Simpler Grants.gov #HHS-2026-ACF-ACYF-CT-0062

Grant Funding for Modernizing Fingerprinting Infrastructure in Child Welfare Agencies

This opportunity from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), specifically the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and the Children's Bureau (CB), supports state and tribal child welfare agencies in modernizing fingerprinting and background check infrastructure. - Government Buyer: - Administration for Children and Families (ACF) - Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) - Children's Bureau (CB) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation. - Products/Services Requested: - Modernization of fingerprinting and background check infrastructure - Mobile fingerprinting units - Office-based Live Scan stations - Integration of fingerprint collection into child welfare workflows (e.g., home visits, office-based licensing) - System modernization to reduce delays in background check processing - Purchase, installation, and staff training on fingerprinting equipment and services that meet federal standards - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Focus on accelerating safe placement of children by improving background check turnaround times - Expanding access to fingerprinting services for child welfare agencies - Eligible applicants: State IV-E agencies, Tribal IV-B/IV-E agencies, and qualifying faith-based/community organizations - Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible - Total funding available: $4,000,000 - Individual awards range from $50,000 to $200,000 - Up to 20 awards expected - No cost-sharing requirement

Description

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. It invests in mobile fingerprinting and office-based Live Scan stations to address delays in caregiver approval and placement. Funded activities focus on expanding access to fingerprinting services and integrating fingerprint collection into existing child welfare workflows. The program aims to reduce turnaround times for background checks, increase availability of qualified caregivers, and improve agencies' capacity to place children quickly in safe homes. It supports the ACF's A Home for Every Child initiative by aligning infrastructure investments with operational needs and strengthening child welfare systems.

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