[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2967 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2967
To provide greater support for grandfamilies and older caretaker
relatives.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 23, 2019
Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the
Committees on Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Financial
Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in
each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide greater support for grandfamilies and older caretaker
relatives.
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 ``Grandfamilies Act of 2019''.
SEC. 2. INCREASING ACCESS TO SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN WHO
LIVE WITH GRANDPARENTS OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.
(a) In General.--Title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401
et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 202(d)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``except as
provided in paragraph (9),'' before ``was dependent'';
and
(B) by amending paragraph (9) to read as follows:
``(9)(A) In the case of a child who is the child of an individual
under clause (3) of the first sentence of section 216(e) and is not a
child of such individual under clause (1) or (2) of such first
sentence, the criteria specified in subparagraph (B) shall apply
instead of the criteria specified in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1).
``(B) The criteria of this subparagraph are that--
``(i) the child has been living with such individual in the
United States for a period of not less than 12 months;
``(ii) the child has been receiving not less than \1/2\ of
the child's support from such individual for a period of not
less than 12 months; and
``(iii) the period during which the child was living with
such individual began before the child attained age 18.
``(C) In the case of a child who is less than 12 months old, such
child shall be deemed to meet the requirements of subparagraph (B) if,
on the date the child attains 1 year of age, such child has lived with
such individual in the United States and received at least \1/2\ of the
child's support from such individual for substantially all of the
period which began on the date of such child's birth.''; and
(2) in section 216(e), in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``grandchild or stepgrandchild of
an individual or his spouse'' and inserting
``grandchild, stepgrandchild, or other first-degree,
second-degree, third-degree, fourth-degree, or fifth-
degree relative of an individual or the individual's
spouse'';
(B) by striking ``was no natural or adoptive
parent'' and inserting ``is no living natural or
adoptive parent'';
(C) by striking ``was under a disability'' and
inserting ``is under a disability'';
(D) by striking ``living at the time'' and all that
follows through ``, or (B)'' and inserting ``, (B)'';
and
(E) by inserting ``, or (C) the person has been in
the custody of such individual pursuant to a court
order for a period of not less than 12 months'' before
the first period.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 202(d)(1) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)'' and
inserting ``subparagraphs (A) and (B) and subparagraph (C) or
paragraph (9) (as applicable)''; and
(2) by striking ``subparagraphs (B) and (C)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (B) and subparagraph (C) or paragraph (9) (as
applicable)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. ELIMINATING BARRIERS TO TANF FOR CHILDREN AND OLDER CARETAKER
RELATIVES.
(a) Broadening Good Cause Exception to Requirement To Provide
Information on Noncustodial Parents.--Section 454(29)(A)(i) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 654(29)(A)(i)) is amended by striking
``best interests of the child'' and inserting ``best interests of the
child, including, if enforcement procedures against a non-custodial
parent of the child are initiated, whether such procedures will impede
the parent's ability to reunify with the child in the future''.
(b) Disregard of Nonparent Caretaker Relative Income, Assets, and
Resources in Child-Only Cases.--
(1) In general.--Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 608(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(13) Disregard of income, assets, and resources for
nonparent caretaker relatives in child-only cases.--
``(A) In general.--With respect to a minor child
who does not reside in the same household as a parent
of the child, a State to which a grant is made under
section 403 shall not take into account the income,
assets, or resources of such child's nonparent
caretaker relative who is not seeking assistance under
the State program funded under this part or any other
State program funded with qualified State expenditures
(as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)) on their own
behalf in determining whether the child is eligible for
assistance under any such program, or in determining
the amount or types of such assistance to be provided
to the child.
``(B) Exception.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
in the case of a State program--
``(i) that is operated specifically for
children living with nonparent caretaker
relatives;
``(ii) that provides monthly financial
assistance to a child living with a nonparent
caretaker relative in an amount that is greater
than the amount of assistance that the child
would receive on the child's own behalf under
the State program funded under this part;
``(iii) that is separate from the State
program funded under this part; and
``(iv) that is described in the State plan
submitted under section 402.''.
(2) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 609(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(17) Penalty for failure to disregard income, assets, and
resources of nonparent caretaker relative in child-only
cases.--If the Secretary determines that a State to which a
grant is made under section 403 in a fiscal year has violated
section 408(a)(13) during the fiscal year, the Secretary shall
reduce the grant payable to the State under section 403(a)(1)
for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal
to 3 percent of the State family assistance grant.''.
