARS to be used 
for ICWA compliance and this was mischaracterized in the 2016 final 
rule. The AFCARS authority allows us to

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collect ICWA-related data elements in this final rule to inform us 
whether a child's connections with his or her family, heritage, and 
community are preserved and will provide context for other title IV-B 
and IV-E monitoring. Further, the data will provide supplemental 
information on whether states follow certain best practices with regard 
to Native American children in foster care. For example, while HHS 
reviews are not designed to measure states' conformity with specific 
ICWA provisions, information from the data elements in this final rule 
will provide contextual data such as whether the state made concerted 
efforts to preserve a child's connections to the child's tribe and how 
well the state engages in consultation with tribal representatives.
    Lastly, in the 2019 NPRM preamble (84 FR 16578), we reported that 
we will not release specific information regarding a child's tribal 
membership or ICWA applicability to requestors, except for the Indian 
tribe of which the child is or may be a member, due to the low numbers 
of children in the out-of-home care reporting population where ICWA 
applies in order to protect the confidentiality of these children. This 
means that the 2016 final rule ICWA-related data elements would not be 
available for ICWA compliance purposes because ACF is unable to release 
information to other entities that could use it for this purpose.

Response to Comments on Removing the Sexual Orientation Data Elements

    We did not propose data elements on the sexual orientation of 
children and their foster or adoptive parents and legal guardians in 
the 2019 NPRM, nor are we including them in this final rule. However, 
we would like to respond to the comments received.
    Comment: Numerous private individuals, national advocacy 
organizations and other commenters suggested that we add the data 
elements requiring agencies to report the sexual orientation of 
children and their foster or adoptive parents and legal guardians in 
the final rule. The common reasons provided, which were the same or 
similar reasons provided by these commenters in response to the 2018 
ANPRM, are that the data would (1) enhance recruitment of foster homes; 
(2) aid permanency and case decision-making; (3) promote visibility for 
marginalized groups; (4) help to analyze youth outcomes; (5) address 
disparities; and (6) enable Congress to legislate appropriately at the 
national-level. Some of the national advocacy organizations provided 
information about a set of professional guidelines developed in 2013 to 
address the need to collect sexual orientation information for such 
purposes as developing case plans and tracking individual case outcomes 
in support of their recommendation. However, state and local child 
welfare agency commenters generally acknowledged that information about 
a youth's or provider's sexual orientation can be collected as part of 
the title IV-E agency's casework and should be documented in the case 
file, if it pertains to the circumstances of the child, and reporting 
it to a national database would not enhance their work with children 
and families.
    Response: For the reasons set forth in the 2019 NPRM, we continue 
to disagree with the commenters that suggested this final rule should 
include this sexual orientation data and have made no changes. We have 
examined the 2013 professional guidelines which largely provide best 
practice guidelines related to client/caseworker/agency interaction in 
gathering and managing sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) 
information from clients. They are a practice guide, or set of 
professional standards, for child welfare staff and child welfare 
agencies on how they interact with clients, and gather and manage SOGI 
information at the case, local, and state level. We conclude that those 
guidelines are not relevant to collecting sexual orientation 
information through a Federal administrative data collection. We 
continue to rely on the 2016 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
guidance to ground our decision making because it provides direction 
for Federal agencies to consider before requiring SOGI information in 
surveys and administrative databases (84 FR 16576).

Section 1355.40 Foster Care and Adoption Data Collection

    In this final rule, we modify the dates in Sec.  1355.40 to require 
title IV-E agencies to submit AFCARS data in accordance with AFCARS 
regulations at Sec.  1355.40 and the appendices to part 1355 until the 
dates listed in the DATES section of this rule. This means that title 
IV-E agencies must continue to report AFCARS data in the same manner 
they do currently until the implementation date of this final rule, 
which is October 1, 2022 (Fiscal Year (FY) 2023). We did not propose 
these changes in the 2019 NPRM, however these are technical conforming 
edits needed to implement this final rule.

Section 1355.41 Scope of the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and 
Reporting System

    This section sets forth the scope of AFCARS. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed to make technical amendments to paragraph (c) to update 
citations. However, in this final rule, we make a technical revision to 
remove paragraph (c) which prescribed definitions, specifically citing 
to the ICWA statute and DOI regulations. We make this edit based on the 
comments we received as we described and responded to above, as we are 
concerned we may have unintentionally created misperceptions related to 
our authority over ICWA compliance. Accordingly, we are removing 
specific definitions because they relate to ICWA requirements and could 
create confusion for AFCARS reporting. Instead, in the description of 
the data element itself, we indicate if there is an applicable ICWA 
citation for reporting on a data element.

Section 1355.43 Data Reporting Requirements

    This section contains the AFCARS data reporting requirements. In 
the 2019 NPRM, we proposed to amend paragraph (b)(3), which required 
that the title IV-E agency must report the date of removal, exit date, 
and exit reason for each child who had an out-of-home care episode 
prior to October 1, 2020. This means that title IV-E agencies do not 
need to report complete historical and current information for these 
children. We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this 
section. In this final rule, we change the date to October 1, 2022, to 
conform to the implementation date in the DATES section of this final 
rule.

Section 1355.44 Out-of-Home Care Data File Elements

    This section includes all of the data element descriptions for the 
out-of-home care data file.
Section 1355.44(a) General Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (a) that the title IV-E 
agency must collect and report general information that identifies the 
reporting title IV-E agency as well as the child in out-of-home care. 
We did not receive comments relevant to the data elements proposed in 
Sec.  1355.44(a), thus we finalize paragraph (a) as proposed:
    Title IV-E agency. Under paragraph (a)(1), the title IV-E agency 
must indicate the name of the title IV-E agency responsible for 
submitting AFCARS data to ACF. A state title IV-

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E agency must indicate its state name. ACF will work with tribal title 
IV-E agencies to provide guidance during implementation.
    Report date. Under paragraph (a)(2), the title IV-E agency must 
indicate the report period date, which is the last month and year that 
corresponds with the end of the report period.
    Local agency. Under paragraph (a)(3), the title IV-E agency must 
report the name of the local county, jurisdiction, or equivalent unit 
that has responsibility for the child. ACF will work with tribal title 
IV-E agencies to provide guidance during implementation.
    Child record number. Under paragraph (a)(4), the title IV-E agency 
must report the child's record number, which is a unique person 
identification number, as an encrypted number as instructed.
Section 1355.44(b) Child Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (b) that the title IV-E 
agency must report certain child-specific information for the 
identified child in out-of-home care. Below are the finalized data 
elements and a discussion of whether we received comments on each data 
element.
    Child's date of birth. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(1) that the title IV-E agency must report the child's date of birth 
including the month, day, and year, as instructed. We did not receive 
comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph, thus we finalize 
this data element as proposed.
    Child's sex. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (b)(2) that 
the title IV-E agency must report the child's sex from the response 
options of ``male'' and ``female''.
    Comment: Two states suggested that we include a third gender 
option, such as ``other'', because other agencies within the state have 
this ability (e.g., motor vehicles), so it promotes consistency. 
Sixteen national advocacy organizations suggested we add data elements 
on gender identity.
    Response: We do not adopt changes based on public comments to this 
data element nor do we provide additional response options in this 
final rule because we did not receive a significant number of comments 
from title IV-E agencies requesting changes. Further, we have no 
compelling reason to increase the agency's burden to require this 
information be reported to AFCARS as we have no need for it at the 
Federal level.
    Reason to know a child is an ``Indian Child'' as defined in the 
Indian Child Welfare Act. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(3) that the state title IV-E agency must report whether it made 
inquiries to determine if the child is an Indian child as defined in 
the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) by indicating ``yes'' or 
``no''. We did not receive comments specific to this data element, and 
finalize this data element as proposed.
    Child's tribal membership. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (b)(4) that the state title IV-E agency must report whether 
the child is a member of, or eligible for membership in, a federally 
recognized Indian tribe from the response options of ``yes,'' ``no'', 
or ``unknown''. If the state title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'', it 
would have to indicate all federally recognized Indian tribe(s) that 
may potentially be the Indian child's tribe(s) in a format according to 
ACF's specifications. We did not receive comments specific to these 
data elements. We finalize these data elements as proposed, with a 
conforming change to paragraph (b)(4)(i) to specify a ``federally 
recognized'' Indian tribe, consistent with the language used in 
paragraph (b)(4)(ii).
    Application of ICWA. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(5) that the state title IV-E agency must report whether ICWA 
applies for the child from the response options of ``yes,'' ``no'', or 
``unknown''. If the state title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'', it would 
be required to indicate the date that the Indian tribe or state or 
tribal court notified the state title IV-E agency that ICWA applies. We 
did not receive comments specific to this data element, and finalize 
this data element as proposed.
    Notification. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (b)(6) 
that the state title IV-E agency must report whether the child's Indian 
tribe was sent legal notice, if the state title IV-E agency indicated 
``yes'' in the data element established in paragraph (b)(5)(i).
    Comment: Commenters who opposed streamlining the data elements we 
proposed in the 2019 NPRM requested that we add data elements for 
reporting whether the state sent notice to the parent and Indian 
custodian and the date of the notice.
    Response: As we explained earlier in the section-by-section 
discussion, we did not make revisions to the proposal because we are 
moving forward with requiring a streamlined set of data elements from 
states for identifying the number of children in out-of-home care 
nationally who should be afforded the protections of ICWA and we do not 
need more details in federally reported AFCARS data related to ICWA 
notifications. We finalize this data element as proposed.
    Child's race. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (b)(7) 
that the title IV-E agency must report the race of the child. We did 
not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we 
finalize this data element as proposed.
    Child's Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraph (b)(8) that the title IV-E agency must report the Hispanic 
or Latino ethnicity of the child. We did not receive comments relevant 
to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Health assessment. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(9) that the title IV-E agency must report whether the child had a 
health assessment during the current out-of-home care episode from the 
response options of ``yes'' or ``no''.
    Comment: Several states expressed support for streamlining this 
data element because they agreed that any further detail regarding 
health assessments should be part of a qualitative review. Eighteen 
national advocacy groups opposed the proposal to streamline reporting 
on health assessments, stating that more details on the dates of health 
assessments and whether they were timely are needed to provide insight 
into the health of children in foster care.
    Response: We did not make changes to include more details about the 
health assessment because we did not receive additional evidence to 
support the need for this data at a Federal level. Furthermore, we do 
not need additional details on health assessments reported to AFCARS to 
monitor compliance with section 422(b)(15)(A) of the Act. We finalize 
this data element as proposed.
    Health, behavioral or mental health conditions. In the 2019 NPRM, 
we proposed in paragraph (b)(10) that the title IV-E agency must report 
whether the child was diagnosed by a qualified professional as having 
one or more health, behavioral, or mental health conditions from a list 
of eleven conditions prior to or during the child's current out-of-home 
care episode. If so, the agency must report whether it is an existing 
condition or a previous condition, and additional information as 
instructed on whether the child had an exam or assessment.
    Comment: Six states and local agencies recommended streamlining 
this data element further, by either reducing the response options or 
reducing the health, behavioral, or mental health conditions.

[[Page 28415]]

    Response: We did not make changes to this data element in response 
to comments because further streamlining will render the information 
not useful for informing the annual outcomes report to Congress. 
Additionally, the conditions are based on a combination of the 
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and definitions 
from the National Institutes of Health, and the suggestion to further 
streamline by combining conditions was not overwhelmingly supported by 
commenters. We finalize this data element as proposed.
    School enrollment. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(11) that the title IV-E agency must report whether or not the child 
is enrolled as a full-time student in elementary or secondary 
education, or is a full or part-time student enrolled in post-secondary 
education or training, or college.
    Comment: Four states suggested removing this data element believing 
it is duplicative of paragraph (b)(12) Educational level.
    Response: We retained this data element as proposed because we are 
specifically seeking information on school enrollment and the highest 
educational level a child has completed. We will use the combined 
information to assess, on a national basis, the well-being of children 
placed in out-of-home care as part of monitoring the title IV-B and IV-
E programs through reviews. We finalize this data element as proposed.
    Educational level. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(12) that the title IV-E agency must report the highest educational 
level from kindergarten to college or post-secondary education/
training, as well as a general equivalency diploma (GED), completed by 
the child as of the last day of the report period.
    Comment: One state asked for clarification as to when the child's 
highest educational level must be reported.
    Response: The title IV-E agency must report the highest educational 
level the child completed as of the last day of the report period. We 
finalize this data element as proposed.
    Pregnant or parenting. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(13)(i) that the title IV-E agency must report whether the child is 
pregnant as of the end of the report period from the response options 
of ``yes'' or ``no''. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(13)(ii) that the title IV-E agency must indicate whether the child 
has ever fathered or bore a child by indicating from the response 
options of ``yes'' or ``no''. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (b)(13)(iii) that the title IV-E agency must indicate whether 
the child and his/her child(ren) are placed together at any point 
during the report period, if the response in paragraph (b)(13)(ii) of 
this section is ``yes''. We did not receive substantive comments 
relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize these data 
elements as proposed.
    Special education. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(14) that the title IV-E agency must report on the child's special 
education status by indicating if the child has an Individualized 
Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan 
(IFSP). We did not receive substantive comments relevant to our 
proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Prior adoption. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (b)(15) 
that the title IV-E agency must report whether the child experienced a 
prior legal adoption, prior to the current out-of-home care episode. If 
the title IV-E agency indicates ``yes'', then the title IV-E agency 
must report the month and year of the most recent prior finalized 
adoption (in paragraph (b)(15)(i)) and whether the child's most recent 
prior adoption was an intercountry adoption (in paragraph (b)(15)(ii)).
    Comment: Two states commented that reporting this information is 
discretionary and recommended we remove these data elements.
    Response: We did not make changes based on comments because 
reporting on prior adoptions and intercountry adoptions is required by 
sections 479(c)(3)(C)(ii) and 479(d) of the Act. Currently, the 
information is reported via a narrative in the Child and Family 
Services Plan (CFSP) and annual updates. Quantitative reporting through 
AFCARS is preferred because the accuracy, reliability, and consistency 
of the data will improve. We finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Prior guardianship. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(b)(16)(i) that the title IV-E agency must report whether the child 
experienced any prior public, private or independent guardianship(s). 
If so, the title IV-E agency must report the month and year of the most 
recent prior finalized legal guardianship (in paragraph (b)(16)(ii)).
    Comment: Three states commented that reporting on this information 
is discretionary and recommended these data elements be removed.
    Response: We did not make changes to remove these data elements 
because reporting on prior guardianships is required by section 479(d) 
of the Act. We finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Child financial and medical assistance. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (b)(17) that the title IV-E agency must report 
whether the child received financial and medical assistance, other than 
title IV-E foster care maintenance payments, from a list of eight 
sources. We did not receive substantive comments relevant to our 
proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Title IV-E foster care during report period. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (b)(18) that the title IV-E agency must report 
whether a title IV-E foster care maintenance payment was paid on behalf 
of the child at any point during the report period from the response 
options of ``yes'' or ``no''. We did not receive comments relevant to 
our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Siblings. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraphs (b)(19) 
through (21) that the title IV-E agency must report the number of 
siblings that the child has, the number of siblings who are in foster 
care and the number of siblings who are in the same living arrangement 
as the child, on the last day of the report period.
    Comment: Two states suggested modifications to the sibling data 
elements to require agencies to report if siblings were living together 
at any time during the six-month report period and on the last day of 
the reporting period, and to not ask for numbers of siblings.
    Response: We did not make changes based on the comments because 
these data elements as were proposed in the 2019 NPRM will meet our 
needs for monitoring the title IV-B and IV-E programs better than the 
states' proposal because they suggested to provide limited information 
on siblings of children in foster care and only whether siblings lived 
together during a report period. Their suggestion is not robust enough 
for us to understand the entire situation of a child in foster care and 
the child's siblings. We finalize these data elements as proposed.
Section 1355.44(c) Parent or Legal Guardian Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (c) that the title IV-E 
agency must report certain information on the child's parent(s) or 
legal guardian(s). Below are the finalized data elements and a 
discussion of whether we received comments on each data element.
    Year of birth of parent(s) or legal guardian(s). In the 2019 NPRM, 
we proposed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) that the title IV-E agency 
must report

