62 New Data Points to Safeguard Native Kids in Foster Care
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
State Agencies’ Reporting Burden Increased
Because of the new data elements, the estimated time per response for state Title IV‑E recordkeeping rose from 8,538 hours to 9,036 hours per response. The estimate shows 53 state respondents, 2 responses each, with total state recordkeeping annual hours of 957,813 and an overall estimated total annual burden of 1,250,485 hours.
Tribal Recordkeeping Burden Remains Same
The estimated time per response for tribal Title IV‑E recordkeeping stays at 8,538 hours per response. The estimate shows 17 tribal respondents, 2 responses each, for a total annual tribal recordkeeping burden of 290,292 hours.
62 New AFCARS Data Elements Added
The AFCARS collection was revised to add 62 new data elements, many to capture more detailed information about the Indian Child Welfare Act's procedural protections for Native American children. State and tribal Title IV‑E child welfare agencies must report these additional case-level details about children in foster care and children who are adopted or placed in guardianship.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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