FY 2026 Guardianship Assistance Block Grant Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) received a $1.75M block grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children, Youth and Families under the Title IV-E Guardianship Assistance Program (CFDA 93.090) for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. This funding supports guardianship assistance payments to relatives who have legally assumed guardianship of eligible children transitioning from foster care. The program removes financial barriers to permanency by providing direct financial assistance to relative guardians, enabling children in state custody to achieve stable, legally recognized family placements outside the traditional foster care system.

As part of the state's comprehensive child welfare infrastructure, DCYF utilizes this guardianship assistance allocation alongside complementary federal funding streams, including $9.32M in Foster Care Title IV-E support and $6.89M in Adoption Assistance grants, to deliver integrated permanency services. DCYF maintains all required financial and programmatic records in accordance with applicable federal regulations, submits quarterly expenditure estimates, and coordinates with the federal Division of Payment Management for fund drawdown authority. The award remains in effect through the fiscal year without requiring plan renewal, though amendments to the state's Title IV-E plan may be submitted as needed in accordance with program guidance.