[[Page 28416]]

the birth year of the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). We did 
not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we 
finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Tribal membership mother and father. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraphs (c)(3) and (4) that the state title IV-E agency must 
report whether the biological or adoptive mother and father are members 
of an Indian tribe, if known. We did not receive comments specific to 
this data element and we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Termination/modification of parental rights. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (c)(5) that the title IV-E agency must report 
whether the rights for each parent were terminated or modified on a 
voluntary or involuntary basis. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (c)(5)(i) that the title IV-E agency must report each date a 
petition to terminate/modify parental rights was filed, if applicable. 
In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (c)(5)(ii) that the title 
IV-E agency must report the date parental rights were terminated/
modified, if applicable.
    Comment: One local agency asked how to report the information in 
paragraph (c)(5)(i) if a petition is not filed because the parent 
voluntarily relinquished the rights without a court order.
    Response: The agency would report this to be a voluntary 
termination of parental rights and leave paragraph (c)(5)(i) blank as 
we instruct to only complete that paragraph ``if applicable''. However, 
to make this clearer, we modified the regulation to add an instruction 
in paragraph (c)(5)(i) that if a petition has not been filed, to leave 
the paragraph (c)(5)(i) data element blank. We finalize the data 
elements in paragraphs (c)(5)(ii) and (iii) as proposed.
Section 1355.44(d) Removal Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (d) that the title IV-E 
agency must report information on each of the child's removal(s). Below 
are the finalized data elements and a discussion of whether we received 
comments on each data element.
    Date of child's removal. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(d)(1) that the title IV-E agency must report the date(s) on which the 
child was removed for each removal of a child who enters the placement 
and care responsibility of the title IV-E agency as instructed. We did 
not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we 
finalize this data element as proposed.
    Removal transaction date. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (d)(2) that the title IV-E agency must report the transaction 
date for each of the child's removal dates reported in paragraph (d)(1) 
using a non-modifiable, computer-generated date which accurately 
indicates the month, day, and year each response to paragraph (d)(1) 
was entered into the information system. We did not receive comments 
relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data 
element as proposed.
    Environment at removal. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed paragraph 
(d)(3) that the title IV-E agency must report the type of environment 
(household or facility) from a list of seven that the child was living 
in at the time of each of the child's removals reported in paragraph 
(d)(1). We did not receive substantive comments relevant to our 
proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Child and family circumstances at removal. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (d)(4) that the title IV-E agency must report on 
all of the circumstances surrounding the child and family at the time 
of each removal reported in paragraph (d)(1) from a list of 34 
circumstances.
    Comment: Two states and one local agency made suggestions to modify 
paragraph (d)(4) such as combining certain circumstances and 
rearranging the circumstances into ones that are ``reasons'' for 
removal and circumstances that ``existed'' at the time of removal.
    Response: We did not make changes based on the comments because the 
data element as proposed in the 2019 NPRM will meet our needs, better 
than the states' proposal, for monitoring, and reporting on, the title 
IV-B and IV-E programs, and no concerns were raised by the vast 
majority of title IV-E agency commenters in response to the 2019 NPRM. 
Additionally, title IV-E agencies are required to report the full set 
of circumstances that surround the child at the time of removal and not 
just the ``reason'' for a child's removal, because, in almost every 
case, there is not only one reason for the child's removal. This has 
been an AFCARS requirement since 1993, described currently as ``Actions 
or Conditions Associated With Child's Removal''. Additionally, the 
circumstances in this data element inform program monitoring and 
budgeting, such as knowing nationally the number of children whose 
removal was impacted by a caretaker's substance abuse. For these 
reasons, we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Victim of sex trafficking prior to entering foster care. In the 
2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (d)(5) that the title IV-E agency 
must report whether the child had been a victim of sex trafficking 
before the current out-of-home care episode and if yes, the agency must 
indicate whether it reported each instance to law enforcement and the 
dates of each report. We did not receive substantive comments relevant 
to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Victim of sex trafficking while in foster care. In the 2019 NPRM, 
we proposed in paragraph (d)(6) that the title IV-E agency must report 
whether the child was a victim of sex trafficking while in out-of-home 
care during the current episode and if yes, the agency must indicate 
whether it reported each instance to law enforcement and the dates of 
each report. We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for 
this paragraph and we finalize this data element as proposed.
Section 1355.44(e) Living Arrangement and Provider Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (e) that the title IV-E 
agency must report information on each of the child's living 
arrangements for each out-of-home care episode. Below are the finalized 
data elements and a discussion of whether we received comments on each 
data element.
    Date of living arrangement. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (e)(1) that the title IV-E agency must report the date of 
each living arrangement. We did not receive comments relevant to our 
proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Foster family home. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(e)(2) that the title IV-E agency must report whether or not a child 
resides in a foster family home for each living arrangement, and if 
yes, the agency must complete paragraph (e)(3). We did not receive 
comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize 
this data element as proposed.
    Foster family home type. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph 
(e)(3) that the title IV-E agency must report the type of foster family 
home from a list of six. We did not receive comments relevant to our 
proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data element as 
proposed.
    Other living arrangement type. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (e)(4) that the title IV-E agency must

[[Page 28417]]

report whether a child who is not placed in a foster family home is 
placed in one of 14 mutually exclusive living arrangements.
    Comment: A national advocacy organization suggested adding 
``skilled nursing facility'' as a living arrangement.
    Response: We did not make changes to add another living arrangement 
as suggested because the living arrangements proposed cover the range 
of placement types necessary for our purposes and we do not need any 
additional level of detail. We finalize this data element as proposed.
    Location of living arrangement. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (e)(5) that the title IV-E agency must report whether the 
location of each of the child's living arrangement is within or outside 
of the reporting state or tribal service area or is outside of the 
country. We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this 
paragraph and we finalize this data element as proposed.
    Jurisdiction or country where child is living. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (e)(6) that the title IV-E agency must report the 
jurisdiction or country where the child is living if it is outside of 
the reporting state or tribal service area or is outside of the 
country. We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this 
paragraph and we finalize this data element as proposed.
    Marital status of the foster parent(s). In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (e)(7) that the title IV-E agency must report the 
marital status of the foster parent(s). We did not receive comments 
relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data 
element as proposed.
    Child's relationship to the foster parent(s). In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (e)(8) that the title IV-E agency must report the 
child's relationship to the foster parent(s) from the following three 
response options: ``relative(s)'', ``nonrelative(s)'', and ``kin''. We 
did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph 
and we finalize this data element as proposed.
    Year of birth for foster parent(s). In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraphs (e)(9) and (14) that the title IV-E agency must report 
the year of birth of the foster parent(s). We did not receive comments 
relevant to our proposal for these paragraphs and we finalize these 
data elements as proposed.
    Foster parent(s) tribal membership. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraphs (e)(10) and (15) that the title IV-E agency must report 
the tribal membership of the foster parent(s). We did not receive 
comments specific to these data elements and we finalize these data 
elements as proposed.
    Race of foster parent(s). In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraphs (e)(11) and (16) that the title IV-E agency must report the 
race of the foster parent(s). We did not receive comments relevant to 
our proposal for these paragraphs and we finalize these data elements 
as proposed.
    Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of foster parent(s). In the 2019 NPRM, 
we proposed in paragraphs (e)(12) and (17) that the title IV-E agency 
must report the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of the foster parent(s), 
as appropriate. We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal 
for this paragraph and we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Sex of foster parent(s). In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraphs (e)(13) and (18) that the title IV-E agency must report the 
sex of the foster parent(s).
    Comment: Two states suggested that we include a third gender 
option, such as ``other'', because other agencies within the state have 
this ability (e.g., motor vehicles), so it promotes consistency. 
Sixteen national advocacy organizations suggested we add data elements 
on gender identity.
    Response: We did not make changes to this data element and did not 
add data elements because we did not receive a significant enough 
number of comments from title IV-E agencies that identified reasons to 
revise the response options to include a third gender response option. 
Further, we have no compelling reason to increase the agency's burden 
to require this information be included in AFCARS as we have no need 
for it at the Federal level. We finalize these data elements as 
proposed.
Section 1355.44(f) Permanency Planning
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (f) that the title IV-E 
agency must report information related to permanency planning for 
children in out-of-home care, which includes permanency plans, 
hearings, and caseworker visits with the child. Below are the finalized 
data elements and a discussion of whether we received comments on each 
data element.
    Permanency plan and date. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) that the title IV-E agency must report each 
permanency plan established for the child. We did not receive comments 
relevant to our proposal for these paragraphs and we finalize these 
data elements as proposed.
    Date of periodic review(s) and permanency hearing(s). In the 2019 
NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (f)(3) that the title IV-E agency must 
report the date of each periodic review. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraph (f)(4) that the title IV-E agency must report the date of 
each permanency hearing. We did not receive comments relevant to our 
proposal for these paragraphs and we finalize these data elements as 
proposed.
    Caseworker visit dates and locations. In the 2019 NPRM, paragraph 
(f)(5) that the title IV-E agency must report the date of each in-
person, face-to-face caseworker visit with the child. In the 2019 NPRM, 
we proposed in paragraph (f)(6) that the title IV-E agency must report 
each caseworker visit location from two response options.
    Comment: Two states and one local agency suggested that caseworker 
visit information is better suited for a qualitative review and should 
not be reported in AFCARS.
    Response: We continue to believe that reporting caseworker visit 
information in AFCARS instead of the CFSP will improve the accuracy of 
the data and alleviate the burden of agencies having to report on this 
as a narrative in the CFSP and annual updates. Thus, we finalize these 
data elements as proposed.
Section 1355.44(g) General Exit Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (g) that the title IV-E 
agency must report exit information for each out-of-home care episode 
when the title IV-E agency's placement and care responsibility for the 
child ends. We did not receive comments on our proposal for section 
1355.44(g), thus we finalize paragraph (g) as proposed.
    Date of exit. Under paragraph (g)(1), the title IV-E agency must 
report the date for each of the child's exits from out-of-home care.
    Exit transaction date. Under paragraph (g)(2), the title IV-E 
agency must report a non-modifiable, computer-generated date which 
accurately indicates the date of each response to paragraph (g)(1) of 
this section.
    Exit reason. Under paragraph (g)(3), the title IV-E agency must 
report the reason for each of the child's exits from out-of-home care 
from nine response options.
    Transfer to another agency. Under paragraph (g)(4), the title IV-E 
agency must report the type of agency that

[[Page 28418]]

received placement and care responsibility for the child if the title 
IV-E agency indicated the child was transferred to another agency in 
paragraph (g)(3) from seven response options.
Section 1355.44(h) Exit to Adoption and Guardianship Information
    In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (h) that the title IV-E 
agency must report certain information only if the title IV-E agency 
indicated the child exited to adoption or legal guardianship in 
paragraph (g)(3) Exit reason. Otherwise, the title IV-E agency must 
leave paragraph (h) blank. Below are the finalized data elements and a 
discussion of whether we received comments on each data element.
    Marital status of the adoptive parent(s) or guardian(s). In the 
2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (h)(1) that the title IV-E agency 
must report the marital status of the adoptive parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s). We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for 
this paragraph and we finalize this data element as proposed.
    Child's relationship to the adoptive parent(s) or guardian(s). In 
the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (h)(2) that the title IV-E 
agency must report the type of relationship between the child and the 
adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) from four response options. We 
did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph 
and we finalize this data element as proposed.
    Date of birth of the adoptive parent or guardian. In the 2019 NPRM, 
we proposed in paragraphs (h)(3) and (8), the title IV-E agency must 
report the date of the birth of the adoptive parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s). We did not receive comments relevant to our proposal for 
these paragraphs and we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Adoptive parent or guardian tribal membership. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraphs (h)(4) and (9) that the title IV-E agency must 
report whether the adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is a member 
of an Indian tribe as instructed. We did not receive comments specific 
to these paragraphs and we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Race of adoptive parent or guardian. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraphs (h)(5) and (10) that the title IV-E agency must report 
the adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) race as instructed. We did 
not receive comments relevant to our proposal for these paragraphs and 
we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of adoptive parent or guardian. In the 
2019 NPRM, we proposed in paragraphs (h)(6) and (11) that the title IV-
E agency must report whether the adoptive parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s) is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity as instructed. We did 
not receive comments relevant to our proposal for these paragraphs and 
we finalize these data elements as proposed.
    Sex of adoptive parent or guardian. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed 
in paragraphs (h)(7) and (12) that the title IV-E agency must report 
the sex of the adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as instructed.
    Comment: Two states suggested that we include a third gender 
option, such as ``other'', because other agencies within the state have 
this ability (e.g., motor vehicles), so it promotes consistency. 
Sixteen national advocacy organizations suggested we add data elements 
on gender identity.
    Response: We did not make changes to this data element and did not 
add data elements because we did not receive a significant enough 
number of comments from title IV-E agencies that identified reasons to 
revise the response options to include a third gender response option. 
Further, we have no compelling reason to increase the agency's burden 
to require this information be included in AFCARS as we have no need 
for it at the Federal level. Accordingly, we finalize these data 
elements as proposed.
    Inter/Intrajurisdictional adoption or guardianship. In the 2019 
NPRM, we proposed in paragraph (h)(13) that the title IV-E agency must 
report whether the child was placed within the state or tribal service 
area, outside of the state or tribal service area or into another 
country for adoption or legal guardianship. We did not receive comments 
relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data 
element as proposed.
    Assistance agreement type. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed in 
paragraph (h)(14) that the title IV-E agency must report the type of 
assistance agreement between the title IV-E agency and the adoptive 
parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as appropriate. We did not receive 
comments relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize 
this data element as proposed.
    Siblings in adoptive or guardianship home. In the 2019 NPRM, we 
proposed in paragraph (h)(15) that the title IV-E agency must report 
the number of siblings of the child who are in the same adoptive or 
legal guardianship home as the child. We did not receive comments 
relevant to our proposal for this paragraph and we finalize this data 
element as proposed.

