[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9076 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.R.9076
One Hundred Eighteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-four
An Act
To reauthorize child welfare programs under part B of title IV of the
Social Security Act and strengthen the State and tribal child support
enforcement program under part D of such title, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting America's Children and
Families Act''.
TITLE I--CHILD WELFARE REAUTHORIZATION AND MODERNIZATION
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES.
(a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the ``Protecting
America's Children by Strengthening Families Act''.
(b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever
in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference
shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of
the Social Security Act.
SEC. 102. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents of this title is as follows:
Sec. 101. Short title; references.
Sec. 102. Table of contents.
Sec. 103. Reauthorization of child welfare programs.
Sec. 104. Enhancements to the court improvement program.
Sec. 105. Expanding regional partnership grants to address parental
substance use disorder as cause of child removal.
Sec. 106. Modernization; reducing administrative burden.
Sec. 107. Streamlining funding for Indian tribes.
Sec. 108. Accelerating access to Family First prevention services.
Sec. 109. Strengthening support for youth aging out of foster care.
Sec. 110. Recognizing the importance of relative and kinship caregivers.
Sec. 111. Avoiding neglect by addressing poverty.
Sec. 112. Strengthening support for caseworkers.
Sec. 113. Demonstration projects for improving relationships between
incarcerated parents and children in foster care.
Sec. 114. Guidance to States on improving data collection and reporting
for youth in residential treatment programs.
Sec. 115. Streamlining research, training, and technical assistance
funding.
Sec. 116. Report on post adoption and subsidized guardianship services.
Sec. 117. Effective date.
SEC. 103. REAUTHORIZATION OF CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS.
(a) Reauthorization of Subpart 1; Discretionary Funding.--Section
425 (42 U.S.C. 625) is amended by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and
inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
(b) Reauthorization of Subpart 2; Enhanced Support.--Section 436(a)
(42 U.S.C. 629f(a)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2017
through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2025 and $420,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029''.
(c) Reauthorization of Subpart 2; Discretionary Funding.--Section
437(a) (42 U.S.C. 629g(a)) is amended by striking ``2017 through 2023''
and inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
(d) Funding Limitation.--Section 423(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C.
623(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, not to exceed $10,000,000''
before the semicolon.
SEC. 104. ENHANCEMENTS TO THE COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Increase in Reservation of Funds.--Section 436(b)(2) (42 U.S.C.
629f(b)(2)) is amended by inserting ``for fiscal year 2025 and
$40,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal year''
before ``for grants''.
(b) Extension of State Match Requirement.--Section 438(d) (42
U.S.C. 629h(d)) is amended by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and
inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
(c) Program Improvements.--Section 438(a) (42 U.S.C. 629h(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
``(F) that determine the appropriateness and best practices
for use of technology to conduct remote hearings, subject to
participant consent, including to ensure maximum participation
of individuals involved in proceedings and to enable courts to
maintain operations in times of public health or other
emergencies;'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``personnel.'' and
inserting ``personnel and supporting optimal use of remote hearing
technology; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) to ensure continuity of needed court services, prevent
disruption of the services, and enable their recovery from threats
such as public health crises, natural disasters or cyberattacks,
including through--
``(A) support for technology that allows court proceedings
to occur remotely subject to participant consent, including
hearings and legal representation;
``(B) the development of guidance and protocols for
responding to the occurrences and coordinating with other
agencies; and
``(C) other activities carried out to ensure backup systems
are in place.''.
(d) Implementation Guidance on Sharing Best Practices for
Technological Changes Needed for Remote Court Proceedings for Foster
Care or Adoption.--Section 438 (42 U.S.C. 629h) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(e) Guidance.--
``(1) In general.--Every 5 years, the Secretary shall issue
implementation guidance for sharing information on best practices
for--
``(A) technological changes needed for court proceedings
for foster care, guardianship, or adoption to be conducted
remotely in a way that maximizes engagement and protects the
privacy of participants; and
``(B) the manner in which the proceedings should be
conducted.
``(2) Initial issuance.--The Secretary shall issue initial
guidance required by paragraph (1) with preliminary information on
best practices not later than October 1, 2025.
``(3) Additional consultation.--The Secretary shall consult
with Indian tribes on the development of appropriate guidelines for
State court proceedings involving Indian children to maximize
engagement of Indian tribes and provide appropriate guidelines on
conducting State court proceedings subject to the Indian Child
Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.).''.
SEC. 105. EXPANDING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP GRANTS TO ADDRESS PARENTAL
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AS CAUSE OF CHILD REMOVAL.
(a) Increase in Reservation of Funds.--Section 436(b)(5) (42 U.S.C.
629f(b)(5)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2017 through
2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2025 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year
2026 and each succeeding fiscal year''.
(b) Reauthorization.--Section 437(f) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(A) by striking ``In addition to amounts authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section, the'' and inserting
``The''; and
(B) by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and inserting ``2025
through 2029''; and
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking ``for each of fiscal years
2017 through 2023''.
(c) Authority to Waive Planning Phase.--Section 437(f)(3)(B)(iii)
(42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(3)(B)(iii)) is amended--
(1) by striking all that precedes ``grant awarded'' and
inserting the following:
``(iii) Sufficient planning.--
``(I) In general.--A''; and
(2) by striking ``may not exceed $250,000, and''; and
(3) by adding after and below the end the following:
``(II) Exception.--The Secretary, on a case-by-case
basis, may waive the planning phase for a partnership
that demonstrates that the partnership has engaged in
sufficient planning before submitting an application
for a grant under this subsection.''.
(d) Expanding Availability of Evidence-based Services.--
(1) In general.--Section 437(f)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``, and expand the scope of the evidence-based
services that may be approved by the clearinghouse established
under section 476(d)'' before the period.
(2) Considerations for awarding grants.--Section 437(f)(7) (42
U.S.C. 629g(f)(7)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
(B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) have submitted information pursuant to paragraph
(4)(F) that demonstrates the capability to participate in
rigorous evaluation of program effectiveness.''.
(e) Technical Assistance on Using Regional Partnership Grant Funds
in Coordination With Other Federal Funds to Better Serve Families
Affected by a Substance Use Disorder.--Section 435(d) (42 U.S.C.
629e(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (4);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) use grants under section 437(f) in coordination with
other Federal funds to better serve families in the child welfare
system that are affected by a substance use disorder.''.
(f) Performance Indicators.--Section 437(f)(8)(A) (42 U.S.C.
