FY 2026 guardianship assistance

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Medical Services $7.378 million on October 1, 2025, under the Guardianship Assistance Program (CFDA 93.090).

The award funds guardianship assistance payments to relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of eligible children in Arkansas who cannot be reunited with their parents. The program removes financial barriers to permanency by providing Federal Financial Participation to support the transition of children from foster care into legally recognized family settings with relatives serving as guardians.

Performance runs through September 30, 2026, with place of performance in Arkansas. The Division of Medical Services, the state's designated Medicaid administrator, receives quarterly awards based on estimated expenditures, which are later revised to reflect actual allowable claimed expenditures. Quarterly estimates are due July 30, October 30, January 30, and April 30 each year. The Division maintains financial and programmatic records including applications, eligibility determinations, utilization of funds, and administrative and training costs in accordance with 45 CFR Part 75 and 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F. Awards remain effective without plan renewal, though Title IV-E plans may be amended as necessary with approval required within 45 days of ACF receipt.