42 U.S.C. § 674 — Payments to States

Page 2394 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 673c EFFECTIVE DATE Section effective Nov. 19, 1997, except as otherwise provided, with delay permitted if State legislation is required, see section 501 of Pub. L. 105–89, set out as an Effective Date of 1997 Amendment note under section 622 of this title. FINDINGS Pub. L. 108–145, § 2, Dec. 2, 2003, 117 Stat. 1879, provided that: ‘‘The Congress finds the following: ‘‘(1) In 1997, the Congress passed the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 [Pub. L. 105–89; see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note set out under section 1305 of this title] to promote comprehensive child welfare reform to ensure that consideration of chil- dren’s safety is paramount in child welfare decisions, and to provide a greater sense of urgency to find every child a safe, permanent home. ‘‘(2) The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 also created the Adoption Incentives program, which authorizes incentive payments to States to promote adoptions, with additional incentives provided for the adoption of foster children with special needs. ‘‘(3) Since 1997, all States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have qualified for incentive pay- ments for their work in promoting adoption of foster children. ‘‘(4) Between 1997 and 2002, adoptions increased by 64 percent, and adoptions of children with special needs increased by 63 percent; however, 542,000 chil- dren remain in foster care, and 126,000 are eligible for adoption. ‘‘(5) Although substantial progress has been made to promote adoptions, attention should be focused on promoting adoption of older children. Recent data suggest that half of the children waiting to be adopt- ed are age 9 or older.’’ § 673c. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–239, § 4(c), July 3, 2006, 120 Stat. 512 Section, act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 473B, as added Pub. L. 109–239, § 4(b), July 3, 2006, 120 Stat. 510, related to timely interstate home study incentive pay- ments. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries EFFECTIVE DATE OF REPEAL Pub. L. 109–239, § 4(c), July 3, 2006, 120 Stat. 512, pro- vided that the repeal of this section is effective Oct. 1, 2010. § 674. Payments to States (a) Amounts For each quarter beginning after September 30, 1980, each State which has a plan approved under this part shall be entitled to a payment equal to the sum of— (1) subject to subsections (j) and (k) of sec- tion 672 of this title, an amount equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage (which shall be as defined in section 1396d(b) of this title, in the case of a State other than the Dis- trict of Columbia, or 70 percent, in the case of the District of Columbia) of the total amount expended during such quarter as foster care maintenance payments under section 672 of this title for children in foster family homes or child-care institutions (or, with respect to such payments made during such quarter under a cooperative agreement or contract en- tered into by the State and an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium for the administration or payment of funds under this part, an amount equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage that would apply under section 679c(d) of this title (in this paragraph referred to as the ‘‘tribal FMAP’’) if such Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium made such payments under a pro- gram operated under that section, unless the tribal FMAP is less than the Federal medical assistance percentage that applies to the State); plus (2) an amount equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage (which shall be as de- fined in section 1396d(b) of this title, in the case of a State other than the District of Co- lumbia, or 70 percent, in the case of the Dis- trict of Columbia) of the total amount ex- pended during such quarter as adoption assist- ance payments under section 673 of this title pursuant to adoption assistance agreements (or, with respect to such payments made dur- ing such quarter under a cooperative agree- ment or contract entered into by the State and an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium for the administration or payment of funds under this part, an amount equal to the Federal medical assistance per- centage that would apply under section 679c(d) of this title (in this paragraph referred to as the ‘‘tribal FMAP’’) if such Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium made such payments under a program operated under that section, unless the tribal FMAP is less than the Federal medical assistance percent- age that applies to the State); plus (3) subject to section 672(i) of this title an amount equal to the sum of the following pro- portions of the total amounts expended during such quarter as found necessary by the Sec- retary for the provision of child placement services and for the proper and efficient ad- ministration of the State plan— (A) 75 per centum of so much of such ex- penditures as are for the training (including both short- and long-term training at edu- cational institutions through grants to such institutions or by direct financial assistance to students enrolled in such institutions) of personnel employed or preparing for employ- ment by the State agency or by the local agency administering the plan in the polit- ical subdivision, (B) 75 percent of so much of such expendi- tures (including travel and per diem ex- penses) as are for the short-term training of current or prospective foster or adoptive parents or relative guardians, the members of the staff of State-licensed or State-ap- proved child care institutions providing care, or State-licensed or State-approved child welfare agencies providing services, to children receiving assistance under this part, and members of the staff of abuse and neglect courts, agency attorneys, attorneys representing children or parents, guardians ad litem, or other court-appointed special advocates representing children in pro- ceedings of such courts, in ways that in- crease the ability of such current or prospec- tive parents, guardians, staff members, in- stitutions, attorneys, and advocates to pro- vide support and assistance to foster and Page 2395 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 674 adopted children and children living with relative guardians, whether incurred di- rectly by the State or by contract, (C) 50 percent of so much of such expendi- tures as are for the planning, design, devel- opment, or installation of statewide mecha- nized data collection and information re- trieval systems (including 50 percent of the full amount of expenditures for hardware components for such systems) but only to the extent that such systems— (i) meet the requirements imposed by regulations promulgated pursuant to sec- tion 679(b)(2) of this title; (ii) to