Issue Brief 10-49
December 9, 2010
Summary 

On November 23, 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the allotment percentages for Child Welfare Services for fiscal years (FYs) 2012 and 2013. The allotment percentages are one of the factors used to determine the distribution of Child Welfare Services state grants.

The HHS release shows every state receiving a reduction in its allotment percentage, which is not possible given that the formula is calculated based on state per capita personal income compared to the national average. As a result, FFIS calculated the percentages, with the results differing significantly from those published by HHS. After discussions with HHS staff, it was determined that the HHS calculations were incorrect. HHS is expected to release revised allotments in a forthcoming Federal Register notice. This Issue Brief provides FFIS calculations of the allotment percentages and calculates their impact on child welfare state allocations.