FY 2026 guardianship assistance

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the Department of Children's Services Tennessee $30,871,568 in Block Grant funding for FY 2026 Guardianship Assistance, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The Guardianship Assistance Program (CFDA 93.090) provides Federal Financial Participation to support guardianship assistance payments to relatives who have assumed legal guardianship of eligible children, removing financial barriers that might otherwise delay permanency and enabling children to transition from foster care into secure, legally recognized family settings. The Department of Children's Services Tennessee, as the state's designated child welfare agency, administers this funding through a network of sub-awards to local government entities, non-profit organizations, and community-based providers delivering direct services to vulnerable children and families across Tennessee. The award is obligated at $30,871,568. Quarterly awards are made on the basis of estimated expenditures, with quarterly estimates due July 30, October 30, January 30, and April 30 each year; final decisions and awards are made by the headquarters office. Awards remain effective without plan renewal, though Title IV-E plans may be amended as necessary. ACF will approve or disapprove amended Title IV-E plans within 45 days of receipt.