Section 1355.45 Adoption and Guardianship Assistance Data File Elements

    This section contains the data elements for the adoption and 
guardianship assistance data file. We proposed in the 2019 NPRM 
conforming amendments only to paragraphs (b)(2) and (3) and (f). We did 
not receive comments on Sec.  1355.45 and we finalize these data 
elements as proposed.
    Child's sex. Under paragraph (b)(2), the title IV-E agency must 
report the sex of the child.
    Child's race. Under paragraph (b)(3)(vi), for Race-unknown, we made 
edits to match edits in Sec.  1355.44(b)(7)(vi), where we clarify the 
instructions for reporting the race of the child.
    Adoption or guardianship placing agency. Under paragraph (f), the 
title IV-E agency must indicate the agency that placed the child for 
adoption or legal guardianship from three options.

Section 1355.46 Compliance

    This section lists compliance requirements for AFCARS data 
including the type of assessments ACF will conduct to determine the 
accuracy of a title IV-E agency's data, the data that is subject to 
these assessments, the compliance standards, and the manner in which a 
title IV-E agency that is initially determined to be out of compliance 
can correct its data. In the 2019 NPRM, we proposed conforming 
amendments only to paragraph (c)(2) to update the cross references. We 
did not receive substantive comments relevant to our proposal for this 
paragraph and we finalize this paragraph as proposed.

VI. Regulatory Impact Analysis

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
ACF consulted with OMB, which determined that this rule does meet the 
criteria for a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866. Thus, it 
was subject to OMB review.

[[Page 28419]]

ACF determined that the costs to title IV-E agencies as a result of 
this rule will not be economically significant as defined in E.O. 12866 
(have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or 
communities). Because the rule is not economically significant as 
defined in E.O. 12866, a full cost-benefit analysis per OMB Circular A-
4 does not need to be included in this rule. An abbreviated costs and 
benefits analysis is below.
Costs and Benefits
    AFCARS is the only comprehensive case-level data set on the 
incidence and experiences of children who are in out-of-home care under 
the placement and care of the title IV-E agency or who are under a 
title IV-E adoption or guardianship assistance agreement. A regulated 
national data set on these children is required by section 479(c)(3) of 
the Act. Section 479(c)(1) of the Act requires that any data collection 
system developed and implemented under this section must avoid 
unnecessary diversion of resources from agencies. Section 479(c)(2) of 
the Act requires that data collected is reliable and consistent over 
time. This final rule streamlines the information required in the 2016 
final rule for title IV-E agencies to report to AFCARS, which will 
avoid the unnecessary diversion of resources. We removed data elements 
that 2018 ANPRM and 2019 NPRM commenters identified would not meet the 
requirements for reliability and consistency, thus are ineffective at 
providing a national picture of children placed in out-of-home care. 
Not publishing this final rule, and in effect requiring title IV-E 
agencies to implement the vast requirements of the 2016 final rule, 
would not meet these statutory requirements, as demonstrated by the 
commenters that supported streamlining.
    Federal reimbursement under title IV-E will be available for a 
portion of the costs that title IV-E agencies will incur as a result of 
the revisions in this final rule, depending on each title IV-E agency's 
cost allocation plan, information system, and other factors. Estimated 
burden and costs to the Federal Government are provided below in the 
Burden estimate section. We estimate the Federal portion of the overall 
information collection burden to be $43,093,725. Additional costs to 
the Federal Government to design a system to collect the new AFCARS 
data are expected to be minimal.
Alternatives Considered
    ACF considered not streamlining the data elements, meaning that the 
2016 final rule would go into effect. This would not be in line with 
the findings of the HHS Regulatory Reform Taskforce or the overwhelming 
majority of state and local agencies that supported streamlining the 
data elements as proposed in the 2019 NPRM.
    Executive Order 13771, entitled Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs (82 FR 9339), was issued on January 30, 2017. 
Annualizing these costs and cost savings in perpetuity and discounting 
at 7 percent back to 2016, we estimate that this rule would generate 
$26.7 million in annualized cost savings discounted relative to 2016 at 
7 percent over a perpetual time horizon, in 2016 dollars. Details on 
the estimated costs of this rule can be found in the Paperwork 
Reduction Act analysis. This rule is considered an E.O. 13771 
deregulatory action. As described below, this rule will save 
approximately 588,094 burden hours over the 2016 final rule. After 
multiplying the burden hours by the average wage rate of affected 
individuals, this amounts to $42,930,862 in savings each year, relative 
to the estimated costs and burden of the 2016 final rule, in the year 
this final rule will become effective, which is in FY 2023. As a 
result, we estimate that this rule generates $26.7 million in 
annualized cost savings in 2016 dollars, discounted at 7 percent over a 
perpetual time horizon relative to year 2016.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
    The Secretary certifies, under 5 U.S.C. 605(b), as enacted by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354), that this rule will not 
result in a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. This rule does not affect small entities because it is 
applicable only to state and tribal title IV-E agencies, and those 
entities are not considered to be small entities for purposes of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (Pub. L. 104-4) requires agencies 
to prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before 
finalizing any rule that may result in an annual expenditure by state, 
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation). In 
2019, that threshold is approximately $154 million. This rule does not 
impose any mandates on state, local, or tribal governments, or the 
private sector that will result in an annual expenditure of $150 
million or more.
Congressional Review
    This regulation is not a major rule as defined in 5 U.S.C. 8.
Assessment of Federal Regulations and Policies on Families
    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations 
Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-58) requires Federal agencies to determine 
whether a policy or regulation may affect family well-being. If the 
agency's determination is affirmative, then the agency must prepare an 
impact assessment addressing seven criteria specified in the law. This 
rule will not have an impact on family well-being as defined in the 
law.
Executive Order 13132 on Federalism
    E.O. 13132 requires that Federal agencies consult with state and 
local government officials in the development of regulatory policies 
with federalism implications. Consistent with E.O. 13132 and Guidance 
for Implementing E.O. 13132 issued on October 28, 1999, the Department 
must include in ``a separately identified portion of the preamble to 
the regulation'' a ``federalism summary impact statement'' (Secs. 
6(b)(2)(B) & (c)(2)). The Department's federalism summary impact 
statement is as follows--
     ``A description of the extent of the agency's prior 
consultation with state and local officials''--The public comment 
period for the 2019 NPRM was open for 60 days and closed on June 18, 
2019. During this time, we solicited comments via regulations.gov and 
email. During this comment period, we held three informational calls on 
April 30, May 2, and 28, 2019 for states, Indian tribes, and the 
public. During these calls, we provided an overview of the 2019 NPRM 
provisions and where to submit comments. Prior to issuing the 2019 
NPRM, we solicited comments via an ANPRM in 2018.
     ``A summary of the nature of their concerns and the 
agency's position supporting the need to issue the regulation''--As we 
discussed in section III of the preamble to this final rule, state 
commenters supported the revisions proposed in the 2019 NPRM to 
streamline the AFCARS regulation because they believe it would reduce 
the burden of reporting on title IV-E agencies and that the proposal 
kept the data elements that are essential to understanding nationally 
the population

[[Page 28420]]

of children in foster care. We continue to believe that, in order to 
reduce the burden on title IV-E agencies, which are required to submit 
the AFCARS data to ACF and will be held to penalties for non-compliant 
data submissions, we must finalize the proposed revisions to AFCARS in 
this rule.
     ``A statement of the extent to which the concerns of state 
and local officials have been met'' (Secs. 6(b)(2)(B) and 6(c)(2))--As 
we discussed in section III of the preamble to this final rule, this 
rule finalizes the 2019 NPRM proposal for fewer data elements than is 
in the 2016 final rule. We believe that the states sufficiently argued 
in both their comments to the 2018 ANPRM and the 2019 NPRM that the 
2016 final rule had many data elements that can be streamlined while 
still providing critical information on the reporting population.
Paperwork Reduction Act
    This final rule contains information collection requirements (ICRs) 
that are subject to review by the OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. A description of these provisions 
is given in the following paragraphs with an estimate of the annual 
burden. In the PRA section for the 2019 NPRM on whether an information 
collection should be approved by OMB, the Department solicited comment 
on the following issues:
     The need for the information collection and its usefulness 
in carrying out the proper functions of our agency.
     The accuracy of our estimate of the information collection 
burden in the 2019 NPRM.
     The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected.
     Recommendations to minimize the information collection 
burden on the affected public, including automated collection 
techniques.
    OMB did not receive comments in response to the 2019 NPRM PRA.
    The information collection for AFCARS is currently authorized under 
OMB number 0970-0422. This rule contains information collection 
requirements in Sec.  1355.44, the out-of-home care data file, and 
Sec.  1355.45, the adoption and guardianship assistance data file, that 
the Department submitted to OMB for its review. Pursuant to this final 
rule:
     State and tribal title IV-E agencies must report 
information on children who are in the out-of-home care reporting 
population pursuant to Sec.  1355.42(a),
     State and tribal title IV-E agencies must report 
information on children who are in the adoption and guardianship 
assistance reporting population pursuant to Sec.  1355.42(b), and
     State title IV-E agencies must report ICWA-related 
information in the out-of-home care data file.

Burden Estimate

    In this section, we provide a burden estimate for this final rule 
and briefly explain how we calculated it, using the 2019 NPRM burden 
estimate since we did not make substantive changes in this final rule. 
Changes in the final rule estimate are attributed to updated input 
numbers, such as labor rate and number of children in foster care.
    2016 Final Rule: In the 2016 final rule, we had estimated the total 
annual burden hours for both recordkeeping and reporting to be 970,226 
hours at a total cost of $81,499,084 ($40,749,492 at 50 percent Federal 
Financial Participation (FFP)). As we discovered from analyzing the 
2018 ANPRM comments, the 2016 final rule burden estimate was low and 
did not appropriately account for the time and resources required to 
collect and report the many and detailed ICWA-related data elements. 
Through the comments process of the 2018 ANPRM and 2019 NPRM, we are 
able to provide a more grounded burden estimate that is based on state 
estimated hours and costs.
    2019 NPRM: Through the 2018 ANPRM, ACF asked the public to give 
specific feedback on the AFCARS data elements, costs to implement, and 
burden hours to complete the work required to comply with the AFCARS 
requirements in 2016 final rule. As we explained in the 2019 NPRM (84 
FR 16587), we analyzed the 2018 ANPRM comments from states on the 
burden to complete the 2016 final rule. States ranged considerably in 
estimating the work needed and length of time it would take to comply 
with the 2016 final rule, which is expected and appropriate because 
there is considerable variability across states in sophistication of 
information systems, availability of both staff and financial 
resources, and populations of children in care. Thus, we used the 
median of the states' estimates for the estimates related to training 
and developing or modifying procedures and systems. We used the average 
of the states' estimates for the estimates of gathering/entering 
information, reporting, and the labor rate. Based on the 2018 ANPRM 
comments, we updated our estimate for the total burden of the 2016 
final rule to be 1,768,744 hours. To estimate the burden of the 2019 
NPRM, we used a revised 2016 final rule estimate that was based on 
states' 2018 ANPRM comments and reduced the hours by approximately 33 
percent, which represented the approximate workload reduction 
associated with reporting fewer data elements and the type of data 
elements that we removed, which specifically were qualitative in nature 
and required a significant amount of training and staff time to locate 
the information and ensure proper data entry.
    As we explained in the 2019 NPRM (84 FR 16589), adjustments to the 
recordkeeping burden estimates were based on the information provided 
by states in response to the 2018 ANPRM:
     For the out-of-home care data file, states provided 
estimates that ranged from 3 to 15 hours related to the tasks of 
searching data sources, gathering information, and entering the 
information into the system for the 2016 final rule. The range depended 
on whether the work was for the qualitative ICWA-related data elements 
or not. The average of the hours provided from the states that broke 
out this information in their 2018 ANPRM comments was 6 hours annually. 
We used the average because there were not significant outliers in the 
comments provided. Then we reduced the 6 hours by 33 percent since that 
represents the reduction in data elements to be reported.
     For the adoption and guardianship assistance data file, 
the data elements did not significantly change and we did not receive 
information from state estimates to determine that a change in these 
estimates was warranted. The only changes are attributable to updated 
numbers of children in adoption or guardianship assistance agreements, 
thus we estimated in the 2019 NPRM that updates or changes on an annual 
or biennial basis will take an average of 0.2 hours annually for 
records of children who have an adoption assistance agreement and 0.3 
hours annually for children who have a guardianship assistance 
agreement.
     Developing or modifying standard operating procedures and 
systems to collect, validate, and verify the information and adjust 
existing ways to comply with the AFCARS requirements was estimated at 
6,700 hours annually. States provided estimates in response to the 2018 
ANPRM that ranged from 1,000 to 20,000 hours, which varied widely 
depending on the size of the state's out-of-home care population, type, 
sophistication, and age of systems. To estimate the annual hours, we 
chose to use the median of these estimates provided by the state 
commenters, rather than relying on the average of