629g(f)(8)(A)) is amended in the 1st sentence--
(1) by striking ``this subsection'' the 1st place it appears
and inserting ``the Protecting America's Children by Strengthening
Families Act'';
(2) by inserting ``child permanency, reunification, re-entry
into care,'' before ``parental recovery''; and
(3) by inserting ``, and access to services for families with
substance use disorder, including those with children who are
overrepresented in foster care, difficult to place, or have
disproportionately low permanency rates'' before the period.
(g) Performance Indicator Consultation Required.--Section
437(f)(8)(B) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(8)(B)) is amended by redesignating
clause (iii) as clause (iv) and inserting after clause (ii) the
following:
``(iii) The Administrator of the National Institute on
Drug Abuse.''.
(h) Reports to Congress.--Section 437(f)(9)(B) (42 U.S.C.
629g(f)(9)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) whether any programs funded by the grants were
submitted to the clearinghouse established under section
476(d) for review and the results of any such review.''.
(i) Priority for Statewide Service Growth.--Section 437(f)(7) (42
U.S.C. 629g(f)(7)), as amended by subsection (d)(2) of this section, is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) are a State or public agency, or outline a plan to
increase the availability of services funded under the grant
statewide.''.
(j) Addition of Juvenile Court as Required Partner.--Section
437(f)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(iii) The most appropriate administrative office of
the juvenile court or State court overseeing court
proceedings involving families who come to the attention of
the court due to child abuse or neglect.''.
(k) Additional Optional Partner.--Section 437(f)(2)(C) (42 U.S.C.
629g(f)(2)(C)) is amended by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x)
and inserting after clause (viii) the following:
``(ix) State or local agencies that administer Federal
health care, housing, family support, or other related
programs.''.
(l) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 437(f)(2)(D) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(D)) is amended--
(A) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (i);
(B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of clause (ii) and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking clause (iii).
(2) Section 437(f)(2) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)) is amended by
striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) and
(D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively.
SEC. 106. MODERNIZATION; REDUCING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.
(a) In General.--Section 431 (42 U.S.C. 629a) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(c) Use of Technology.--
``(1) Use of portal.--The services referred to in subsection
(a) may include the means of access to and use of an electronic or
digital portal to facilitate the provision of community support to
care for and meet specific needs of families and children.
``(2) Limitation.--Such a portal shall not retain or share
personally identifiable information about a beneficiary without
consent or for any purpose other than referral.''.
(b) Allowing Support for Family Resource Centers.--Section 431(a)
(42 U.S.C. 629a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``, including services
provided by family resource centers,'' before ``designed''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) Family resource center.--
``(A) In general.--The term `family resource center' means
a community or school-based hub of support services for
families that--
``(i) utilizes an approach that is multi-generational,
strengths-based, and family-centered;
``(ii) reflects, and is responsive to, community needs
and interests;
``(iii) provides support at no or low cost for
participants; and
``(iv) builds communities of peer support for families,
including kinship families, to develop social connections
that reduce isolation and stress.
``(B) Special rule.--For purposes of this subpart, an
expenditure for a service provided by a family resource center
may be treated as an expenditure for any 1 or more of family
support services, family preservation services, family
reunification services, or adoption promotion and support
services as long as the expenditure is related to serving the
children and families in the specified category and consistent
with the overall purpose of the category.''.
(c) Updating State Plan Requirement.--Section 422(b)(1) (42 U.S.C.
622(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) provide that a State agency will administer or supervise
the administration of the plan under this subpart;''.
(d) Access to Legal Representation.--Section 422(b)(4) (42 U.S.C.
622(b)(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
(2) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the steps that the State will take to ensure that,
with respect to any judicial proceeding involving a child and
in which there is an allegation of child abuse or neglect,
including a proceeding on dependency, adoption, guardianship,
or termination of parental rights, information about available
independent legal representation is provided to--
``(i) the child, as appropriate; and
``(ii) any individual who is a parent or guardian, or
has legal custody, of the child;''.
(e) Supporting Mental Health and Well-being of Children in Foster
Care.--Section 422(b)(15)(A) (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(15)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
(A) by inserting ``and, if applicable, the State agency
responsible for mental health services,'' before ``and in
consultation''; and
(B) by inserting ``mental health providers,'' before
``other experts'';
(2) in clause (ii), by inserting ``a list of services provided
to support the physical and'' before ``emotional'';
(3) in clause (iv), by inserting ``and mental health'' before
``services'';
(4) in clause (v), by inserting ``, informed consent of youth,
and compliance with professional practice guidelines'' before the
semicolon; and
(5) in clause (vi), by inserting ``, licensed mental health
providers,'' before ``or other''.
(f) Reduction of Administrative Burden.--
(1) In general.--Subpart 3 of part B of title IV (42 U.S.C.
629m) is amended by redesignating section 440 as section 443 and
inserting before such section the following:
``SEC. 441. REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall reduce the burden of
administering this part imposed on the recipients of funds under this
part, by--
``(1) reviewing and revising administrative data collection
instruments and forms to eliminate duplication and streamline
reporting requirements for the recipients while collecting all data
required under this part;
``(2) in coordination with activities required under the
Paperwork Reduction Act, conducting an analysis of the total number
of hours reported by the recipients to comply with paperwork
requirements and exploring, in consultation with the recipients,
how to reduce the number of hours required for the compliance by at
least 15 percent;
``(3) collecting input from the recipients with respect to
fiscal and oversight requirements and making changes to ensure
consistency with standards and guidelines for other Federal formula
grant programs based on the input; and
``(4) respecting the sovereignty of Indian tribes when
complying with this subsection.
``(b) Limitation on Applicability.--Subsection (a) of this section
shall not apply to any reporting or data collection otherwise required
by law that would affect the ability of the Secretary to monitor and
ensure compliance with State plans approved under this part or ensure
that funds are expended consistent with this part.
``SEC. 442. PUBLIC ACCESS TO STATE PLANS.
``The Secretary shall--
``(1) create a standardized format for State plans required
under sections 422 and 432 used to monitor compliance with those
sections;
``(2) produce comparisons and analyses of trends in State plans
to inform future technical assistance and policy development;
``(3) make the State plans available on a public website; and
``(4) include on the website aggregated national summaries of
State submissions as the Secretary deems appropriate.''.
(2) Implementation.--Within 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall--
(A) comply with section 441 of the Social Security Act, as
added by the amendment made by paragraph (1); and
(B) notify each recipient of funds under part B of title IV
of the Social Security Act of any change made by the Secretary
pursuant to such section affecting the recipient.
(3) Report.--Within 3 years after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit
to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report describing the
efforts of the Secretary to comply with section 441 of the Social
Security Act, as added by the amendment made by paragraph (1),
including the specific actions to comply with each paragraph of
such section.
(g) Primary Prevention Partners.--Section 435(a)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C.
429e(a)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting ``including community-based
partners with expertise in preventing unnecessary child welfare system
involvement'' before the semicolon.
SEC. 107. STREAMLINING FUNDING FOR INDIAN TRIBES.
(a) Subpart 1.--
(1) Tribal set-aside; direct payments to tribes; exemptive
authority.--
(A) In general.--Section 428 (42 U.S.C. 628) is amended by
striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:
``(a) Reservation of Funds; Direct Payments.--Out of any amount
appropriated pursuant to section 425 for a fiscal year, the Secretary
shall reserve 3 percent for grants to Indian tribes and tribal
organizations, which shall be paid directly to Indian tribes and tribal
organizations with a plan approved under this subpart, in accordance
with section 433(a).''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 423(a) (42 U.S.C.
623(a)) is amended by striking ``the sum appropriated pursuant
to section 425 for each fiscal year'' and inserting ``for each
fiscal year, the sum appropriated pursuant to section 425
remaining after applying section 428(a)''.
(C) Technical amendment.--Section 428(c) (42 U.S.C. 628(c))
is amended by striking ``450b'' and inserting ``5304''.
(2) Improving compliance with the indian child welfare act.--
(A) State plan requirement.--Section 422(b)(9) (42 U.S.C.
622(b)(9)) is amended by striking ``Act;'' and inserting ``Act
of 1978, including how the State will ensure timely notice to
Indian tribes of State custody proceedings involving Indian
children, foster care or adoptive placements of Indian
children, and case recordkeeping as such matters relate to
transfers of jurisdiction, termination of parental rights, and
active efforts;''.
(B) Technical assistance.--Subpart 1 of part B of title IV
(42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 429B. EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT
OF 1978.
``(a) In General.--Not later than October 1, 2025, the Secretary,
in consultation with Indian tribal organizations and States, shall
develop a plan and provide technical assistance supporting effective
implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, including
specific measures identified in State plans as required by section
422(b)(9) of this Act. The technical assistance plan shall be based on
data sufficient to assess State strengths and areas for improvement in
implementing Federal standards established under the Indian Child
Welfare Act of 1978, including, at a minimum, the following:
``(1) Timely identification of Indian children and extended
family members.
``(2) Timely tribal notice of State child custody proceedings
involving an Indian child.
``(3) Reports of cases in which a transfer of jurisdiction (as
defined under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978) was granted or
was not granted, and reasons specified for denial in cases where
transfer was denied.
``(4) In cases in which a State court orders a foster care
placement of an Indian child, whether requirements for active
efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, testimony of a
qualified expert witness, and evidentiary standards were met.
``(5) Whether an Indian child was placed in a placement that is
required to be preferred under the Indian Child Welfare Act of
1978, and if not, the reasons specified.
``(6) In cases in which a State court orders the termination of
parental rights to an Indian child, whether requirements for active
efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, testimony of a
qualified expert witness, and evidentiary standards were met.
``(b) Interagency Coordination.--On request of the Secretary, the
Secretary of the Interior shall provide the Secretary with such
guidance and assistance as may be necessary to facilitate informing
States and public child welfare agencies on how to comply with the
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, including specific measures
identified in State plans as required by section 422(b)(9) of this Act.
``(c) Biennial Reports to Congress.--The Secretary shall biennially
submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a written
report on how--
``(1) the States are complying with the Indian Child Welfare
Act of 1978 and section 422(b)(9) of this Act, as informed by data
collected under this section; and
``(2) the Secretary is assisting States and Indian tribes to
improve implementation of Federal standards established under the
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.''.
(3) Reporting requirements; administrative costs.--
(A) In general.--Section 428 (42 U.S.C. 628) is amended by
redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d) and inserting
before such subsection the following:
``(b) Authority to Streamline Reporting Requirements.--The
Secretary shall, in consultation with the affected Indian tribes,
modify any reporting requirement imposed by or under this part on an
Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium if the total of
the amounts allotted to the Indian tribe, tribal organization, or
tribal consortium under this part for the fiscal year is not more than
$50,000, and in a manner that limits the administrative burden on any
tribe to which not more than $50,000 is allotted under this subpart for
the fiscal year.
``(c) Tribal Authority to Substitute the Federal Negotiated
Indirect Cost Rate for Administrative Costs Cap.--For purposes of
sections 422(b)(14) and 424(e), an Indian tribal organization may elect
to have the weighted average of the indirect cost rates in effect under
part 220 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations with respect to the
administrative costs of the Indian tribal organization apply in lieu of
the percentage specified in each such section.''.
(B) Conforming amendments.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C.
629a(a)) is amended in each of paragraphs (5) and (6) by
striking ``428(c)'' and inserting ``428(d)''.
(b) Subpart 2.--
(1) Tribal plan exemption.--Section 432(b)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C.
629b(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``section 433(a)'' the 1st place it appears
and inserting ``sections 433(a) and 437(c)(1) combined''; and
(B) by striking ``section 433(a)'' the 2nd place it appears
and inserting ``such sections''.
(2) Application of tribal set-aside before other set-asides.--
Section 436(b)(3) (42 U.S.C. 429f(b)(3)) is amended by striking
``After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but before applying
paragraphs (1) or (2)), the'' and inserting ``The''.
(3) Increase in funding for tribal court improvement program.--
Section 438(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 629h(c)(3)) is amended by inserting
``for fiscal year 2025, and $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2026 through 2029,'' before ``for grants''.
SEC. 108. ACCELERATING ACCESS TO FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 435 (42 U.S.C. 629e) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Prevention Services Evaluation Partnerships.--
``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to authorize
the Secretary to make competitive grants to support the timely
evaluation of--
``(A) services and programs described in section 471(e); or
``(B) kinship navigator programs described in section
474(a)(7).
``(2) Grants.--In accordance with applications approved under
this subsection, the Secretary may make grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible entities to carry out projects designed to
evaluate a service or program provided by the eligible entity, or
an entity in partnership with the eligible entity, with respect to
the requirements for a promising practice, supported practice, or
well-supported practice described in section 471(e)(4)(C).
