NEICE: to support nationwide implementation of secure interoperable child welfare data exchange to ensure timely, safe interstate placements for 30,000+ children annually and administrative efficiency…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded a $1.6 million Cooperative Agreement (90CO1148) to the American Public Human Services Association on September 30, 2026, under the Adoption Opportunities program (CFDA 93.652).

The award funds nationwide implementation of the National Electronic Interstate Compact Enterprise (NEICE), a secure data exchange system that modernizes the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) process. NEICE enables jurisdictions to evaluate interstate placements for children in foster care, adoption, and residential settings through electronic rather than paper-based workflows. The system currently operates in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This award will extend NEICE implementation across all ICPC jurisdictions with strengthened interoperability, security, and long-term sustainability. The system's expanded interoperability with other human services programs will ensure eligible individuals receive services, prevent service duplication, and reduce fraud and system abuse. NEICE supports timely and safe interstate placements for more than 30,000 children annually and increases administrative efficiency and accountability of the ICPC process.

Performance occurs in Virginia and runs through September 29, 2031. The Adoption Opportunities program eliminates geographic and other barriers to adoption and provides permanent family environments for children who would benefit from adoption from foster care, particularly those with special needs.

NEICE: to support nationwide implementation of secure interoperable child welfare data exchange to ensure timely, safe interstate placements for 30,000+ children annually and administrative efficiency - the national electronic interstate compact enterprise (NEICE) is a secure national data exchange system that modernizes the interstate compact on the placement of children (ICPC) process, enabling jurisdictions to quickly and safely evaluate interstate placements for children in foster care, adoption, and residential settings. Since its launch in 2014, NEICE has transformed a slow, paper-based process into an efficient electronic system now used by 47 states, the district of columbia, and the U.S. Virgin islands. Through this project, NEICE will be implemented nationwide across all ICPC jurisdictions with strengthened interoperability, security, and long-term sustainability to support timely, safe placements for children. Increased interoperability with other human service programs and systems will ensure eligible individuals receive services, prevent duplication of services, and reduce fraud and system abuse. This project will ensure timely, safe interstate placements for 30,000+ children annually and increase administrative efficiency and accountability of the ICPC process.