Keeping Tabs on Child Abuse Data for Three More Years

2026-16414, Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System

This document withdraws a proposed rule that was published in the Federal Register on January 11, 2008. The proposed rule would have amended the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations at 45 CFR 1355.40 and the appendices to Part 1355 to modify the requirements for States to collect and report data to ACF on children in out-of-home care and in subsidized adoption or guardianship arrangements with the State. This document also withdraws the provision of the 2008 proposed rule that implemented the AFCARS penalty requirements of the Adoption Promotion Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-145).

2026-16134, Reducing Federal Burden for Head Start Programs

This NPRM proposes to rescind and replace the Head Start Program Performance Standards (Performance Standards), last revised in 2024. The proposed Performance Standards would significantly reduce Federal bureaucratic burden on programs; defer to State policies wherever possible; return substantial local control to Head Start agencies delivering the services and to parents as the primary caregivers and decision-makers for their children; reduce unnecessary duplication of Head Start regulations with Federal statute and other regulations; and emphasize the critical role of health, nutrition, and physical exercise for young children.

2026-11530, Employment and Training Services for Noncustodial Parents in the Child Support Program; Rescission

The government plans to cancel a recent rule that let child support agencies offer job training to noncustodial parents using federal funds. This change affects agencies and parents involved in the child support program and could shift how support services are funded and delivered. Comments on this proposal are open until August 10, 2026, so folks have time to weigh in before it’s final.

2026-09383, Restoring Flexibility To Support Head Start Program Access

The government wants to give Head Start programs more freedom by removing some strict rules about staff wages and benefits. This change aims to save over $2 billion and help programs serve more kids better. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 11, 2026!

2026-06632, Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes: Recalibration of the Caseload Reduction Credit and Prohibition of Small Checks in Work Participation Rate Calculation

The government is updating how it measures work participation for families getting help through TANF. They’re changing the base year for counting caseload drops from 2005 to 2015 and won’t count tiny monthly payments under $35 in work rate calculations. These changes, required by a 2023 law, affect states and could impact funding starting soon, so everyone should pay attention and share their thoughts by May 6, 2026.

2026-20265, Proposed Information Collection Activity; U.S. Repatriation Forms

The U.S. government wants to keep using and update 13 forms that help Americans who come back from tough situations abroad, like war or illness, and need short-term support. These forms help provide temporary aid like money, medical care, and housing for up to 90 days. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 1, 2026, as this extension will keep things running smoothly without extra costs.

Previous: 2026-06091, Agency Information Collection Activities; Nomination of Properties for Listing in the National Register of Historic Places

The National Park Service wants to update the form people use to nominate places for the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re involved in preserving historic spots, this affects you! They’re asking for your feedback by April 29, 2026, to make sure the process is easier and clearer, with no extra costs or big time changes.

Next: 2026-06093, Proposed Information Collection Activity; Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS)

The government is updating the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) to include 62 new data points, mostly about protecting Native American children. This means state child welfare agencies will have to report more detailed info, which takes extra time and effort. They’re asking for public feedback by May 29, 2026, to make sure the new reporting rules work smoothly without costing too much.