``(3) Applications.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity may apply to the
Secretary for a grant under this subsection to carry out a
project that meets the following requirements:
``(i) The project is designed in accordance with
paragraph (2).
``(ii) The project is to be carried out by the
applicant in partnership with--
``(I) a State agency that administers, or
supervises the administration of, the State plan
approved under part E, or an agency administering the
plan under the supervision of the State agency; and
``(II) if the applicant is unable or unwilling to
do so, at least 1 external evaluator to carry out the
evaluation of the service or program provided by the
applicant.
``(B) Contents.--The application shall contain the
following:
``(i) A description of the project, including--
``(I) a statement explaining why a grant is
necessary to carry out the project; and
``(II) the amount of grant funds that would be
disbursed to each entity described in subparagraph
(A)(ii) in partnership with the applicant.
``(ii) A certification from each entity described in
subparagraph (A)(ii) that provides assurances that the
individual or entity is in partnership with the applicant
and will fulfill the responsibilities of the entity
specified in the description provided pursuant to clause
(i) of this subparagraph.
``(iii) A certification from the applicant that
provides assurances that the applicant intends to comply
with subparagraph (A)(ii)(II), if applicable.
``(iv) At the option of the eligible entity, a
certification from the applicant that the applicant
requires an external evaluator secured by the Secretary
pursuant to paragraph (5), if applicable.
``(4) Priorities.--In approving applications under this
subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize the following:
``(A) Addressing, with respect to the clearinghouse of
practices described in section 476(d)(2), deficiencies or gaps
identified by the Secretary in consultation with--
``(i) States, political subdivisions of a State, and
tribal communities carrying out, or receiving the benefits
of, a service or program; and
``(ii) child welfare experts, including individuals
with lived experience.
``(B) Maximizing the number of evidence-based services or
programs to be included in the clearinghouse of practices
described in section 476(d)(2).
``(C) Timely completion of evaluations and the production
of evidence.
``(D) Supporting services or programs that are based on, or
are adaptations to new population settings of, a service or
program with reliable evidence about the benefits and risks of
the service or program.
``(5) Availability of external evaluators.--
``(A) In general.--Before accepting applications under this
subsection, the Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to
identify at least 1 entity to serve as an external evaluator
for any eligible entity that includes a certification under
paragraph (3)(B)(iv) with an application under this subsection.
``(B) No effect on consideration of application.--The
Secretary may not consider whether an eligible entity is in
partnership with an external evaluator described in paragraph
(A) in approving an application under this subsection submitted
by the eligible entity.
``(6) Reports.--
``(A) By grant recipients.--Within 1 year after receiving a
grant under this subsection, and every year thereafter for the
next 5 years, the grant recipient shall submit to the Secretary
a written report on--
``(i) the use of grant funds;
``(ii) whether the program or service evaluated by the
project meets a requirement specified in section
471(e)(4)(C), including information about--
``(I) how the program or service is being carried
out in accordance with standards specified in the
requirement;
``(II) any outcomes of the program or service; and
``(III) any outcome with respect to which the
service or program compares favorably to a comparison
practice; and
``(iii) whether the Secretary has included the program
or service in an update to the clearinghouse of practices
described in section 476(d)(2).
``(B) By the secretary.--The Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and
to the Committee on Finance of the Senate an annual written
report on--
``(i) the grants awarded under this subsection;
``(ii) the programs funded by the grants;
``(iii) any technical assistance provided by the
Secretary in carrying out this subsection, including with
respect to the efforts to secure external evaluators
pursuant to paragraph (5); and
``(iv) any efforts by the Secretary to support program
evaluation and review pursuant to section 471(e) and
inclusion of programs in the pre-approved list of services
and programs described in section 471(e)(4)(D) or the
clearinghouse of practices described in section 476(d)(2).
``(7) Funding.--
``(A) Limitations.--Of the amounts available to carry out
this subsection, the Secretary may use not more than 5 percent
to provide technical assistance.
``(B) Carryover.--Amounts made available to carry out this
subsection shall remain available until expended.
``(8) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means
any of the following providing a service or program or, in the
sole determination of the Secretary, able to provide a service
or program if awarded a grant under this subsection:
``(i) A State, a political subdivision of a State, or
an agency or department of a State or political subdivision
of a State.
``(ii) An entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B)
of section 426(a)(1).
``(iii) An Indian tribe or tribal organization.
``(B) External evaluator.--The term `external evaluator'
means an entity with the ability and willingness to evaluate a
service or program pursuant to paragraph (2) that is not
provided by the entity.
``(C) Service or program.--The term `service or program'--
``(i) means a service or program described in section
471(e); and
``(ii) includes a kinship navigator program described
in section 474(a)(7).''.
(b) Funding.--Section 437(b) (42 U.S.C. 629g(b)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(5) Preventive services evaluation partnerships.--The
Secretary shall reserve $5,000,000 for grants under section 435(f)
for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.''.
SEC. 109. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE.
(a) Caseworker Visits.--Section 422(b)(17) (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(17))
is amended by inserting ``, and include a description of how the State
may offer virtual caseworker visits to youth in care who have attained
the age of 18 years and provided informed consent for virtual visits''
before the semicolon.
(b) Youth and Family Engagement in Child Welfare Program
Planning.--Section 432(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629b(b)(1)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve a plan that
meets the requirements of subsection (a) only if--
``(A) the plan was developed jointly by the Secretary and
the State, and the State, in developing the plan, consulted
with--
``(i) appropriate public and nonprofit private
agencies;
``(ii) community-based organizations involved in
providing services for children and families in the areas
of family preservation, family support, family
reunification, foster care, kinship, and adoption promotion
and support;
``(iii) parents with child welfare experience, foster
parents, adoptive parents, and kinship caregivers; and
``(iv) children, youth, and young adults with
experience in the child welfare system, including State
boards and councils comprised of youth with lived
experience who represent the diversity of children in the
State to whom the plan would apply; and
``(B) the State has made publicly accessible on a website
of the State agency a report that outlines how the State has
implemented the suggestions of the children and youth referred
to in subparagraph (A)(iv).''.
SEC. 110. RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIVE AND KINSHIP
CAREGIVERS.
