---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 629g"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "629g"
heading: "Discretionary and targeted grants"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/629g"
units:
  - "Chapter 7 — Social Security"
  - "Subchapter IV — Grants to States for Aid and Services to Needy Families with Children and for Child-Welfare Services"
  - "Part B — Child and Family Services"
  - "Subpart 2 — promoting safe and stable families"
---

# §629g. Discretionary and targeted grants

- (a) **Limitations on authorization of appropriations—** In addition to any amount appropriated pursuant to [section 629f of this title](/usc/42/629f.md), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2025 through 2029.
- (b) **Reservation of certain amounts—** From the amount (if any) appropriated pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a) for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve amounts as follows:
  - (1) **Evaluation, research, training, and technical assistance—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve 3.3 percent for expenditure by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) for the activities described in [section 629e of this title](/usc/42/629e.md).
  - (2) **State court improvements—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve 3.3 percent for [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under [section 629h of this title](/usc/42/629h.md).
  - (3) **Indian tribes or tribal consortia—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve 3 percent for allotment to [Indian tribes](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) or tribal consortia in accordance with [subsection (c)(1)](#c-1).
  - (4) **Improving the interstate placement of children—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve $5,000,000 of the amount made available for [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2018 for [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under [subsection (g)](#g), and the amount so reserved shall remain available through [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2022.
  - (5) **Preventive services evaluation partnerships—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve $5,000,000 for [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under [section 629e(f) of this title](/usc/42/629e.md?p=f) for each of [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2026 through 2029.
  - (6) **Kinship navigators—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall reserve $10,000,000 for [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under [section 627 of this title](/usc/42/627.md) for each of [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2026 through 2029.
- (c) **Allotments—**
  - (1) **Indian tribes or tribal consortia—** From the amount (if any) reserved pursuant to [subsection (b)(3)](#b-3) for any [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall allot to each [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) with a plan approved under this subpart an amount that bears the same ratio to such reserved amount as the number of children in the [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) bears to the total number of children in all [Indian tribes](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) with [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) plans so approved, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) on the basis of the most current and reliable information available to the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6). If a [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) of [Indian tribes](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) applies and is approved for a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this section, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall allot to the [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) an amount equal to the sum of the allotments determined for each [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) that is part of the [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4).
  - (2) **Territories—** From the amount (if any) appropriated pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a) for any [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) that remains after applying subection[^1] (b) for the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall allot to each of the jurisdictions of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa an amount determined in the same manner as the allotment to each of such jurisdictions is determined under [section 623 of this title](/usc/42/623.md).
  - (3) **Other States—** From the amount (if any) appropriated pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a) for any [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) that remains after applying [subsection (b)](#b) and paragraph (2) of this subsection for the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall allot to each [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) (other than an [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A)) which is not specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection an amount equal to such remaining amount multiplied by the supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits percentage (as defined in [section 629c(c)(2) of this title](/usc/42/629c.md?p=c-2)) of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3).
- (d) **Grants—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may make a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) to a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) which has a plan approved under this subpart in an amount equal to the lesser of—
  - (1) 75 percent of the total expenditures by the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for activities under the plan during the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) or the immediately succeeding [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3); or
  - (2) the allotment of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) under [subsection (c)](#c) for the [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3).
- (e) **Applicability of certain rules—** The rules of subsections (b) and (c) of [section 629d of this title](/usc/42/629d.md) shall apply in like manner to the amounts made available pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a).
- (f) **Targeted grants to implement IV–E prevention services, and improve the well-being of, and improve permanency outcomes for, children and families affected by heroin, opioids, and other substance abuse—**
