The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) collects case-level information from state and tribal title IV-E agencies on all children in foster care and those who have been adopted with title IV-E agency involvement. Title IV-E agencies are required to submit AFCARS data semi-annually to the Children’s Bureau. The AFCARS report periods are October 1 through March 31 and April 1 through September 30. Data for each report period are due no later than May 15 and November 14, respectively.
ACF uses AFCARS data for a number of reasons, including the following:
Determining awards for the Adoption Incentives program
Preparing the Child Welfare Outcomes report
Conducting the Child and Family Services Reviews
Conducting title IV-E foster care eligibility reviews
Determining the allotment of funds for the Chafee Foster Care Independence program
Conducting trend analyses and short- and long-term planning efforts
Targeting areas for initial or increased technical assistance efforts, discretionary service grants, research and evaluation, and regulatory change
Responding to request for data from federal, state, tribal, and private agencies.
Further reading:
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/research-data-technology/reporting-systems/afcars