# Proposed Information Collection Activity: ACF Program Instruction—Children's Justice Act (OMB #0970-0425)
**AGENCY:**
Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, HHS.
**ACTION:**
Request for public comment.
**SUMMARY:**
The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is requesting a 3-year extension of the Children's Justice Act Program Instruction (OMB #0970-0425, expiration 4/30/2020). There are no changes requested to the form.
**DATES:**
*Comments due within 60 days of publication.* In compliance with the requirements of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Administration for Children and Families is soliciting public comment on the specific aspects of the information collection described above.
**ADDRESSES:**
Copies of the proposed collection of information can be obtained and comments may be forwarded by emailing *[email protected].* Alternatively, copies can also be obtained by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE), 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. All requests, emailed or written, should be identified by the title of the information collection.
**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:**
*Description:* The Program Instruction, prepared in response to the enactment of the Children's Justice Act (CJA), Title II of Public Law 111-320, Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Reauthorization of 2010, provides direction to the states and territories to accomplish the purposes of assisting states in developing, establishing, and operating programs designed to improve: (1) The assessment and investigation of suspected child abuse and neglect cases, including cases of suspected child sexual abuse and exploitation, in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child and the child's family; (2) the assessment and investigation of cases of suspected child abuse-related fatalities and suspected child neglect-related fatalities; (3) the investigation and prosecution of cases of child abuse and neglect, including child sexual abuse and exploitation; and (4) the assessment and investigation of cases involving children with disabilities or serious health-related problems who are suspected victims of child abuse or neglect. This Program Instruction contains information collection requirements that are found in Public Law 111-320 at sections 107(b) and 107(d), and pursuant to receiving a grant award. The information submitted will be used by the agency to ensure compliance with the statute; to monitor, evaluate, and measure grantee achievements in addressing the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect; and to report to Congress.
*Respondents:* State Governments.
| Instrument | Total number of respondents | Annual | Average | Annual burden hours |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Application and Annual Report | 52 | 1 | 60 | 3,120 |
*Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 3,120.
*Comments:* The Department specifically requests comments on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions submitted within 60 days of this publication.
**Authority:**
42 U.S.C. 5106c Sec. 107(b)(4) and 42 U.S.C. 5106 Sec. 107(B)(5).
Mary B. Jones,
ACF/OPRE Certifying Officer.