the extent practicable, are capable of interfacing with the State data collec- tion system that collects information re- lating to child abuse and neglect; (iii) to the extent practicable, have the capability of interfacing with, and retriev- ing information from, the State data col- lection system that collects information relating to the eligibility of individuals under part A (for the purposes of facili- tating verification of eligibility of foster children); and (iv) are determined by the Secretary to be likely to provide more efficient, eco- nomical, and effective administration of the programs carried out under a State plan approved under part B or this part; and (D) 50 percent of so much of such expendi- tures as are for the operation of the state- wide mechanized data collection and infor- mation retrieval systems referred to in sub- paragraph (C); and (E) one-half of the remainder of such ex- penditures; plus (4) an amount equal to the amount (if any) by which— (A) the lesser of— (i) 80 percent of the amounts expended by the State during the fiscal year in which the quarter occurs to carry out programs in accordance with the State application approved under section 677(b) of this title for the period in which the quarter occurs (including any amendment that meets the requirements of section 677(b)(5) of this title); or (ii) the amount allotted to the State under section 677(c)(1) of this title for the fiscal year in which the quarter occurs, re- duced by the total of the amounts payable to the State under this paragraph for all prior quarters in the fiscal year; exceeds (B) the total amount of any penalties as- sessed against the State under section 677(e) of this title during the fiscal year in which the quarter occurs; plus (5) an amount equal to the percentage by which the expenditures referred to in para- graph (2) of this subsection are reimbursed of the total amount expended during such quar- ter as kinship guardianship assistance pay- ments under section 673(d) of this title pursu- ant to kinship guardianship assistance agree- ments; plus (6) subject to section 671(e) of this title— (A) for each quarter— (i) subject to clause (ii)— (I) beginning after September 30, 2019, and before October 1, 2026, an amount equal to 50 percent of the total amount expended during the quarter for the pro- vision of services or programs specified in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 671(e)(1) of this title that are provided in accordance with promising, supported, or well-supported practices that meet the applicable criteria specified for the prac- tices in section 671(e)(4)(C) of this title; and (II) beginning after September 30, 2026, an amount equal to the Federal medical assistance percentage (which shall be as defined in section 1396d(b) of this title, in the case of a State other than the Dis- trict of Columbia, or 70 percent, in the case of the District of Columbia) of the total amount expended during the quar- ter for the provision of services or pro- grams specified in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 671(e)(1) of this title that are provided in accordance with prom- ising, supported, or well-supported prac- tices that meet the applicable criteria specified for the practices in section 671(e)(4)(C) of this title (or, with respect to the payments made during the quar- ter under a cooperative agreement or contract entered into by the State and an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium for the administration or payment of funds under this part, an amount equal to the Federal medical as- sistance percentage that would apply under section 679c(d) of this title (in this paragraph referred to as the ‘‘tribal FMAP’’) if the Indian tribe, tribal orga- nization, or tribal consortium made the payments under a program operated under that section, unless the tribal FMAP is less than the Federal medical assistance percentage that applies to the State); except that (ii) not less than 50 percent of the total amount expended by a State under clause (i) for a fiscal year shall be for the provi- sion of services or programs specified in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 671(e)(1) of this title that are provided in accord- ance with well-supported practices; plus (B) for each quarter specified in subpara- graph (A), an amount equal to the sum of the following proportions of the total amount expended during the quarter— (i) 50 percent of so much of the expendi- tures as are found necessary by the Sec- retary for the proper and efficient admin- istration of the State plan for the provi- sion of services or programs specified in section 671(e)(1) of this title, including ex- penditures for activities approved by the Secretary that promote the development of necessary processes and procedures to establish and implement the provision of the services and programs for individuals Page 2396 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 674 who are eligible for the services and pro- grams and expenditures attributable to data collection and reporting; and (ii) 50 percent of so much of the expendi- tures with respect to the provision of serv- ices and programs specified in section 671(e)(1) of this title as are for training of personnel employed or preparing for em- ployment by the State agency or by the local agency administering the plan in the political subdivision and of the members of the staff of State-licensed or State-ap- proved child welfare agencies providing services to children described in section 671(e)(2) of this title and their parents or kin caregivers, including on how to deter- mine who are individuals eligible for the services or programs, how to identify and provide appropriate services and programs, and how to oversee and evaluate the ongo- ing appropriateness of the services and programs; plus (7) an amount equal to 50 percent of the amounts expended by the State during the quarter as the Secretary determines are for kinship navigator programs that meet the re- quirements described in section 627(a)(1) of this title and that the Secretary determines are operated in accordance with promising, supported, or well-supported practices that meet the applicable criteria specified for the practices in section 671(e)(4)(C) of this title, without regard to whether the expenditures are incurred on behalf of children who are, or are potentially, eligible for foster care mainte- nance payments under this part. (b) Quarterly estimates of State’s entitlement for next quarter; payments; United States’ pro rata share of amounts recovered as overpay- ment; allowance, disallowance, or deferral of claim (1) The Secretary shall, prior to the beginning of each quarter, estimate the amount to which a State will be entitled under subsection (a) for such quarter, such estimates to be based on (A) a report filed by the State containing its esti- mate of the total sum to be expended in such quarter