(c) Eliminating 5-Year Cap on Assistance in Child-Only Cases.--
(1) In general.--Section 408(a)(7) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(H) No limit for child-only cases.--A State shall
not limit the number of months of assistance under the
State program funded under this part or any other State
program funded with qualified State expenditures (as
defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)) for a family in
which all adults in the family--
``(i) are nonparent caretaker relatives of
a child who does not reside in the same
household of the parent of the child; and
``(ii) do not receive assistance under the
State program funded under this part or any
other State program funded with qualified
expenditures (as defined in section
409(a)(7)(B)(i)) on their own behalf.''.
(2) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 609(a)), as previously amended by this section, is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``(other than
subparagraph (H))'' after ``section 408(a)(7)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(18) Penalty for failure to comply with 5-year cap
exemptions.--If the Secretary determines that a State to which
a grant is made under section 403 in a fiscal year has violated
subparagraph (H) of section 408(a)(7) during the fiscal year,
the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the State under
section 403(a)(1) for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by
an amount equal to 3 percent of the State family assistance
grant''.
(d) Exemption From Work Requirements for Nonparent Caretaker
Relatives in Child-Only Cases.--
(1) In general.--Section 408 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 608) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(h) State Required To Exempt Nonparent Caretaker Relatives From
Work Participation in Child-Only Cases.--A State shall not require an
individual to engage in work if the individual--
``(1) is the nonparent caretaker relative of a child who
does not reside in the same household as a parent of the child;
and
``(2) resides in a household in which no adult receives
assistance under the State program funded under this part or
any other State program funded with qualified expenditures (as
defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)) on their own behalf.''.
(2) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 609(a)), as previously amended by this section, is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(19) Penalty for failure to comply with work
participation exemptions.--If the Secretary determines that a
State to which a grant is made under section 403 in a fiscal
year has violated subsection (h) of section 408 during the
fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to
the State under section 403(a)(1) for the immediately
succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to 3 percent of the
State family assistance grant.''.
(e) Eliminating 5-Year Cap on Assistance for Older Caretaker
Relatives.--
(1) In general.--Section 408(a)(7) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)(7)), as amended by subsection (c)(1), is
amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(I) Non-application of limit to older caretaker
relatives.--
``(i) No limit for older caretaker
relatives.--Subparagraph (A) shall not apply
and a State shall not limit the number of
months of assistance under the State program
funded under this part or any other State
program funded with qualified State
expenditures (as defined in section
409(a)(7)(B)(i)) based on receipt of such
assistance by an individual who is an older
caretaker relative (as defined for purposes of
paragraph (14)).
``(ii) Disregard of months of assistance
.--In determining the number of months for
which a family that includes an adult who has
received assistance under the State program
funded under this part or any other State
program funded with qualified State
expenditures (as defined in section
409(a)(7)(B)(i)), the State shall disregard any
month for which such assistance was provided
with respect to the family during which such
adult was an older caretaker relative (as
defined for purposes of paragraph (14)).''.
(2) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 609(a)), as previously amended by this section, is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``or (I)'' after
``subparagraph (H)''; and
(B) in paragraph (18), by inserting ``or (I)''
after ``subparagraph (H)''.
(f) Exemption From Work Requirements for Older Caretaker
Relatives.--
(1) In general.--Section 408 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 608), by subsection (d)(1), is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(i) State Required To Exempt Older Caretaker Relatives From Work
Participation Where Caretaker Receives Assistance.--A State shall not
require an individual to engage in work, and, at the option of the
State and on a case-by-case basis, may disregard such individual in
determining the participation rates under section 407(a), if the
individual--
``(1) is an older caretaker relative (as defined for
purposes of subsection (a)(14)); and
``(2) directly receives assistance on the individual's own
behalf under the State program funded under this part or any
other State program funded with qualified expenditures (as
defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)).''.
(2) Penalty.--Paragraph (18) of section 409(a) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)), as added by subsection
(d)(2), is amended by inserting ``or (i)'' after ``subsection
(h)''.
(3) Conforming amendments.--402(a)(1)(A) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (ii), by inserting ``and subject to
subsection (h) and (i) of section 408'' before the
period; and
(B) in clause (iii), by inserting ``and subject to
subsection (h) and (i) of section 408'' before the
period.
