Appendix A to Part 1355

Appendix A to Part 1355

In Appendix A to part 1355, Section I, we included the new race and ethnicity classifications consistent with OMB's Statistical Policy Directive Number 15. All of the foster care race elements (elements II.C.1, IX.C.1 and IX.C.3) are listed in the element chart alphabetically as they are in the directive.

In section II to appendix A, we removed the obsolete reference to the section 427 protections and replaced it with the correct statutory reference. In Section II, II.C.1, we added new race definitions and made an editorial change regarding how a person's race and ethnicity is determined. Consistent with the OMB Directive, we make this change to emphasize that self-identification or self-reporting is the preferred method of gathering information on race or ethnicity except where this is not practical. Obviously, in the case of young children, racial or ethnic self-identification is not practical and is therefore primarily determined by the parent. We recommend that caseworkers ask children (if age appropriate) and adults to identify all the racial categories that apply.

In ACYF-CB-PI-99-01 we provided policy guidance on the use of the category ``unable to determine'' as it applies to situations where a parent or other adult caretaker is unwilling to identify their race or that of the child. We have included that clarification in this regulation. If a parent or caretaker is unwilling to identify a race, then the State should classify the information as ``unable to determine,'' indicating that the State attempted to gather the information but was unable to do so. This will provide for better data as the State will not overstate the amount of missing data for this element and jeopardize conformity with the missing data standards. Finally, we amend the way that a State must code the data for the race categories to properly identify a single race, multiple race or ``unable to determine'' response.

We have made changes similar to those above in Section II, II.C.2, which define the Hispanic and Latino ethnicity classifications. In addition, we have deleted the last sentence of the paragraph that required the State to indicate that the child is not of Hispanic ethnicity only when the origin of the child is clear. We believe that this distinction is unnecessary and inconsistent with our approach to other regulatory definitions on race and ethnicity.

In Section II, IX.C, we now cross-reference only the definitions of race and ethnicity classifications used in the section on child demographics (II.C). The existing regulations also cross-reference the definition of ``unable to determine,'' however, this definition as stated is not applicable to adults. For adults, the code ``f. unable to determine,'' must be used only in circumstances where the parent is unwilling to identify his or her race or ethnicity. During AFCARS pilot reviews, we found that States were inappropriately coding missing information as ``unable to determine.'' When data is missing or not known because the State has not asked an individual for information on race or ethnicity, the response must be left blank.

Finally, in Section II, we have deleted paragraph IX.D on coding ethnicity data. This paragraph incorrectly cross-referenced the section on disabilities. We have incorporated the relevant portions of the instruction in paragraph IX.C.

Appendices:

Appendix B: to Part 1355

Appendix D: to Part 1355

Appendix E: to Part 1355