42 U.S.C. § 629f (THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE)
§ 629f. Authorization of appropriations; reservation of certain amounts
(a) Authorization
In addition to any amount otherwise made available to carry out this subpart, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $345,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023.
(b) Reservation of certain amounts
From the amount specified in subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve amounts as follows:
(1) Evaluation, research, training, and technical assistance
The Secretary shall reserve $6,000,000 for expenditure by the Secretary—
(A) for research, training, and technical assistance costs related to the program under this subpart; and
(B) for evaluation of State programs based on the plans approved under section 629b of this title and funded under this subpart, and any other Federal, State, or local program, regardless of whether federally assisted, that is designed to achieve the same purposes as the State programs.
(2) State court improvements
The Secretary shall reserve $30,000,000 for grants under section 629h of this title.
(3) Indian tribes or tribal consortia
After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying paragraphs (1) or (2)), the Secretary shall reserve 3 percent for allotment to Indian tribes or tribal consortia in accordance with section 629c(a) of this title.
(4) Support for monthly caseworker visits
(A) Reservation
The Secretary shall reserve for allotment in accordance with section 629c(e) of this title $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023.
(B) Use of funds
(i) In general
A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on improving caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention, recruitment, and training of caseworkers.
(ii) Nonsupplantation
A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not use the amount to supplant any Federal funds paid to the State under part E that could be used as described in clause (i).
(5) Regional partnership grants
The Secretary shall reserve for awarding grants under section 629g(f) of this title $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023.
(c) Support for foster family homes
Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2018, $8,000,000 for the Secretary to make competitive grants to States, Indian tribes, or tribal consortia to support the recruitment and retention of high-quality foster families to increase their capacity to place more children in family settings, focused on States, Indian tribes, or tribal consortia with the highest percentage of children in non-family settings. The amount appropriated under this subparagraph shall remain available through fiscal year 2022.
(Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 436, as added Pub. L. 107–133, title I, § 106(a)(1), Jan. 17, 2002, 115 Stat. 2416; amended Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7402, Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 150; Pub. L. 109–288, §§ 3(a), 4(a)(1), (b)(1), 5(a)(1), (3), (b)(1)(B), Sept. 28, 2006, 120 Stat. 1234, 1236, 1237, 1242, 1243; Pub. L. 111–242, § 133(1), Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2613; Pub. L. 112–34, title I, §§ 102(a)(1), 103(a), (b), Sept. 30, 2011, 125 Stat. 371, 373; Pub. L. 115–123, div. E, title VII, §§ 50751(b), 50752(b)(1), (c), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 262, 263; Pub. L. 116–260, div. CC, title III, § 305(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2994; Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title VI, § 6103(a)(1)–(3), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5964, 5965; Pub. L. 118–258, title I, §§ 103(b), 104(a), 105(a), 107(b)(2), 112(a), (c), 115(b)(1), Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2948, 2949, 2955, 2962, 2968.)
heading: Amendment of Subsections (a) and (b)
text: Pub. L. 118–258, title I, §§ 103(b), 104(a), 105(a), 107(b)(2), 112(a), (c), 115(b)(1), 117, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2948, 2949, 2955, 2962, 2968, 2969, made numerous amendments to subsections (a) and (b) of this section, 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. After such effective date, subsections (a) and (b) will read as follows:
(a) Authorization
In addition to any amount otherwise made available to carry out this subpart, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $345,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $420,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
(b) Reservation of certain amounts
From the amount specified in subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve amounts as follows:
(1) State court improvements
The Secretary shall reserve $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year for grants under section 629h of this title.
(2) Indian tribes or tribal consortia
The Secretary shall reserve 3 percent for allotment to Indian tribes or tribal consortia in accordance with section 629c(a) of this title.
(3) Support for monthly caseworker visits
(A) Reservation
The Secretary shall reserve for allotment in accordance with section 629c(e) of this title $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year.
(B) Use of funds
(i) In general
A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on—
(I) reducing caseload ratios and the administrative burden on caseworkers, to improve caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention, recruitment, and training of caseworkers;
(II) implementing technology solutions to streamline caseworker duties and modernize systems, ensuring improved efficiency and effectiveness in child welfare services;
(III) improving caseworker safety;
(IV) mental health resources to support caseworker well-being, including peer-to-peer support programs; and
(V) recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting qualified caseworker candidates.
(ii) Nonsupplantation
A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not use the amount to supplant any Federal funds paid to the State under part E that could be used as described in clause (i).