in accordance with subsection (a), and stating the amount appropriated or made avail- able by the State and its political subdivisions for such expenditures in such quarter, and if such amount is less than the State’s propor- tionate share of the total sum of such estimated expenditures, the source or sources from which the difference is expected to be derived, (B) records showing the number of children in the State receiving assistance under this part, and (C) such other investigation as the Secretary may find necessary. (2) The Secretary shall then pay to the State, in such installments as he may determine, the amounts so estimated, reduced or increased to the extent of any overpayment or underpayment which the Secretary determines was made under this section to such State for any prior quarter and with respect to which adjustment has not already been made under this subsection. (3) The pro rata share to which the United States is equitably entitled, as determined by the Secretary, of the net amount recovered dur- ing any quarter by the State or any political subdivision thereof with respect to foster care and adoption assistance furnished under the State plan shall be considered an overpayment to be adjusted under this subsection. (4)(A) Within 60 days after receipt of a State claim for expenditures pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall allow, disallow, or defer such claim. (B) Within 15 days after a decision to defer such a State claim, the Secretary shall notify the State of the reasons for the deferral and of the additional information necessary to deter- mine the allowability of the claim. (C) Within 90 days after receiving such nec- essary information (in readily reviewable form), the Secretary shall— (i) disallow the claim, if able to complete the review and determine that the claim is not allowable, or (ii) in any other case, allow the claim, sub- ject to disallowance (as necessary)— (I) upon completion of the review, if it is determined that the claim is not allowable; or (II) on the basis of findings of an audit or financial management review. (c) Automated data collection expenditures The Secretary shall treat as necessary for the proper and efficient administration of the State plan all expenditures of a State necessary in order for the State to plan, design, develop, in- stall, and operate data collection and informa- tion retrieval systems described in subsection (a)(3)(C), without regard to whether the systems may be used with respect to foster or adoptive children other than those on behalf of whom fos- ter care maintenance payments or adoption as- sistance payments may be made under this part. (d) Reduction for violation of plan requirement (1) If, during any quarter of a fiscal year, a State’s program operated under this part is found, as a result of a review conducted under section 1320a–2a of this title, or otherwise, to have violated paragraph (18) or (23) of section 671(a) of this title with respect to a person or to have failed to implement a corrective action plan within a period of time not to exceed 6 months with respect to such violation, then, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section and any regulations promulgated under section 1320a–2a(b)(3) of this title, the Secretary shall reduce the amount otherwise payable to the State under this part, for that fiscal year quar- ter and for any subsequent quarter of such fiscal year, until the State program is found, as a re- sult of a subsequent review under section 1320a–2a of this title, to have implemented a cor- rective action plan with respect to such viola- tion, by— (A) 2 percent of such otherwise payable amount, in the case of the 1st such finding for the fiscal year with respect to the State; (B) 3 percent of such otherwise payable amount, in the case of the 2nd such finding for the fiscal year with respect to the State; or (C) 5 percent of such otherwise payable amount, in the case of the 3rd or subsequent such finding for the fiscal year with respect to the State. Page 2397 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 674 1 See References in Text note below. In imposing the penalties described in this para- graph, the Secretary shall not reduce any fiscal year payment to a State by more than 5 percent. (2) Any other entity which is in a State that receives funds under this part and which vio- lates paragraph (18) or (23) of section 671(a) of this title during a fiscal year quarter with re- spect to any person shall remit to the Secretary all funds that were paid by the State to the enti- ty during the quarter from such funds. (3)(A) Any individual who is aggrieved by a violation of section 671(a)(18) of this title by a State or other entity may bring an action seek- ing relief from the State or other entity in any United States district court. (B) An action under this paragraph may not be brought more than 2 years after the date the al- leged violation occurred. (4) This subsection shall not be construed to affect the application of the Indian Child Wel- fare Act of 1978 [25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.]. (e) Discretionary grants for educational and training vouchers for youths aging out of fos- ter care From amounts appropriated pursuant to sec- tion 677(h)(2) of this title, the Secretary may make a grant to a State with a plan approved under this part, for a calendar quarter, in an amount equal to the lesser of— (1) 80 percent of the amounts expended by the State during the quarter to carry out pro- grams for the purposes described in section 677(a)(6) 1 of this title; or (2) the amount, if any, allotted to the State under section 677(c)(3) of this title for the fis- cal year in which the quarter occurs, reduced by the total of the amounts payable to the State under this subsection for such purposes for all prior quarters in the fiscal year. (f) Reduction for failure to submit required data (1) If the Secretary finds that a State has failed to submit to the Secretary data, as re- quired by regulation, for the data collection sys- tem implemented under section 679 of this title, the Secretary shall, within 30 days after the date by which the data was due to be so sub- mitted, notify the State of the failure and that payments to the State under this part will be re- duced if the State fails to submit the data, as so required, within 6 months after the date the data was originally due to be so submitted. (2) If the Secretary finds that the State has failed to submit the data, as so required, by the end of the 6-month period referred to in para- graph (1) of this subsection, then, notwith- standing subsection (a) of this section and any regulations promulgated under section 1320a–2a(b)(3) of this title, the Secretary shall reduce the amounts otherwise payable to the State under this part, for each quarter ending in the 6-month period (and each quarter ending in each subsequent consecutively occurring 6- month