(a) In General.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as amended by
section 106(b)(2) of this Act, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``children'' and inserting ``children,
youth,''; and
(ii) by striking ``adoptive and extended'' and
inserting ``kinship and adoptive'';
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``parents and other
caregivers (including foster parents)'' and inserting
``parents, kinship caregivers, and foster parents'';
(C) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
(D) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F)
and inserting `` ; and''; and
(E) by adding at the end the following:
``(G)(i) peer-to-peer mentoring and support programs with
demonstrated experience fostering constructive relationships
between children and families and mentors with relevant lived
experience or interactions with the child welfare system; and
``(ii) for purposes of this subpart, an expenditure for a
service described in clause (i) may be treated as an
expenditure for any 1 or more of family support services,
family preservation services, family reunification services, or
adoption promotion and support services, as long as the
expenditure is related to serving the children and families in
the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose
of the category.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``children'' and inserting
``children, youth,''; and
(B) in clause (ii), by striking ``extended'' and inserting
``kinship'';
(3) in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting ``with kinship caregivers
or'' before ``in a foster family home''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) Youth.--The term `youth' means an individual who has not
attained 26 years of age.''.
(b) Kinship Navigators.--
(1) In general.--Section 427 (42 U.S.C. 627) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking ``family connection
grants'' and inserting ``kinship navigators'';
(B) in subsection (a)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``helping'' and inserting ``administering programs to
help'';
(ii) by striking ``of--'' and all that follows through
``a kinship'' and inserting ``of a kinship'';
(iii) in paragraph (1)(C)--
(I) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii);
(II) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (iv);
and
(III) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) connections to individualized assistance, as
needed;'';
(iv) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4);
(v) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (G) of
paragraph (1) as paragraphs (1) through (7), respectively;
(vi) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) and
clause (v) (as added by clause (iii)(III) of this
subparagraph) as subparagraphs (A) through (E),
respectively;
(vii) by moving each provision so redesignated 2 ems to
the left; and
(viii) by striking ``caregiving;'' and inserting
``caregiving.'';
(C) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1 or more of'';
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as
paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively, and inserting after
paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) a description of how the entity will directly fund, or
provide data to the Secretary for, an evaluation which will publish
and submit information to the clearinghouse described in section
476(d)(2) and which is designed to meet the requirements of section
471(e)(4)(C), or a description of how the funds will be used to
help the State transition to a program for which the State will
seek reimbursement under section 474(a)(7);'';
(iii) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by
striking ``and'' at the end;
(iv) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking
the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(v) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) if the entity is a State, local or tribal child welfare
agency--
``(A) documentation of support from a relevant community-
based organization with experience serving kinship families
when applicable; or
``(B) a description of how the organization plans to
coordinate its services and activities with those offered by
the relevant community-based organizations.'';
(D) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Federal Share.--An entity to which a grant is made under this
section may use the grant to pay not more than 75 percent of the cost
of the activities to be carried out by the entity pursuant to this
section.'';
(E) in subsection (g)--
(i) by striking all that precedes ``2 percent'' and
inserting the following:
``(g) Reservation of Funds for Technical Assistance.--The Secretary
may reserve''; and
(ii) by striking ``subsection (h)'' the 2nd place it
appears and inserting ``section 437(b)(6)''; and
(F) by striking subsection (h).
(2) Reservation of discretionary funds.--Section 437(b) (42
U.S.C. 629g(b)), as amended by section 108(b) of this Act, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Kinship navigators.--The Secretary shall reserve
$10,000,000 for grants under section 427 for each of fiscal years
2026 through 2029.''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 474(a)(7) (42 U.S.C.
674(a)(7)) is amended by striking ``427(a)(1)'' and inserting
``427(a)''.
SEC. 111. AVOIDING NEGLECT BY ADDRESSING POVERTY.
(a) Family Preservation Services.--Section 431(a)(1) (42 U.S.C.
629a(a)(1)), as amended by section 110(a)(1) of this Act, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H)(i) services providing nonrecurring short term
benefits (including supports related to housing instability,
utilities, transportation, and food assistance, among other
basic needs) that address immediate needs related to a specific
crisis, situation, or event affecting the ability of a child to
remain in a home established for the child that is not intended
to meet an ongoing need; and
``(ii) for purposes of this subpart, an expenditure for a
service described in clause (i) may be treated as an
expenditure for any 1 or more of family support services,
family preservation services, family reunification services, or
adoption promotion and support services as long as the
expenditure is related to serving the children and families in
the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose
of the category.''.
(b) State Plan Requirements.--Section 432(a) (42 U.S.C. 629b(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and inserting ``;
and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) provides a description of policies in place, including
training for employees, to address child welfare reports and
investigations of neglect concerning the living arrangements or
subsistence needs of a child with the goal to prevent the
separation of a child from a parent of the child solely due to
poverty, to ensure access to services described in section
431(a)(1)(H).''.
SEC. 112. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR CASEWORKERS.
(a) Reauthorization of, and Increase in Funding for, Caseworker
Visits.--Section 436(b)(4)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)(4)(A)) is amended by
striking ``each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023'' and inserting
``fiscal year 2025 and $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each
succeeding fiscal year''.
(b) Minimum Grant Amount.--Section 433(e) (42 U.S.C. 629c(e)) is
amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following:
``(1) Base allotment.--From the amount reserved pursuant to
section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall first
allot to each State (other than an Indian tribe) that has provided
to the Secretary such documentation as may be necessary to verify
that the jurisdiction has complied with section 436(b)(4)(B)(ii)
during the fiscal year, a base allotment of $100,000, and shall
then allot to each of those States an amount determined in
paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection, as applicable.
``(2) Territories.--From the amount reserved pursuant to
section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year that remains after
applying paragraph (1) of this subsection for the fiscal year, the
Secretary shall allot to each jurisdiction specified in subsection
(b) of this section to which a base allotment is made under such
paragraph (1) an amount determined in the same manner as the
allotment to each of such jurisdictions is determined under section
423 (without regard to the initial allotment of $70,000 to each
State).
``(3) Other states.--From the amount reserved pursuant to
section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year that remains after
applying paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection for the fiscal
year, the Secretary shall allot to each State (other than an Indian
tribe) not specified in subsection (b) of this section to which a
base allotment was made under paragraph (1) of this subsection an
amount equal to such remaining amount multiplied by the
supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits percentage of
the State (as defined in subsection (c)(2) of this section) for the
fiscal year, except that in applying subsection (c)(2)(A) of this
section, `subsection (e)(3)' shall be substituted for `such
paragraph (1)'.''.
(c) Requirement to Use Funds to Improve Quality of Caseworker
Visits With Foster Children.--Section 436(b)(4)(B)(i) (42 U.S.C.