(g) Disregard of Income, Assets, and Resources for Older Caretaker
Relatives.--
(1) In general.--Section 408(a) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 608(a)), as previously amended by this section, is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(14) Disregard of income, assets, and resources for older
caretaker relatives.--
``(A) In general.--In determining the eligibility
for, and amount of, assistance under the State program
funded under this part or any other State program
funded with qualified State expenditures (as defined in
section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)) for a family that includes an
individual who is an older caretaker relative (as
defined in subparagraph (B)), a State to which a grant
is made under section 403 shall not take into account
the income, assets, or resources of that individual.
``(B) Definition.--
``(i) In general.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `older caretaker relative'
means an individual who--
``(I) subject to clause (ii), has
attained age 55; and
``(II) is the primary caretaker for
a minor child who--
``(aa) is living with the
individual;
``(bb) does not have a
parent living in the home; and
``(cc) is a relative of the
individual.
``(ii) State option to modify age
criterion.--At the option of a State, such term
shall include an individual who has not
attained age 55.
``(iii) Determination to be made by
state.--The determination of whether an
individual meets the criteria described in
clause (i)(II) shall be made by the State.''.
(2) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 609(a)), as previously amended by this section, is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(20) Penalty for failure to disregard income, assets, and
resources for older caretaker relatives.--If the Secretary
determines that a State to which a grant is made under section
403 in a fiscal year has violated section 408(a)(14) during the
fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce the grant payable to
the State under section 403(a)(1) for the immediately
succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to 3 percent of the
State family assistance grant.''.
(h) Ensuring Equitable Treatment for Older Caretaker Relatives
Under TANF.--
(1) State notifications to older caretaker relatives of
child tanf recipients.--
(A) In general.--Section 408(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)), as previously amended
by this section, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(15) State requirements regarding notice to relative
caretakers.--A State to which a grant is made under section 403
shall--
``(A) ensure that the State agency responsible for
administering the State program funded under this part
employs a resource employee who is trained to provide
guidance to an older caretaker relative of a minor
child if the child is a recipient of assistance under
the program (or under a State program funded with
qualified State expenditures (as defined in section
409(a)(7)(B)(i))), on legal options regarding custody
and guardianship of the child, including explaining to
the relative caretaker how each legal option
corresponds to the availability of benefits and
services, and who serves as a liaison with other
agencies and community organizations that provide
resources and assistance to relative caretakers; and
``(B) ensure that the State agency provides to any
older caretaker relative of a minor child if the child
is a recipient of assistance under the State program
funded under this part (or under a State program funded
with qualified State expenditures (as defined in
section 409(a)(7)(B)(i))), written notice that--
``(i) explains the options of the older
caretaker relative under Federal, State, and
local law to participate in the care and
placement of the child, including the financial
ramifications of the options and any options
that may be lost by choosing certain benefits;
``(ii) describes the requirements under
section 471(a)(10) to become a foster family
home and the additional services and supports
that are available for a child placed in such a
home;
``(iii) if the State has elected the option
to make guardianship assistance payments under
section 471(a)(28), describes how the relative
caretaker may enter into an agreement with the
State to receive the payments;
``(iv) describes policies under the State
program funded under this part that are
designed to help older caretaker relatives,
including income, asset, and resource
exemptions in determining program eligibility,
`good cause' exemptions to child support
enforcement policies, and work requirement
exemptions;
``(v) provides direct contact information
for other agencies and community organizations
that provide resources and assistance, such as
housing, supplemental nutrition assistance,
health care, and child care; and
``(vi) provides direct contact information
for the resource employee described in
subparagraph (A).''.
(B) Inclusion in state plan.--Section 402(a)(1)(B)
of such Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(1)(B)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(vi) The document shall provide a
detailed explanation of how the State intends
to comply with section 408(a)(15).''.
(C) Penalty.--Section 409(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
609(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(21) Failure to notify relative caretakers.--If the
Secretary determines that a State to which a grant is made
under section 403 for a fiscal year has violated section
408(a)(15) during the fiscal year, the Secretary shall reduce
the grant payable to the State under section 403(a)(1) for the
immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to 4
percent of the grant.''.
(2) State treatment of relative caretakers of child tanf
recipients.--Section 402(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 602(a)), as amended by paragraph (2)(B), is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) The document shall provide a
detailed explanation of the State's treatment
of older caretaker relatives of minor children,
in cases in which the child is a recipient of
assistance under the State program funded under
this part (or under a State program funded with
qualified State expenditures (as defined in
section 409(a)(7)(B)(i))), including--
``(I) information regarding how the
State defines terms such as `relative',
`fictive kin', and `caretaker';
``(II) a description of the
training received by caseworkers of the
State agency responsible for
administering the program in relation
to older caretaker relatives of minor
children, in cases in which the child
is such a recipient;
``(III) an explanation of the ways
in which assistance available under the
program to an older relative caretaker
of a minor child is affected by the
temporary presence in the home of a
biological parent of the child; and
``(IV) an explanation of how
benefits are adjusted for older
caretaker relatives including income,
asset, and resource exemptions in
determining program eligibility, `good
cause' exemptions to child support
enforcement policies, and work
requirement exemptions.''.
