Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare

Source-based overview

This program supports state and tribal child welfare agencies in modernizing fingerprinting and background check infrastructure to accelerate the safe placement of children into family homes. By investing in mobile fingerprinting and office-based Live Scan stations, the initiative addresses critical delays that prevent timely caregiver approval and placement. Funded activities focus on expanding access to fingerprinting services while integrating fingerprint collection into existing child welfare workflows such as home visits and office-based licensing processes. In parallel, the program supports system modernization efforts that reduce or eliminate barriers in background check processing. These improvements are designed to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance with federal requirements, and reduce administrative burden. The expected measurable outcomes include significantly reduced turnaround times for fingerprint-based background checks, increased availability and accessibility of qualified caregivers, and improved capacity for agencies to place children more quickly in safe, stable, and nurturing homes. This program supports the ACF's A Home for Every Child initiative by aligning infrastructure investments with operational needs, advancing broader efforts to strengthen child welfare systems, increasing placement stability, and expanding the pool of approved kinship, foster, and adoptive families.

Eligibility

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); State governments. State IV-E agencies and Tribal IV-B/IV-E agencies. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.

Funding and benefits

Up to USD 200,000; estimated total funding USD 4,000,000

Themes and supported activities

Humanitarian, Peace and Security

United States

Grant

Deadline and timeline

Estimated application due date: 2026-08-04: Estimated application due date: 2026-08-04: Aug 4, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the linked Grants.gov listing to review the full package, attachments, eligibility rules, deadline time zone and submission route.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.