[[Page 28421]]

those provided in the comments, because it would be distorted by the 
considerable hour range. The median hours from state's estimates was 
10,000, and we reduced it by 33 percent since that represents the 
reduction in data elements to be reported.
     Administrative tasks associated with training personnel on 
the AFCARS requirements (e.g., reviewing instructions, developing the 
training and manuals) and training personnel on AFCARS requirements we 
estimated would take on average 7,086 hours annually. In response to 
the 2018 ANPRM, states provided varying estimates for the hours and 
cost of training that were not broken out the same way. For example, 
one estimate was 40 hours to develop training materials and 2 hours of 
training per staff person. Other estimates were only totals of training 
hours that ranged between 42,712 to 102,000 hours encompassing initial 
and ongoing training to implement the 2016 final rule. Another estimate 
broke out ongoing training at 8,500 hours annually. To estimate the 
annual hours related to training tasks, we used the median of the hours 
provided from the 2018 ANPRM comments, rather than relying on the 
average, because it would be distorted by the considerable hour ranges 
and associated tasks. We understand that training hours will vary 
depending on the size of the agency's workforce needing training. The 
median hours from state's estimates was 10,576, and we reduced it by 33 
percent since that represents the reduction in data elements to be 
reported.
    For reporting, we explained in the 2019 NPRM (84 FR 16589) that 
very few states broke out reporting in their 2018 ANPRM comments and 
the average of the hours provided came to 26 hours. Since the 2019 NPRM 
reduces the data elements by 33 percent, we reduced the estimated 
burden related to reporting that amount arriving at 17 hours for this 
task.
    For the labor rate, the 2018 ANPRM comments provided many job 
titles that would be involved in implementing, which included a mix of 
programming, management, caseworkers, and legal staff that varied 
depending on the size and functions of the state and local governments. 
The 2016 final rule included mostly computer analysts and social 
service managers which gave us an estimate of $84. The 2019 NPRM 
included more positions, such as office and administrative support 
occupations, community and social service operations and gave us an 
estimate of $72.
    Comments in response to the 2019 NPRM: We explained in the 2019 
NPRM that since the 2018 ANPRM comments were very thorough and helpful 
to inform the burden estimates, we feel confident that the burden 
estimate provided in the 2019 NPRM more accurately reflects the burden 
of reporting AFCARS information. ACF asked the public to respond to the 
streamlined AFCARS proposed in the 2019 NPRM. States expressed that the 
burden of the 2019 NPRM will be less than the 2016 final rule, 
commenting that they supported the streamlined AFCARS because it will 
be less burdensome than the 2016 final rule. Nine states provided 
estimates in response to the 2019 NPRM for costs and burden hours to 
comply with the 2019 NPRM. These estimates ranged considerably 
depending on the tasks the state attributed the burden to and whether 
it was a total for all work needed to implement the rule. State 
estimates for burden hours ranged between 32,900 and 111,000 total 
hours for all work needed to implement the rule, which included 
developing/modifying procedures, systems changes, and training, but not 
all states included training in their estimates, leading to lower 
burden estimates. State cost estimates ranged from $88,000 to over $1 
million, the variability due to either including all work over multiple 
years or only providing total costs for one task, such as systems 
changes. We did not make changes to the burden estimates in this final 
rule based on this additional information because there was not enough 
detailed information to draw any different conclusions than we did in 
calculating the burden estimates for the 2019 NPRM. Tribal title IV-E 
agencies did not provide burden estimates in their comments. In this 
section, we discuss our assumptions and calculations for the estimates.
    Respondents: The 69 respondents comprise 52 state title IV-E 
agencies and 17 tribal title IV-E agencies, which are Indian tribes, 
tribal organizations or consortium with an approved title IV-E plan 
under section 479B of the Act. The estimates provided in the rule are 
spread across respondents for the purposes of the PRA estimates. 
However, we understand that actual burden hours and costs will vary due 
to sophistication and capacity of information systems, availability of 
staff and financial resources, and populations of children in care.
    Recordkeeping burden: Searching data sources, gathering 
information, and entering the information into the system, developing 
or modifying procedures and systems to collect, validate, and verify 
the information and adjusting existing ways to comply with AFCARS 
requirements, administrative tasks associated with training personnel 
on the AFCARS requirements (e.g., reviewing instructions, developing 
the training and manuals), and training personnel on AFCARS 
requirements.
    Reporting burden: Extracting the information for AFCARS reporting 
and transmitting the information to ACF.
Annualized Cost to the Federal Government
    Federal reimbursement under title IV-E will be available for a 
portion of the costs that title IV-E agencies will incur as a result of 
the revisions proposed in this rule, depending on each agency's cost 
allocation plan, information system, and other factors. For this 
estimate, we used the 50 percent FFP rate.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Estimate
               Collection--AFCARS                  Total annual   Average hourly    Total cost     Federal costs
                                                   burden hours     labor rate                       (50% FFP)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recordkeeping...................................       1,178,304             $73     $86,016,192     $43,008,096
Reporting.......................................           2,346              73         171,258          85,629
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................  ..............  ..............  ..............      43,093,725
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Cost savings of this final rule over the 2016 final rule: 588,094 
hours x $73 labor rate = $42,930,862.
Assumptions for Estimates
    We made a number of assumptions when calculating the burden and 
costs:
     Number of children in out-of-home care: To determine the 
number of children for which title IV-E agencies

[[Page 28422]]

will have to report in the out-of-home care data file on average, ACF 
used the most recent FY 2018 AFCARS data available: 262,956 children 
entered foster care during FY 2018. Of those, 5,856 children had a 
reported race of American Indian/Alaska Native. We used the number of 
children who entered foster care rather than the entire population of 
children in foster care because agencies will not have to collect and 
report all data elements on all children in foster care; therefore, 
this accounts for the variances in burden. This is consistent with 
previous burden estimate and savings calculations in the 2016 final 
rule and the 2019 NPRM, which are what we use to estimate the relative 
savings of the 2019 NPRM and this final rule.
     Out-of-home care data elements: For the out-of-home care 
data file, the 2016 final rule required approximately 272 items on 
which we require title IV-E agencies to report information. In this 
final rule, we reduced these data points to approximately 183, 
representing 170 data points retained without change from the 2016 
final rule and 13 modified data points. This represents approximately a 
33 percent reduction in the total items that title IV-E agencies must 
report for this final rule compared to the 2016 final rule.
     Number of children receiving adoption and guardianship 
assistance: To determine the number of children for which title IV-E 
agencies must report in the adoption and guardianship assistance file, 
ACF used the most recent title IV-E Programs Quarterly Financial 
Report, CB-496, for FY 2018: 488,870 children received title IV-E 
adoption assistance and 32,204 children received guardianship 
assistance.
     Adoption and guardianship assistance data elements: There 
are approximately 20 items where we require title IV-E agencies report 
information for the adoption and guardianship assistance data file, 
which is not a significant change from the 2016 final rule.
     Systems changes: ACF assumed that the burden for title IV-
E agencies to modify systems was based in part on the estimates states 
provided in response to the 2019 NPRM. Most title IV-E agencies will 
require revisions to electronic case management systems to meet the 
requirements in this final rule. However, ACF anticipates that a 
state's CCWIS will lead to more efficiency and less costs and burden 
associated with AFCARS reporting.
     Labor rate: ACF assumes that there will be a mix of the 
following positions working to meet both the one-time and annual 
requirements of this rule. We reviewed 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics 
data and for this estimate we used the job roles of: Computer 
Information and Systems Managers (11-3021) with an average hourly wage 
of $73.49; Computer and Mathematical Occupations (15-0000) (e.g. 
computer and information analysts, computer programmers, and database 
and systems administrators) with an average hourly wage of $44.01; 
Office and Administrative Support Occupations (43-000) (e.g., 
administrative assistants, data entry, legal secretaries, government 
program eligibility interviewers, information and record clerks) with 
an average hourly wage of $18.75; Social and Community Service Managers 
(11-9151) with an average hourly wage estimate of $34.46; Community and 
Social Service Operations (21-0000) (e.g. Social Workers, Child and 
Family Social Workers, Counselors, Social Service Specialists) with an 
average hourly wage of $23.69; and Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-
2011) with an average hourly wage estimate of $26.20. ACF averaged 
these wages to come to an average labor rate of $36.77. In order to 
ensure we took into account overhead costs associated with these labor 
costs, ACF doubled this rate ($73).
Calculations for Estimates
    For the 2019 NPRM estimates, we reduced the estimates that were in 
the 2016 final rule by 33 percent to represent the reduction in the 
workload associated with reporting the data proposed in the 2019 NPRM 
compared to the 2016 final rule. We carried forward this estimated 
reduction of 33 percent in this final rule because we did not make any 
substantive changes to the amount of data the title IV-E agency must 
report. Thus, the reduction in costs and burden hours from the 2016 
final rule is reflected.
    Recordkeeping: We estimated a total of 1,178,304 record keeping 
hours annually, as summarized below. We are finalizing the data 
elements as proposed, and therefore, did not need to revise the 
estimates related to work in these bullets and only updated population 
numbers.
     For the out-of-home care data file, searching data 
sources, gathering information, and entering the information into the 
system would take on average 4.02 hours annually for all children who 
enter foster care, for a total of 1,057,083 hours annually. The 
reduction in the estimate from the 2019 NPRM is based on the reduced 
number of children who entered foster care. (4.02 hours x 262,956 
children = 1,057,083 annual hours for this bullet)
     For the adoption and guardianship assistance data file, we 
estimated in the 2019 NPRM that updates or changes on an annual or 
biennial basis will take an average of 0.2 hours annually for records 
of children who have an adoption assistance agreement and 0.3 hours 
annually for children who have a guardianship assistance agreement. The 
number of children in adoption or guardianship assistance agreements 
increased, which reflects the most recent data available, FY 2018. The 
new total annual hours is estimated to be 107,435.2. (0.2 hours x 
488,870 children = 97,774 hours. 0.3 hours x 32,204 children = 9,661.2 
hours. 97,774 hours + 9,661.2 hours = 107,435 total annual burden hours 
for this bullet.)
     Developing or modifying standard operating procedures and 
systems to collect, validate, and verify the information and adjust 
existing ways to comply with the AFCARS requirements is estimated at 
6,700 hours annually.
     Administrative tasks associated with training personnel on 
the AFCARS requirements (e.g. reviewing instructions, developing the 
training and manuals) and training personnel on AFCARS requirements we 
estimate will take on average 7,086 hours annually. We understand that 
training hours will vary depending on the size of the agency's 
workforce needing training.
    Reporting: We estimate that extracting the information for AFCARS 
reporting and transmitting the information to ACF would take on average 
17 hours annually. The estimate of 17 hours is from the 2019 NPRM. We 
did not change this estimate because we did not make substantive 
changes to this final rule and we did not receive any information from 
commenters to determine that a change in these estimates is warranted.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Number of    Average burden   Total annual
               Collection--AFCARS                    Number of     responses per     hours per     burden hours
                                                    respondents     respondent       response        for NPRM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recordkeeping...................................              69               2           8,538       1,178,304

[[Page 28423]]

 
Reporting.......................................              69               2              17           2,346
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................  ..............  ..............  ..............       1,180,650
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Title IV-E agencies must comply with the current AFCARS 
requirements in 45 CFR 1355.40 and the appendix to part 1355 until 
September 30, 2022 (45 CFR 1355.40 and section IV of the preamble to 
this rule). On October 1, 2022 (FY 2023), title IV-E agencies must 
comply with Sec. Sec.  1355.41 through 1355.47. The 2016 final rule was 
scheduled to become effective on October 1, 2020 (FY 2021). Because 
this final rule replaces the 2016 final rule, the year in which title 
IV-E agencies will experience savings from the 2016 final rule is FY 
2023. We used fiscal years in this estimate because AFCARS data 
reporting periods are categorized by fiscal years. The savings is 
generated by the reductions finalized in this rule, which reduces the 
data that title IV-E agencies must report from the requirements 
established in the 2016 final rule. As discussed above, we estimated 
approximately a 33 percent reduction in the total items that title IV-E 
agencies must report in this final rule relative to the 2016 final 
rule; the numbers in the estimate for this final rule takes this into 
account. These charts represent the burden hour and cost savings we 
estimate that this final rule will have over the 2016 final rule's 
requirements. This final rule will save approximately 588,094 burden 
hours. After multiplying by the average wage rate of affected 
individuals, this amounts to $42,930,862 in savings each year relative 
to the 2016 final rule, in the year this final rule will become 
effective, FY 2023.

                             Savings of 2020 Final Rule Relative to 2016 Final Rule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Total annual     Total annual
                                                                 burden hours     burden hours      Difference
            Burden hour savings of this final rule              for 2016 final   for this final      (hours)
                                                                     rule             rule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2023......................................................       1,768,744        1,180,650          588,094
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the above estimates, ACF acknowledges: (1) ACF has used average 
figures for title IV-E agencies of very different sizes and some of 
which may have larger populations of children served than other 
agencies, and (2) these are rough estimates based on the 2019 NPRM 
comments which ranged in the level of detail provided regarding burden 
hours, costs, and work needing to be completed.
    We have submitted a copy of this final rule to OMB for its review 
of the rule's information collection and recordkeeping requirements. 
The requirements are not effective until they have been approved by 
OMB.

VII. Tribal Consultation Statement

    ACF is committed to consulting with Indian tribes and tribal 
leadership to the extent practicable and permitted by law, prior to 
promulgating any regulation that has tribal implications and within the 
requirements of E.O. 13175 Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments. As we developed this final rule, ACF engaged in 
consultation with tribes and their leadership as described in further 
detail below.

Description of Consultation

    Prior to issuing the 2019 NPRM, we engaged in tribal consultation 
during the comment period of the ANPRM on May 15 and 16, 2018. During 
the 2019 NPRM comment period, we engaged in tribal consultation on June 
3, 4, and 6, 2019.
    Consultation during the 2018 ANPRM comment period. Prior to the May 
2018 consultation, we ensured that adequate information and notice was 
provided to tribes about the 2018 ANPRM and AFCARS and was publicly 
available by posting this information on the CB website, emailing it to 
CB's tribal lists, and issuing an Information Memorandum announcing 
publication of the 2018 ANPRM on March 16, 2018 (ACYF-CB-IM-18-01).
    Consultation during the 2019 NPRM comment period. Prior to the June 
2019 consultation, we ensured that adequate information about the 2019 
NPRM and AFCARS was provided to tribes and was publicly available. 
Specifically, in April and May 2019, we emailed notices of the dates 
and times of tribal consultations to CB's tribal email lists, mailed 
the notices to tribal leaders and representatives, emailed notification 
of the publication of the 2019 NPRM to CB's tribal email lists, and 
issued an Information Memorandum announcing publication of the 2019 
NPRM (ACYF-CB-IM-19-02). In preparation for the June 2019 
consultations, CB officials held a webinar in May 2019 to provide the 
background and history of regulation development for AFCARS, the 
purpose of the 2019 NPRM including the Executive Order precipitating 
another look at AFCARS, and an overview of the 2019 NPRM. CB held in-
person consultation on June 3, 2019 in New Mexico and tribal 
consultation via conference calls on June 4 and 6, 2019.

Summary of Concerns and Response

    During the 2018 consultation, tribal leaders, officials, and 
representatives identified the ICWA-related information they felt was 
important to retain in AFCARS because it was essential in determining 
whether ICWA applied to a child or it provided the basic following 
information on ICWA's requirements: Information on the tribal 
membership of children in foster care and their foster care/adoptive 
placements, whether ICWA applies to the child, and notification of 
proceedings. During the consultation sessions in June 2019, tribal 
leaders, officials, and representatives expressed a desire to retain 
all of the ICWA-related data elements from the 2016 final rule, 
including detailed information on ICWA's requirements that are tied to 
DOI's regulations, ICWA statute, and court actions and expressed 
opposition to a modification or reduction of any data elements. They 
stated that ICWA's importance outweighs the state's burden to report 
the information to AFCARS

[[Page 28424]]

and the information would inform compliance with ICWA.
    As we explained earlier, we are retaining only the ICWA-related 
data elements identified in the 2019 NPRM:
     Inquiries made whether the child is an Indian child under 
ICWA,
     whether ICWA applies for the child and the date that the 
state title IV-E agency was notified by the Indian tribe or state or 
tribal court that ICWA applies,
     notification to the Indian tribe, and
     tribal membership of child, mother, father, foster 
parents, adoptive parents, and legal guardians.
    We are committed to obtaining more information on Indian children 
who are in out-of-home care through appropriate and alternative methods 
that allow for a fuller understanding of ICWA's role in child welfare 
cases that AFCARS cannot provide. For example, as we noted in the 2019 
NPRM (84 FR 16578), the next Court Improvement Program (CIP) program 
instruction will emphasize collecting and tracking ICWA-related data 
and will be coupled with technical assistance through the CB's 
technical assistance provider for CIP grantees and the courts to help 
address this historic and ongoing information gap.
    However, as we described in the 2019 NPRM, there are significant 
barriers in obtaining timely and relevant data in a format that would 
be useful for the purpose of determining ICWA compliance. Further, HHS 
is not the cognizant authority over implementing, overseeing, or 
assessing compliance with ICWA; that agency is DOI.

