This manual replaces the Children’s Bureau’s former policy issuance system. This Child Welfare Policy Manual updates and reformats all of the existing relevant policy issuances (Policy Announcements and Policy Interpretation Questions) into an easy to use question and answer format. This manual is broken down into nine main policy areas (with detailed subsections): AFCARS, CAPTA, Independent Living, MEPA/IEAP, Monitoring, SACWIS, Title IV-B, Title IV-E, Tribes/Indian Tribal Organizations. Future policy guidance will be disseminated in this format and announced as “Updates!” to the manual. This web-based manual ensures that the most current policy information is available to the States in the quickest and most accurate way. All questions/comments should be directed to the Children’s Bureau Regional Program Managers.