2012 Interim Final Rule for Tribal Title IV-E

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is issuing this interim final rule to implement statutory provisions related to the Tribal title IV–E program. Effective October 1, 2009, section 479B(b) of the Social Security Act (the Act) authorizes direct Federal funding of Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia that choose to operate a foster care, adoption assistance and, at Tribal option, a kinship guardianship assistance program under title IV–E of the Act. The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 requires that ACF issue interim final regulations which address procedures to ensure that a transfer of responsibility for the placement and care of a child under a State title IV–E plan to a Tribal title IV–E plan occurs in a manner that does not affect the child’s eligibility for title IV–E benefits or medical assistance under title XIX of the Act (Medicaid) and such services or payments; in-kind expenditures from third-party sources for the Tribal share of administration and training expenditures under title IV–E; and other provisions to carry out the Tribal-related amendments to title IV–E. This interim final rule includes these provisions and technical amendments necessary to implement a Tribal title IV–E program.