New Rule Expands Federal Funding for Foster Care-related Legal Representation

On May 10, the Administration for Children and Families issued new regulations allowing states and tribal child welfare agencies to claim federal reimbursement for legal representation costs for children who are eligible for Title IV-E foster care services and their families, including kin caregivers. Studies have shown that greater access to legal representation can halve the amount of time needed to secure legal guardianship or adoption, improve rates of reunification, and produce other improved outcomes for children and their families. The new rules become effective July 9.