The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children's Bureau (CB) has announced a critical administrative action set to significantly impact states, territories, and tribal entities engaged in child welfare programs. Published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2026, the bureau is requesting a three-year extension for the collection of vital information under the Child and Family Services Plan (CFSP), the Annual Progress and Services Report (APSR), and the Annual Budget Expenses Request and Estimated Expenditures (CFS-101). More notably, the proposal includes substantial revisions designed to reduce reporting burdens, a move that reflects broader federal efforts to streamline government operations and improve service delivery.
Foundations of Federal Child Welfare Reporting
Under Title IV-B, subparts 1 and 2, of the Social Security Act (the Act), states, territories, and tribes are required to submit a Child and Family Services Plan (CFSP). This comprehensive five-year plan establishes the framework for integrated family services, addressing the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. The CFSP also incorporates activities related to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood and programs authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA).
Complementing the CFSP, the Annual Progress and Services Report (APSR) provides a yearly update on the progress made in achieving the goals outlined in the CFSP. It offers current information on service needs and organizational capacities throughout the five-year planning period. Finally, the CFS-101 is a financial report with three components: an annual budget request for the upcoming fiscal year, a summary of planned expenditures, and actual expenditures for the preceding fiscal year. Together, these instruments ensure federal oversight and accountability for funding allocated to child and family services.
The Mandate for Streamlined Reporting
This proposed extension and modification are not occurring in a vacuum. They are a direct response to the "Supporting America's Children and Families Act," Public Law 118-258, which President Trump signed into law on January 4, 2025. This bipartisan legislation reauthorized and amended Title IV-B programs, introducing a critical new requirement under subpart 3. This mandate compels the Children's Bureau to reduce administrative burden on Title IV-B programs. The law specifically calls for the elimination of duplication and the streamlining of reporting requirements, with an explicit goal of reducing the number of hours required for compliance by at least 15 percent, in coordination with activities mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA).
Proposed Changes and Estimated Impact
In response to this legislative directive, the Children's Bureau has already initiated efforts to gather input and implement changes. The current Federal Register notice details these adjustments, which include minor modifications to the CFS-101 form and changes in how narrative information is collected. The primary goal is to reduce both burden and duplicative reporting. These revisions have led to a significant decrease in estimated reporting times for the key instruments.
Specifically, the average burden per response for the APSR has been reduced from 82 hours to 50 hours, marking a substantial cut. Similarly, the burden for the CFSP has been lowered from 123 hours to 90 hours. One notable change contributing to these reductions is the elimination of caseworker visit data from the collection requirements. These adjustments, coupled with other streamlining efforts, are projected to result in an overall 48 percent reduction in the total annual burden associated with this information collection.
This reduction directly affects 233 entities, comprising 53 states and territories (including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands) and approximately 180 tribal entities that currently receive Title IV-B funding. The total estimated annual burden hours for all three instruments are projected to decrease significantly, offering relief to these administering bodies.
Opportunity for Public Engagement
Consistent with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ACF is actively soliciting public comments on specific aspects of this information collection. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on several key areas:
- The necessity of the proposed collection for the agency's functions and its practical utility.
- The accuracy of the agency's burden estimate.
- The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
- Ways to further minimize the burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
The deadline for submitting comments is July 13, 2026. This public comment period provides a crucial opportunity for states, territories, tribes, and other interested parties to offer their insights and contribute to shaping federal reporting policies that impact child and family services nationwide.
