KINSHIP NAVIGATOR PROGRAMS PANDEMIC FLEXIBILITY.

SEC. 8. [42 U.S.C. 674 note] KINSHIP NAVIGATOR PROGRAMS PANDEMIC FLEXIBILITY. (a) Inapplicability of Matching Funds Requirements.—During the COVID-19 public health emergency period, the percentage specified in section 474(a)(7) of the Social Security Act is deemed to be 100 percent. (b) Waiver of Evidence Standard.—During the COVID-19 public health emergency period, the requirement in section 474(a)(7) of the Social Security Act that the Secretary determine that a kinship navigator program be operated in accordance with promising, supported, or well-supported practices that meet the applicable criteria specified for the practices in section 471(e)(4)(C) of such Act shall have no force or effect, except that each State with such a program shall provide the Secretary with an assurance that the program will be, or is in the process of being, evaluated for the purpose of building an evidence base to later determine whether the program meets the criteria set forth in such section 471(e)(4)(C). (c) Other Allowable Uses of Funds.—A State may use funds provided to carry out a kinship navigator program— (1) for evaluations, independent systematic review, and related activities; (2) to provide short-term support to kinship families for direct services or assistance during the COVID-19 public health emergency period; and (3) to ensure that kinship caregivers have the information and resources to allow kinship families to function at their full potential, including— (A) ensuring that those who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 have access to information and resources for necessities, including food, safety supplies, and testing and treatment for COVID-19; (B) access to technology and technological supports needed for remote learning or other activities that must be carried out virtually due to the COVID-19 public health emergency; (C) health care and other assistance, including legal assistance and assistance with making alternative care plans for the children in their care if the caregivers were to become unable to continue caring for the children; (D) services to kinship families, including kinship families raising children outside of the foster care system; and (E) assistance to allow children to continue safely living with kin. (d) Territory Cap Exemption.—Section 1108(a)(1) of the Social Security Act shall be applied without regard to any amount paid to a territory pursuant to this section that would not have been paid to the territory in the absence of this section.