(3) Enhanced data reporting.--Section 411(a)(7) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 611(a)(7)) is amended by adding
at the end the following: ``The Secretary shall also prescribe
regulations to improve the reporting of data on the economic
well-being and circumstances of families with older relative
caretakers of minor children, including, to the extent
practicable, information relating to--
``(A) all adults in the family, including whether
or not such adults are recipients of assistance under
the State program funded under this part (or under a
State program funded with qualified State expenditures
(as defined in section 409(a)(7)(B)(i)));
``(B) all minor children in the family, including
whether any such minor child--
``(i) is required to be included in the
foster care reporting population for purposes
of the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis
Reporting System (AFCARS) established pursuant
to section 479; or
``(ii) is not required to be so included in
such foster care reporting population, but--
``(I) is receiving services in the
home of the relative caretaker that are
supervised or administered by the State
agency responsible for administering
the State plan approved under part B;
``(II) was placed with the relative
caretaker to prevent the need for
foster care as a result of an
intervention on behalf of the child
which was carried out or supervised by
the State agency administering the
State plans under parts B and E; or
``(III) was placed with the
relative caretaker upon formal
discharge from the care and placement
responsibility of the State agency
administering the plans under part B or
E;
``(iii) all families who applied for a
good-cause exemption to the State's child
enforcement cooperation policies; and
``(iv) all families who received a good-
cause exemption to the State's child
enforcement cooperation policies.''.
(i) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first
day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(2) Delay permitted.--
(A) In general.--Before the date described in
subparagraph (B), a State plan under title IV of the
Social Security Act shall not be regarded as failing to
comply with an additional requirement imposed on the
plan by this section if the Secretary of Health and
Human Services determines that such additional
requirement--
(i) requires State legislation (other than
legislation appropriating funds) in order for
the plan to meet such additional requirement;
or
(ii) could not practicably be met by the
plan before such date.
(B) Date described.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the date described in this subparagraph is, with
respect to a State, the first day of the first calendar
quarter beginning after the close of the first regular
session of the State legislature that begins after the
date of enactment of this section. For purposes of the
previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-
year legislative session, each year of such session
shall be deemed to be a separate regular session of the
State legislature.
SEC. 4. IMPROVING THE COLLECTION OF CHILD SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
RECEIVING TANF ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 454 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
654) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (30) through (34) as
paragraphs (31) through (35), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (29) the following:
``(30) include a description of--
``(A) the methods used by the State to determine
whether an individual who has applied for or is
receiving assistance under the State program funded
under part A, the State program under part E, the State
program under title XIX, or the supplemental nutrition
assistance program, as defined under section 3(h) of
the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(h)),
is cooperating in good faith with the State in
establishing paternity or in establishing, modifying,
or enforcing a support order, as provided in paragraph
(29);
``(B) the State's process for determining in a
timely manner whether such an individual satisfies the
cooperation requirement described in subparagraph (A)
due to the individual's participation in another State
or Federal assistance program;
``(C) the good cause or other exceptions to the
cooperation requirement that the State recognizes,
including an explanation of any special requirements or
considerations for an older relative caretaker seeking
to apply for such an exception; and
``(D) how the State makes clear to an individual
who has applied for or is receiving assistance under a
program referred to in subparagraph (A)--
``(i) what, if anything, the individual
needs to do in order to satisfy the cooperation
requirement, including explaining to the
individual how the individual might satisfy the
requirement through participation in another
State or Federal assistance program;
``(ii) the effect on the individual's
eligibility to receive assistance under a
program referred to in subparagraph (A), and
under other State or Federal assistance
programs, if the individual fails to satisfy
the cooperation requirement; and
``(iii) the good cause or other exceptions
to the cooperation requirement for which the
individual may be eligible, including the
standard of proof required to qualify for each
exception and an explanation of any special
requirements or considerations for older
caretaker relatives;''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 452(k)(1), by striking ``section 454(31)''
and inserting ``section 454(32)''; and
(2) in section 454, in the matter following paragraph (35)
(as redesignated by subsection (a)) by striking ``paragraph
(33)'' and inserting ``paragraph (34)''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. ENCOURAGING STATES TO ADOPT TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP LAWS.
