Resource Library

The Children's Bureau (CB) has developed the Discretionary Grants Library, an online tool that allows users to search for and view information related to specific CB discretionary grant projects.

Each state provides its own policies and procedures for reporting and investigating child abuse and neglect cases. State and local agencies and courts implement these policies and procedures according to state laws.

State child abuse and neglect reporting laws do not specify the age at which a child can be left home alone. Information about the age at which it is considered appropriate to leave a child alone may exist elsewhere in your local, county or State policies or ordinances that address this special topic.

There are many options for making adoption affordable.

In intercountry adoption, (i.e., adopting a child from a foreign country), prospective adoptive parents are required to follow the laws in their state, the laws of the child’s country of origin, the policies and regulations of the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, when appropriate, Hague regulations.

Some children adopted from foster care who meet their State’s definition of special needs are eligible for Federal or State adoption assistance to minimize the financial obstacles to adoption.

The Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), funds two types of grant programs:  State grant and discretionary grant programs. The Children’s Bureau website includes a brief description of each type of grant and how it is funded.

Federal legislation provides a foundation for States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that define child abuse and neglect.

An adoption home study (or family profile) is a written report by a social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together (if a couple).

The basic adoption process for adoptions involving multiple States is similar to the process for adoptions within the same State.