Child Welfare Title IV-E Waiver|Demonstration Projects 2012-2014|Overview

There is still time for states to apply for Title IV-E waivers in Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 and FY
2014. There was a Jan. 15 deadline for FY2013 waiver demonstration projects, however the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)  is accepting applications on a “rolling” basis. HHS will accept proposals after Jan. 15, however, later submissions may not be reviewed prior to the end of FY 2013. Proposals received during FY 2013 that are not reviewed during that time period will be carried over for consideration in FY 2014.  Please contact your child welfare agency administration to work with them on considering the development of a waiver proposal.

The following states have been approved for 2012 waivers on the HHS website (click on each state to access the proposals): Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.  Click here for more info from HHS,  including a proposal checklist. 

HHS has the authority to grant up to 30 waiver proposals over a three-year period (10 each per FY2012, FY2013 and FY2014) in child welfare funding under Title IV-E.  These waivers would allow states to use the money received from the federal government for IV-E eligible children in a flexible manner.  Waivers generally need to focus on well-being and are not subject to random assignment, which is a change from prior waiver authorities granted.  HHS has released nine states' Child Welfare Title IV-B waiver proposals for public review which would be considered as part of the first 10 waivers. 

How Can State Legislators Get Involved?

• State legislators can determine if their state child welfare agency is preparing to submit a proposal for a 2012-2014 Child Welfare Demonstration Project and if the project will require legislative changes to improve child and family outcomes.
• Legislative leadership is key to examining and promoting any promising approaches proposed for legislative consideration or state implementation.
• In consultation with key agency leaders, legislators have a critical role in helping to make decisions about how best to target a waiver and in creating an environment that encourages innovation.
• In addition, legislative support can help child welfare agencies leverage multiple funding streams and develop effective partnerships with other state agencies and service systems to improve outcomes for children and families.

A Resource for Innovation

HHS may approve up to 10 projects per year in federal fiscal years 2012 to 2014. Approved projects must be designed to accomplish one or more of the following goals:

• Increase permanency for all infants, children, and youth by reducing the time in foster placements when possible and promoting a successful transition to adulthood for older youth.
• Increase positive outcomes for infants, children, youth, and families in their homes and communities, including tribal communities, and improve safety and well-being.
• Prevent child abuse and neglect and the re-entry of infants, children and youth into foster care.

Waivers allow state and tribal child welfare agencies to design and demonstrate a wide range of approaches for improving safety, permanency and well-being outcomes for children. The reauthorizing legislation requires applicants to demonstrate that they have implemented or plan to implement two specific program improvement strategies from a list of 10 possible approaches, including at least one strategy that the agency has not implemented previously.   
 
HHS will give priority to projects that:

• Focus on positive well-being outcomes for children, youth and their families, especially those who have experienced trauma related to maltreatment.
• Focus on the social and emotional well-being of children and youth who are available for adoption, as well as those who have been adopted.
• Are designed to yield “more than modest improvements” in the lives of children and families and contribute to the evidence about what works to improve child and family outcomes.
• Leverage the involvement of other resources and partners to make improvements concurrently through child welfare and related program areas, such as delivery of effective mental and behavioral health services and continuity of Medicaid eligibility as children move in and out of foster care.