Agency Position on Need for Regulation

    In section V of this final rule, we responded to comments on the 
ICWA-related data elements and explained our rationale for not making 
changes in this final rule. We also provided the parameters of our 
authority to require title IV-E agencies to report AFCARS data and 
clarified that the data is not appropriate for AFCARS reporting because 
the purpose relates to compliance with a law that is not under HHS's 
purview or authority. As we developed this final rule, our aim was to 
reduce burden on title IV-E agencies and clarify any misrepresentations 
of our statutory obligations under section 479 of the Act. We retain 
the data elements as proposed so that we can understand, on a national 
level, key information about Native American children in foster care 
under ACF's statutory authority, for example whether the connections to 
their communities are preserved. This authority in section 479(c)(3) of 
the Act does not permit ACF to require states to report specific 
details on ICWA's requirements in AFCARS to be used for ICWA 
compliance.

List of Subjects in 45 CFR Part 1355

    Adoption and foster care, Child welfare, Grant programs--social 
programs.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 93.658, 
Foster Care Maintenance; 93.659, Adoption Assistance; 93.645, Child 
Welfare Services--State Grants)

    Dated: May 1, 2020.
Lynn A. Johnson,
Assistant Secretary for Children and Families.
    Approved: May 4, 2020.
Alex M. Azar II,
Secretary.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, ACF amends 45 CFR part 
1355 as follows:

PART 1355--GENERAL

0
1. The authority citation for part 1355 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 620 et seq., 42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.; 42 
U.S.C. 1302.


0
2. Revise Sec.  1355.40(a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1355.40   Foster care and adoption data collection.

    (a) Scope. State and tribal title IV-E agencies must follow the 
requirements of this section and appendices A through E of this part 
until September 30, 2022. As of October 1, 2022, state and tribal title 
IV-E agencies must comply with Sec. Sec.  1355.41 through 1355.47.
* * * * *


Sec.  1355.41  [Amended]

0
3. Remove Sec.  1355.41(c).

0
4. Revise Sec.  1355.43(b)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  1355.43   Data reporting requirements.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) For a child who had an out-of-home care episode(s) as defined 
in Sec.  1355.42(a) prior to October 1, 2022, the title IV-E agency 
must report only the information for the data described in Sec.  
1355.44(d)(1) and (g)(1) and (3) for the out-of-home care episode(s) 
that occurred prior to October 1, 2022.
* * * * *

0
5. Revise Sec.  1355.44 to read as follows:


Sec.  1355.44  Out-of-home care data file elements.

    (a) General information--(1) Title IV-E agency. Indicate the title 
IV-E agency responsible for submitting the Adoption and Foster Care 
Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) data in a format according to 
ACF's specifications.
    (2) Report date. The report date corresponds with the end of the 
report period. Indicate the last month and the year of the report 
period.
    (3) Local agency. Indicate the local county, jurisdiction, or 
equivalent unit that has primary responsibility for the child in a 
format according to ACF's specifications.
    (4) Child record number. Indicate the child's record number. This 
is an encrypted, unique person identification number that is the same 
for the child, no matter where the child lives while in the placement 
and care responsibility of the title IV-E agency in out-of-home care 
and across all report periods and episodes. The title IV-E agency must 
apply and retain the same encryption routine or method for the person 
identification number across all report periods. The record number must 
be encrypted in accordance with ACF standards.
    (b) Child information--(1) Child's date of birth. Indicate the 
month, day and year of the child's birth. If the actual date of birth 
is unknown because the child has been abandoned, provide an estimated 
date of birth. ``Abandoned'' means that the child was left alone or 
with others and the identity of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is 
unknown and cannot be ascertained. This includes a child left at a 
``safe haven.''
    (2) Child's sex. Indicate whether the child is ``male'' or 
``female.''
    (3) Reason to know a child is an ``Indian Child'' as defined in the 
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). For state title IV-E agencies only: 
Indicate whether the state title IV-E agency made inquiries whether the 
child is an Indian child as defined in ICWA. Indicate ``yes'' or 
``no.''
    (4) Child's tribal membership. For state title IV-E agencies only:
    (i) Indicate whether the child is a member of or eligible for 
membership in a federally recognized Indian tribe. Indicate ``yes,'' 
``no,'' or ``unknown''.
    (ii) If the state title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'' in paragraph 
(b)(4)(i) of this section, indicate all federally recognized Indian 
tribe(s) that may potentially be the Indian child's tribe(s). The title 
IV-E agency must submit the information in a format according to ACF's 
specifications.
    (5) Application of ICWA. For state title IV-E agencies only:
    (i) Indicate whether ICWA applies for the child. Indicate ``yes,'' 
``no,'' or ``unknown''.
    (ii) If the state title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'' in paragraph 
(b)(5)(i) of

[[Page 28425]]

this section, indicate the date that the state title IV-E agency was 
notified by the Indian tribe or state or tribal court that ICWA 
applies.
    (6) Notification. For state title IV-E agencies only: If the state 
title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'' to paragraph (b)(5)(i) of this 
section, the state title IV-E agency must indicate whether the Indian 
child's tribe(s) was sent legal notice in accordance with 25 U.S.C. 
1912(a). Indicate ``yes'' or ``no.''
    (7) Child's race. In general, a child's race is determined by the 
child, the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Indicate whether 
each race category listed in paragraphs (b)(7)(i) through (viii) of 
this section applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.''
    (i) Race--American Indian or Alaska Native. An American Indian or 
Alaska Native child has origins in any of the original peoples of North 
or South America (including Central America), and maintains tribal 
affiliation or community attachment.
    (ii) Race--Asian. An Asian child has origins in any of the original 
peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent 
including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, 
Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and Vietnam.
    (iii) Race--Black or African American. A Black or African American 
child has origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
    (iv) Race--Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A Native 
Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander child has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
    (v) Race--White. A white child has origins in any of the original 
peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
    (vi) Race--unknown. The child or parent or legal guardian does not 
know, or is unable to communicate the race, or at least one race of the 
child. This category does not apply when the child has been abandoned 
or the parents failed to return and the identity of the child, 
parent(s), or legal guardian(s) is known.
    (vii) Race--abandoned. The child's race is unknown because the 
child has been abandoned. ``Abandoned'' means that the child was left 
alone or with others and the identity of the parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s) is unknown and cannot be ascertained. This includes a child 
left at a ``safe haven.''
    (viii) Race--declined. The child or parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 
has declined to identify a race.
    (8) Child's Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. In general, a child's 
ethnicity is determined by the child or the child's parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s). A child is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity if the child is 
a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or 
other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Indicate whether 
this category applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.'' If the child or the 
child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) does not know or is unable to 
communicate whether the child is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, 
indicate ``unknown.'' If the child is abandoned indicate ``abandoned.'' 
Abandoned means that the child was left alone or with others and the 
identity of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is unknown and cannot be 
ascertained. This includes a child left at a ``safe haven.'' If the 
child or the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) refuses to identify 
the child's ethnicity, indicate ``declined.''
    (9) Health assessment. Indicate whether the child had a health 
assessment during the current out-of-home care episode. This assessment 
could include an initial health screening or any follow-up health 
screening pursuant to section 422(b)(15)(A) of the Act. Indicate 
``yes'' or ``no.''
    (10) Health, behavioral or mental health conditions. Indicate 
whether the child was diagnosed by a qualified professional, as defined 
by the state or tribe, as having a health, behavioral or mental health 
condition, prior to or during the child's current out-of-home care 
episode as of the last day of the report period. Indicate ``child has a 
diagnosed condition'' if a qualified professional has made such a 
diagnosis and for each paragraph (b)(10)(i) through (xi) of this 
section, indicate ``existing condition,'' ``previous condition'' or 
``does not apply,'' as applicable. ``Previous condition'' means a 
previous diagnoses that no longer exists as a current condition. 
Indicate ``no exam or assessment conducted'' if a qualified 
professional has not conducted a medical exam or assessment of the 
child and leave paragraphs (b)(10)(i) through (xi) of this section 
blank. Indicate ``exam or assessment conducted and none of the 
conditions apply'' if a qualified professional has conducted a medical 
exam or assessment and has concluded that the child does not have one 
of the conditions listed and leave paragraphs (b)(10)(i) through (xi) 
of this section blank. Indicate ``exam or assessment conducted but 
results not received'' if a qualified professional has conducted a 
medical exam or assessment but the title IV-E agency has not yet 
received the results of such an exam or assessment and leave paragraphs 
(b)(10)(i) through (xi) of this section blank.
    (i) Intellectual disability. The child has, or had previously, 
significantly sub-average general cognitive and motor functioning 
existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior manifested 
during the developmental period that adversely affect the child's 
socialization and learning.
    (ii) Autism spectrum disorder. The child has, or had previously, a 
neurodevelopment disorder, characterized by social impairments, 
communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped 
patterns of behavior. This includes the range of disorders from 
autistic disorder, sometimes called autism or classical autism spectrum 
disorder, to milder forms known as Asperger syndrome and pervasive 
developmental disorder not otherwise specified.
    (iii) Visual impairment and blindness. The child has, or had 
previously, a visual impairment that may adversely affect the day-to-
day functioning or educational performance, such as blindness, 
amblyopia, or color blindness.
    (iv) Hearing impairment and deafness. The child has, or had 
previously, an impairment in hearing, whether permanent or fluctuating, 
that adversely affects the child's day-to-day functioning and 
educational performance.
    (v) Orthopedic impairment or other physical condition. The child 
has, or had previously, a physical deformity, such as amputations and 
fractures or burns that cause contractures, or an orthopedic 
impairment, including impairments caused by a congenital anomalies or 
disease, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, or 
muscular dystrophy.
    (vi) Mental/emotional disorders. The child has, or had previously, 
one or more mood or personality disorders or conditions over a long 
period of time and to a marked degree, such as conduct disorder, 
oppositional defiant disorder, emotional disturbance, anxiety disorder, 
obsessive-compulsive disorder, or eating disorder.
    (vii) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The child has, or 
had previously, a diagnosis of the neurobehavioral disorders of 
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit 
disorder (ADD).
    (viii) Serious mental disorders. The child has, or had previously, 
a diagnosis of a serious mental disorder or illness, such as bipolar 
disorder, depression, psychotic disorders, or schizophrenia.
    (ix) Developmental delay. The child has been assessed by 
appropriate diagnostic instruments and procedures and is experiencing 
delays in one or

[[Page 28426]]

more of the following areas: Physical development or motor skills, 
cognitive development, communication, language, or speech development, 
social or emotional development, or adaptive development.
    (x) Developmental disability. The child has, or had previously been 
diagnosed with a developmental disability as defined in the 
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 
(Pub. L. 106-402), section 102(8). This means a severe, chronic 
disability of an individual that is attributable to a mental or 
physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments 
that manifests before the age of 22, is likely to continue indefinitely 
and results in substantial functional limitations in three or more 
areas of major life activity. Areas of major life activity include 
self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-
direction, capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency, 
and reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of 
special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized 
supports or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended 
duration and are individually planned and coordinated. If a child is 
given the diagnosis of ``developmental disability,'' do not indicate 
the individual conditions that form the basis of this diagnosis 
separately in other data elements.
    (xi) Other diagnosed condition. The child has, or had previously, a 
diagnosed condition or other health impairment other than those 
described in paragraphs (b)(10)(i) through (x) of this section, which 
requires special medical care, such as asthma, diabetes, chronic 
illnesses, a diagnosis as HIV positive or AIDS, epilepsy, traumatic 
brain injury, other neurological disorders, speech/language impairment, 
learning disability, or substance use issues.
    (11) School enrollment. Indicate whether the child is a full-time 
student at, and enrolled in (or in the process of enrolling in), 
``elementary'' or ``secondary'' education, or is a full or part-time 
student at and enrolled in a ``post-secondary education or training'' 
or ``college,'' as of the earlier of the last day of the report period 
or the day of exit for a child exiting out-of-home care prior to the 
end of the report period. A child is still considered enrolled in 
school if the child would otherwise be enrolled in a school that is 
currently out of session. An ``elementary or secondary school student'' 
is defined in section 471(a)(30) of the Act as a child that is enrolled 
(or in the process of enrolling) in an institution which provides 
elementary or secondary education, as determined under the law of the 
state or other jurisdiction in which the institution is located, 
instructed in elementary or secondary education at home in accordance 
with a home school law of the state or other jurisdiction in which the 
home is located, in an independent study elementary or secondary 
education program in accordance with the law of the state or other 
jurisdiction in which the program is located, which is administered by 
the local school or school district, or incapable of attending school 
on a full-time basis due to the medical condition of the child, which 
incapability is supported by a regularly updated information in the 
case plan of the child. Enrollment in ``post-secondary education or 
training'' refers to full or part-time enrollment in any post-secondary 
education or training, other than an education pursued at a college or 
university. Enrollment in ``college'' refers to a child that is 
enrolled full or part-time at a college or university. If child has not 
reached compulsory school age, indicate ``not school-age.'' If the 
child has reached compulsory school-age, but is not enrolled or is in 
the process of enrolling in any school setting full-time, indicate 
``not enrolled.''
    (12) Educational level. Indicate the highest educational level from 
kindergarten to college or post-secondary education/training completed 
by the child as of the last day of the report period. If child has not 
reached compulsory school-age, indicate ``not school-age.'' Indicate 
``kindergarten'' if the child is currently in or about to begin 1st 
grade. Indicate ``1st grade'' if the child is currently in or about to 
begin 2nd grade. Indicate ``2nd grade'' if the child is currently in or 
about to begin 3rd grade. Indicate ``3rd grade'' if the child is 
currently in or about to begin 4th grade. Indicate ``4th grade'' if the 
child is currently in or about to begin 5th grade. Indicate ``5th 
grade'' if the child is currently in or about to begin 6th grade. 
Indicate ``6th grade'' if the child is currently in or about to begin 
7th grade. Indicate ``7th grade'' if the child is currently in or about 
to begin 8th grade. Indicate ``8th grade'' if the child is currently in 
or about to begin 9th grade. Indicate ``9th grade'' if the child is 
currently in or about to begin 10th grade. Indicate ``10th grade'' if 
the child is currently in or about to begin 11th grade. Indicate ``11th 
grade'' if the child is currently in or about to begin 12th grade. 
Indicate ``12th grade'' if the child has graduated from high school. 
Indicate ``GED'' if the child has completed a general equivalency 
degree or other high school equivalent. Indicate ``Post-secondary 
education or training'' if the child has completed any post-secondary 
education or training, including vocational training, other than an 
education pursued at a college or university. Indicate ``College'' if 
the child has completed at least a semester of study at a college or 
university.
    (13) Pregnant or parenting. (i) Indicate whether the child is 
pregnant as of the end of the report period. Indicate ``yes'' or 
``no.''
    (ii) Indicate whether the child has ever fathered or bore a child. 
Indicate ``yes'' or ``no.''
    (iii) Indicate whether the child and his/her child(ren) are placed 
together at any point during the report period, if the response in 
paragraph (b)(13)(ii) of this section is ``yes.'' Indicate ``yes,'' 
``no,'' or ``not applicable'' if the response in paragraph (b)(13)(ii) 
of this section is ``no.''
    (14) Special education. Indicate whether the child has an 
Individualized Education Program (IEP) as defined in section 614(d)(1) 
of Part B of Title I of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
(IDEA) and implementing regulations, or an Individualized Family 
Service Program (IFSP) as defined in section 636 of Part C of Title I 
of IDEA and implementing regulations, as of the end of the report 
period. Indicate ``yes'' if the child has either an IEP or an IFSP or 
``no'' if the child has neither.
    (15) Prior adoption. Indicate whether the child experienced a prior 
legal adoption before the current out-of-home care episode. Include any 
public, private or independent adoption in the United States or 
adoption in another country and tribal customary adoptions. Indicate 
``yes,'' ``no'' or ``abandoned'' if the information is unknown because 
the child has been abandoned. ``Abandoned'' means that the child was 
left alone or with others and the identity of the parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s) is unknown and cannot be ascertained. This includes a child 
left at a ``safe haven.'' If the child has experienced a prior legal 
adoption, the title IV-E agency must complete paragraphs (b)(15)(i) and 
(ii) of this section; otherwise the title IV-E agency must leave those 
paragraphs blank.
    (i) Prior adoption date. Indicate the month and year that the most 
recent prior adoption was finalized. In the case of a prior 
intercountry adoption where the adoptive parent(s) readopted the child 
in the United States, the title IV-E agency must provide the date of 
the adoption (either the original adoption in

