AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; RESERVATION OF CERTAIN AMOUNTS[132]

Sec. 436. [42 U.S.C. 629f] (a) Authorization.—In addition to any amount otherwise made available to carry out this subpart, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $345,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.[133][134]

(b) Reservation of Certain Amounts.—From the amount specified in subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve amounts as follows:

(1) Evaluation, research, training, and technical assistance.—The Secretary shall reserve $6,000,000 for expenditure by the Secretary—

(A) for research, training, and technical assistance costs related to the program under this subpart; and

(B) for evaluation of State programs based on the plans approved under section 432 and funded under this subpart, and any other Federal, State, or local program, regardless of whether federally assisted, that is designed to achieve the same purposes as the State programs.

(2) State court improvements.—The Secretary shall reserve $30,000,000 for grants under section 438.

(3) Indian tribes or tribal consortia.—After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall reserve 3 percent for allotment to Indian tribes or tribal consortia in accordance with section 433(a).

(4) Support for monthly caseworker visits.—

(A) Reservation.—The Secretary shall reserve for allotment in accordance with section 433(e) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.[135][136]

(B) Use of funds.—

(i) In general.—A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount to improve the quality of[137] monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on improving caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention, recruitment, and training of caseworkers.[138]

(ii) Nonsupplementation.— A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not use the amount to supplant any Federal funds paid to the State under part E that could be used as described in clause (i).

(5) Regional partnership grants.—The Secretary shall reserve for awarding grants under section 437(f) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.[139][140]

(c)[141] Support for foster family homes.—Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2018, $8,000,000 for the Secretary to make competitive grants to States, Indian tribes, or tribal consortia to support the recruitment and retention of high-quality foster families to increase their capacity to place more children in family settings, focused on States, Indian tribes, or tribal consortia with the highest percentage of children in non-family settings. The amount appropriated under this subparagraph shall remain available through fiscal year 2022.

[132]  See Vol. II, P.L. 109-288, §3(c), with respect to the reauthorization of the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program.

[133]  P.L. 112-34, §102(a), struck out “for each ,of fiscal years 2007 through 2010 and $365,000,000 for 2011 “(no period), and inserted “for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.”, effective October 1, 2011.

[134]  P.L. 115–123 §50752(b)(1) struck all that follows “$345,000,000” and inserted “for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021”. Effective February 9, 2018.

[135]  P.L. 112–34, §103(a)(1), struck out ”433(e)–

(i) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(ii) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and

(iii) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.” and inserted ”433(e) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.”. For the general effective date [October 1, 2011] and the delay permitted if State legislation is required, see Vol. II, P.L. 112-34, §107.

[136]  P.L. 115–123, §50752(c)(1), struck “2012 through 2016” and inserted “2017 through 2021”. Effective February 9, 2018.

[137]  P.L. 112–34, §103(b)(1), struck out “support” and inserted “improve the quality of”. For the general effective date (October 1, 2011) and the delay permitted if State legislation is required, see Vol. II, P.L. 112-34, §107.

[138]  P.L. 112–34, §103(b)(2), struck out “a primary emphasis on activities designed to improve caseworker retention, recruitment, training, and ability to access the benefits of technology.” and inserted “an emphasis on improving caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention, recruitment, and training of caseworkers.”. For the general effective date [October 1, 2011] and the delay permitted if State legislation is required, see Vol. II, P.L. 112-34, §107.

[139]  P.L. 115–123, §50752(c)(2), struck “2012 through 2016” and inserted “2017 through 2021”. Effective February 9, 2018.

[140]  P.L. 112-34, §103(a)(2), struck out “437(f)—

(A) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(B) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(C) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and

(D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.” and inserted “437(f) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016.”. For the general effective date [October 1, 2011] and the delay permitted if State legislation is required, see Vol. II, P.L. 112-34, §107.

[141]  P.L. 115–123, §50751(b), inserted new subsection (c). Effective February 9, 2018.