Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CT-0062
- Agency
-
Administration for Children and Families
Department of Health and Human Services
- Applications due
- Award size
- $50,000 to $200,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Income Security and Social Services
- Eligible applicants
-
- State Governments
- Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized)
- Other
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Administration for Children and Families is soliciting applications for Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare grants with an application deadline of August 31, 2026. Eligible applicants are State IV-E agencies and Tribal IV-B/IV-E agencies only. The program distributes $4,000,000 across 20 awards, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 per recipient over a two-year project period with one budget period. Expected project start is September 30, 2026.
The program supports state and tribal child welfare agencies in modernizing fingerprinting and background check infrastructure to accelerate safe placement of children into family homes. Funded activities encompass four core areas: completing gap analysis and defining solutions; purchasing and installing equipment while training staff; establishing metrics to track improvements; and developing sustainability plans. Activities focus on expanding access to fingerprinting services—including mobile fingerprinting and office-based Live Scan stations—while integrating fingerprint collection into existing child welfare workflows such as home visits and office-based licensing processes. System modernization efforts should reduce or eliminate barriers in background check processing.
Applications are reviewed against six scoring criteria totaling 105 points: Purpose and Need (20 points), Response (40 points), Impact (20 points), Resources and Capabilities (10 points), Support Requested (5 points), and Alignment with ACF Vision, Mission, Values, Priorities, and Guiding Principles (10 points).
The program does not allow construction, purchase of real property, or major renovation costs. It restricts diversity, equity, inclusion, and gender ideology activities to the extent permitted by law. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov; applicants must register with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov and comply with 2 CFR 200 regulations. This opportunity falls under CFDA 93.648, Child Welfare Research Training or Demonstration.
Synopsis
This program supports state and tribal child welfare agencies in modernizing fingerprinting and background check infrastructure to accelerate the safe placement of children into family homes. By investing in mobile fingerprinting and office-based Live Scan stations, the initiative addresses critical delays that prevent timely caregiver approval and placement.Funded activities focus on expanding access to fingerprinting services while integrating fingerprint collection into existing child welfare workflows such as home visits and office-based licensing processes. In parallel, the program supports system modernization efforts that reduce or eliminate barriers in background check processing. These improvements are designed to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance with federal requirements, and reduce administrative burden.The expected measurable outcomes include significantly reduced turnaround times for fingerprint-based background checks, increased availability and accessibility of qualified caregivers, and improved capacity for agencies to place children more quickly in safe, stable, and nurturing homes. This program supports the ACF's A Home for Every Child initiative by aligning infrastructure investments with operational needs, advancing broader efforts to strengthen child welfare systems, increasing placement stability, and expanding the pool of approved kinship, foster, and adoptive families.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| hhs-2026-acf-acyf-ct-0062 Full Announcement.pdf |
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