[[Page 28427]]

the home country or the re-adoption in the United States) that is 
considered final in accordance with applicable laws.
    (ii) Prior adoption intercountry. Indicate whether the child's most 
recent prior adoption was an intercountry adoption, meaning that the 
child's prior adoption occurred in another country or the child was 
brought into the United States for the purposes of finalizing the prior 
adoption. Indicate ``yes'' or ``no.''
    (16) Prior guardianship general--(i) Prior guardianship. Indicate 
whether the child experienced a prior legal guardianship before the 
current out-of-home care episode. Include any public, private or 
independent guardianship(s) in the United States that meets the 
definition in section 475(7) of the Act. This includes any judicially 
created relationship between a child and caretaker which is intended to 
be permanent and self-sustaining, as evidenced by the transfer to the 
caretaker of the following parental rights with respect to the child: 
Protection, education, care and control, custody, and decision making. 
Indicate ``yes,'' ``no,'' or ``abandoned'' if the information is 
unknown because the child has been abandoned. ``Abandoned'' means that 
the child was left alone or with others and the identity of the 
parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is unknown and cannot be ascertained. 
This includes a child left at a ``safe haven.'' If the child has 
experienced a prior legal guardianship, the title IV-E agency must 
complete paragraph (b)(16)(ii) of this section; otherwise the title IV-
E agency must leave it blank.
    (ii) Prior guardianship date. Indicate the month and year that the 
most recent prior guardianship became legalized.
    (17) Child financial and medical assistance. Indicate whether the 
child received financial and medical assistance at any point during the 
six-month report period. Indicate ``child has received support/
assistance'' if the child was the recipient of such assistance during 
the report period, and indicate which of the following sources of 
support described in paragraphs (b)(17)(i) through (viii) of this 
section ``applies'' or ``does not apply.'' Indicate ``no support/
assistance received'' if none of these apply.
    (i) State/Tribal adoption assistance. The child is receiving an 
adoption subsidy or other adoption assistance paid for solely by the 
state or Indian tribe.
    (ii) State/Tribal foster care. The child is receiving a foster care 
payment that is solely funded by the state or Indian tribe.
    (iii) Title IV-E adoption subsidy. The child is determined eligible 
for a title IV-E adoption assistance subsidy.
    (iv) Title IV-E guardianship assistance. The child is determined 
eligible for a title IV-E guardianship assistance subsidy.
    (v) Title IV-A TANF. The child is living with relatives who are 
receiving a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash 
assistance payment on behalf of the child.
    (vi) Title IV-B. The child's living arrangement is supported by 
funds under title IV-B of the Act.
    (vii) Chafee Program. The child is living independently and is 
supported by funds under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for 
Successful Transition to Adulthood.
    (viii) Other. The child is receiving financial support from another 
source not previously listed in paragraphs (b)(17)(i) through (vii) of 
this section.
    (18) Title IV-E foster care during report period. Indicate whether 
a title IV-E foster care maintenance payment was paid on behalf of the 
child at any point during the report period that is claimed under title 
IV-E foster care with a ``yes'' or ``no,'' as appropriate. Indicate 
``yes'' if the child has met all eligibility requirements of section 
472(a) of the Act and the title IV-E agency has claimed, or intends to 
claim, Federal reimbursement for foster care maintenance payments made 
on the child's behalf during the report period.
    (19) Total number of siblings. Indicate the total number of 
siblings of the child. A sibling to the child is his or her brother or 
sister by biological, legal, or marital connection. Do not include the 
child who is subject of this record in the total number. If the child 
does not have any siblings, the title IV-E agency must indicate ``0.'' 
If the title IV-E agency indicates ``0,'' the title IV-E agency must 
leave paragraphs (b)(20) and (21) of this section blank.
    (20) Siblings in foster care. Indicate the number of siblings of 
the child who are in foster care, as defined in Sec.  1355.20. A 
sibling to the child is his or her brother or sister by biological, 
legal, or marital connection. Do not include the child who is subject 
of this record in the total number. If the child does not have any 
siblings, the title IV-E agency must leave this paragraph (b)(20) 
blank. If the child has siblings, but they are not in foster care as 
defined in Sec.  1355.20, the title IV-E agency must indicate ``0.'' If 
the title IV-E agency reported ``0,'' leave paragraph (b)(21) of this 
section blank.
    (21) Siblings in living arrangement. Indicate the number of 
siblings of the child who are in the same living arrangement as the 
child, on the last day of the report period. A sibling to the child is 
his or her brother or sister by biological, legal, or marital 
connection. Do not include the child who is subject of this record in 
the total number. If the child does not have any siblings, the title 
IV-E agency must leave this paragraph (b)(21) blank. If the child has 
siblings, but they are not in the same living arrangement as the child, 
the title IV-E agency must indicate ``0.''
    (c) Parent or legal guardian information--(1) Year of birth of 
first parent or legal guardian. If applicable, indicate the year of 
birth of the first parent (biological, legal or adoptive) or legal 
guardian of the child. To the extent that a child has both a parent and 
a legal guardian, or two different sets of legal parents, the title IV-
E agency must report on those who had legal responsibility for the 
child. We are not seeking information on putative parent(s) in this 
paragraph (c)(1). If there is only one parent or legal guardian of the 
child, that person's year of birth must be reported here. If the child 
was abandoned indicate ``abandoned.'' ``Abandoned'' means that the 
child was left alone or with others and the identity of the child's 
parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is unknown and cannot be ascertained. 
This includes a child left at a ``safe haven.''
    (2) Year of birth of second parent or legal guardian. If 
applicable, indicate the year of birth of the second parent 
(biological, legal or adoptive) or legal guardian of the child. We are 
not seeking information on putative parent(s) in this paragraph (c)(2). 
If the child was abandoned, indicate ``abandoned.'' ``Abandoned'' means 
that the child was left alone or with others and the identity of the 
child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is unknown and cannot be 
ascertained. This includes a child left at a ``safe haven.'' Indicate 
``not applicable'' if there is not another parent or legal guardian.
    (3) Tribal membership mother. For state title IV-E agencies only: 
Indicate whether the biological or adoptive mother is a member of an 
Indian tribe. Indicate ``yes,'' ``no,'' or ``unknown.''
    (4) Tribal membership father. For state title IV-E agencies only: 
Indicate whether the biological or adoptive father is a member of an 
Indian tribe. Indicate ``yes,'' ``no,'' or ``unknown.''
    (5) Termination/modification of parental rights. Indicate whether 
the termination/modification of parental rights for each parent 
(biological, legal and/or putative) was voluntary or involuntary. 
``Voluntary'' means the parent voluntarily relinquished their parental 
rights to the title IV-E agency,

[[Page 28428]]

with or without court involvement. Indicate ``voluntary'' or 
``involuntary.'' Indicate ``not applicable'' if there was no 
termination/modification and leave paragraphs (c)(5)(i) and (ii) of 
this section blank.
    (i) Termination/modification of parental rights petition. Indicate 
the month, day and year that each petition to terminate/modify the 
parental rights of a biological, legal and/or putative parent was filed 
in court, if applicable. Indicate ``deceased'' if the parent is 
deceased. If a petition has not been filed, leave this paragraph 
(c)(5)(i) blank.
    (ii) Termination/modification of parental rights. Enter the month, 
day and year that the parental rights were voluntarily or involuntarily 
terminated/modified, for each biological, legal and/or putative parent, 
if applicable. If the parent is deceased, enter the date of death.
    (d) Removal information--(1) Date of child's removal. Indicate the 
removal date(s) in month, day and year format for each removal of a 
child who enters the placement and care responsibility of the title IV-
E agency. For a child who is removed and is placed initially in foster 
care, indicate the date that the title IV-E agency received placement 
and care responsibility. For a child who ran away or whose whereabouts 
are unknown at the time the child is removed and is placed in the 
placement and care responsibility of the title IV-E agency, indicate 
the date that the title IV-E agency received placement and care 
responsibility. For a child who is removed and is placed initially in a 
non-foster care setting, indicate the date that the child enters foster 
care as the date of removal.
    (2) Removal transaction date. A non-modifiable, computer-generated 
date which accurately indicates the month, day and year each response 
to paragraph (d)(1) of this section was entered into the information 
system.
    (3) Environment at removal. Indicate the type of environment 
(household or facility) the child was living in at the time of each 
removal for each removal reported in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. 
Indicate ``parent household'' if the child was living in a household 
that included one or both of the child's parents, whether biological, 
adoptive or legal. Indicate ``relative household'' if the child was 
living with a relative(s), the relative(s) is not the child's legal 
guardian and neither of the child's parents were living in the 
household. Indicate ``legal guardian household'' if the child was 
living with a legal guardian(s), the guardian(s) is not the child's 
relative and neither of the child's parents were living in the 
household. Indicate ``relative legal guardian household'' if the child 
was living with a relative(s) who is also the child's legal guardian. 
Indicate ``justice facility'' if the child was in a detention center, 
jail or other similar setting where the child was detained. Indicate 
``medical/mental health facility'' if the child was living in a 
facility such as a medical or psychiatric hospital or residential 
treatment center. Indicate ``other'' if the child was living in another 
situation not so described, such as living independently or homeless.
    (4) Child and family circumstances at removal. Indicate all child 
and family circumstances that were present at the time of the child's 
removal and/or related to the child being placed into foster care for 
each removal reported in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. Indicate 
whether each circumstance described in paragraphs (d)(4)(i) through 
(xxxiv) of this section ``applies'' or ``does not apply'' for each 
removal indicated in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (i) Runaway. The child has left, without authorization, the home or 
facility where the child was residing.
    (ii) Whereabouts unknown. The child's whereabouts are unknown and 
the title IV-E agency does not consider the child to have run away.
    (iii) Physical abuse. Alleged or substantiated physical abuse, 
injury or maltreatment of the child by a person responsible for the 
child's welfare.
    (iv) Sexual abuse. Alleged or substantiated sexual abuse or 
exploitation of the child by a person who is responsible for the 
child's welfare.
    (v) Psychological or emotional abuse. Alleged or substantiated 
psychological or emotional abuse, including verbal abuse, of the child 
by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare.
    (vi) Neglect. Alleged or substantiated negligent treatment or 
maltreatment of the child, including failure to provide adequate food, 
clothing, shelter, supervision or care by a person who is responsible 
for the child's welfare.
    (vii) Medical neglect. Alleged or substantiated medical neglect 
caused by a failure to provide for the appropriate health care of the 
child by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare, although 
the person was financially able to do so, or was offered financial or 
other means to do so.
    (viii) Domestic violence. Alleged or substantiated violent act(s), 
including any forceful detention of an individual that results in, 
threatens to result in, or attempts to cause physical injury or mental 
harm. This is committed by a person against another individual residing 
in the child's home and with whom such person is in an intimate 
relationship, dating relationship, is or was related by marriage, or 
has a child in common. This circumstance includes domestic violence 
between the child and his or her partner and applies to a child or 
youth of any age including those younger and older than the age of 
majority. This does not include alleged or substantiated maltreatment 
of the child by a person who is responsible for the child's welfare.
    (ix) Abandonment. The child was left alone or with others and the 
parent or legal guardian's identity is unknown and cannot be 
ascertained. This does not include a child left at a ``safe haven'' as 
defined by the title IV-E agency. This category does not apply when the 
identity of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is known.
    (x) Failure to return. The parent, legal guardian or caretaker did 
not or has not returned for the child or made his or her whereabouts 
known. This category does not apply when the identity of the parent, 
legal guardian or caretaker is unknown.
    (xi) Caretaker's alcohol use. A parent, legal guardian or other 
caretaker responsible for the child uses alcohol compulsively that is 
not of a temporary nature.
    (xii) Caretaker's drug use. A parent, legal guardian or other 
caretaker responsible for the child uses drugs compulsively that is not 
of a temporary nature.
    (xiii) Child alcohol use. The child uses alcohol.
    (xiv) Child drug use. The child uses drugs.
    (xv) Prenatal alcohol exposure. The child has been identified as 
prenatally exposed to alcohol, resulting in fetal alcohol spectrum 
disorders such as fetal alcohol exposure, fetal alcohol effect, or 
fetal alcohol syndrome.
    (xvi) Prenatal drug exposure. The child has been identified as 
prenatally exposed to drugs.
    (xvii) Diagnosed condition. The child has a clinical diagnosis by a 
qualified professional of a health, behavioral or mental health 
condition, such as one or more of the following: Intellectual 
disability, emotional disturbance, specific learning disability, 
hearing, speech or sight impairment, physical disability or other 
clinically diagnosed condition.
    (xviii) Inadequate access to mental health services. The child and/
or child's family has inadequate resources to access the necessary 
mental health services outside of the child's out-of-home care 
placement.