629f(b)(4)(B)(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid
from amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the
amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits
with children who are in foster care under the
responsibility of the State, with an emphasis on--
``(I) reducing caseload ratios and the
administrative burden on caseworkers, to improve
caseworker decision making on the safety, permanency,
and well-being of foster children and on activities
designed to increase retention, recruitment, and
training of caseworkers;
``(II) implementing technology solutions to
streamline caseworker duties and modernize systems,
ensuring improved efficiency and effectiveness in child
welfare services;
``(III) improving caseworker safety;
``(IV) mental health resources to support
caseworker well-being, including peer-to-peer support
programs; and
``(V) recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting
qualified caseworker candidates.''.
(d) Elimination of Cost-share Penalty Tied to Monthly Caseworker
Visit Standard.--Section 424(f) (42 U.S.C. 624(f)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(1)(A)''; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (1)(B) and (2).
SEC. 113. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FOR IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS
BETWEEN INCARCERATED PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE.
(a) In General.--Section 439 (42 U.S.C. 629i) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 439. STATE PARTNERSHIP PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION GRANTS TO
SUPPORT MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FOSTER CHILDREN AND THE
INCARCERATED PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN.
``(a) Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make demonstration grants
to eligible State partnerships to develop, implement, and provide
support for programs that enable and sustain meaningful
relationships between covered foster children and the incarcerated
parents of the children.
``(2) Payment of annual installments.--The Secretary shall pay
each demonstration grant in 5 annual installments.
``(3) 1-year planning grants.--The Secretary may make a
planning grant to a recipient of a demonstration grant, to be paid
to the recipient 1 year before payment of the 1st annual
installment of the demonstration grant and in an amount not greater
than any installment of the demonstration grant, if--
``(A) the recipient includes a request for a planning grant
in the application under subsection (c); and
``(B) the Secretary determines that a planning grant would
assist the recipient and improve the effectiveness of the
demonstration grant.
``(b) Eligible State Partnership Defined.--
``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `eligible State
partnership' means an agreement entered into by, at a minimum, the
following:
``(A) The State child welfare agency responsible for the
administration of the State plans under this part.
``(B) The State agency responsible for adult corrections.
``(2) Additional partners.--For purposes of this section, an
eligible State partnership may include any entity with experience
in serving incarcerated parents and their children.
``(3) Partnerships entered into by indian tribes or tribal
consortia.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if an Indian tribe or
tribal consortium enters into a partnership pursuant to this
section that does not consist solely of tribal child welfare
agencies (or a consortium of the agencies), the partnership shall
be considered an eligible State partnership for purposes of this
section.
``(c) Application Requirements.--An eligible State partnership
seeking a demonstration grant under this section to carry out a program
described in subsection (a)(1) shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require. The application shall include the
following:
``(1) A summary of the program, including how the program will
support a meaningful relationship between a covered foster child
and an incarcerated parent of the child.
``(2) A description of the activities to be carried out by the
program, which must include all of the activities described in
subsection (d) that are in the best interest of the covered foster
child.
``(3) A framework for identifying--
``(A) each covered foster child eligible for services under
the program, including, to the extent practicable, coordination
of data between relevant State child welfare agencies and court
systems; and
``(B) the roles and responsibilities of the entities in the
partnership.
``(4) Documentation that the applicant is an eligible State
partnership.
``(5) Assurances that the applicant will participate fully in
the evaluation described in subsection (f)(2) and shall maintain
records for the program, including demographic information
disaggregated by relevant characteristics with respect to covered
foster children and incarcerated parents who participate in the
program.
``(d) Program Activities.--To the extent that the activities are in
the best interest of the covered foster child, the activities referred
to in subsection (c)(2) shall include the following:
``(1) Revision of policies.--Through consultation with
incarcerated parents and their families, grantees shall promote
organizational policies of participating child welfare entities and
collaborating correctional facilities to promote meaningful
relationships through regular and developmentally appropriate
communication and visitation between covered foster children and
the incarcerated parents, including, when appropriate, the
following:
``(A) For child welfare entities--
``(i) inclusion of parents in case planning and
decision making for children;
``(ii) regular sharing of information and responses to
requests for information between caseworkers and
incarcerated parents with respect to the case information
of a child, any changes to a case, permanency plans,
requirements to maintain parental rights, and any efforts
to terminate parental rights;
``(iii) appropriate opportunities for incarcerated
parents to demonstrate their relationship with a covered
foster child given their incarceration, including training
and courses required for a service plan; and
``(iv) the enhanced visitation described in paragraph
(2).
``(B) For correctional facilities, fostering visitation and
communication that is developmentally appropriate in terms of--
``(i) the nature of communication and visitation,
including--
``(I) the ability to physically touch parents;
``(II) engaging with parents in locations that are
appropriate for the age and development of the child;
``(III) exchanging items that are appropriate to
the age and development of the child, include
expectations that are appropriate for the age and
development of the child related to behavior, attire,
and wait times; and
``(IV) allowing appropriate adults to bring
children if legal guardians are not available to
promote regular contact;
``(ii) reasonable inclusion of all children of the
parent;
``(iii) communication and visitation at times when the
children are available;
``(iv) security procedures to comfort children and be
minimally invasive; and
``(v) promoting parent-child relationships regardless
of the sentence imposed on the parent.
``(2) Enhanced visitation.--
``(A) Grantees shall facilitate weekly communication and,
for at least 9 days each year, in-person visitation between a
covered foster child and any incarcerated parent of the child.
``(B) Electronic visitation (such as live video visits,
phone calls, and recorded books) may be used but shall not be
the sole method to promote a meaningful relationship for
purposes of the grant.
``(C) Enhanced visitation programs shall--
``(i) integrate best practices for visitation programs
with incarcerated parents and their children;
``(ii) adopt developmentally appropriate visitation
policies and procedures such as those described in
paragraph (1)(B);
``(iii) reduce or eliminate the cost of developmentally
appropriate communication and visitation for the covered
foster child, which may include the purchase of
communication technology, covering transportation,
insurance, and lodging costs, costs related to providing
appropriate visitation spaces and activities, and other
relevant costs;
``(iv) to the extent practicable, integrate appropriate
parenting education to help prepare and process visits; and
``(v) avoid restricting visitation and communication as
a punishment for the incarcerated parents.
``(3) Training.--Grantees shall incorporate ongoing training
for child welfare workers, correctional facility staff, and other
program providers to understand the importance of promoting
meaningful relationships between children and incarcerated parents.
``(4) Case management.--Grantees shall provide case management
services for the incarcerated parents of a covered foster child to
promote the relationship, access to services, and coordination with
the caseworkers of the covered foster child to strengthen the
relationship.
