Support for a National Electronic Interstate Records Exchange System

The Administration for Children and Families, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration on Children, Youth, and Families Children’s Bureau, has forecasted a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity titled Support for a National Electronic Interstate Records Exchange System. This program builds on the requirements established by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, which governs interstate foster care, adoption, and residential placements across all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Compact sets uniform legal and administrative standards that states must follow in order to protect children who are placed across state lines. Each year, approximately 100,000 children are considered for interstate placements, highlighting the scale and importance of the system. The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2017 requires that all states connect to an electronic interstate case processing system by October 1, 2027. This grant opportunity is intended to provide financial support for the expansion and implementation of a secure, multi-tenant national records exchange system. The system will support the diverse requirements for secure data sharing and privacy, while helping states expedite placements and ensure better outcomes for children. By strengthening the infrastructure for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, the program is designed to reduce barriers and inefficiencies that delay permanent placements for children. The funded system is expected to provide multiple core functions. It will onboard state and territorial jurisdictions that are required or interested in participating in the electronic exchange. It will maintain and refine the existing exchange framework to ensure that information is transferred securely and efficiently. Additionally, the project will focus on improving administrative efficiency by streamlining processes under the Compact, thereby reducing delays in placement approvals. By doing so, children eligible for out-of-state placements will have greater access to safe, stable homes in a timely manner. An important component of the system is interoperability. The program requires that the exchange infrastructure align with federal efforts to promote standardized system interoperability, including the National Information Exchange Model and the National Human Services Interoperability Architecture. Interoperability will ensure that the system can effectively interact with state child welfare information systems and other human service functions. Compliance with the security standards set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology is also a requirement, ensuring that sensitive child welfare records remain protected. The funding opportunity anticipates awarding one cooperative agreement with an estimated total program funding of $1.6 million. The award ceiling is set at $1,600,000 and the award floor is $1,450,000. Cost-sharing or matching requirements are not imposed for this program. Applications are forecasted to open on October 10, 2025, and the application deadline is December 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The expected award date is August 31, 2026, with projects beginning on September 30, 2026. These dates ensure that funded activities are aligned with the statutory deadline of October 1, 2027. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad, encompassing a wide range of potential applicants. Eligible entities include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized tribal governments, other Native American tribal organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, independent school districts, for-profit organizations including small businesses, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Individuals and foreign entities are explicitly excluded. Faith-based and community organizations are eligible to apply provided they meet the stated criteria and are protected under applicable federal laws. The primary point of contact for this opportunity is Kara Allen-Eckard, who can be reached at cb@grantreview.org for questions and further information. Applicants must prepare complete electronic submissions through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Because this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants should monitor updates for final details and instructions as the estimated post date of October 10, 2025 approaches.