period until the Secretary finds that the State has submitted the data, as so required), by— (A) 1⁄6 of 1 percent of the total amount ex- pended by the State for administration of fos- ter care activities under the State plan ap- proved under this part in the quarter so end- ing, in the case of the 1st 6-month period dur- ing which the failure continues; or (B) 1⁄4 of 1 percent of the total amount so ex- pended, in the case of the 2nd or any subse- quent such 6-month period. (g) Continued services under waiver For purposes of this part, after the termi- nation of a demonstration project relating to guardianship conducted by a State under section 1320a–9 of this title, the expenditures of the State for the provision, to children who, as of September 30, 2008, were receiving assistance or services under the project, of the same assist- ance and services under the same terms and con- ditions that applied during the conduct of the project, are deemed to be expenditures under the State plan approved under this part. (Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, title IV, § 474, as added Pub. L. 96–272, title I, § 101(a)(1), June 17, 1980, 94 Stat. 506; amended Pub. L. 96–611, § 3, Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3567; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VI, § 2663(c)(18), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1167; Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a), (b), Nov. 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 3296, 3297; Pub. L. 99–272, title XII, §§ 12306(a), (b), 12307(c), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 294, 296; Pub. L. 99–514, title XVIII, § 1883(b)(9), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2917; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, § 9132(a), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–313; Pub. L. 101–239, title VIII, §§ 8001(a), 8002(c), 8006(a), title X, §§ 10401(a), 10402(a), 10403(c)(1), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2452, 2453, 2461, 2487, 2488; Pub. L. 101–508, title V, § 5071(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–233; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13713(a)(1), (2), (b)(1), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 656, 657; Pub. L. 103–432, title II, §§ 207(a), (b), 210(a), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4457, 4460; Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1808(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1903; Pub. L. 105–89, title II, § 202(b), Nov. 19, 1997, 111 Stat. 2125; Pub. L. 105–200, title III, § 301(b), (c), title IV, § 410(g), July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 658, 674; Pub. L. 106–169, title I, § 101(c), Dec. 14, 1999, 113 Stat. 1828; Pub. L. 107–133, title II, § 201(f), Jan. 17, 2002, 115 Stat. 2424; Pub. L. 108–145, § 4, Dec. 2, 2003, 117 Stat. 1881; Pub. L. 109–171, title VII, § 7403(b), Feb. 8, 2006, 120 Stat. 151; Pub. L. 110–275, title III, § 302(a), July 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 2594; Pub. L. 110–351, title I, § 101(c)(3), (d), title II, § 203(a), title III, § 301(c)(2), Oct. 7, 2008, 122 Stat. 3952, 3953, 3959, 3970; Pub. L. 115–123, div. E, title VII, §§ 50711(c), 50712(b), 50713, 50741(a)(2), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 240, 245, 255; Pub. L. 118–258, title I, § 110(b)(3), Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2961.) AMENDMENT OF SUBSECTION (a)(7) Pub. L. 118–258, title I, §§ 110(b)(3), 117, Jan. 4, 2025, 138 Stat. 2961, 2969, provided that, effec- tive Oct. 1, 2025, and applicable to payments under this part for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, with delay permitted if ei- ther State legislation or tribal action is required to meet additional requirements, subsection (a)(7) of this section is amended by striking ‘‘627(a)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘627(a)’’. See 2025 Amendment note below. Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, referred to in subsec. (d)(4), is Pub. L. 95–608, Nov. 8, 1978, 92 Stat. Page 2398 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 674 3069, which is classified principally to chapter 21 (§ 1901 et seq.) of Title 25, Indians. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1901 of Title 25 and Tables. Section 677(a)(6) of this title, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), was redesignated section 677(a)(5) of this title by Pub. L. 115–123, div. E, title VII, § 50753(d)(2)(D), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 265. AMENDMENTS 2025—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 118–258 substituted ‘‘sec- tion 627(a) of this title’’ for ‘‘section 627(a)(1) of this title’’. 2018—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50741(a)(2), sub- stituted ‘‘subsections (j) and (k) of section 672 of this title’’ for ‘‘section 672(j) of this title’’. Pub. L. 115–123, § 50712(b), inserted ‘‘subject to section 672(j) of this title,’’ before ‘‘an amount equal to the Federal’’ the first place appearing. Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50711(c)(1), substituted ‘‘; plus’’ for period at end. Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50713(1), substituted ‘‘; plus’’ for period at end. Pub. L. 115–123, § 50711(c)(2), added par. (6). Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 115–123, § 50713(2), added par. (7). 2008—Subsec. (a)(1), (2). Pub. L. 110–351, § 301(c)(2), in- serted ‘‘(or, with respect to such payments made during such quarter under a cooperative agreement or con- tract entered into by the State and an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium for the admin- istration or payment of funds under this part, an amount equal to the Federal medical assistance per- centage that would apply under section 679c(d) of this title (in this paragraph referred to as the ‘tribal FMAP’) if such Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium made such payments under a pro- gram operated under that section, unless the tribal FMAP is less than the Federal medical assistance per- centage that applies to the State)’’ before semicolon. Pub. L. 110–275 substituted ‘‘(which shall be as defined in section 1396d(b) of this title, in the case of a State other than the District of Columbia, or 70 percent, in the case of the District of Columbia)’’ for ‘‘(as defined in section 1396d(b) of this title)’’. Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 110–351, § 203(a), inserted ‘‘or relative guardians’’ after ‘‘adoptive parents’’, sub- stituted ‘‘, the members’’ for ‘‘and the members’’, in- serted ‘‘, or State-licensed or State-approved child wel- fare agencies providing services,’’ after ‘‘providing care’’, struck out ‘‘foster and adopted’’ before ‘‘children receiving assistance’’, inserted ‘‘and members of the staff of abuse and neglect courts, agency attorneys, at- torneys representing children or parents, guardians ad litem, or other court-appointed special advocates rep- resenting children in proceedings of such courts,’’ after ‘‘part,’’, inserted ‘‘guardians,’’ before ‘‘staff members,’’, substituted ‘‘institutions, attorneys, and advocates’’ for ‘‘and institutions’’, and inserted ‘‘and children liv- ing with relative guardians’’ before ‘‘, whether incurred directly’’. Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 110–351, § 101(c)(3)(A), sub- stituted ‘‘; plus’’ for period at end. Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 110–351, § 101(c)(3)(B), added par. (5). Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–351, § 101(d), added subsec. (g). 2006—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 109–171 inserted ‘‘subject to section 672(i) of this title’’ before ‘‘an amount equal to’’ in introductory provisions. 2003—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–145 added subsec. (f). 2002—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–133, § 201(f)(1), amend- ed par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: ‘‘the lesser of— ‘‘(A) 80 percent of the amount (if any) by which— ‘‘(i) the total amount expended by the State dur- ing the fiscal year in which the quarter occurs to carry out programs in accordance with the State application approved under section 677(b) of this title for the period in which the quarter occurs (in- cluding any amendment that meets the require- ments of section 677(b)(5) of this title); exceeds ‘‘(ii) the total amount of any penalties assessed against the State under section 677(e) of this title during the fiscal year in which the quarter occurs; or ‘‘(B) the amount allotted to the State under section 677 of this title for the fiscal year in which the quar- ter occurs, reduced by the total of the amounts pay- able to the State under this paragraph for all prior quarters in the fiscal year.’’ Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–133, § 201(f)(2), added subsec. (e). 1999—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106–169 amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: ‘‘an amount equal to the sum of— ‘‘(A) so much of the amounts expended by such State to carry out programs under section 677 of this title as do not exceed the basic amount for such State determined under section 677(e)(1) of this title; and ‘‘(B) the lesser of— ‘‘(i) one-half of any additional amounts expended by such State for such programs; or ‘‘(ii) the maximum additional amount for such State under such section 677(e)(1) of this title.’’ 1998—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–200, § 410(g), struck out ‘‘(subject to the limitations imposed by subsection (b) of this section)’’ after ‘‘this part’’ in introductory pro- visions. Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 105–200, § 301(b), substituted ‘‘paragraph (18) or (23) of section 671(a) of this title’’ for ‘‘section 671(a)(18) of this title’’. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–200, § 301(c), struck out subsec. (e) which read as follows: ‘‘Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a State shall not be eligible for any payment under this section if the Secretary finds that, after November 19, 1997, the State has— ‘‘(1) denied or delayed the placement of a child for adoption when an approved family is available out- side of the jurisdiction with responsibility for han- dling the case of the child; or ‘‘(2) failed to grant an opportunity for a fair hear- ing, as described in section 671(a)(12) of this title, to an individual whose allegation of a violation of para- graph (1) of this subsection is denied by the State or not acted upon by the State with reasonable prompt- ness.’’ 1997—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–89 added subsec. (e). 1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–188 added subsec. (d). 1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–432, § 207(a), (b)(2), redes- ignated subsec. (d) as (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which related to maximum aggregate sums payable to any State and State allotments for fiscal years 1981 to 1992. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 103–432, § 210(a), added par. (4). Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–432, § 207(a), (b)(2), redesig- nated subsec. (e) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c) which related to reimbursement for expenditures. Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–432, § 207(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (d) as (b). Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 103–432, § 207(b)(1), substituted ‘‘subsection (a) for such quarter’’ for ‘‘subsections (a), (b), and (c) for such quarter’’ and ‘‘subsection (a)’’ for ‘‘the provisions of such subsections’’. Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–432, § 207(b)(2), redesignated subsec. (e) as (c). 1993—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13713(a)(1)(A), struck out ‘‘and’’ at end. Subsec. (a)(3)(C). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13713(b)(1), sub- stituted ‘‘50 percent’’ for ‘‘75 percent’’ in two places in introductory provisions. Pub. L. 103–66, § 13713(a)(1)(C), added subpar. (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (E). Subsec. (a)(3)(D), (E). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13713(a)(1)(B), (C), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpar. (C) as (E). Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13713(a)(2), added subsec. (e). 1990—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 101–508 inserted ‘‘provi- sion of child placement services and for the’’ before ‘‘proper and efficient’’. 1989—Subsec. (a)(3)(B), (C). Pub. L. 101–239, § 8006(a), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C). Page 2399 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 674 Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 101–239, § 8002(c), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as fol- lows: ‘‘an amount for transitional independent living programs as provided in section 677 of this title.’’ Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–239, § 10403(c)(1), amended Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(1), see 1984 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 101–239, § 8001(a), substituted ‘‘through 1992’’ for ‘‘through 1989’’. Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 101–239, § 10402(a), added cl. (iv). Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, § 10403(c)(1), amend- ed Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(1), see 1984 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 101–239, § 8001(a), substituted ‘‘through 1992’’ for ‘‘through 1989’’. Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 101–239, § 10403(c)(1), amend- ed Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(1), see 1984 Amendment note below. Pub. L. 101–239, § 8001(a), substituted ‘‘through 1992’’ for ‘‘through 1989’’. Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 101–239, § 8001(a), substituted ‘‘1992’’ for ‘‘1989’’ in introductory provisions and in cl. (ii). Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 101–239, § 8001(a), sub- stituted ‘‘through 1992’’ for ‘‘through 1989’’. Subsec. (c)(4)(B), (C). Pub. L. 101–239, § 10401(a), sub- stituted ‘‘$325,000,000’’ for ‘‘$266,000,000’’. 1987—Subsec. (b)(1), (2)(A)(iii), (B), (4)(B). Pub. L. 100–203, § 9132(a)(1), substituted ‘‘through 1989’’ for ‘‘through 1987’’. Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 100–203, § 9132(a)(1), (2), sub- stituted ‘‘October 1, 1989’’ for ‘‘October 1, 1987’’ in intro- ductory provisions and ‘‘through 1989’’ for ‘‘through 1987’’ in cl. (ii). Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 100–203, § 9132(a)(3), sub- stituted ‘‘through 1989’’ for ‘‘through 1987’’. 1986—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12307(c)(1), sub- stituted ‘‘; plus’’ for period at end. Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–514 realigned margins of par. (4). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12307(c)(2), added par. (4). Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12306(a)(1), substituted ‘‘1987’’ for ‘‘1985’’. Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12306(a)(2), sub- stituted in cl. (iii) ‘‘each of the fiscal years 1983 through 1987’’ for ‘‘fiscal year 1983’’, and struck out cls. (iv) and (v) relating to limitations with respect to fis- cal years 1984 and 1985, respectively, if the appropria- tion for each of those years is equal to $266,000,000. Subsec. (b)(2)(B), (4)(B). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12306(a)(1), substituted ‘‘1987’’ for ‘‘1985’’. Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12306(a)(3), sub- stituted ‘‘October 1, 1987’’ for ‘‘October 1, 1985’’ in intro- ductory provision, and in cl. (ii) substituted ‘‘1984 through 1987’’ for ‘‘1984 and 1985’’. Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 99–272, § 12306(b), sub- stituted ‘‘1987’’ for ‘‘1985’’. 1984—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(1)(A), for- merly § 4(a)(1), as redesignated and amended by Pub. L. 101–239, § 10403(c)(1), substituted ‘‘1985’’ for ‘‘1984’’ after ‘‘1981 through’’. Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(v). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(2), added cl. (v). Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(1)(B), formerly § 4(a)(1), as redesignated and amended by Pub. L. 101–239, § 10403(c)(1), substituted ‘‘1981 through 1985’’ for ‘‘1982 through 1984’’. Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, § 2663(c)(18)(A), sub- stituted ‘‘subparagraph (C)’’ for ‘‘subparagraph (c)’’. Subsec. (b)(4)(B). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(1)(A), formerly § 4(a)(1), as redesignated and amended by Pub. L. 101–239, § 10403(c)(1), substituted ‘‘1985’’ for ‘‘1984’’ after ‘‘1981 through’’. Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(3)(A), sub- stituted ‘‘October 1, 1985’’ for ‘‘October 1, 1984’’. Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(a)(3)(B), sub- stituted ‘‘each of fiscal years 1984 and 1985’’ for ‘‘fiscal year 1984’’. Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 98–617, § 4(b), substituted ‘‘1985’’ for ‘‘1984’’ after ‘‘1981 through’’. Pub. L. 98–369, § 2663(c)(18)(B), substituted ‘‘relevant’’ for ‘‘relvant’’. Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 98–369, § 2663(c)(18)(C), sub- stituted ‘‘and (C) such’’ for ‘‘and (c) such’’ and ‘‘Sec- retary may find’’ for ‘‘secretary may find’’. 1980—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–611 added subsec. (d). Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2025 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 118–258 effective Oct. 1, 2025, and applicable to payments under this part for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, with delay permitted if either State legislation or tribal action is required to meet additional requirements, see section 117 of Pub. L. 118–258, set out as a note under section 622 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2019 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 116–94, div. N, title I, § 602(g), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3123, provided that: ‘‘This section [enacting provi- sions set out as notes under this section and section 1305 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1305 of this title] and the amend- ments made by this section shall take effect as if in- cluded in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 [Pub. L. 115–123] on the date of the enactment of such Act [Feb. 9, 2018].’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2018 AMENDMENT Amendment by sections 50711(c), 50712(b), and 50713 of Pub. L. 115–123 effective Oct. 1, 2018, subject to transi- tion rules for required State legislation or tribal ac- tion, see section 50734 of Pub. L. 115–123, set out as a note under section 622 of this title. Amendment by section 50741(a)(2) of Pub. L. 115–123 effective Oct. 1, 2019, with State option to delay effec- tive date for not more than 2 years and subject to State waiver provisions, see section 50746 of Pub. L. 115–123, set out as a note under section 622 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 301(c)(2) of Pub. L. 110–351 ef- fective Oct. 1, 2009, without regard to whether imple- menting regulations have been promulgated, see sec- tion 301(f) of Pub. L. 110–351, set out as a note under section 671 of this title. Amendment by Pub. L. 110–351 effective Oct. 7, 2008, except as otherwise provided, and applicable to pay- ments under this part and part B of this subchapter for quarters beginning on or after effective date of amend- ment, with delay permitted if State legislation is re- quired to meet additional requirements, see section 601 of Pub. L. 110–351, set out as a note under section 671 of this title. Pub. L. 110–275, title III, § 302(b), July 15, 2008, 122 Stat. 2594, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall apply to calendar quarters beginning on or after that date.’