(a) In General.--Section 474(a)(7) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 674(a)(7)) is amended by inserting ``(or, in the case of a State
that has in effect for the quarter a temporary guardianship law (as
defined in section 475(14)), 75 percent)'' after ``50 percent''.
(b) Definition.--Section 475 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
675) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(14)(A) The term `temporary guardianship law' means a State law
that allows for the establishment, by operation of such law and through
an easily navigable simple civil process of a relationship between a
child and a nonparent caretaker who has taken responsibility for caring
for the child in the absence of the child's parents in which some of
the parental rights with respect to the child are transferred to the
caretaker for a specified period of time which may be extended or
renewed, except that the total period of time for which such rights are
transferred to the caretaker (including any extensions or renewals)
shall not exceed a maximum period of time (as established by the
State).
``(B) Under the process established under a law described in
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) court fees shall be waived or reduced; and
``(ii) any court forms or filings related to the process
are easy enough to understand that a nonparent caretaker who
has taken responsibility for caring for the child in the
absence of the child's parents could reasonably complete such
forms or filings without legal assistance.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. GUIDANCE.
(a) Guidance to States on Ensuring Awareness of Child Welfare
System Among Kinship Caregivers.--Not later than the first day of the
first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue guidance to
States on ways to ensure that kinship caregivers who receive assistance
under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or any other State program funded
with qualified State expenditures (as defined in section
409(a)(7)(B)(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(7)(B)(i))) are--
(1) provided with information about any appropriate
assistance and services available to them through the child
welfare system of the State, including eligibility for foster
care licensure and pathways to guardianship assitance programs
or adoption subsidies, and how to access such assistance and
services; and
(2) referred to any kinship navigator program operated by
the State.
(b) Guidance on Coordinating Assistance for Caregivers.--Not later
than the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall issue guidance for States identifying options for State programs,
including programs funded under title IV of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 601 et seq.), programs funded under the Older Americans Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), and other relevant programs that are
jointly funded or administered by States and the Federal Government, to
collaborate, coordinate, and streamline outreach to, and processing of
applications of assistance, for grandparents and older relative
caregivers or kinship caregivers caring for grandchildren and other
relative children residing with them.
SEC. 7. STATE SUPPORT PLANS FOR GRANDPARENTS CARING FOR GRANDCHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Not later than the first day of the first fiscal
year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act, from amounts
appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary of Health and
Human Services shall award grants to States for purposes of developing
State support plans for grandparents caring for grandchildren and other
relatives caring for relative children.
(b) Requirements.--A State support plan for grandparents caring for
grandchildren and other relatives caring for relative children that is
funded by a grant under this section shall include the following:
(1) An initial assessment of the state of grandparents
caring for grandchildren and other relatives caring for
relative children in the State.
(2) A plan for how appropriate State agencies can
collaborate in their efforts to provide financial support,
housing services, and other services and supports to
grandparents caring for grandchildren and other relatives
caring for relative children.
(3) Steps that the State proposes to take over the next 5
years to ensure that grandparents caring for grandchildren and
other relatives caring for relative children have necessary
resources.
(4) A plan to simplify or combine application requirements
for State public assistance programs to reduce administrative
burdens on recipients, with a focus on families consisting of
grandparents or other older caretaker relatives raising
relative children.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $10,000,000 to carry out this section.
SEC. 8. NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER ON GRANDFAMILIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than the first day of the first fiscal
year that begins after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of the Administration for Community Living shall
establish a National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies (in
this section referred to as the ``Center'') to conduct the activities
described in subsection (b).
(b) Activities of Center.--The Center--
(1) shall engage experienced experts to identify model
practices or programs, related to health, nutrition, housing,
and other related issues, to help serve children, parents, and
caregivers in grandfamilies;
(2) may develop guidelines for States to encourage best
practices to support grandfamilies impacted by parental
substance use, including ways to help caregivers meet
children's health, development, and wellbeing needs (including
promotion of safe sleep practices), support birth parents'
access, engagement, and success in treatment, support birth
parents' formation of a healthy attachment with their children,
and promote positive parenting (including co-parenting support)
skills for both relative caregivers and birthparents; and
(3) may facilitate learning across States and provide
technical assistance and resources to individuals and entities
that directly work with all 3 generations in grandfamilies.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this section.
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