Adptasst-2026 - adoption assistance

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded $97.307 million to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of County Operations, on October 1, 2025, under the Adoption Assistance Block Grant program (CFDA 93.659).

The funding supports adoption subsidy costs for the adoption of children with special needs who cannot be reunited with their families, providing Federal Financial Participation to Arkansas for these adoptive placements. The award covers the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, and encompasses performance statewide in Arkansas.

The Adoption Assistance program operates on a quarterly award cycle based on estimated expenditures, which are later reconciled to actual allowable claimed expenditures. Quarterly estimates are due July 30, October 30, January 30, and April 30 each year. Awards remain effective without plan renewal, though Title IV-E plans may be amended as necessary. Applications take the form of a Title IV-E Plan submitted to the ACF Regional Child Welfare Program Manager for approval, with ACF providing approval or disapproval within 45 days of receipt. Arkansas DHS maintains financial and programmatic records required under 45 CFR Part 75 Subpart F and 45 CFR 1355–1356.