(4) Regional partnership grants
The Secretary shall reserve for awarding grants under section 629g(f) of this title $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year.
See 2025 Amendment notes below.
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Prior Provisions
text: A prior section 436 of act Aug. 14, 1935, was classified to section 636 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–485.
heading: Amendments
text: 2025—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–258, § 103(b), substituted “fiscal year 2025 and $420,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029” for “each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 118–258, § 115(b)(1), redesignated pars. (2) to (5) as (1) to (4), respectively, and struck out former par. (1) which related to reservation of amounts for evaluation, research, training, and technical assistance. Amendment notes below relate to pars. prior to redesignation.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 118–258, § 104(a), inserted “for fiscal year 2025 and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year” before “for grants”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 118–258, § 107(b)(2), substituted “The Secretary” for “After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying paragraphs (1) or (2)), the Secretary”.
Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 118–258, § 112(a), substituted “fiscal year 2025 and $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year” for “each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023”.
Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 118–258, § 112(c), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on improving caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention, recruitment, and training of caseworkers.”
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 118–258, § 105(a), substituted “fiscal year 2025 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year” for “each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023”.
2022—Subsecs. (a), (b)(4)(A), (5). Pub. L. 117–328 substituted “2023” for “2022”.
2020—Subsecs. (a), (b)(4)(A), (5). Pub. L. 116–260 substituted “2022” for “2021”.
Subsec. (f)(10). Pub. L. 116–260, which directed amendment of subsec. (f)(10) of this section by substituting “2022” for “2021”, could not be executed because no subsec. (f)(10) has been enacted.
2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50752(b)(1), substituted “for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021” for “for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016”.
Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50752(c)(1), substituted “2017 through 2021” for “2012 through 2016”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50752(c)(2), substituted “2017 through 2021” for “2012 through 2016”.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50751(b), added subsec. (c).
2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–34, § 102(a)(1), substituted “for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016” for “for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2010, and $365,000,000 for fiscal year 2011”.
Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(a)(1), substituted “629c(e) of this title $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.” for “629c(e) of this title—
“(i) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
“(ii) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
“(iii) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.”
Subsec. (b)(4)(B)(i). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(b), substituted “improve the quality of” for “support” and “an emphasis on improving caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention, recruitment, and training of caseworkers.” for “a primary emphasis on activities designed to improve caseworker retention, recruitment, training, and ability to access the benefits of technology.”
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 112–34, § 103(a)(2), substituted “629g(f) of this title $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.” for “629g(f) of this title—
“(A) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
“(B) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
“(C) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
“(D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.”
2010—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–242, § 133(1)(A)(ii), which directed insertion of “, and $365,000,000 for fiscal year 2011” before the period, was executed by making the insertion at the end of subsec. (a) to reflect the probable intent of Congress because there was no period.
Pub. L. 111–242, § 133(1)(A)(i), substituted “2010” for “2011”.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–242, § 133(1)(B), substituted “$30,000,000” for “$10,000,000”.
2006—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–288, § 3(a), substituted “each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011” for “fiscal year 2006. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the total amount authorized to be so appropriated for fiscal year 2006 under this subsection and under this subsection (as in effect before February 8, 2006) is $345,000,000.”
Pub. L. 109–171 amended heading and text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the provisions of this subpart $305,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2006.”
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 109–288, § 5(b)(1)(B), inserted “or tribal consortia” after “tribes” in heading and text.
Pub. L. 109–288, § 5(a)(1), (3), substituted “After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying paragraphs (1) or (2)), the” for “The” and “3 percent” for “1 percent”.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 109–288, § 4(a)(1), added par. (4).
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 109–288, § 4(b)(1), added par. (5).
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Effective Date of 2025 Amendment
text: 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.
heading: Effective Date of 2020 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 116–260, div. CC, title III, § 305(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2995, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 629h of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2021.”
heading: Effective Date of 2011 Amendment
text: 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.
heading: Effective Date of 2010 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 111–242, § 133, Sept. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 2613, provided that the amendment made by section 133 is effective Oct. 1, 2010.
heading: Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 109–288, § 3(a), Sept. 28, 2006, 120 Stat. 1234, provided that the amendment made by section 3(a) is effective Oct. 1, 2006.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–288 effective Oct. 1, 2006, except as otherwise provided, 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.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–171 effective as if enacted on Oct. 1, 2005, except as otherwise provided, see section 7701 of Pub. L. 109–171, set out as a note under section 603 of this title.
heading: Effective Date
text: 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.