  - (1) **Purpose—** The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) to make competitive [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) to regional partnerships to provide, through interagency collaboration and integration of programs and services, services and activities that are designed to increase the well-being of, improve permanency outcomes for, and enhance the safety of children who are in an out-of-home placement or are at risk of being placed in an out-of-home placement as a result of a parent’s or caretaker’s substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1), and expand the scope of the evidence-based services that may be approved by the clearinghouse established under [section 676(d) of this title](/usc/42/676.md?p=d).
  - (2) **Regional partnership defined—** In this subsection, the term “regional partnership” means a collaborative agreement (which may be established on an interstate, [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5), or intrastate basis) entered into by the following:
    - (A) **Mandatory partners for all partnership grants—**
      - (i) The [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) that is responsible for the [administration](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-10) of the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) plan under this part and part E.
      - (ii) The [State agency](/usc/42/629a.md?p=a-3) responsible for administering the substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) prevention and [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) block [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) provided under subpart II of part B of title XIX of the Public Health Service Act [[42 U.S.C. 300x–21](/usc/42/300x–21.md) et seq.].
      - (iii) The most appropriate administrative office of the juvenile court or [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) court overseeing court proceedings involving families who come to the attention of the court due to [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) or [neglect](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=16).
    - (B) **Optional partners—** At the option of the partnership, any of the following:
      - (i) An [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) or tribal [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4).
      - (ii) [Nonprofit](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=3) [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare service providers.
      - (iii) For-profit [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare service providers.
      - (iv) Community health service providers, [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) providers.
      - (v) Community mental health providers.
      - (vi) Local [law enforcement](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=13) [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1).
      - (vii) School personnel.
      - (viii) Tribal [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) (or a consortia of the [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1)).
      - (ix) [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) or local [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) that administer Federal health care, housing, family support, or other related programs.
      - (x) Any other providers, [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1), personnel, officials, or entities that are related to the provision of [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) and family services under a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) plan approved under this subpart.
    - (C) **Exception for regional partnerships where the lead applicant is an Indian tribe or tribal consortia—** If an [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) or tribal [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) enters into a regional partnership for purposes of this subsection, the [Indian tribe](/usc/42/619.md?p=4-A) or tribal [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4)—
      - (i) may (but is not required to) include the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare [agency](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) as a partner in the collaborative agreement; and
      - (ii) may not enter into a collaborative agreement only with tribal [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1) (or a [consortium](/usc/42/17061.md?p=4) of the [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1)).
  - (3) **Authority to award grants—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall award [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection, from the amounts reserved for each of [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) 2025 through 2029 under [section 629f(b)(4) of this title](/usc/42/629f.md?p=b-4), to regional partnerships that satisfy the requirements of this subsection, in amounts that are not less than $250,000 and not more than $1,000,000 per [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) per [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3).
    - (B) **Required minimum period of approval; planning—**
      - (i) **In general—** A [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) shall be awarded under this subsection for a period of not less than 2, and not more than 5, [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3), subject to clauses [(ii)](#f-3-B-ii) and [(iii)](#f-3-B-iii).
      - (ii) **Extension of grant—** On application of the grantee, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may extend for not more than 2 [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) the period for which a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) is awarded under this subsection.
      - (iii) **Sufficient planning—**
        - (I) **In general—** A [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) awarded under this subsection shall be disbursed in two phases: a planning phase (not to exceed 2 years) and an implementation phase. The total disbursement to a grantee for the planning phase may not exceed the total anticipated funding for the implementation phase.
        - (II) **Exception—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6), on a case-by-case basis, may waive the planning phase for a partnership that demonstrates that the partnership has engaged in sufficient planning before submitting an application for a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection.