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2006 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 109–171 effective as if enacted on Oct. 1, 2005, except as otherwise provided, see section 7701 of Pub. L. 109–171, set out as a note under section 603 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2003 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 108–145 effective Oct. 1, 2003, see section 5 of Pub. L. 108–145, set out as a note under section 673b of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 107–133 effective Jan. 17, 2002, with delay permitted if State legislation is required, see section 301 of Pub. L. 107–133, set out as a note under section 629 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT Amendment by section 301(b), (c) of Pub. L. 105–200 ef- fective as if included in the enactment of section 202 of Page 2400 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 674 the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–89, see section 301(d) of Pub. L. 105–200, set out as a note under section 671 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1997 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 105–89 effective Nov. 19, 1997, except as otherwise provided, with delay permitted if State legislation is required, see section 501 of Pub. L. 105–89, set out as a note under section 622 of this title. EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103–432, title II, § 207(c), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4457, provided that: ‘‘The amendments and repeals made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to payments for calendar quarters beginning on or after October 1, 1993.’’ Pub. L. 103–432, title II, § 210(b), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4460, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub- section (a) [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to claims made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 31, 1994].’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13713(a)(3), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 657, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take ef- fect on October 1, 1993.’’ Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13713(b)(2), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 657, as amended by Pub. L. 104–193, title V, § 502, Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2277, provided that: ‘‘The amend- ment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply to expenditures during fiscal years begin- ning on or after October 1, 1997.’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 101–508, title V, § 5071(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–233, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub- section (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990].’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1989 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 101–239, title VIII, § 8001(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2452, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1989.’’ Pub. L. 101–239, title VIII, § 8002(e), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2453, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by subsections (a), (b) and (c) [amending this section and section 677 of this title] shall take effect October 1, 1989.’’ Pub. L. 101–239, title VIII, § 8006(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2462, as amended by Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13715, Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 657, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to expenditures made on or after October 1, 1989, and before October 1, 1992, and to ex- penditures made on or after October 1, 1993.’’ Pub. L. 101–239, title X, § 10401(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2487, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and former sec- tions 620 and 627 of this title] shall take effect on Octo- ber 1, 1989.’’ Pub. L. 101–239, title X, § 10402(b), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2487, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 1989.’’ Pub. L. 101–239, title X, § 10403(c)(2), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2488, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by paragraph (1) of this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect as if included in section 4 of Public Law 98-617 at the time such section became law [en- acted Nov. 8, 1974].’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1987 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, § 9132(b), Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–314, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall become effective October 1, 1987.’’ EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective July 18, 1984, but not to be construed as changing or affecting any right, liability, status, or interpretation which existed (under the provisions of law involved) before that date, see section 2664(b) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 401 of this title. CONSTRUCTION OF 2008 AMENDMENT For construction of amendment by section 301(c)(2) of Pub. L. 110–351, see section 301(d) of Pub. L. 110–351, set out as a note under section 671 of this title. FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES PROGRAM PANDEMIC FLEXIBILITY Pub. L. 116–260, div. X, § 5, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2413, provided that: ‘‘During the COVID–19 public health emergency period, each percentage specified in sub- paragraphs (A)(i) and (B) of section 474(a)(6) of the So- cial Security Act [42 U.S.C. 674(a)(6)] is deemed to be 100 percent.’’ [For definition of ‘‘COVID–19 public health emer- gency period’’ as used in section 5 of div. X of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 2 of div. X of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 629h of this title.] KINSHIP NAVIGATOR PROGRAMS PANDEMIC FLEXIBILITY Pub. L. 116–260, div. X, § 8, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2414, provided that: ‘‘(a) INAPPLICABILITY OF MATCHING FUNDS REQUIRE- MENTS.—During the COVID–19 public health emergency period, the percentage specified in section 474(a)(7) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 674(a)(7)] is deemed to be 100 percent. ‘‘(b) WAIVER OF EVIDENCE STANDARD.—During the COVID–19 public health emergency period, the require- ment in section 474(a)(7) of the Social Security Act that the Secretary determine that a kinship navigator pro- gram be operated in accordance with promising, sup- ported, or well-supported practices that meet the appli- cable criteria specified for the practices in section 471(e)(4)(C) of such Act [42 U.S.C. 671(e)(4)(C)] shall have no force or effect, except that each State with such a program shall provide the Secretary with an assurance that the program will be, or is in the process of being, evaluated for the purpose of building an evidence base to later determine whether the program meets the cri- teria set forth in such section 471(e)(4)(C). ‘‘(c) OTHER ALLOWABLE USES OF FUNDS.