[[Page 28429]]

    (xix) Inadequate access to medical services. The child and/or 
child's family has inadequate resources to access the necessary medical 
services outside of the child's out-of-home care placement.
    (xx) Child behavior problem. The child's behavior in his or her 
school and/or community adversely affects his or her socialization, 
learning, growth and/or moral development. This includes all child 
behavior problems, as well as adjudicated and non-adjudicated status or 
delinquency offenses and convictions.
    (xxi) Death of caretaker. Existing family stress in caring for the 
child or an inability to care for the child due to the death of a 
parent, legal guardian or other caretaker.
    (xxii) Incarceration of caretaker. The child's parent, legal 
guardian or caretaker is temporarily or permanently placed in jail or 
prison which adversely affects his or her ability to care for the 
child.
    (xxiii) Caretaker's significant impairment--physical/emotional. A 
physical or emotional illness or disabling condition of the child's 
parent, legal guardian or caretaker that adversely limits his or her 
ability to care for the child.
    (xxiv) Caretaker's significant impairment--cognitive. The child's 
parent, legal guardian or caretaker has cognitive limitations that 
impact his or her ability to function in areas of daily life, which 
adversely affect his or her ability to care for the child. It also may 
be characterized by a significantly below-average score on a test of 
mental ability or intelligence.
    (xxv) Inadequate housing. The child's or his or her family's 
housing is substandard, overcrowded, unsafe or otherwise inadequate 
which results in it being inappropriate for the child to reside.
    (xxvi) Voluntary relinquishment for adoption. The child's parent 
has voluntarily relinquished the child by assigning the physical and 
legal custody of the child to the title IV-E agency, in writing, for 
the purpose of having the child adopted. This includes a child left at 
a ``safe haven'' as defined by the title IV-E agency.
    (xxvii) Child requested placement. The child, age 18 or older, has 
requested placement into foster care.
    (xxviii) Sex trafficking. The child is a victim of sex trafficking 
at the time of removal.
    (xxix) Parental immigration detainment or deportation. The parent 
is or was detained or deported by immigration officials.
    (xxx) Family conflict related to child's sexual orientation, gender 
identity, or gender expression. There is family conflict related to the 
child's expressed or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or 
gender expression. This includes any conflict related to the ways in 
which a child manifests masculinity or femininity.
    (xxxi) Educational neglect. Alleged or substantiated failure of a 
parent or caregiver to enroll a child of mandatory school age in school 
or provide appropriate home schooling or needed special educational 
training, thus allowing the child or youth to engage in chronic 
truancy.
    (xxxii) Public agency title IV-E agreement. The child is in the 
placement and care responsibility of another public agency that has an 
agreement with the title IV-E agency pursuant to section 472(a)(2)(B) 
of the Act and on whose behalf title IV-E foster care maintenance 
payments are made.
    (xxxiii) Tribal title IV-E agreement. The child is in the placement 
and care responsibility of an Indian tribe, tribal organization or 
consortium with which the title IV-E agency has an agreement and on 
whose behalf title IV-E foster care maintenance payments are made.
    (xxxiv) Homelessness. The child or his or her family has no regular 
or adequate place to live. This includes living in a car, or on the 
street, or staying in a homeless or other temporary shelter.
    (5) Victim of sex trafficking prior to entering foster care. 
Indicate whether the child had been a victim of sex trafficking before 
the current out-of-home care episode. Indicate ``yes'' if the child was 
a victim or ``no'' if the child had not been a victim.
    (i) Report to law enforcement. If the title IV-E agency indicated 
``yes'' in paragraph (d)(5) of this section, indicate whether the title 
IV-E agency made a report to law enforcement for entry into the 
National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. Indicate ``yes'' if 
the agency made a report to law enforcement and indicate ``no'' if the 
agency did not make a report.
    (ii) Date. If the title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'' in paragraph 
(d)(5)(i) of this section, indicate the date that the agency made the 
report to law enforcement.
    (6) Victim of sex trafficking while in foster care. Indicate 
``yes'' if the child was a victim of sex trafficking while in out-of-
home care during the current out-of-home care episode. Indicate ``no'' 
if the child was not a victim of sex trafficking during the current 
out-of-home care episode.
    (i) Report to law enforcement. If the title IV-E agency indicated 
``yes'' in paragraph (d)(6) of this section, indicate whether the 
agency made a report to law enforcement for entry into the NCIC 
database. Indicate ``yes'' if the title IV-E agency made a report(s) to 
law enforcement and indicate ``no'' if the title IV-E agency did not 
make a report.
    (ii) Date. If the title IV-E agency indicated ``yes'' in paragraph 
(d)(6)(i) of this section, indicate the date(s) the agency made the 
report(s) to law enforcement.
    (e) Living arrangement and provider information--(1) Date of living 
arrangement. Indicate the month, day and year representing the first 
date of placement in each of the child's living arrangements for each 
out-of-home care episode. In the case of a child who has run away, 
whose whereabouts are unknown, or who is already in a living 
arrangement and remains there when the title IV-E agency receives 
placement and care responsibility, indicate the date of the Voluntary 
Placement Agreement or court order providing the title IV-E agency with 
placement and care responsibility for the child, rather than the date 
when the child was originally placed in the living arrangement.
    (2) Foster family home. Indicate whether each of the child's living 
arrangements is a foster family home, with a ``yes'' or ``no'' as 
appropriate. If the child has run away or the child's whereabouts are 
unknown, indicate ``no.'' If the title IV-E agency indicates that the 
child is living in a foster family home, by indicating ``yes,'' the 
title IV-E agency must complete paragraph (e)(3) of this section. If 
the title IV-E agency indicates ``no,'' the title IV-E agency must 
complete paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
    (3) Foster family home type. If the title IV-E agency indicated 
that the child is living in a foster family home in paragraph (e)(2) of 
this section, indicate whether each foster family home type listed in 
paragraphs (e)(3)(i) through (vi) of this section applies or does not 
apply; otherwise the title IV-E agency must leave paragraph (e)(3) 
blank.
    (i) Licensed home. The child's living arrangement is licensed or 
approved by the state or tribal licensing/approval authority.
    (ii) Therapeutic foster family home. The home provides specialized 
care and services.
    (iii) Shelter care foster family home. The home is so designated by 
the state or tribal licensing/approval authority, and is designed to 
provide short-term or transitional care.
    (iv) Relative foster family home. The foster parent(s) is related 
to the child by biological, legal or marital connection

[[Page 28430]]

and the relative foster parent(s) lives in the home as his or her 
primary residence.
    (v) Pre-adoptive home. The home is one in which the family and the 
title IV-E agency have agreed on a plan to adopt the child.
    (vi) Kin foster family home. The home is one in which there is a 
kin relationship as defined by the title IV-E agency, such as one where 
there is a psychological, cultural or emotional relationship between 
the child or the child's family and the foster parent(s) and there is 
not a legal, biological, or marital connection between the child and 
foster parent.
    (4) Other living arrangement type. If the title IV-E agency 
indicated that the child's living arrangement is other than a foster 
family home in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, indicate the type of 
setting; otherwise the title IV-E agency must leave this paragraph 
(e)(4) blank. Indicate ``group home-family operated'' if the child is 
in a group home that provides 24-hour care in a private family home 
where the family members are the primary caregivers. Indicate ``group 
home-staff operated'' if the child is in a group home that provides 24-
hour care for children where the care-giving is provided by shift or 
rotating staff. Indicate ``group home-shelter care'' if the child is in 
a group home that provides 24-hour care which is short-term or 
transitional in nature, and is designated by the state or tribal 
licensing/approval authority to provide shelter care. Indicate 
``residential treatment center'' if the child is in a facility that has 
the purpose of treating children with mental health or behavioral 
conditions or if the child is placed with a parent who is in a licensed 
residential family-based treatment facility for substance abuse 
pursuant to section 472(j) of the Act. This does not include a 
qualified residential treatment program defined in section 472(k)(4) of 
the Act. Indicate ``qualified residential treatment program'' if the 
child is in a placement that meets all of the requirements of section 
472(k)(2)(A) and (4) of the Act. Indicate ``child care institution'' if 
the child is in a private child care institution, or a public child 
care institution which accommodates no more than 25 children, and is 
licensed by the state or tribal authority responsible for licensing or 
approving child care institutions. This includes a setting specializing 
in providing prenatal, post-partum, or parenting supports for youth 
pursuant to section 472(k)(2)(B) of the Act, and a setting providing 
high-quality residential care and supportive services to children and 
youth who have been found to be, or are at risk of becoming, sex 
trafficking victims pursuant to section 472(k)(2)(D) of the Act. This 
does not include detention facilities, forestry camps, training schools 
or any other facility operated primarily for the detention of children 
who are determined to be delinquent. Indicate ``child care institution-
shelter care'' if the child is in a child care institution and the 
institution is designated to provide shelter care by the state or 
tribal authority responsible for licensing or approving child care 
institutions and is short-term or transitional in nature. Indicate 
``supervised independent living'' if the child is living independently 
in a supervised setting. Indicate ``juvenile justice facility'' if the 
child is in a secure facility or institution where alleged or 
adjudicated juvenile delinquents are housed. Indicate ``medical or 
rehabilitative facility'' if the child is in a facility where an 
individual receives medical or physical health care, such as a 
hospital. Indicate ``psychiatric hospital'' if the child is in a 
facility that provides emotional or psychological health care and is 
licensed or accredited as a hospital. Indicate ``runaway'' if the child 
has left, without authorization, the home or facility where the child 
was placed. Indicate ``whereabouts unknown'' if the child is not in the 
physical custody of the title IV-E agency or person or institution with 
whom the child has been placed, the child's whereabouts are unknown, 
and the title IV-E agency does not consider the child to have run away. 
Indicate ``placed at home'' if the child is home with the parent(s) or 
legal guardian(s) in preparation for the title IV-E agency to return 
the child home permanently.
    (5) Location of living arrangement. Indicate whether each of the 
child's living arrangements reported in paragraph (e)(1) of this 
section is located within or outside of the reporting state or tribal 
service area or is outside of the country. Indicate ``out-of-state or 
out-of-tribal service area'' if the child's living arrangement is 
located outside of the reporting state or tribal service area but 
inside the United States. Indicate ``in-state or in-tribal service 
area'' if the child's living arrangement is located within the 
reporting state or tribal service area. Indicate ``out-of-country'' if 
the child's living arrangement is outside of the United States. 
Indicate ``runaway or whereabouts unknown'' if the child has run away 
from his or her living arrangement or the child's whereabouts are 
unknown. If the title IV-E agency indicates either ``out-of-state or 
out-of-tribal service area'' or ``out-of-country'' for the child's 
living arrangement, the title IV-E agency must complete paragraph 
(e)(6) of this section; otherwise the title IV-E agency must leave 
paragraph (e)(6) of this section blank.
    (6) Jurisdiction or country where child is living. Indicate the 
state, tribal service area, Indian reservation, or country where the 
reporting title IV-E agency placed the child for each living 
arrangement, if the title IV-E agency indicated either ``out-of-state'' 
or ``out-of-tribal service area'' or ``out-of-country'' in paragraph 
(e)(5) of this section; otherwise the title IV-E agency must leave this 
paragraph (e)(6) blank. The title IV-E agency must report the 
information in a format according to ACF's specifications.
    (7) Marital status of the foster parent(s). Indicate the marital 
status of the child's foster parent(s) for each foster family home 
living arrangement in which the child is placed, as indicated in 
paragraph (e)(3) of this section. Indicate ``married couple'' if the 
foster parents are considered united in matrimony according to 
applicable laws. Include common law marriage, where provided by 
applicable laws. Indicate ``unmarried couple'' if the foster parents 
are living together as a couple, but are not united in matrimony 
according to applicable laws. Indicate ``separated'' if the foster 
parent is legally separated or is living apart from his or her spouse. 
Indicate ``single adult'' if the foster parent is not married and is 
not living with another individual as part of a couple. If the response 
is either ``married couple'' or ``unmarried couple,'' the title IV-E 
agency must complete the paragraphs for the second foster parent in 
paragraphs (e)(14) through (18) of this section; otherwise the title 
IV-E agency must leave those paragraphs blank.
    (8) Child's relationship to the foster parent(s). Indicate the type 
of relationship between the child and his or her foster parent(s), for 
each foster family home living arrangement in which the child is 
placed, as indicated in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. Indicate 
``relative(s)'' if the foster parent(s) is the child's relative (by 
biological, legal or marital connection). Indicate ``non-relative(s)'' 
if the foster parent(s) is not related to the child (by biological, 
legal or marital connection). Indicate ``kin'' if the foster parent(s) 
has kin relationship to the child as defined by the title IV-E agency, 
such as one where there is a psychological, cultural or emotional 
relationship between the child or the child's family and the foster 
parent(s) and there is not a legal,

[[Page 28431]]

biological, or marital connection between the child and foster parent.
    (9) Year of birth for first foster parent. Indicate the year of 
birth for the first foster parent for each foster family home living 
arrangement in which the child is placed, as indicated in paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section.
    (10) First foster parent tribal membership. For state title IV-E 
agencies only: Indicate whether the first foster parent is a member of 
an Indian tribe. Indicate ``yes,'' ``no,'' or ``unknown.''
    (11) Race of first foster parent. Indicate the race of the first 
foster parent for each foster family home living arrangement in which 
the child is placed, as indicated in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. 
In general, an individual's race is determined by the individual. 
Indicate whether each race category listed in paragraphs (e)(11)(i) 
through (vii) of this section applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.''
    (i) Race--American Indian or Alaska Native. An American Indian or 
Alaska Native individual has origins in any of the original peoples of 
North or South America (including Central America) and maintains tribal 
affiliation or community attachment.
    (ii) Race--Asian. An Asian individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian 
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, 
Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and 
Vietnam.
    (iii) Race--Black or African American. A Black or African American 
individual has origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
    (iv) Race--Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A Native 
Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
    (v) Race--White. A White individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
    (vi) Race--unknown. The first foster parent does not know his or 
her race, or at least one race.
    (vii) Race--declined. The first foster parent has declined to 
identify a race.
    (12) Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of first foster parent. Indicate 
the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of the first foster parent for each 
foster family home living arrangement in which the child is placed, as 
indicated in paragraph (e)(3) of this section. In general, an 
individual's ethnicity is determined by the individual. An individual 
is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity if the individual is a person of 
Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other 
Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Indicate whether this 
category applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.'' If the first foster parent 
does not know his or her ethnicity indicate ``unknown.'' If the 
individual refuses to identify his or her ethnicity, indicate 
``declined.''
    (13) Sex of first foster parent. Indicate whether the first foster 
parent is ``female'' or ``male.''
    (14) Year of birth for second foster parent. Indicate the birth 
year of the second foster parent for each foster family home living 
arrangement in which the child is placed, as indicated in paragraph 
(e)(3) of this section, if applicable. The title IV-E agency must leave 
this paragraph (e)(14) blank if there is no second foster parent 
according to paragraph (e)(7) of this section.
    (15) Second foster parent tribal membership. For state title IV-E 
agencies only: Indicate whether the second foster parent is a member of 
an Indian tribe. Indicate ``yes,'' ``no,'' or ``unknown.''
    (16) Race of second foster parent. Indicate the race of the second 
foster parent for each foster family home living arrangement in which 
the child is placed, as indicated in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, 
if applicable. In general, an individual's race is determined by the 
individual. Indicate whether each race category listed in paragraphs 
(e)(16)(i) through (vii) of this section applies with a ``yes'' or 
``no.'' The title IV-E agency must leave this paragraph (e)(16) blank 
if there is no second foster parent according to paragraph (e)(7) of 
this section.
    (i) Race--American Indian or Alaska Native. An American Indian or 
Alaska Native individual has origins in any of the original peoples of 
North or South America (including Central America) and maintains tribal 
affiliation or community attachment.
    (ii) Race--Asian. An Asian individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian 
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, 
Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and 
Vietnam.
    (iii) Race--Black or African American. A Black or African American 
individual has origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
    (iv) Race--Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A Native 
Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
    (v) Race--White. A White individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
    (vi) Race--unknown. The second foster parent does not know his or 
her race, or at least one race.
    (vii) Race--declined. The second foster parent has declined to 
identify a race.
    (17) Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of second foster parent. Indicate 
the Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of the second foster parent for each 
foster family home living arrangement in which the child is placed, as 
indicated in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, if applicable. In 
general, an individual's ethnicity is determined by the individual. An 
individual is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity if the individual is a 
person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or 
other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. Indicate whether 
this category applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.'' If the second foster 
parent does not know his or her ethnicity, indicate ``unknown.'' If the 
individual refuses to identify his or her ethnicity, indicate 
``declined.'' The title IV-E agency must leave this paragraph (e)(17) 
blank if there is no second foster parent according to paragraph (e)(7) 
of this section.
    (18) Sex of second foster parent. Indicate whether the second 
foster parent is ``female'' or ``male.''
    (f) Permanency planning--(1) Permanency plan. Indicate each 
permanency plan established for the child. Indicate ``reunify with 
parent(s) or legal guardian(s)'' if the plan is to keep the child in 
out-of-home care for a limited time and the title IV-E agency is to 
work with the child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to establish a 
stable family environment. Indicate ``live with other relatives'' if 
the plan is for the child to live permanently with a relative(s) (by 
biological, legal or marital connection) who is not the child's 
parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Indicate ``adoption'' if the plan is to 
facilitate the child's adoption by relatives, foster parents, kin or 
other unrelated individuals. Indicate ``guardianship'' if the plan is 
to establish a new legal guardianship. Indicate ``planned permanent 
living arrangement'' if the plan is for the child to remain in foster 
care until the title IV-E agency's placement and care responsibility 
ends. The title IV-E agency must only select ``planned permanent living 
arrangement'' consistent with the requirements in section 475(5)(C)(i) 
of