    - (C) **Multiple grants allowed—** This subsection shall not be interpreted to prevent a grantee from applying for, or being awarded, separate [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection.
    - (D) **Limitation on payment for a fiscal year—** No payment shall be made under subparagraph [(A)](#f-3-A) or [(C)](#f-3-C) for a [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) until the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) determines that the eligible partnership has made sufficient progress in meeting the goals of the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) and that the members of the eligible partnership are coordinating to a reasonable degree with the other members of the eligible partnership.
  - (4) **Application requirements—** To be eligible for a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection, a regional partnership shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) a written application containing the following:
    - (A) Recent evidence demonstrating that substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) has had a substantial impact on the number of out-of-home placements for children, or the number of children who are at risk of being placed in an out-of-home placement, in the partnership region.
    - (B) A description of the goals and outcomes to be achieved during the funding period for the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) that will—
      - (i) enhance the well-being of children, parents, and families receiving services or taking part in activities conducted with funds provided under the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10);
      - (ii) lead to safe, permanent caregiving relationships for the children;
      - (iii) improve the substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) outcomes for parents [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) retention in [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) and successful completion of [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11);
      - (iv) facilitate the implementation, delivery, and effectiveness of prevention services and programs under [section 671(e) of this title](/usc/42/671.md?p=e); and
      - (v) decrease the number of out-of-home placements for children, increase reunification rates for children who have been placed in out-of-home care, or decrease the number of children who are at risk of being placed in an out-of-home placement, in the partnership region.
    - (C) A description of the joint activities to be funded in whole or in part with the funds provided under the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10), [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) the sequencing of the activities proposed to be conducted under the funding period for the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10).
    - (D) A description of the strategies for integrating programs and services determined to be appropriate for the [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) and the [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c)’s family.
    - (E) A description of a plan for sustaining the services provided by or activities funded under the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) after the conclusion of the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) period, [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) through the use of prevention services and programs under [section 671(e) of this title](/usc/42/671.md?p=e) and other funds provided to the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) for [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare and substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) prevention and [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) services.
    - (F) Additional information needed by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) to determine that the proposed activities and implementation will be consistent with research or evaluations showing which [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) and approaches are most effective.
  - (5) **Use of funds—** Funds made available under a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) made under this subsection shall only be used for services or activities that are consistent with the purpose of this subsection and may include the following:
    - (A) Family-based comprehensive long-term substance use disorder [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) medication assisted [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) and in-home substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) disorder [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) and recovery services.
    - (B) Early [intervention](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=2) and preventative services.
    - (C) Children and family counseling.
    - (D) Mental health services.
    - (E) Parenting skills training.
    - (F) Replication of successful models for providing family-based comprehensive long-term substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) services.
  - (6) **Matching requirement—**
    - (A) **Federal share—** A [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) awarded under this subsection shall be available to pay a percentage share of the costs of services provided or activities conducted under such [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10), not to exceed—
      - (i) 85 percent for the first and second [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) for which the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) is awarded to a recipient;
      - (ii) 80 percent for the third and fourth such [fiscal years](/usc/42/619.md?p=3);
      - (iii) 75 percent for the fifth such [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3);
      - (iv) 70 percent for the sixth such [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3); and
      - (v) 65 percent for the seventh such [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3).
    - (B) **Non-Federal share—** The non-Federal share of the cost of services provided or activities conducted under a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) awarded under this subsection may be in cash or in kind. In determining the amount of the non-Federal share, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may attribute fair market value to goods, services, and [facilities](/usc/42/1320a–3.md?p=c-5-B) contributed from non-Federal sources.