—A State may use funds provided to carry out a kinship navigator program— ‘‘(1) for evaluations, independent systematic re- view, and related activities; ‘‘(2) to provide short-term support to kinship fami- lies for direct services or assistance during the COVID–19 public health emergency period; and ‘‘(3) to ensure that kinship caregivers have the in- formation and resources to allow kinship families to function at their full potential, including— ‘‘(A) ensuring that those who are at risk of con- tracting COVID–19 have access to information and resources for necessities, including food, safety sup- plies, and testing and treatment for COVID–19; ‘‘(B) access to technology and technological sup- ports needed for remote learning or other activities that must be carried out virtually due to the COVID–19 public health emergency; ‘‘(C) health care and other assistance, including legal assistance and assistance with making alter- native care plans for the children in their care if the caregivers were to become unable to continue caring for the children; ‘‘(D) services to kinship families, including kin- ship families raising children outside of the foster care system; and ‘‘(E) assistance to allow children to continue safe- ly living with kin. ‘‘(d) TERRITORY CAP EXEMPTION.—Section 1108(a)(1) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1308(a)(1)] shall be Page 2401 TITLE 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE § 675 1 See References in Text note below. applied without regard to any amount paid to a terri- tory pursuant to this section that would not have been paid to the territory in the absence of this section.’’ [For definitions of terms used in section 8 of div. X of Pub. L. 116–260, set out above, see section 2 of div. X of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 629h of this title.] EVIDENCE STANDARD TRANSITION Pub. L. 116–94, div. N, title I, § 602(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3120, provided that: ‘‘(1) TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF REQUIREMENT THAT AT LEAST 50 PERCENT OF A STATE’S REIMBURSEMENT FOR PRE- VENTION AND FAMILY SERVICES AND PROGRAMS BE FOR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT MEET THE WELL-SUP- PORTED PRACTICE REQUIREMENT.—With respect to quar- ters in fiscal years 2020 and 2021, section 474(a)(6)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 674(a)(6)(A)) shall be applied without regard to clause (ii) of such section. ‘‘(2) SUPPORTED PRACTICES TEMPORARILY TREATED AS WELL-SUPPORTED PRACTICES.—With respect to quarters in fiscal years 2022 and 2023, practices that meet the criteria specified for supported practices in section 471(e)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(e)(4)(C)) shall be considered well-supported prac- tices for purposes of section 474(a)(6)(A)(ii) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 674(a)(6)(A)(ii)).’’ PHASE-IN Pub. L. 110–351, title II, § 203(b), Oct. 7, 2008, 122 Stat. 3959, provided that: ‘‘With respect to an expenditure de- scribed in section 474(a)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 674(a)(3)(B)] by reason of an amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this sec- tion], in lieu of the percentage set forth in such section 474(a)(3)(B), the percentage that shall apply is— ‘‘(1) 55 percent, if the expenditure is made in fiscal year 2009; ‘‘(2) 60 percent, if the expenditure is made in fiscal year 2010; ‘‘(3) 65 percent, if the expenditure is made in fiscal year 2011; or ‘‘(4) 70 percent, if the expenditure is made in fiscal year 2012.’’ § 675. Definitions As used in this part or part B of this sub- chapter: (1) The term ‘‘case plan’’ means a written document which meets the requirements of section 675a of this title and includes at least the following: (A) A description of the type of home or institution in which a child is to be placed, including a discussion of the safety and ap- propriateness of the placement and how the agency which is responsible for the child plans to carry out the voluntary placement agreement entered into or judicial deter- mination made with respect to the child in accordance with section 672(a)(1) 1 of this title. (B) A plan for assuring that the child re- ceives safe and proper care and that services are provided to the parents, child, and foster parents in order to improve the conditions in the parents’ home, facilitate return of the child to his own safe home or the permanent placement of the child, and address the needs of the child while in foster care, in- cluding a discussion of the appropriateness of the services that have been provided to the child under the plan. With respect to a child who has attained 14 years of age, the plan developed for the child in accordance with this paragraph, and any revision or ad- dition to the plan, shall be developed in con- sultation with the child and, at the option of the child, with up to 2 members of the case planning team who are chosen by the child and who are not a foster parent of, or case- worker for, the child. A State may reject an individual selected by a child to be a mem- ber of the case planning team at any time if the State has good cause to believe that the individual would not act in the best inter- ests of the child. One individual selected by a child to be a member of the child’s case planning team may be designated to be the child’s advisor and, as necessary, advocate, with respect to the application of the rea- sonable and prudent parent standard to the child. (C) The health and education records of the child, including the most recent infor- mation available regarding— (i) the names and addresses of the child’s health and educational providers; (ii) the child’s grade level performance; (iii) the child’s school record; (iv) a record of the child’s immuniza- tions; (v) the child’s known medical problems; (vi) the child’s medications; and (vii) any other relevant health and edu- cation information concerning the child determined to be appropriate by the State agency. (D) For a child who has attained 14 years of age or over, a written description of the programs and services which will help such child prepare for the transition from foster care to a successful adulthood. (E) In the case of a child with respect to whom the permanency plan is adoption or placement in another permanent home, doc- umentation of the steps the agency is taking to find an adoptive family or other perma- nent living arrangement for the child, to place the child with an adoptive family, a fit and willing relative, a legal guardian, or in another planned permanent living arrange- ment, and to finalize the adoption or legal guardianship. At a minimum, such docu- mentation shall include child specific re- cruitment efforts such as the use of State, regional, and national adoption exchanges including electronic exchange systems to fa- cilitate orderly and timely in-State and interstate placements. (F) In the case of a child with respect to whom the permanency plan is placement with a relative and receipt of kinship guard- ianship assistance payments under section 673(d) of this title, a description of— (i) the steps that the agency has taken to determine that it is not appropriate for the child to be returned home or adopted; (ii) the reasons for any separation of sib- lings during placement; (iii) the reasons why a permanent place- ment with a fit and willing relative through a kinship guardianship assistance arrangement is in the child’s best inter- ests;