New Survey to Ask Foster Kids How They're Doing
Published Date: 6/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The government wants to start a new study to learn how kids and families in the child welfare system are doing. They’ll pick certain states and counties, then talk to kids and their caregivers to gather important info that helps improve foster care and family support. If you’re involved in child welfare, this could affect you, and public comments are open until August 24, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Agency monthly sample file submissions
Child welfare agency data systems staff will be asked to submit monthly sample files for the study. The plan calls for 100 respondents with 15 submissions each, averaging 1.0 hour per submission; the total burden is 1,500 hours and the annualized burden is 500 hours.
Caregivers complete baseline survey
If you are a caregiver of a child age 0–17, you may be asked to complete a caregiver baseline survey in-person or online. The plan lists 6,273 caregiver respondents with one 1.0-hour response each; the total burden is 6,273 hours and the annualized burden is 2,091 hours. The request seeks three years of approval and public comments are due August 24, 2026.
Children aged 6–17 surveyed
Children ages 6–17 in sampled cases may be asked to complete a child baseline survey in-person or online. The plan lists 4,160 child respondents with one 0.75-hour response each; the total burden is 3,120 hours and the annualized burden is 1,040 hours.
Telephone verification calls for caregivers
Caregivers will receive a telephone verification interview averaging 0.13 hours (about 8 minutes). The plan lists 627 respondents for this instrument, with a total burden of 82 hours and an annualized burden of 27 hours.
Panel maintenance contacts from caregivers and young adults
Caregivers and young adults age 18 and older will be asked to complete a panel maintenance contact card. The plan lists 900 respondents with one 0.05-hour response each; the total burden is 45 hours and the annualized burden is 15 hours.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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