  - (7) **Considerations in awarding grants—** In awarding [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall take into consideration the extent to which applicant regional partnerships—
    - (A) demonstrate that substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) by parents or caretakers has had a substantial impact on the number of out-of-home placements for children, or the number of children who are at risk of being placed in an out-of-home placement, in the partnership region;
    - (B) have limited resources for addressing the needs of children affected by such [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1);
    - (C) have a lack of capacity for, or access to, comprehensive family [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) services;
    - (D) demonstrate a track record of successful collaboration among [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare, substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) disorder [treatment](/usc/42/11851.md?p=11) and mental health [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1);
    - (E) demonstrate a plan for sustaining the services provided by or activities funded under the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) after the conclusion of the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) period;
    - (F) have submitted information pursuant to [paragraph (4)(F)](#f-4-F) that demonstrates the capability to participate in rigorous evaluation of program effectiveness; and
    - (G) are a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) or [public agency](/usc/42/11851.md?p=8), or outline a plan to increase the availability of services funded under the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) statewide.
  - (8) **Performance indicators—**
    - (A) **In general—** Not later than 9 months after September 28, 2006, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall review indicators that are used to assess periodically the performance of the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) recipients under the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act and establish a set of core indicators related to [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) safety, [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) permanency, reunification, re-entry into care, parental recovery, parenting capacity, and family well-being, and access to services for families with substance use disorder, [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) those with children who are overrepresented in foster care, difficult to place, or have disproportionately low permanency rates. In developing the core indicators, to the extent possible, indicators shall be made consistent with the outcome measures described in [section 671(e)(6) of this title](/usc/42/671.md?p=e-6).
    - (B) **Consultation required—** In establishing the performance indicators required by [subparagraph (A)](#f-8-A), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall base the performance measures on lessons learned from prior rounds of regional partnership [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection, and consult with the following:
      - (i) The Assistant [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) for the [Administration](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-10) for Children and Families.
      - (ii) The [Administrator](/usc/42/4005.md?p=1) of the Substance [Abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) and Mental Health Services [Administration](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-10).
      - (iii) The [Administrator](/usc/42/4005.md?p=1) of the National Institute on [Drug](/usc/42/11851.md?p=4) [Abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1).
      - (iv) Other stakeholders or constituencies as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6).
  - (9) **Reports—**
    - (A) **Grantee reports—**
      - (i) **Semiannual reports—** Not later than September 30 of each [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) in which a recipient of a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection is paid funds under the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10), and every 6 months thereafter, the [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) recipient shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) a report on the services provided and activities carried out during the reporting period, progress made in achieving the goals of the program, the number of children, [adults](/usc/42/619.md?p=1), and families receiving services, and such additional information as the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) determines is necessary. The report due not later than September 30 of the last such [fiscal year](/usc/42/619.md?p=3) shall include, at a minimum, data on each of the performance indicators included in the evaluation of the regional partnership.
      - (ii) **Incorporation of information related to performance indicators—** Each recipient of a [grant](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection shall incorporate into the first annual report required by [clause (i)](#f-9-A-i) that is submitted after the establishment of performance indicators under [paragraph (8)](#f-8), information required in relation to such indicators.
    - (B) **Reports to Congress—** On the basis of the reports submitted under [subparagraph (A)](#f-9-A), the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) annually shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report on—
      - (i) the services provided and activities conducted with funds provided under [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) awarded under this subsection;
      - (ii) the performance indicators established under [paragraph (8)](#f-8);
      - (iii) the progress that has been made in addressing the needs of families with substance [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) problems who come to the attention of the [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare system and in achieving the goals of [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) safety, permanence, and family stability; and
      - (iv) whether any programs funded by the [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) were submitted to the clearinghouse established under [section 676(d) of this title](/usc/42/676.md?p=d) for review and the results of any such review.
