RFAs: Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare (United States)

The Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare Program provides funding to state and tribal child welfare agencies to upgrade fingerprinting and background check systems that support faster and safer placement of children into foster, kinship, and adoptive homes. The program funds modernization efforts such as mobile fingerprinting services and Live Scan fingerprint stations to reduce processing delays, improve compliance, and strengthen child welfare operations.

The initiative supports the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) goal of improving child welfare systems and expanding access to safe, stable, and nurturing family placements.

About the Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare Program

The Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare Program supports child welfare agencies in improving the technology, accessibility, and efficiency of fingerprint-based background check processes.

Background checks are a critical part of approving foster, kinship, and adoptive caregivers. However, delays in fingerprint collection and processing can slow caregiver approval and prevent children from being placed quickly into appropriate homes.

This program helps agencies modernize their systems by investing in infrastructure that makes fingerprint collection more accessible and efficient.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

Modernize fingerprinting and background check infrastructure.
Improve child welfare licensing processes.
Expand access to fingerprint collection services.
Reduce delays in caregiver approval.
Decrease turnaround times for fingerprint-based background checks.
Reduce administrative workload for child welfare agencies.
Improve compliance with federal background check requirements.
Increase the availability of qualified caregivers.
Support faster placement of children in safe and stable homes.

Funding Available

The program provides:

Estimated total funding: $4,000,000
Award ceiling: $200,000
Award floor: $50,000

Funding will support eligible agencies in upgrading fingerprinting systems and improving operational capacity.

Key Areas of Support

Funding may be used to support:

Mobile Fingerprinting Services

Agencies may invest in mobile fingerprinting solutions that allow fingerprint collection:

During home visits.
In community locations.
During caregiver licensing activities.
In areas with limited access to fingerprint services.

Office-Based Live Scan Stations

Funding may support:

Installation of Live Scan fingerprint equipment.
Modernization of existing fingerprint collection systems.
Improved connection between fingerprint systems and child welfare workflows.

System Modernization

Projects may improve:

Background check processing.
Data management.
Workflow integration.
Administrative efficiency.
Compliance monitoring.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

State governments.
Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
State Title IV-E agencies.
Tribal Title IV-B agencies.
Tribal Title IV-E agencies.
Eligible faith-based organizations.
Eligible community organizations.

Applicants must meet program requirements established by the funding authority.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

Individuals.
Sole proprietorships.
Foreign entities.

Applications from ineligible applicants will not be reviewed or considered for funding.

Eligible Activities

Supported activities may include:

Purchasing mobile fingerprinting equipment.
Establishing Live Scan fingerprint stations.
Integrating fingerprint collection into licensing workflows.
Improving background check processing systems.
Expanding fingerprint access for caregivers.
Reducing administrative delays.
Strengthening child welfare technology infrastructure.

Why This Program Matters

Timely caregiver approval is essential for children entering foster care or needing permanent family placement. Delays in fingerprinting and background checks can create barriers that slow the placement process.

This program helps child welfare agencies:

Approve caregivers more efficiently.
Expand the pool of available foster and adoptive families.
Improve placement stability.
Reduce administrative barriers.
Strengthen child safety systems.
Support children in finding safe and nurturing homes faster.

The initiative contributes to the ACF’s A Home for Every Child effort by improving child welfare infrastructure and supporting stronger family-based care.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they are:

A state or tribal child welfare agency.
An eligible government entity or qualified organization.
Compliant with federal child welfare requirements.

2. Identify Infrastructure Needs

Applicants should assess:

Current fingerprinting capacity.
Background check processing delays.
Geographic access challenges.
Technology gaps.

3. Develop a Modernization Plan

The proposal should explain:

The current challenges.
Proposed technology improvements.
Implementation strategy.
Expected impact on child placement timelines.

4. Prepare a Budget

The budget should clearly describe:

Equipment costs.
Technology investments.
Implementation expenses.
Other eligible project costs.

5. Submit the Application

Applicants must complete and submit the required application materials according to the official funding instructions.

Application Evaluation Considerations

Applications are likely to be assessed based on:

Alignment with program objectives.
Ability to improve fingerprinting access.
Impact on caregiver approval processes.
Feasibility of implementation.
Strength of modernization strategy.
Potential improvement in child placement outcomes.

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen an application:

Clearly identify existing fingerprinting challenges.
Explain how modernization will reduce delays.
Demonstrate connection between infrastructure improvements and child placement outcomes.
Include measurable goals and expected results.
Describe how technology will be maintained after grant funding ends.
Show collaboration between licensing, child welfare, and technology teams.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without meeting eligibility requirements.
Proposing projects unrelated to fingerprinting modernization.
Providing unclear implementation plans.
Failing to explain how the project improves child placement.
Submitting incomplete budgets.
Ignoring federal background check requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare Program?

The program helps child welfare agencies improve fingerprinting and background check systems to speed up caregiver approval and child placement.

How much funding is available?

Awards range from $50,000 to $200,000, with total program funding estimated at $4 million.

Who can apply for this program?

Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, State IV-E agencies, and Tribal IV-B/IV-E agencies.

What types of technology does the program support?

The program supports technologies such as mobile fingerprinting systems and office-based Live Scan fingerprint stations.

How does this program help children?

By reducing delays in caregiver background checks, the program helps children move more quickly into safe, stable, and supportive family environments.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. Individuals and sole proprietorships are not eligible to apply.

Are foreign organizations eligible?

No. Foreign entities are not eligible for funding under this program.

Conclusion

The Fingerprinting Infrastructure Modernization for Child Welfare Program provides critical funding for improving child welfare technology systems and accelerating caregiver approval processes. By supporting mobile fingerprinting solutions, Live Scan infrastructure, and workflow modernization, the program helps state and tribal agencies reduce delays, strengthen compliance, and place children more quickly into safe, stable, and nurturing homes.