Federal Block Grant Award Summary

Award Overview The New York Office of Children & Family Services received a Block Grant award of $104.3 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families under the Adoption Assistance program (CFDA 93.659). This award, effective from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, provides Federal Financial Participation to support adoption subsidy costs for children with special needs who cannot be reunited with their biological families. The funding facilitates permanent placements and provides critical financial support to adoptive families across New York State.

Service Delivery and Sub-Awardees The adoption assistance services are delivered statewide through a network of county governments and local agencies serving as sub-awardees, including representatives from Franklin, Cattaraugus, Albany, Fulton, Chautauqua, Allegany, Greene, Chemung, Clinton, Jefferson, Columbia, and Dutchess counties, among many others. Additionally, New York City Administration for Children's Services serves as a sub-awardee providing adoption assistance and foster care support services within New York City. These sub-awardees administer adoption subsidies, guardianship assistance payments, and related support services to facilitate and maintain permanent family placements for vulnerable children. The program operates on a quarterly payment basis, with states required to submit expenditure estimates and maintain comprehensive financial and programmatic records in accordance with applicable federal regulations.