  - (10) **Limitation on use of funds for administrative expenses of the Secretary—** Not more than 5 percent of the amounts appropriated or reserved for awarding [grants](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=10) under this subsection may be used by the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) for salaries and Department of Health and Human Services administrative expenses in administering this subsection.
- (g) **Funding for the development of an electronic interstate case-processing system to expedite the interstate placement of children in foster care or guardianship, or for adoption—**
  - (1) **Purpose—** The purpose of this subsection is to facilitate the development of an electronic interstate case-processing system for the exchange of data and documents to expedite the placements of children in foster, [guardianship](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=11), or adoptive homes across [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) lines.
  - (2) **Requirements—** A [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) that seeks funding under this subsection shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) the following:
    - (A) A description of the goals and outcomes to be achieved, which goals and outcomes must result in—
      - (i) reducing the time it takes for a [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) to be provided with a safe and appropriate permanent living arrangement across [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) lines;
      - (ii) improving administrative processes and reducing costs in the foster care system; and
      - (iii) the secure exchange of relevant case files and other necessary materials in real time, and timely communications and placement decisions regarding interstate placements of children.
    - (B) A description of the activities to be funded in whole or in part with the funds, [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) the sequencing of the activities.
    - (C) A description of the strategies for integrating programs and services for children who are placed across [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) lines.
    - (D) Such other information as the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may require.
  - (3) **Funding authority—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) may provide funds to a [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) that complies with [paragraph (2)](#g-2). In providing funds under this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall prioritize [States](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) that are not yet connected with the electronic interstate case-processing system referred to in [paragraph (1)](#g-1).
  - (4) **Use of funds—** A [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) to which funding is provided under this subsection shall use the funding to support the [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) in connecting with, or enhancing or expediting services provided under, the electronic interstate case-processing system referred to in [paragraph (1)](#g-1).
  - (5) **Evaluations—** Not later than 1 year after the final year in which funds are awarded under this subsection, the [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6) shall submit to the Congress, and make available to the general public by posting on a website, a report that contains the following information:
    - (A) How using the electronic interstate case-processing system developed pursuant to [paragraph (4)](#g-4) has changed the time it takes for children to be placed across [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) lines.
    - (B) The number of cases subject to the Interstate [Compact](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=4) on the Placement of Children that were processed through the electronic interstate case-processing system, and the number of interstate [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) placement cases that were processed outside the electronic interstate case-processing system, by each [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) in each year.
    - (C) The progress made by [States](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) in implementing the electronic interstate case-processing system.
    - (D) How using the electronic interstate case-processing system has affected various metrics related to [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) safety and well-being, [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) the time it takes for children to be placed across [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) lines.
    - (E) How using the electronic interstate case-processing system has affected administrative costs and caseworker time spent on placing children across [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) lines.
  - (6) **Data integration—** The [Secretary](/usc/42/1301.md?p=a-6), in consultation with the Secretariat for the Interstate [Compact](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=4) on the Placement of Children and the [States](/usc/42/619.md?p=5), shall assess how the electronic interstate case-processing system developed pursuant to [paragraph (4)](#g-4) could be used to better serve and protect children that come to the attention of the [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) welfare system, by—
    - (A) connecting the system with other data systems (such as systems operated by [State](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) [law enforcement](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=13) and judicial [agencies](/usc/42/1397n–12.md?p=1), systems operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purposes of the Innocence Lost National Initiative, and other systems);
    - (B) simplifying and improving reporting related to paragraphs (34) and (35) of [section 671(a) of this title](/usc/42/671.md?p=a) regarding children or [youth](/usc/42/629a.md?p=a-11) who have been identified as being a sex trafficking victim[^2] or children missing from foster care; and
    - (C) improving the ability of [States](/usc/42/619.md?p=5) to quickly comply with background check requirements of [section 671(a)(20) of this title](/usc/42/671.md?p=a-20), [including](/usc/42/1301.md?p=b) checks of [child](/usc/42/1382c.md?p=c) [abuse](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=1) and [neglect](/usc/42/1397j.md?p=16) registries as required by [section 671(a)(20)(B) of this title](/usc/42/671.md?p=a-20-B).