[[Page 28432]]

the Act. Indicate ``permanency plan not established'' if a permanency 
plan has not yet been established.
    (2) Date of permanency plan. Indicate the month, day and year that 
each permanency plan(s) was established during each out-of-home care 
episode.
    (3) Date of periodic review(s). Enter the month, day and year of 
each periodic review, either by a court or by administrative review (as 
defined in section 475(6) of the Act) that meets the requirements of 
section 475(5)(B) of the Act.
    (4) Date of permanency hearing(s). Enter the month, day and year of 
each permanency hearing held by a court or an administrative body 
appointed or approved by the court that meets the requirements of 
section 475(5)(C) of the Act.
    (5) Caseworker visit dates. Enter each date in which a caseworker 
had an in-person, face-to-face visit with the child consistent with 
section 422(b)(17) of the Act. Indicate the month, day and year of each 
visit.
    (6) Caseworker visit locations. Indicate the location of each in-
person, face-to-face visit between the caseworker and the child. 
Indicate ``child's residence'' if the visit occurred at the location 
where the child is currently residing, such as the current foster care 
provider's home, child care institution or facility. Indicate ``other 
location'' if the visit occurred at any location other than where the 
child currently resides, such as the child's school, a court, a child 
welfare office or in the larger community.
    (g) General exit information. Provide exit information for each 
out-of-home care episode. An exit occurs when the title IV-E agency's 
placement and care responsibility of the child ends.
    (1) Date of exit. Indicate the month, day and year for each of the 
child's exits from out-of-home care. An exit occurs when the title IV-E 
agency's placement and care responsibility of the child ends. If the 
child has not exited out-of-home care the title IV-E agency must leave 
this paragraph (g)(1) blank. If this paragraph (g)(1) is applicable, 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) of this section must have a response.
    (2) Exit transaction date. A non-modifiable, computer-generated 
date which accurately indicates the month, day and year each response 
to paragraph (g)(1) of this section was entered into the information 
system.
    (3) Exit reason. Indicate the reason for each of the child's exits 
from out-of-home care. Indicate ``not applicable'' if the child has not 
exited out-of-home care. Indicate ``reunify with parent(s)/legal 
guardian(s)'' if the child was returned to his or her parent(s) or 
legal guardian(s) and the title IV-E agency no longer has placement and 
care responsibility. Indicate ``live with other relatives'' if the 
child exited to live with a relative (related by a biological, legal or 
marital connection) other than his or her parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s). Indicate ``adoption'' if the child was legally adopted. 
Indicate ``emancipation'' if the child exited care due to age. Indicate 
``guardianship'' if the child exited due to a legal guardianship of the 
child. Indicate ``runaway or whereabouts unknown'' if the child ran 
away or the child's whereabouts were unknown at the time that the title 
IV-E agency's placement and care responsibility ends. Indicate ``death 
of child'' if the child died while in out-of-home care. Indicate 
``transfer to another agency'' if placement and care responsibility for 
the child was transferred to another agency, either within or outside 
of the reporting state or tribal service area.
    (4) Transfer to another agency. If the title IV-E agency indicated 
the child was transferred to another agency in paragraph (g)(3) of this 
section, indicate the type of agency that received placement and care 
responsibility for the child from the following options: ``State title 
IV-E agency,'' ``Tribal title IV-E agency,'' ``Indian tribe or tribal 
agency (non-IV-E),'' ``juvenile justice agency,'' ``mental health 
agency,'' ``other public agency'' or ``private agency.''
    (h) Exit to adoption and guardianship information. Report 
information in this paragraph (h) only if the title IV-E agency 
indicated the child exited to adoption or legal guardianship in 
paragraph (g)(3) of this section. Otherwise the title IV-E agency must 
leave paragraphs (h)(1) through (15) of this section blank.
    (1) Marital status of the adoptive parent(s) or guardian(s). 
Indicate the marital status of the adoptive parent(s) or legal 
guardian(s). Indicate ``married couple'' if the adoptive parents or 
legal guardians are considered united in matrimony according to 
applicable laws. Include common law marriage, where provided by 
applicable laws. Indicate ``married but individually adopting or 
obtaining legal guardianship'' if the adoptive parents or legal 
guardians are considered united in matrimony according to applicable 
laws, but are individually adopting or obtaining legal guardianship. 
Indicate ``separated'' if the foster parent is legally separated or is 
living apart from his or her spouse. Indicate ``unmarried couple'' if 
the adoptive parents or guardians are living together as a couple, but 
are not united in matrimony according to applicable laws. Use this 
response option even if only one person of the unmarried couple is the 
adoptive parent or legal guardian of the child. Indicate ``single 
adult'' if the adoptive parent or legal guardian is not married and is 
not living with another individual as part of a couple. If the response 
is ``married couple'' or ``unmarried couple,'' the title IV-E agency 
also must complete paragraphs for the second adoptive parent or second 
legal guardian in paragraphs (h)(8) through (12) of this section; 
otherwise the title IV-E agency must leave those paragraphs blank.
    (2) Child's relationship to the adoptive parent(s) or guardian(s). 
Indicate the type of relationship between the child and his or her 
adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Indicate whether each 
relationship listed in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iv) of this 
section ``applies'' or ``does not apply.''
    (i) Relative(s). The adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is the 
child's relative (by biological, legal or marital connection).
    (ii) Kin. The adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) has a kin 
relationship with the child, as defined by the title IV-E agency, such 
as one where there is a psychological, cultural or emotional 
relationship between the child or the child's family and the adoptive 
parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and there is not a legal, biological, or 
marital connection between the child and foster parent.
    (iii) Non-relative(s). The adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 
is not related to the child by biological, legal or marital connection.
    (iv) Foster parent(s). The adoptive parent(s) or legal guardian(s) 
was the child's foster parent(s).
    (3) Date of birth of first adoptive parent or guardian. Indicate 
the month, day and year of the birth of the first adoptive parent or 
legal guardian.
    (4) First adoptive parent or guardian tribal membership. For state 
title IV-E agencies only: Indicate whether the first adoptive parent or 
guardian is a member of an Indian tribe. Indicate ``yes,'' ``no'' or 
``unknown.''
    (5) Race of first adoptive parent or guardian. In general, an 
individual's race is determined by the individual. Indicate whether 
each race category listed in paragraphs (h)(5)(i) through (vii) of this 
section applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.''
    (i) Race--American Indian or Alaska Native. An American Indian or 
Alaska Native individual has origins in any of the original peoples of 
North or South America (including Central America),

[[Page 28433]]

and maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
    (ii) Race--Asian. An Asian individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian 
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, 
Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and 
Vietnam.
    (iii) Race--Black or African American. A Black or African American 
individual has origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
    (iv) Race--Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A Native 
Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
    (v) Race--White. A White individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
    (vi) Race--Unknown. The first adoptive parent or legal guardian 
does not know his or her race, or at least one race.
    (vii) Race--Declined. The first adoptive parent, or legal guardian 
has declined to identify a race.
    (6) Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of first adoptive parent or 
guardian. In general, an individual's ethnicity is determined by the 
individual. An individual is of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity if the 
individual is a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or 
Central American or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of 
race. Indicate whether this category applies with a ``yes'' or ``no.'' 
If the first adoptive parent or legal guardian does not know his or her 
ethnicity, indicate ``unknown.'' If the individual refuses to identify 
his or her ethnicity, indicate ``declined.''
    (7) Sex of first adoptive parent or guardian. Indicate whether the 
first adoptive parent is ``female'' or ``male.''
    (8) Date of birth of second adoptive parent, guardian, or other 
member of the couple. Indicate the month, day and year of the date of 
birth of the second adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other member of 
the couple. The title IV-E agency must leave this paragraph (h)(8) 
blank if there is no second adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other 
member of the couple according to paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
    (9) Second adoptive parent, guardian, or other member of the couple 
tribal membership. For state title IV-E agencies only: Indicate whether 
the second adoptive parent or guardian is a member of an Indian tribe. 
Indicate ``yes,'' ``no'' or ``unknown.''
    (10) Race of second adoptive parent, guardian, or other member of 
the couple. In general, an individual's race is determined by the 
individual. Indicate whether each race category listed in paragraphs 
(h)(10)(i) through (vii) of this section applies with a ``yes'' or 
``no.'' The title IV-E agency must leave this paragraph (h)(10) blank 
if there is no second adoptive parent, legal guardian, or other member 
of the couple according to paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
    (i) Race--American Indian or Alaska Native. An American Indian or 
Alaska Native individual has origins in any of the original peoples of 
North or South America (including Central America), and maintains 
tribal affiliation or community attachment.
    (ii) Race--Asian. An Asian individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian 
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, 
Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and 
Vietnam.
    (iii) Race--Black or African American. A Black or African American 
individual has origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
    (iv) Race--Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A Native 
Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
    (v) Race--White. A White individual has origins in any of the 
original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
    (vi) Race--Unknown. The second adoptive parent, legal guardian, or 
other member of the couple does not know his or her race, or at least 
one race.
    (vii) Race--Declined. The second adoptive parent, legal guardian, 
or other member of the couple has declined to identify a race.
    (11) Hispanic or Latino ethnicity of second adoptive parent, 
guardian, or other member of the couple. In general, an individual's 
ethnicity is determined by the individual. An individual is of Hispanic 
or Latino ethnicity if the individual is a person of Cuban, Mexican, 
Puerto Rican, South or Central American or other Spanish culture or 
origin, regardless of race. Indicate whether this category applies with 
a ``yes'' or ``no.'' If the second adoptive parent, legal guardian, or 
other member of the couple does not know his or her ethnicity, indicate 
``unknown.'' If the individual refuses to identify his or her 
ethnicity, indicate ``declined.'' The title IV-E agency must leave this 
paragraph (h)(11) blank if there is no second adoptive parent, legal 
guardian, or other member of the couple according to paragraph (h)(1) 
of this section.
    (12) Sex of second adoptive parent, guardian, or other member of 
the couple. Indicate whether the second adoptive parent, guardian, or 
other member of the couple is ``female'' or ``male.''
    (13) Inter/Intrajurisdictional adoption or guardianship. Indicate 
whether the child was placed within the state or tribal service area, 
outside of the state or tribal service area or into another country for 
adoption or legal guardianship. Indicate ``interjurisdictional adoption 
or guardianship'' if the reporting title IV-E agency placed the child 
for adoption or legal guardianship outside of the state or tribal 
service area but within the United States. Indicate ``intercountry 
adoption or guardianship'' if the reporting title IV-E agency placed 
the child for adoption or legal guardianship outside of the United 
States. Indicate ``intrajurisdictional adoption or guardianship'' if 
the reporting title IV-E agency placed the child within the same state 
or tribal service area as the one with placing responsibility.
    (14) Assistance agreement type. Indicate the type of assistance 
agreement between the title IV-E agency and the adoptive parent(s) or 
legal guardian(s): ``Title IV-E adoption assistance agreement''; 
``State/tribal adoption assistance agreement''; ``Adoption-Title IV-E 
agreement non-recurring expenses only''; ``Adoption-Title IV-E 
agreement Medicaid only''; ``Title IV-E guardianship assistance 
agreement''; ``State/tribal guardianship assistance agreement''; or 
``no agreement'' if there is no assistance agreement.
    (15) Siblings in adoptive or guardianship home. Indicate the number 
of siblings of the child who are in the same adoptive or guardianship 
home as the child. A sibling to the child is his or her brother or 
sister by biological, legal, or marital connection. Do not include the 
child who is subject of this record in the total number. If the child 
does not have any siblings, the title IV-E agency must indicate ``not 
applicable.'' If the child has siblings, but they are not in the same 
adoptive or guardianship home as the child, the title IV-E agency must 
indicate ``0.''

0
6. Amend Sec.  1355.45 by revising paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3)(vi) and 
adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  1355.45   Adoption and guardianship assistance data file 
elements.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

[[Page 28434]]

    (2) Child's sex. Indicate ``male'' or ``female.''
    (3) * * *
    (vi) Race--Unknown. The child or parent or legal guardian does not 
know the race, or at least one race of the child. This category does 
not apply when the child has been abandoned or the parents failed to 
return and the identity of the child, parent(s), or legal guardian(s) 
is known.
* * * * *
    (f) Adoption or guardianship placing agency. Indicate the agency 
that placed the child for adoption or legal guardianship. Indicate 
``title IV-E agency'' if the reporting title IV-E agency placed the 
child for adoption or legal guardianship. Indicate ``private agency 
under agreement'' if a private agency placed the child for adoption or 
legal guardianship through an agreement with the reporting title IV-E 
agency. Indicate ``Indian tribe under contract/agreement'' if an Indian 
tribe, tribal organization or consortia placed the child for adoption 
or legal guardianship through a contract or an agreement with the 
reporting title IV-E agency.

0
7. Amend Sec.  1355.46(c)(2) by revising the second sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1355.46   Compliance.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * * In addition, each record subject to compliance standards 
within the data file must have the data elements described in 
Sec. Sec.  1355.44(a) and (b)(1) and (2) and 1355.45(a) and (b)(1) and 
(2) be 100 percent free of missing data, invalid data, and internally 
inconsistent data (see paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section). 
* * *
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2020-09817 Filed 5-8-20; 4:15 pm]
 BILLING CODE 4184-25-P