``(5) Legal assistance.--Grantees shall facilitate access to
necessary legal services and may use grant funds for services that
are not reimbursable under other Federal programs.
``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any activity
carried out using a grant made under this section shall be not greater
than 75 percent.
``(f) Technical Assistance, Evaluations, and Reports.--
``(1) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide
technical assistance with respect to grants under this section,
including by--
``(A) assisting grantees in understanding best practices in
promoting meaningful relationships between incarcerated parents
and their children as well as consulting with appropriate
stakeholders when developing their programs;
``(B) assisting grantees with establishing and analyzing
implementation and performance indicators; and
``(C) conducting an annual technical assistance and
training meeting and an annual grantee meeting so that grantees
can learn from the experiences of other grantees.
``(2) Evaluations.--The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation
of program outcomes, including with respect to parent and child
well-being, parent-child interactions, parental involvement,
awareness of child development and parenting practices, placement
stability, and termination of parental rights with respect to
covered foster children and incarcerated parents, to measure
program effectiveness, as determined by the Secretary, and identify
opportunities for improved program practices and implementation.
``(3) Reports to the congress.--
``(A) Initial report.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a
report that includes--
``(i) the number of applications for grants under this
section;
``(ii) the number of grants awarded, and the amounts
for each grant; and
``(iii) information on the grants, including--
``(I) interim results of the evaluation described
in paragraph (2);
``(II) disaggregated data on covered foster
children and incarcerated parents;
``(III) information on the composition of eligible
State partnerships;
``(IV) best practices for facilitating meaningful
relationships between covered foster children and
incarcerated parents; and
``(V) barriers to implementation or expansion of
programs funded under this section.
``(B) Final report.--Not later than 6 years after the date
of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report that
includes--
``(i) the final results of the evaluation described in
paragraph (2); and
``(ii) recommendations for refinements to grant
requirements to improve program outcomes.
``(g) Authority of Secretary With Respect to Indian Tribes and
Tribal Organizations.--
``(1) Waiver or modification of requirements.--In making a
grant to an Indian tribe or tribal organization under this section,
the Secretary may waive the matching requirement of subsection (e)
or modify an application requirement imposed by or under subsection
(c) if the Secretary determines that the waiver or modification is
appropriate to the needs, culture, and circumstances of the Indian
tribe or tribal organization.
``(2) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall use tribally relevant
data in carrying out the evaluation under subsection (f)(2) with
respect to an Indian tribe or tribal organization.
``(h) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than
$35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out
this section.
``(i) Definition of Covered Foster Child.--In this section, the
term `covered foster child' means a child that--
``(1) is in foster care; and
``(2) has at least 1 parent incarcerated in a Federal, State,
or local correctional facility.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 431(a)(2)(B)(vii) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is
amended by striking ``(as defined in section 439(b)(2))''.
(2) Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as amended by sections
106(b)(2) and 110(a)(4) of this Act, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(12) Mentoring.--The term `mentoring' means a structured,
managed program in which children are appropriately matched with
screened and trained adult volunteers for one on-one relationships,
involving meetings and activities on a regular basis, intended to
meet, in part, the child's need for involvement with a caring and
supportive adult who provides a positive role model.''.
SEC. 114. GUIDANCE TO STATES ON IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION AND
REPORTING FOR YOUTH IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS.
Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the
Department of Education, the Administration for Children and Families,
the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Administration for
Community Living, the Department of Justice, and other relevant policy
experts, as determined by the Secretary, shall issue and disseminate,
or update and revise, as applicable, guidance to State agencies in
administering State plans approved under parts B and E of title IV of
the Social Security Act on the following:
(1) Best practices for Federal and State agencies to collect
data and share information related to the well-being of youth
residing in residential treatment facilities, including those
facilities operating in multiple States or serving out-of-state
youth.
(2) Best practices on improving State collection and sharing of
data related to incidences of maltreatment of youth residing in
residential treatment facilities, including with respect to meeting
the requirement of section 471(a)(9)(A) of such Act for such youth
in foster care.
(3) Best practices on improving oversight of youth residential
programs receiving Federal funding, and research-based strategies
for risk assessment related to the health, safety, and well-being
of youth in the facilities.
SEC. 115. STREAMLINING RESEARCH, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
FUNDING.
(a) Repurposing Discretionary Research Set-aside.--Section 435(c)
(42 U.S.C. 629e(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Evaluation, Research, and Technical Assistance With Respect
to Targeted Program Resources.--Of the amount reserved under section
437(b)(1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall use not less than--
``(1) $1,000,000 for technical assistance to grantees under
section 437(f) and to support design of local site evaluations with
the goal of publishing and submitting evaluation findings to the
clearinghouse established under section 476(d), or to award grants
to allow current or former grantees under section 437(f) to
analyze, publish, and submit to the clearinghouse data collected
during past grants; and
``(2) $1,000,000 for technical assistance required under
section 429B of this Act to support effective implementation of the
Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and to support development of
associated State plan measures described pursuant to section
422(b)(9) of this Act.''.
(b) Elimination of Research Set-aside From Mandatory Funds.--
(1) In general.--Section 436(b) (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)), as amended
by the preceding provisions of this Act, is amended by striking
paragraph (1) and redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as
paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 433(a) (42 U.S.C. 629c(a)) is amended by
striking ``436(b)(3)'' and inserting ``436(b)(2)''.
(B) Section 433(e) (42 U.S.C. 629c(e)), as amended by
section 112(b) of this Act, is amended by striking
``436(b)(4)(A)'' and inserting ``436(b)(3)(A)'' each place it
appears.
(C) Section 434(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629d(a)(2)(A)) is
amended by striking ``436(b)(4)(B)'' and inserting
``436(b)(3)(B)''.
(D) Section 437(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629g(b)(1)) is amended by
striking ``436(b)(1)'' and inserting ``435''.
(E) Section 437(f)(3) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(3)) is amended by
striking ``436(b)(5)'' and inserting ``436(b)(4)''.
(F) Section 438(c) (42 U.S.C. 629g(c)) is amended in each
of paragraphs (1) through (3) is amended by striking
``436(b)(2)'' and inserting ``436(b)(1)''.
SEC. 116. REPORT ON POST ADOPTION AND SUBSIDIZED GUARDIANSHIP
SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall prepare and
submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report on
children who enter into foster care under the supervision of a State
administering a plan approved under part B or E of title IV of the
Social Security Act after finalization of an adoption or legal
guardianship.