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “subsection”.
[^2]: So in original. Probably should be “being sex trafficking victims”.

## Source credit

(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 437, as added Pub. L. 107–133, title I, § 106(b), Jan. 17, 2002, 115 Stat. 2417; amended Pub. L. 109–288, §§ 3(b), 4(b)(2), 5(a)(2), (b)(2), 6(f)(5), Sept. 28, 2006, 120 Stat. 1234, 1238, 1242, 1243, 1247; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(D), (2)(V), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(D), (2)(V), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1857, 1858; Pub. L. 112–34, title I, §§ 102(a)(2), 103(c)(1), (2), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 371, 373; Pub. L. 115–123, div. E, title VII, §§ 50722(c), (d), 50723, 50752(b)(2), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 246–248, 263; Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title VI, § 6103(b)(2)–(4), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5965; Pub. L. 118–258, title I, §§ 103(c), 105(b)–(d), (f)–(l), 108(b), 110(b)(2), 115(b)(2)(D), (E), Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2948–2951, 2958, 2961, 2969.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Public Health Service Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(A)(ii), is act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, 58 Stat. 682. Subpart II of part B of title XIX of the Act is classified generally to subpart II (§ 300x–21 et seq.) of part B of subchapter XVII of chapter 6A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of this title and Tables.

The Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(8)(A), is title I of Pub. L. 118–258, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2947. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1305 of this title and Tables.

### Codification

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 437 of act Aug. 14, 1935, was classified to section 637 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–485.

### Amendments

2025—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–258, § 103(c), substituted “2025 through 2029” for “2017 through 2023”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 118–258, § 115(b)(2)(D), substituted “629e of this title” for “629f(b)(1) of this title”.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 118–258, § 108(b), added par. (5).

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 118–258, § 110(b)(2), added par. (6).

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(d)(1), inserted “, and expand the scope of the evidence-based services that may be approved by the clearinghouse established under section 676(d) of this title” before period at end.

Subsec. (f)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(j), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (f)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(l)(2), redesignated subpars. (C) and (D) as (B) and (C), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (B). Prior to amendment, text of subpar. (B) read as follows: “If the partnership proposes to serve children in out-of-home placements, the Juvenile Court or Administrative Office of the Court that is most appropriate to oversee the administration of court programs in the region to address the population of families who come to the attention of the court due to child abuse or neglect.”

Subsec. (f)(2)(C)(ix), (x). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(k), added cl. (ix) and redesignated former cl. (ix) as (x).

Subsec. (f)(2)(D). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(l)(2), redesignated subpar. (D) as (C).

Subsec. (f)(2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(l)(1), struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: “if the condition described in paragraph (2)(B) applies, may include tribal court organizations in lieu of other judicial partners.”

Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 118–258, § 115(b)(2)(E), substituted “629f(b)(4) of this title” for “629f(b)(5) of this title”.

Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(b)(1), substituted “The Secretary” for “In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary” and “2025 through 2029” for “2017 through 2023”.

Subsec. (f)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(c), designated existing provisions as subcl. (I) and inserted heading, struck out “may not exceed $250,000, and” after “planning phase”, and added subcl. (II).

Subsec. (f)(7)(F). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(d)(2), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (f)(7)(G). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(i), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (f)(8)(A). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(f), in first sentence, substituted “the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act” for “this subsection” and inserted “child permanency, reunification, re-entry into care,” before “parental recovery” and “, and access to services for families with substance use disorder, including those with children who are overrepresented in foster care, difficult to place, or have disproportionately low permanency rates” before period at end.

Subsec. (f)(8)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(g), added cl. (iii) and redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv).

Subsec. (f)(9)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(h), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (f)(10). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(b)(2), struck out “for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023” before “may be used”.

2022—Subsecs. (a), (f)(3)(A), (10). Pub. L. 117–328 substituted “2023” for “2021”.

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50752(b)(2), substituted “2017 through 2021” for “2012 through 2016”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50722(d), added par. (4).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(1), substituted “implement IV–E prevention services, and improve the well-being of, and improve permanency outcomes for, children and families affected by heroin, opioids, and other” for “increase the well-being of, and to improve the permanency outcomes for, children affected by” in heading.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(2), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which defined regional partnership to mean a collaborative agreement, which may be established on an interstate or intrastate basis, entered into by at least 2 of certain entities.

Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(3)(A), substituted “2017 through 2021” for “2012 through 2016” and “$250,000 and not more than $1,000,000” for “$500,000 and not more than $1,000,000”.

