2022-25223. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Administration for Children and Families Program Instruction-Children's Justice Act (OMB #0970-0425)

AGENCY:

Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

ACTION:

Request for Public Comments.

SUMMARY:

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting a 3-year extension of the ACF Program Instruction—Children's Justice Act (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) #0970-0425, expiration 6/30/2023). There are no changes proposed to the Program Instruction.

DATES:

Comments due within 60 days of publication. In compliance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, ACF is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above.

ADDRESSES:

You can obtain copies of the proposed collection of information and submit comments by emailing [e-mail]. Identify all requests by the title of the information collection.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 

Description: The Program Instruction, prepared in response to the enactment of the Children's Justice Act, Title II of Public Law 111-320, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Reauthorization of 2010, provides direction to the states and territories to accomplish the purposes of assisting states in developing, establishing, and operating programs designed to improve: (1) the assessment and investigation of suspected child abuse and neglect cases, including cases of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child and the child's family; (2) the assessment and investigation of cases of suspected child abuse-related fatalities and suspected child neglect-related fatalities; (3) the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse and exploitation; and (4) the assessment and investigation of cases involving children with disabilities or serious health-related problems who are suspected victims of child abuse or neglect. This Program Instruction contains information collection requirements that are found in Public Law 111-320 at sections 107(b) and 107(d), and pursuant to receiving a grant award. The information being collected is required by statute to be submitted pursuant to receiving a grant award. The information submitted will be used by the agency to ensure compliance with the statute; to monitor, evaluate, and measure grantee achievements in addressing the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect; and to report to Congress.

Respondents: State governments.

Annual Burden Estimates

Instrument	Total number of respondents	Annual number of responses per respondent	Average burden hours per response	Annual burden hours
Application and Annual Report	52	1	60	3,120
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 3,120.

Comments: The Department specifically requests comments on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.

Authority:42 U.S.C. 5106c Sec. 107 (b)4; and 42 U.S.C. 5106 Sec. 107 (B)5.

Mary B. Jones,

ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.