Predictive Analytics in Child Welfare Demonstration Grants

The Predictive Analytics in Child Welfare Demonstration Grants program is administered by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) and its Children’s Bureau. This federal initiative is designed to support public child welfare agencies in advancing the use of predictive analytics to improve outcomes for children and families. The program reflects a broader federal priority to enhance decision-making, strengthen data-driven practices, and modernize child welfare systems through responsible and ethical use of technology. According to the Notice of Funding Opportunity, applications are due by July 13, 2026, with additional cycles anticipated in subsequent fiscal years. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish demonstration sites that implement and test predictive analytics within child welfare systems. These projects are intended to serve as models for national replication, contributing to a growing evidence base on how predictive analytics can be used effectively and responsibly. Funded agencies are expected to design, implement, and evaluate predictive models that enhance decision-making, improve risk assessment, allocate resources more efficiently, and support caseworkers in delivering services. The program emphasizes ethical safeguards, transparency, and integration with professional judgment to ensure that predictive tools complement rather than replace human decision-making. Funding is provided through cooperative agreements, indicating substantial federal involvement throughout the project lifecycle. The total program funding is approximately $6,000,000, with an expected 10 awards ranging from $400,000 to $600,000 each for a three-year project period. Funds may be used for activities such as data integration, infrastructure development, model testing, workforce training, and evaluation. However, certain costs are prohibited, including construction, real property acquisition, and major renovations. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement, though voluntary contributions may be included but are not considered in the review process. Eligibility for this program is limited to state, territorial, or tribal public child welfare agencies. Other entities, including individuals, for-profit organizations, federal agencies, and foreign entities, are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate readiness, including access to relevant data systems, infrastructure, and partnerships necessary to implement predictive analytics projects. Subrecipients may be involved but must also meet eligibility criteria and comply with federal requirements. The program encourages collaboration with stakeholders and participation in shared learning activities coordinated by the Children’s Bureau. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, with applicants completing two primary files: a project narrative and attachments, along with standard federal forms. The project narrative must address objectives, approach, evaluation, organizational capacity, and sustainability. Applicants must also include a detailed budget and justification, as well as documentation of organizational capacity and third-party agreements. Applications are evaluated through a merit review process based on criteria such as project design, evaluation plan, organizational expertise, and alignment with ACF priorities. The review process includes an initial screening for eligibility and completeness, followed by a merit-based evaluation scored across multiple criteria totaling up to 120 points. Bonus points are available for participation or intent to participate in the A Home for Every Child initiative. Awards are expected to begin around September 30, 2026. Recipients must comply with federal reporting requirements, including semiannual performance and financial reports, and participate in mandatory meetings and technical assistance activities. The program is recurring, with additional application deadlines anticipated in future fiscal years, supporting ongoing innovation and learning in child welfare analytics.

Align clearly with ACF priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes; show strong data infrastructure readiness; emphasize ethical use of predictive analytics; provide detailed evaluation and implementation plans