Subsec. (f)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(3)(B)(i), inserted “; planning” after “approval” in heading.

Subsec. (f)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(3)(B)(ii), substituted “clauses (ii) and (iii)” for “clause (ii)”.

Subsec. (f)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(3)(B)(iii), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (f)(3)(D). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(3)(C), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (f)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(A)(i), inserted “, parents, and families” after “children”.

Subsec. (f)(4)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(A)(ii), substituted “safe, permanent caregiving relationships for the children;” for “safety and permanence for such children; and”.

Subsec. (f)(4)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(A)(iv), added cl. (iii). Former cl. (iii) redesignated (v).

Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(A)(iii), substituted “increase reunification rates for children who have been placed in out-of-home care, or decrease” for “or”.

Subsec. (f)(4)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(A)(iv), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (f)(4)(B)(v). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(A)(iv), redesignated cl. (iii) as (v).

Subsec. (f)(4)(D). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(B), struck out “where appropriate,” before “the child’s family”.

Subsec. (f)(4)(E), (F). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(4)(C), added subpars. (E) and (F) and struck out former subpars. (E) and (F) which read as follows:

“(E) A description of the strategies for—

“(i) collaborating with the State child welfare agency described in paragraph (2)(A)(i) (unless that agency is the lead applicant for the regional partnership); and

“(ii) consulting, as appropriate, with—

“(I) the State agency described in paragraph (2)(A)(ii); and

“(II) the State law enforcement and judicial agencies.

To the extent the Secretary determines that the requirement of this subparagraph would be inappropriate to apply to a regional partnership that includes an Indian tribe, tribal consortium, or a tribal child welfare agency or a consortium of such agencies, the Secretary may exempt the regional partnership from the requirement.

“(F) Such other information as the Secretary may require.”

Subsec. (f)(5)(A). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(5), substituted “use disorder treatment including medication assisted treatment and in-home substance abuse disorder treatment and recovery” for “abuse treatment”.

Subsec. (f)(7)(D), (E). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(6), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpar. (D) as (E).

Subsec. (f)(8)(A). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(7)(A), substituted “review indicators that are” for “establish indicators that will be” and “and establish a set of core indicators related to child safety, parental recovery, parenting capacity, and family well-being. In developing the core indicators, to the extent possible, indicators shall be made consistent with the outcome measures described in section 671(e)(6) of this title” for “in using funds made available under such grants to achieve the purpose of this subsection”.

Subsec. (f)(8)(B). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(7)(B)(i), inserted “base the performance measures on lessons learned from prior rounds of regional partnership grants under this subsection, and” before “consult” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (f)(8)(B)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(7)(B)(ii), added cl. (iii) and struck out former cls. (iii) and (iv) which read as follows:

“(iii) Representatives of States in which a State agency described in clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (2)(A) is a member of a regional partnership that is a grant recipient under this subsection.

“(iv) Representatives of Indian tribes, tribal consortia, or tribal child welfare agencies that are members of a regional partnership that is a grant recipient under this subsection.”

Subsec. (f)(9)(A)(i). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(8), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Not later than September 30 of the first fiscal year in which a recipient of a grant under this subsection is paid funds under the grant, and annually thereafter until September 30 of the last fiscal year in which the recipient is paid funds under the grant, the recipient shall submit to the Secretary a report on the services provided or activities carried out during that fiscal year with such funds. The report shall contain such information as the Secretary determines is necessary to provide an accurate description of the services provided or activities conducted with such funds.”

Subsec. (f)(10). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50723(9), substituted “2017 through 2021” for “2012 through 2016”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50722(c), added subsec. (g).

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–34, § 102(a)(2), substituted “2012 through 2016” for “2007 through 2011”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(A), struck out “methamphetamine or other” before “substance abuse” in heading.

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(B), struck out “methamphetamine or other” before “substance abuse”.

Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(1), substituted “2012 through 2016” for “2007 through 2011”.

Subsec. (f)(3)(B), (C). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(C), added subpars. (B) and (C) and struck out former subpar. (B). Prior to amendment, text of subpar. (B) read as follows: “A grant shall be awarded under this subsection for a period of not less than 2, and not more than 5, fiscal years.”

Subsec. (f)(4)(A). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(B), struck out “methamphetamine or other” before “substance abuse”.

Subsec. (f)(6)(A)(iv), (v). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(D), added cls. (iv) and (v).

Subsec. (f)(7). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(E), substituted “shall” for “shall—”, struck out subpar. (A) designation before “take”, substituted period for “; and” at end of cl. (iv), redesignated cls. (i) to (iv) of former subpar. (A) as subpars. (A) to (D), respectively, of par. (7) and realigned margins, and struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: “after taking such factors into consideration, give greater weight to awarding grants to regional partnerships that propose to address methamphetamine abuse and addiction in the partnership region (alone or in combination with other drug abuse and addiction) and which demonstrate that methamphetamine abuse and addiction (alone or in combination with other drug abuse and addiction) is adversely affecting child welfare in the partnership region.”

Subsec. (f)(7)(A)(i). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(B), struck out “methamphetamine or other” before “substance abuse”.

Subsec. (f)(9)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(B), struck out “methamphetamine or other” before “substance abuse”.

Subsec. (f)(10). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(c)(2)(F), added par. (10).

2008—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(b)(1)(D), (2)(V), substituted “supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits” for “food stamp”.

2006—Pub. L. 109–288, § 4(b)(2)(B)(i), inserted “and targeted” after “Discretionary” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–288, § 3(b), substituted “2007 through 2011” for “2002 through 2006”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 109–288, § 5(b)(2)(A), inserted “or tribal consortia” after “Indian tribes” in heading and text.

Pub. L. 109–288, § 5(a)(2), substituted “3 percent” for “2 percent”.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 109–288, § 5(b)(2)(B), inserted “or tribal consortia” after “tribes” in heading and inserted at end “If a consortium of Indian tribes applies and is approved for a grant under this section, the Secretary shall allot to the consortium an amount equal to the sum of the allotments determined for each Indian tribe that is part of the consortium.”

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 109–288, § 6(f)(5), substituted “section 623” for “section 621”.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–288, § 4(b)(2)(B)(ii), substituted “subsection (a)” for “this section”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–288, § 4(b)(2)(A), added subsec. (f).

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date of 2025 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 118–258 effective Oct. 1, 2025, and applicable to payments under this part for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, with delay permitted if either State legislation or tribal action is required to meet additional requirements, see section 117 of Pub. L. 118–258, set out as a note under section 622 of this title.

### Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by sections 50722(c), (d) and 50723 of Pub. L. 115–123 effective Oct. 1, 2018, subject to transition rules for required State legislation or tribal action, see section 50734 of Pub. L. 115–123, set out as a note under section 622 of this title.

### Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 112–34 effective Oct. 1, 2011, and applicable to payments under this part and part E of this subchapter for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, without regard to whether implementing regulations have been promulgated, and with delay permitted if State legislation is required to meet additional requirements, see section 107 of Pub. L. 112–34, set out as a note under section 622 of this title.

### Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as otherwise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendment by section 4002(b)(1)(D), (2)(V) of Pub. L. 110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2, The Congress.

### Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 109–288 effective Oct. 1, 2006, and applicable to payments under this part and part E of this subchapter for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, without regard to whether implementing regulations have been promulgated, and with delay permitted if State legislation is required to meet additional requirements, see section 12(a), (b) of Pub. L. 109–288, set out as a note under section 621 of this title.

### Effective Date

Section effective Jan. 17, 2002, with delay permitted if State legislation is required, see section 301 of Pub. L. 107–133, set out as an Effective Date of 2002 Amendment note under section 629 of this title.