§ 629f. Authorization of appropriations; reservation of certain amounts

• (a) 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 fiscal year 2025 and $420,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
• (b) From the amount specified in subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve amounts as follows:
  • (1) The Secretary shall reserve $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year for grants under section 629h of this title .
  • (2) The Secretary shall reserve 3 percent for allotment to Indian tribes or tribal consortia in accordance with section 629c(a) of this title .
  • (3)
    • (A) The Secretary shall reserve for allotment in accordance with section 629c(e) of this title $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year.
    • (B)
      • (i) A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on—
        • (I) reducing caseload ratios and the administrative burden on caseworkers, to improve 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;
        • (II) implementing technology solutions to streamline caseworker duties and modernize systems, ensuring improved efficiency and effectiveness in child welfare services;
        • (III) improving caseworker safety;
        • (IV) mental health resources to support caseworker well-being, including peer-to-peer support programs; and
        • (V) recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting qualified caseworker candidates.
      • (ii) 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).
  • (4) The Secretary shall reserve for awarding grants under section 629g(f) of this title $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year.
• (c) 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.