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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-19570, Announcement of the Intent To Award a Single-Source Cooperative Agreement to International Rescue Committee in New York, New York
The government is giving $20 million to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in New York to help about 1,334 refugees who arrive between September 1-30, 2026. From September 30, 2026, to September 29, 2027, IRC will offer virtual career training, job help, and financial support to boost their professional skills. This program makes it easier for refugees across the U.S. to get the help they need, no matter where they live.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12807, Information Collection; Paperwork Reduction Act Changes in FAR Case 2026-002, Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41
The government is shaking up some key rules about how federal agencies collect information when buying goods and services. This overhaul affects contractors, agencies, and anyone involved in federal purchases, aiming to cut down paperwork and make things clearer and faster. Comments on these changes are open until August 24, 2026, so get ready to share your thoughts and help shape the future of federal buying!
Next: 2026-12810, Mattresses From Poland: Rescission of Circumvention Inquiry on the Antidumping Duty Order
The U.S. Department of Commerce has stopped looking into whether mattress parts from Poland, finished into mattresses in the U.S., are dodging extra import taxes. This change affects mattress makers and importers, and it means no new duties will be added starting June 25, 2026. The investigation ended because the companies who asked for it decided to pull back their request.