AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; RESERVATION OF CERTAIN AMOUNTS

Sec. 436. [42 USC 629f] (a) Authorization.—In addition to any amount otherwise made available to carry out this subpart, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart $345,000,000 for fiscal year 2006. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the total amount authorized to be so appropriated for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011.

(b) Reservation of Certain Amounts.—From the amount specified in subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve amounts as follows:

(1) Evaluation, research, training, and technical assistance.—The Secretary shall reserve $6,000,000 for expenditure by the Secretary—

(A) for research, training, and technical assistance costs related to the program under this subpart; and

(B) for evaluation of State programs based on the plans approved under section 432 and funded under this subpart, and any other Federal, State, or local program, regardless of whether federally assisted, that is designed to achieve the same purposes as the State programs.

(2) State court improvements.—The Secretary shall reserve $10,000,000 for grants under section 438.

(3) Indian tribes or tribal consortia.—After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary shall reserve 3 percent for allotment to Indian tribes or tribal consortia in accordance with section 433(a).

(4) Support for monthly caseworker visits.—

(A) Reservation.—The Secretary shall reserve for allotment in accordance with section 433(e)—

(i) $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(ii) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and

(iii) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

(B) Use of funds.—

(i) In general.—A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount to support monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the State, with a primary emphasis on activities designed to improve caseworker retention, recruitment, training, and ability to access the benefits of technology.

(ii) Nonsupplementation.—A State to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not use the amount to supplant any Federal funds paid to the State under part E that could be used as described in clause (i).

(5) Regional partnership grants.—The Secretary shall reserve for awarding grants under section 437(f)—

(A) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;

(B) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(C) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and

(D) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011.