What was OCC’s approach to reviewing waiver requests?

In reviewing plans and waiver/extension requests, OCC gave careful consideration to the statutory conditions outlined in the Act, as well as the length of time requested, with the goal of having all provisions related to the Act fully implemented by October 1, 2018 corresponding to the start of the FY2019-2021 CCDF Plan period.  Given that one of the statutory requirements was that applicants for waivers certify that the health, safety, and well-being of children served through assistance received through CCDF will not be compromised as a result of the waiver, no waiver requests for Health and Safety Training for CCDF providers were approved.  Those States were placed under a Corrective Action Plan for 1 year to provide time needed to meet the requirement.  Background Check provisions have not yet been considered under this waiver implementation process because the Act provided for a separate extension process for those States and Territories unable to comply by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2017.