(b) Information.--The Secretary shall include in the report
information, to the extent available through the Adoption and Foster
Care Analysis and Reporting System and other data sources, regarding
the incidence of adoption disruption and dissolution affecting children
described in subsection (a) and factors associated with such
circumstances, including--
(1) whether affected individuals received pre- or post-legal
adoption services; and
(2) other relevant information, such as the age of the child
involved.
(c) Post-adoption Services and Guardianship.--The Secretary shall
include in the report--
(1) a summary of post-adoption services and guardianship in
each State that are available to families that adopted children
from foster care and the extent to which the services are evidence-
based or evidence-informed.
(2) a summary of funding and funding sources for the services
in each State, including set-asides under the Promoting Safe and
Stable Families program.
SEC. 117. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--The amendments made by this title shall take
effect on October 1, 2025, and shall apply to payments under part B of
title IV of the Social Security Act for calendar quarters beginning on
or after such date.
(b) Delay Permitted if State Legislation Required.--If the
Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State
legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in
order for a State plan developed pursuant to part B of title IV of the
Social Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the
amendments made by this title, the plan shall not be regarded as
failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the 1st day
of the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session
of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of
this Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if the State has a 2-
year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a
separate regular session of the State legislature.
(c) Application to Programs Operated by Indian Tribal
Organizations.--In the case of an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or
tribal consortium that the Secretary of Health and Human Services
determines requires time to take action necessary to comply with the
additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this Act
(whether the tribe, organization, or tribal consortium has a plan under
section 479B of the Social Security Act or a cooperative agreement or
contract entered into with a State), the Secretary shall provide the
tribe, organization, or tribal consortium with such additional time as
the Secretary determines is necessary for the tribe, organization, or
tribal consortium to take the action to comply with the additional
requirements before being regarded as failing to comply with the
requirements.
TITLE II--STRENGTHENING STATE AND TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Strengthening State and Tribal
Child Support Enforcement Act''.
SEC. 202. IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
(a) Improving the Collection of Past-due Child Support Through
State and Tribal Parity in the Allowable Use of Tax Information.--
(1) Amendment to the social security act.--Section 464 of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 664) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(d) Applicability to Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations
Receiving a Grant Under This Part.--This section, except for the
requirement to distribute amounts in accordance with section 457, shall
apply to an Indian tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under
section 455(f) in the same manner in which this section applies to a
State with a plan approved under this part.''.
(2) Amendments to the internal revenue code.--
(A) Section 6103(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by striking ``any local child support enforcement
agency'' and inserting ``any tribal or local child support
enforcement agency''.
(B) Section 6103(a)(3) of such Code is amended by inserting
``, (8)'' after ``(6)''.
(C) Section 6103(l) of such Code is amended--
(i) in paragraph (6)--
(I) by striking ``or local'' in subparagraph (A)
and inserting ``tribal, or local'';
(II) by striking ``and local'' in the heading
thereof and inserting ``tribal, and local'';
(III) by striking ``The following'' in subparagraph
(B) and inserting ``The'';
(IV) by striking the colon and all that follows in
subparagraph (B) and inserting a period; and
(V) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) State, tribal, or local child support enforcement
agency.--For purposes of this paragraph, the following shall be
treated as a State, tribal, or local child support enforcement
agency:
``(i) Any agency of a State or political subdivision
thereof operating pursuant to a plan described in section
454 of the Social Security Act which has been approved by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services under part D of
title IV of such Act.
``(ii) Any child support enforcement agency of an
Indian tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under
section 455(f) of the Social Security Act.'';
(ii) in paragraph (8)--
(I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or State or
local'' and inserting ``, State, tribal, or local'';
(II) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``enforced
pursuant to a plan described'' and all that follows
through ``of such Act'' and inserting ``enforced
pursuant to the provisions of part D of title IV of the
Social Security Act'';
(III) by adding at the end of subparagraph (B) the
following: ``The information disclosed to any child
support enforcement agency under subparagraph (A) with
respect to any individual with respect to whom child
support obligations are sought to be established or
enforced may be disclosed by such agency to any agent
of such agency which is under contract with such agency
for purposes of, and to the extent necessary in,
establishing and collecting child support obligations
from, and locating, individuals owing such
obligations.'';
(IV) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the
following:
``(C) State, tribal, or local child support enforcement
agency.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `State,
tribal, or local child support enforcement agency' has the same
meaning as when used in paragraph (6)(D).''; and
(V) by striking ``and local'' in the heading
thereof and inserting ``tribal, and local''; and
(iii) in paragraph (10)(B), by adding at the end the
following new clause:
``(iii) The information disclosed to any child support
enforcement agency under subparagraph (A) with respect to
any individual with respect to whom child support
obligations are sought to be established or enforced may be
disclosed by such agency to any agent of such agency which
is under contract with such agency for purposes of, and to
the extent necessary in, establishing and collecting child
support obligations from, and locating, individuals owing
such obligations.''.
(D) Section 6103(p)(4) of such Code is amended--
(i) by striking ``subsection (l)(10), (13)(A), (13)(B),
(13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20), or any
entity'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and
inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), (10), (13)(A), (13)(B),
(13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20), or any
Indian tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under
section 455(f) of the Social Security Act, or any entity'';
(ii) by striking ``subsection (l)(10)'' in subparagraph
(F)(i) and inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), (10)'';
(iii) by striking ``subsection (l)(10), (13)(A),
(13)(B), (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20) or
any entity'' each place it appears in the matter following
subparagraph (F)(iii) and inserting ``subsection (l)(6),
(8), (10), (13)(A), (13)(B), (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16),
(18), (19), or (20), or any Indian tribe or tribal
organization receiving a grant under section 455(f) of the
Social Security Act, or any entity''; and
(iv) by inserting ``, (8)'' after ``paragraph (6)(A)''
in the matter following subparagraph (F)(iii).
(E) Section 6103(p)(9) of such Code is amended by striking
``or local'' and inserting ``tribal, or local''.
(F) Section 6402(c) of such Code is amended by adding at
the end the following: ``For purposes of this subsection, any
reference to a State shall include a reference to any Indian
tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under section
455(f) of the Social Security Act.''.
(b) Reimbursement for Reports.--Section 453(g) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(g)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``State''; and
(2) by striking ``and State'' and inserting ``, State, and
tribal''.
(c) Technical Amendments.--Paragraphs (7) and (33) of section 454
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 654) are each amended by striking
``450b'' and inserting ``5304''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.