[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9076 Reported in House (RH)]

<DOC>





                                                 Union Calendar No. 574
118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 9076

                          [Report No. 118-679]

To reauthorize and modernize part B of title IV of the Social Security 
 Act to strengthen child welfare services, expand the availability of 
 prevention services to better meet the needs of vulnerable families, 
                        and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 22, 2024

   Mr. LaHood (for himself and Mr. Davis of Illinois) introduced the 
 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

                           September 17, 2024

 Additional sponsors: Mr. Smith of Nebraska, Mr. Panetta, Ms. Tenney, 
Ms. Chu, Mr. Moore of Utah, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin, Mrs. Miller of West 
     Virginia, Mr. Evans, Mr. Carey, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Smucker, Mrs. 
Fischbach, Ms. Van Duyne, Mr. Estes, Mr. Feenstra, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. 
      Steube, Mr. Kustoff, Mr. Wenstrup, Mrs. Steel, Mr. Kelly of 
                     Pennsylvania, and Ms. DelBene

                           September 17, 2024

  Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole 
       House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed
 [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed 
                               in italic]
 [For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on July 
                               22, 2024]


_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
To reauthorize and modernize part B of title IV of the Social Security 
 Act to strengthen child welfare services, expand the availability of 
 prevention services to better meet the needs of vulnerable families, 
                        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; REFERENCES.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting 
America's Children by Strengthening Families Act''.
    (b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever 
in this Act 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. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; references.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Reauthorization of child welfare programs.
Sec. 4. Enhancements to the court improvement program.
Sec. 5. Expanding regional partnership grants to address parental 
                            substance use disorder as cause of child 
                            removal.
Sec. 6. Modernization; reducing administrative burden.
Sec. 7. Streamlining funding for Indian tribes.
Sec. 8. Accelerating access to Family First prevention services.
Sec. 9. Strengthening support for youth aging out of foster care.
Sec. 10. Recognizing the importance of relative and kinship caregivers.
Sec. 11. Avoiding neglect by addressing poverty.
Sec. 12. Strengthening support for caseworkers.
Sec. 13. Demonstration projects for improving relationships between 
                            incarcerated parents and children in foster 
                            care.
Sec. 14. Guidance to States on improving data collection and reporting 
                            for youth in residential treatment 
                            programs.
Sec. 15. Streamlining research, training, and technical assistance 
                            funding.
Sec. 16. Report on post adoption and subsidized guardianship services.
Sec. 17. Effective date.

SEC. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIVE AND KINSHIP CAREGIVERS.

    (a) In General.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as amended by 
section 6(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 8(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. 11. AVOIDING NEGLECT BY ADDRESSING POVERTY.

    (a) Family Preservation Services.--Section 431(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 
629a(a)(1)), as amended by section 10(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. 12. 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. 13. 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 6(b)(2) and 10(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. 14. 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. 15. 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 12(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. 16. 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. 17. EFFECTIVE DATE.

    (a) In General.--The amendments made by this Act 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 Act, 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.
                                                 Union Calendar No. 574

118th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H. R. 9076

                          [Report No. 118-679]

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL

To reauthorize and modernize part B of title IV of the Social Security 
 Act to strengthen child welfare services, expand the availability of 
 prevention services to better meet the needs of vulnerable families, 
                        and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

                           September 17, 2024

  Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole 
       House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed