[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5259-H5270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SUPPORTING AMERICA'S CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACT

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 9076) 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, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 9076

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting America's 
     Children and Families Act''.

        TITLE I--CHILD WELFARE REAUTHORIZATION AND MODERNIZATION

     SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES.

       (a) Short Title.--This title may be cited as the 
     ``Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families 
     Act''.
       (b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, 
     wherever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in 
     terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other 
     provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to 
     that section or other provision of the Social Security Act.

     SEC. 102. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents of this title is as follows:

Sec. 101. Short title; references.
Sec. 102. Table of contents.
Sec. 103. Reauthorization of child welfare programs.
Sec. 104. Enhancements to the court improvement program.
Sec. 105. Expanding regional partnership grants to address parental 
              substance use disorder as cause of child removal.
Sec. 106. Modernization; reducing administrative burden.
Sec. 107. Streamlining funding for Indian tribes.
Sec. 108. Accelerating access to Family First prevention services.
Sec. 109. Strengthening support for youth aging out of foster care.
Sec. 110. Recognizing the importance of relative and kinship 
              caregivers.
Sec. 111. Avoiding neglect by addressing poverty.
Sec. 112. Strengthening support for caseworkers.
Sec. 113. Demonstration projects for improving relationships between 
              incarcerated parents and children in foster care.
Sec. 114. Guidance to States on improving data collection and reporting 
              for youth in residential treatment programs.
Sec. 115. Streamlining research, training, and technical assistance 
              funding.
Sec. 116. Report on post adoption and subsidized guardianship services.
Sec. 117. Effective date.

     SEC. 103. REAUTHORIZATION OF CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS.

       (a) Reauthorization of Subpart 1; Discretionary Funding.--
     Section 425 (42 U.S.C. 625) is amended by striking ``2017 
     through 2023'' and inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
       (b) Reauthorization of Subpart 2; Enhanced Support.--
     Section 436(a) (42 U.S.C. 629f(a)) is amended by striking 
     ``each of fiscal years 2017 through 2023'' and inserting 
     ``fiscal year 2025 and $420,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
     2026 through 2029''.
       (c) Reauthorization of Subpart 2; Discretionary Funding.--
     Section 437(a) (42 U.S.C. 629g(a)) is amended by striking 
     ``2017 through 2023'' and inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
       (d) Funding Limitation.--Section 423(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 
     623(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``, not to exceed 
     $10,000,000'' before the semicolon.

     SEC. 104. ENHANCEMENTS TO THE COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

       (a) Increase in Reservation of Funds.--Section 436(b)(2) 
     (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)(2)) is amended by inserting ``for fiscal 
     year 2025 and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each 
     succeeding fiscal year'' before ``for grants''.
       (b) Extension of State Match Requirement.--Section 438(d) 
     (42 U.S.C. 629h(d)) is amended by striking ``2017 through 
     2023'' and inserting ``2025 through 2029''.
       (c) Program Improvements.--Section 438(a) (42 U.S.C. 
     629h(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) that determine the appropriateness and best practices 
     for use of technology to conduct remote hearings, subject to 
     participant consent, including to ensure maximum 
     participation of individuals involved in proceedings and to 
     enable courts to maintain operations in times of public 
     health or other emergencies;'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ``personnel.'' and 
     inserting ``personnel and supporting optimal use of remote 
     hearing technology; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) to ensure continuity of needed court services, 
     prevent disruption of the services, and enable their recovery 
     from threats such as public health crises, natural disasters 
     or cyberattacks, including through--
       ``(A) support for technology that allows court proceedings 
     to occur remotely subject to participant consent, including 
     hearings and legal representation;
       ``(B) the development of guidance and protocols for 
     responding to the occurrences and coordinating with other 
     agencies; and
       ``(C) other activities carried out to ensure backup systems 
     are in place.''.
       (d) Implementation Guidance on Sharing Best Practices for 
     Technological Changes Needed for Remote Court Proceedings for 
     Foster Care or Adoption.--Section 438 (42 U.S.C. 629h) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Guidance.--
       ``(1) In general.--Every 5 years, the Secretary shall issue 
     implementation guidance for sharing information on best 
     practices for--
       ``(A) technological changes needed for court proceedings 
     for foster care, guardianship, or adoption to be conducted 
     remotely in a way that maximizes engagement and protects the 
     privacy of participants; and
       ``(B) the manner in which the proceedings should be 
     conducted.
       ``(2) Initial issuance.--The Secretary shall issue initial 
     guidance required by paragraph (1) with preliminary 
     information on best practices not later than October 1, 2025.
       ``(3) Additional consultation.--The Secretary shall consult 
     with Indian tribes on the development of appropriate 
     guidelines for State court proceedings involving Indian 
     children to maximize engagement of Indian tribes and provide 
     appropriate guidelines on conducting State court proceedings 
     subject to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 
     1901 et seq.).''.

     SEC. 105. EXPANDING REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP GRANTS TO ADDRESS 
                   PARENTAL SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AS CAUSE OF 
                   CHILD REMOVAL.

       (a) Increase in Reservation of Funds.--Section 436(b)(5) 
     (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)(5)) is amended by striking ``each of 
     fiscal years 2017 through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 
     2025 and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding 
     fiscal year''.
       (b) Reauthorization.--Section 437(f) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)(A)--
       (A) by striking ``In addition to amounts authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out this section, the'' and inserting 
     ``The''; and
       (B) by striking ``2017 through 2023'' and inserting ``2025 
     through 2029''; and
       (2) in paragraph (10), by striking ``for each of fiscal 
     years 2017 through 2023''.
       (c) Authority to Waive Planning Phase.--Section 
     437(f)(3)(B)(iii) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(3)(B)(iii)) is amended--
       (1) by striking all that precedes ``grant awarded'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(iii) Sufficient planning.--

       ``(I) In general.--A''; and

       (2) by striking ``may not exceed $250,000, and''; and

[[Page H5260]]

       (3) by adding after and below the end the following:

       ``(II) Exception.--The Secretary, on a case-by-case basis, 
     may waive the planning phase for a partnership that 
     demonstrates that the partnership has engaged in sufficient 
     planning before submitting an application for a grant under 
     this subsection.''.

       (d) Expanding Availability of Evidence-based Services.--
       (1) In general.--Section 437(f)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(1)) 
     is amended by inserting ``, and expand the scope of the 
     evidence-based services that may be approved by the 
     clearinghouse established under section 476(d)'' before the 
     period.
       (2) Considerations for awarding grants.--Section 437(f)(7) 
     (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(7)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
       (B) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E) 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) have submitted information pursuant to paragraph 
     (4)(F) that demonstrates the capability to participate in 
     rigorous evaluation of program effectiveness.''.
       (e) Technical Assistance on Using Regional Partnership 
     Grant Funds in Coordination With Other Federal Funds to 
     Better Serve Families Affected by a Substance Use Disorder.--
     Section 435(d) (42 U.S.C. 629e(d)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (4);
       (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) use grants under section 437(f) in coordination with 
     other Federal funds to better serve families in the child 
     welfare system that are affected by a substance use 
     disorder.''.
       (f) Performance Indicators.--Section 437(f)(8)(A) (42 
     U.S.C. 629g(f)(8)(A)) is amended in the 1st sentence--
       (1) by striking ``this subsection'' the 1st place it 
     appears and inserting ``the Protecting America's Children by 
     Strengthening Families Act'';
       (2) by inserting ``child permanency, reunification, re-
     entry into care,'' before ``parental recovery''; and
       (3) by inserting ``, and access to services for families 
     with substance use disorder, including those with children 
     who are overrepresented in foster care, difficult to place, 
     or have disproportionately low permanency rates'' before the 
     period.
       (g) Performance Indicator Consultation Required.--Section 
     437(f)(8)(B) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(8)(B)) is amended by 
     redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv) and inserting after 
     clause (ii) the following:
       ``(iii) The Administrator of the National Institute on Drug 
     Abuse.''.
       (h) Reports to Congress.--Section 437(f)(9)(B) (42 U.S.C. 
     629g(f)(9)(B)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii);
       (2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iv) whether any programs funded by the grants were 
     submitted to the clearinghouse established under section 
     476(d) for review and the results of any such review.''.
       (i) Priority for Statewide Service Growth.--Section 
     437(f)(7) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(7)), as amended by subsection 
     (d)(2) of this section, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
       (2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G) are a State or public agency, or outline a plan to 
     increase the availability of services funded under the grant 
     statewide.''.
       (j) Addition of Juvenile Court as Required Partner.--
     Section 437(f)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(A)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) The most appropriate administrative office of the 
     juvenile court or State court overseeing court proceedings 
     involving families who come to the attention of the court due 
     to child abuse or neglect.''.
       (k) Additional Optional Partner.--Section 437(f)(2)(C) (42 
     U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(C)) is amended by redesignating clause (ix) 
     as clause (x) and inserting after clause (viii) the 
     following:
       ``(ix) State or local agencies that administer Federal 
     health care, housing, family support, or other related 
     programs.''.
       (l) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 437(f)(2)(D) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)(D)) is 
     amended--
       (A) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (i);
       (B) by striking ``; and'' at the end of clause (ii) and 
     inserting a period; and
       (C) by striking clause (iii).
       (2) Section 437(f)(2) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(2)) is amended by 
     striking subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C) 
     and (D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively

     SEC. 106. MODERNIZATION; REDUCING ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.

       (a) In General.--Section 431 (42 U.S.C. 629a) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Use of Technology.--
       ``(1) Use of portal.--The services referred to in 
     subsection (a) may include the means of access to and use of 
     an electronic or digital portal to facilitate the provision 
     of community support to care for and meet specific needs of 
     families and children.
       ``(2) Limitation.--Such a portal shall not retain or share 
     personally identifiable information about a beneficiary 
     without consent or for any purpose other than referral.''.
       (b) Allowing Support for Family Resource Centers.--Section 
     431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``, including 
     services provided by family resource centers,'' before 
     ``designed''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(10) Family resource center.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `family resource center' means 
     a community or school-based hub of support services for 
     families that--
       ``(i) utilizes an approach that is multi-generational, 
     strengths-based, and family-centered;
       ``(ii) reflects, and is responsive to, community needs and 
     interests;
       ``(iii) provides support at no or low cost for 
     participants; and
       ``(iv) builds communities of peer support for families, 
     including kinship families, to develop social connections 
     that reduce isolation and stress.
       ``(B) Special rule.--For purposes of this subpart, an 
     expenditure for a service provided by a family resource 
     center may be treated as an expenditure for any 1 or more of 
     family support services, family preservation services, family 
     reunification services, or adoption promotion and support 
     services as long as the expenditure is related to serving the 
     children and families in the specified category and 
     consistent with the overall purpose of the category.''.
       (c) Updating State Plan Requirement.--Section 422(b)(1) (42 
     U.S.C. 622(b)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) provide that a State agency will administer or 
     supervise the administration of the plan under this 
     subpart;''.
       (d) Access to Legal Representation.--Section 422(b)(4) (42 
     U.S.C. 622(b)(4)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
       (2) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) the steps that the State will take to ensure that, 
     with respect to any judicial proceeding involving a child and 
     in which there is an allegation of child abuse or neglect, 
     including a proceeding on dependency, adoption, guardianship, 
     or termination of parental rights, information about 
     available independent legal representation is provided to--
       ``(i) the child, as appropriate; and
       ``(ii) any individual who is a parent or guardian, or has 
     legal custody, of the child;''.
       (e) Supporting Mental Health and Well-being of Children in 
     Foster Care.--Section 422(b)(15)(A) (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(15) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding clause (i)--
       (A) by inserting ``and, if applicable, the State agency 
     responsible for mental health services,'' before ``and in 
     consultation''; and
       (B) by inserting ``mental health providers,'' before 
     ``other experts'';
       (2) in clause (ii), by inserting ``a list of services 
     provided to support the physical and'' before ``emotional'';
       (3) in clause (iv), by inserting ``and mental health'' 
     before ``services'';
       (4) in clause (v), by inserting ``, informed consent of 
     youth, and compliance with professional practice guidelines'' 
     before the semicolon; and
       (5) in clause (vi), by inserting ``, licensed mental health 
     providers,'' before ``or other''.
       (f) Reduction of Administrative Burden.--
       (1) In general.--Subpart 3 of part B of title IV (42 U.S.C. 
     629m) is amended by redesignating section 440 as section 443 
     and inserting before such section the following:

     ``SEC. 441. REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall reduce the burden of 
     administering this part imposed on the recipients of funds 
     under this part, by--
       ``(1) reviewing and revising administrative data collection 
     instruments and forms to eliminate duplication and streamline 
     reporting requirements for the recipients while collecting 
     all data required under this part;
       ``(2) in coordination with activities required under the 
     Paperwork Reduction Act, conducting an analysis of the total 
     number of hours reported by the recipients to comply with 
     paperwork requirements and exploring, in consultation with 
     the recipients, how to reduce the number of hours required 
     for the compliance by at least 15 percent;
       ``(3) collecting input from the recipients with respect to 
     fiscal and oversight requirements and making changes to 
     ensure consistency with standards and guidelines for other 
     Federal formula grant programs based on the input; and
       ``(4) respecting the sovereignty of Indian tribes when 
     complying with this subsection.
       ``(b) Limitation on Applicability.--Subsection (a) of this 
     section shall not apply to any reporting or data collection 
     otherwise required by law that would affect the ability of 
     the Secretary to monitor and ensure compliance with State 
     plans approved under this part or ensure that funds are 
     expended consistent with this part.

     ``SEC. 442. PUBLIC ACCESS TO STATE PLANS.

       ``The Secretary shall--
       ``(1) create a standardized format for State plans required 
     under sections 422 and 432 used to monitor compliance with 
     those sections;

[[Page H5261]]

       ``(2) produce comparisons and analyses of trends in State 
     plans to inform future technical assistance and policy 
     development;
       ``(3) make the State plans available on a public website; 
     and
       ``(4) include on the website aggregated national summaries 
     of State submissions as the Secretary deems appropriate.''.
       (2) Implementation.--Within 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services shall--
       (A) comply with section 441 of the Social Security Act, as 
     added by the amendment made by paragraph (1); and
       (B) notify each recipient of funds under part B of title IV 
     of the Social Security Act of any change made by the 
     Secretary pursuant to such section affecting the recipient.
       (3) Report.--Within 3 years after the date of the enactment 
     of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall 
     submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a 
     report describing the efforts of the Secretary to comply with 
     section 441 of the Social Security Act, as added by the 
     amendment made by paragraph (1), including the specific 
     actions to comply with each paragraph of such section.
       (g) Primary Prevention Partners.--Section 435(a)(2)(B) (42 
     U.S.C. 429e(a)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting ``including 
     community-based partners with expertise in preventing 
     unnecessary child welfare system involvement'' before the 
     semicolon.

     SEC. 107. STREAMLINING FUNDING FOR INDIAN TRIBES.

       (a) Subpart 1.--
       (1) Tribal set-aside; direct payments to tribes; exemptive 
     authority.--
       (A) In general.--Section 428 (42 U.S.C. 628) is amended by 
     striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:
       ``(a) Reservation of Funds; Direct Payments.--Out of any 
     amount appropriated pursuant to section 425 for a fiscal 
     year, the Secretary shall reserve 3 percent for grants to 
     Indian tribes and tribal organizations, which shall be paid 
     directly to Indian tribes and tribal organizations with a 
     plan approved under this subpart, in accordance with section 
     433(a).''.
       (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 423(a) (42 U.S.C. 
     623(a)) is amended by striking ``the sum appropriated 
     pursuant to section 425 for each fiscal year'' and inserting 
     ``for each fiscal year, the sum appropriated pursuant to 
     section 425 remaining after applying section 428(a)''.
       (C) Technical amendment.--Section 428(c) (42 U.S.C. 628(c)) 
     is amended by striking ``450b'' and inserting ``5304''.
       (2) Improving compliance with the indian child welfare 
     act.--
       (A) State plan requirement.--Section 422(b)(9) (42 U.S.C. 
     622(b)(9)) is amended by striking ``Act;'' and inserting 
     ``Act of 1978, including how the State will ensure timely 
     notice to Indian tribes of State custody proceedings 
     involving Indian children, foster care or adoptive placements 
     of Indian children, and case recordkeeping as such matters 
     relate to transfers of jurisdiction, termination of parental 
     rights, and active efforts;''.
       (B) Technical assistance.--Subpart 1 of part B of title IV 
     (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 429B. EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INDIAN CHILD 
                   WELFARE ACT OF 1978.

       ``(a) In General.--Not later than October 1, 2025, the 
     Secretary, in consultation with Indian tribal organizations 
     and States, shall develop a plan and provide technical 
     assistance supporting effective implementation of the Indian 
     Child Welfare Act of 1978, including specific measures 
     identified in State plans as required by section 422(b)(9) of 
     this Act. The technical assistance plan shall be based on 
     data sufficient to assess State strengths and areas for 
     improvement in implementing Federal standards established 
     under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, including, at a 
     minimum, the following:
       ``(1) Timely identification of Indian children and extended 
     family members.
       ``(2) Timely tribal notice of State child custody 
     proceedings involving an Indian child.
       ``(3) Reports of cases in which a transfer of jurisdiction 
     (as defined under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978) was 
     granted or was not granted, and reasons specified for denial 
     in cases where transfer was denied.
       ``(4) In cases in which a State court orders a foster care 
     placement of an Indian child, whether requirements for active 
     efforts to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, 
     testimony of a qualified expert witness, and evidentiary 
     standards were met.
       ``(5) Whether an Indian child was placed in a placement 
     that is required to be preferred under the Indian Child 
     Welfare Act of 1978, and if not, the reasons specified.
       ``(6) In cases in which a State court orders the 
     termination of parental rights to an Indian child, whether 
     requirements for active efforts to prevent the breakup of the 
     Indian family, testimony of a qualified expert witness, and 
     evidentiary standards were met.
       ``(b) Interagency Coordination.--On request of the 
     Secretary, the Secretary of the Interior shall provide the 
     Secretary with such guidance and assistance as may be 
     necessary to facilitate informing States and public child 
     welfare agencies on how to comply with the Indian Child 
     Welfare Act of 1978, including specific measures identified 
     in State plans as required by section 422(b)(9) of this Act.
       ``(c) Biennial Reports to Congress.--The Secretary shall 
     biennially submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the 
     Senate a written report on how--
       ``(1) the States are complying with the Indian Child 
     Welfare Act of 1978 and section 422(b)(9) of this Act, as 
     informed by data collected under this section; and
       ``(2) the Secretary is assisting States and Indian tribes 
     to improve implementation of Federal standards established 
     under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.''.
       (3) Reporting requirements; administrative costs.--
       (A) In general.--Section 428 (42 U.S.C. 628) is amended by 
     redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d) and inserting 
     before such subsection the following:
       ``(b) Authority to Streamline Reporting Requirements.--The 
     Secretary shall, in consultation with the affected Indian 
     tribes, modify any reporting requirement imposed by or under 
     this part on an Indian tribe, tribal organization, or tribal 
     consortium if the total of the amounts allotted to the Indian 
     tribe, tribal organization, or tribal consortium under this 
     part for the fiscal year is not more than $50,000, and in a 
     manner that limits the administrative burden on any tribe to 
     which not more than $50,000 is allotted under this subpart 
     for the fiscal year.
       ``(c) Tribal Authority to Substitute the Federal Negotiated 
     Indirect Cost Rate for Administrative Costs Cap.--For 
     purposes of sections 422(b)(14) and 424(e), an Indian tribal 
     organization may elect to have the weighted average of the 
     indirect cost rates in effect under part 220 of title 2, Code 
     of Federal Regulations with respect to the administrative 
     costs of the Indian tribal organization apply in lieu of the 
     percentage specified in each such section.''.
       (B) Conforming amendments.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 
     629a(a)) is amended in each of paragraphs (5) and (6) by 
     striking ``428(c)'' and inserting ``428(d)''.
       (b) Subpart 2.--
       (1) Tribal plan exemption.--Section 432(b)(2)(B) (42 U.S.C. 
     629b(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
       (A) by striking ``section 433(a)'' the 1st place it appears 
     and inserting ``sections 433(a) and 437(c)(1) combined''; and
       (B) by striking ``section 433(a)'' the 2nd place it appears 
     and inserting ``such sections''.
       (2) Application of tribal set-aside before other set-
     asides.--Section 436(b)(3) (42 U.S.C. 429f(b)(3)) is amended 
     by striking ``After applying paragraphs (4) and (5) (but 
     before applying paragraphs (1) or (2)), the'' and inserting 
     ``The''.
       (3) Increase in funding for tribal court improvement 
     program.--Section 438(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 629h(c)(3)) is amended 
     by inserting ``for fiscal year 2025, and $2,000,000 for each 
     of fiscal years 2026 through 2029,'' before ``for grants''.

     SEC. 108. ACCELERATING ACCESS TO FAMILY FIRST PREVENTION 
                   SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Section 435 (42 U.S.C. 629e) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Prevention Services Evaluation Partnerships.--
       ``(1) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to 
     authorize the Secretary to make competitive grants to support 
     the timely evaluation of--
       ``(A) services and programs described in section 471(e); or
       ``(B) kinship navigator programs described in section 
     474(a)(7).
       ``(2) Grants.--In accordance with applications approved 
     under this subsection, the Secretary may make grants, on a 
     competitive basis, to eligible entities to carry out projects 
     designed to evaluate a service or program provided by the 
     eligible entity, or an entity in partnership with the 
     eligible entity, with respect to the requirements for a 
     promising practice, supported practice, or well-supported 
     practice described in section 471(e)(4)(C).
       ``(3) Applications.--
       ``(A) In general.--An eligible entity may apply to the 
     Secretary for a grant under this subsection to carry out a 
     project that meets the following requirements:
       ``(i) The project is designed in accordance with paragraph 
     (2).
       ``(ii) The project is to be carried out by the applicant in 
     partnership with--

       ``(I) a State agency that administers, or supervises the 
     administration of, the State plan approved under part E, or 
     an agency administering the plan under the supervision of the 
     State agency; and
       ``(II) if the applicant is unable or unwilling to do so, at 
     least 1 external evaluator to carry out the evaluation of the 
     service or program provided by the applicant.

       ``(B) Contents.--The application shall contain the 
     following:
       ``(i) A description of the project, including--

       ``(I) a statement explaining why a grant is necessary to 
     carry out the project; and
       ``(II) the amount of grant funds that would be disbursed to 
     each entity described in subparagraph (A)(ii) in partnership 
     with the applicant.

       ``(ii) A certification from each entity described in 
     subparagraph (A)(ii) that provides assurances that the 
     individual or entity is in partnership with the applicant and 
     will fulfill the responsibilities of the entity specified in 
     the description provided pursuant to clause (i) of this 
     subparagraph.

[[Page H5262]]

       ``(iii) A certification from the applicant that provides 
     assurances that the applicant intends to comply with 
     subparagraph (A)(ii)(II), if applicable.
       ``(iv) At the option of the eligible entity, a 
     certification from the applicant that the applicant requires 
     an external evaluator secured by the Secretary pursuant to 
     paragraph (5), if applicable.
       ``(4) Priorities.--In approving applications under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall prioritize the following:
       ``(A) Addressing, with respect to the clearinghouse of 
     practices described in section 476(d)(2), deficiencies or 
     gaps identified by the Secretary in consultation with--
       ``(i) States, political subdivisions of a State, and tribal 
     communities carrying out, or receiving the benefits of, a 
     service or program; and
       ``(ii) child welfare experts, including individuals with 
     lived experience.
       ``(B) Maximizing the number of evidence-based services or 
     programs to be included in the clearinghouse of practices 
     described in section 476(d)(2).
       ``(C) Timely completion of evaluations and the production 
     of evidence.
       ``(D) Supporting services or programs that are based on, or 
     are adaptations to new population settings of, a service or 
     program with reliable evidence about the benefits and risks 
     of the service or program.
       ``(5) Availability of external evaluators.--
       ``(A) In general.--Before accepting applications under this 
     subsection, the Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to 
     identify at least 1 entity to serve as an external evaluator 
     for any eligible entity that includes a certification under 
     paragraph (3)(B)(iv) with an application under this 
     subsection.
       ``(B) No effect on consideration of application.--The 
     Secretary may not consider whether an eligible entity is in 
     partnership with an external evaluator described in paragraph 
     (A) in approving an application under this subsection 
     submitted by the eligible entity.
       ``(6) Reports.--
       ``(A) By grant recipients.--Within 1 year after receiving a 
     grant under this subsection, and every year thereafter for 
     the next 5 years, the grant recipient shall submit to the 
     Secretary a written report on--
       ``(i) the use of grant funds;
       ``(ii) whether the program or service evaluated by the 
     project meets a requirement specified in section 
     471(e)(4)(C), including information about--

       ``(I) how the program or service is being carried out in 
     accordance with standards specified in the requirement;
       ``(II) any outcomes of the program or service; and
       ``(III) any outcome with respect to which the service or 
     program compares favorably to a comparison practice; and

       ``(iii) whether the Secretary has included the program or 
     service in an update to the clearinghouse of practices 
     described in section 476(d)(2).
       ``(B) By the secretary.--The Secretary shall submit to the 
     Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives 
     and to the Committee on Finance of the Senate an annual 
     written report on--
       ``(i) the grants awarded under this subsection;
       ``(ii) the programs funded by the grants;
       ``(iii) any technical assistance provided by the Secretary 
     in carrying out this subsection, including with respect to 
     the efforts to secure external evaluators pursuant to 
     paragraph (5); and
       ``(iv) any efforts by the Secretary to support program 
     evaluation and review pursuant to section 471(e) and 
     inclusion of programs in the pre-approved list of services 
     and programs described in section 471(e)(4)(D) or the 
     clearinghouse of practices described in section 476(d)(2).
       ``(7) Funding.--
       ``(A) Limitations.--Of the amounts available to carry out 
     this subsection, the Secretary may use not more than 5 
     percent to provide technical assistance.
       ``(B) Carryover.--Amounts made available to carry out this 
     subsection shall remain available until expended.
       ``(8) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means 
     any of the following providing a service or program or, in 
     the sole determination of the Secretary, able to provide a 
     service or program if awarded a grant under this subsection:
       ``(i) A State, a political subdivision of a State, or an 
     agency or department of a State or political subdivision of a 
     State.
       ``(ii) An entity described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of 
     section 426(a)(1).
       ``(iii) An Indian tribe or tribal organization.
       ``(B) External evaluator.--The term `external evaluator' 
     means an entity with the ability and willingness to evaluate 
     a service or program pursuant to paragraph (2) that is not 
     provided by the entity.
       ``(C) Service or program.--The term `service or program'--
       ``(i) means a service or program described in section 
     471(e); and
       ``(ii) includes a kinship navigator program described in 
     section 474(a)(7).''.
       (b) Funding.--Section 437(b) (42 U.S.C. 629g(b)) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Preventive services evaluation partnerships.--The 
     Secretary shall reserve $5,000,000 for grants under section 
     435(f) for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029.''.

     SEC. 109. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER 
                   CARE.

       (a) Caseworker Visits.--Section 422(b)(17) (42 U.S.C. 
     622(b)(17)) is amended by inserting ``, and include a 
     description of how the State may offer virtual caseworker 
     visits to youth in care who have attained the age of 18 years 
     and provided informed consent for virtual visits'' before the 
     semicolon.
       (b) Youth and Family Engagement in Child Welfare Program 
     Planning.--Section 432(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629b(b)(1)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall approve a plan that 
     meets the requirements of subsection (a) only if--
       ``(A) the plan was developed jointly by the Secretary and 
     the State, and the State, in developing the plan, consulted 
     with--
       ``(i) appropriate public and nonprofit private agencies;
       ``(ii) community-based organizations involved in providing 
     services for children and families in the areas of family 
     preservation, family support, family reunification, foster 
     care, kinship, and adoption promotion and support;
       ``(iii) parents with child welfare experience, foster 
     parents, adoptive parents, and kinship caregivers; and
       ``(iv) children, youth, and young adults with experience in 
     the child welfare system, including State boards and councils 
     comprised of youth with lived experience who represent the 
     diversity of children in the State to whom the plan would 
     apply; and
       ``(B) the State has made publicly accessible on a website 
     of the State agency a report that outlines how the State has 
     implemented the suggestions of the children and youth 
     referred to in subparagraph (A)(iv).''.

     SEC. 110. RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIVE AND KINSHIP 
                   CAREGIVERS.

       (a) In General.--Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as 
     amended by section 106(b)(2) of this Act, is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
       (i) by striking ``children'' and inserting ``children, 
     youth,''; and
       (ii) by striking ``adoptive and extended'' and inserting 
     ``kinship and adoptive'';
       (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``parents and other 
     caregivers (including foster parents)'' and inserting 
     ``parents, kinship caregivers, and foster parents'';
       (C) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
       (D) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (F) 
     and inserting `` ; and''; and
       (E) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(G)(i) peer-to-peer mentoring and support programs with 
     demonstrated experience fostering constructive relationships 
     between children and families and mentors with relevant lived 
     experience or interactions with the child welfare system; and
       ``(ii) for purposes of this subpart, an expenditure for a 
     service described in clause (i) may be treated as an 
     expenditure for any 1 or more of family support services, 
     family preservation services, family reunification services, 
     or adoption promotion and support services, as long as the 
     expenditure is related to serving the children and families 
     in the specified category and consistent with the overall 
     purpose of the category.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(B)--
       (A) in clause (i), by striking ``children'' and inserting 
     ``children, youth,''; and
       (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``extended'' and inserting 
     ``kinship'';
       (3) in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting ``with kinship 
     caregivers or'' before ``in a foster family home''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) Youth.--The term `youth' means an individual who has 
     not attained 26 years of age.''.
       (b) Kinship Navigators.--
       (1) In general.--Section 427 (42 U.S.C. 627) is amended--
       (A) in the section heading, by striking ``family connection 
     grants'' and inserting ``kinship navigators'';
       (B) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``helping'' and inserting ``administering programs to help'';
       (ii) by striking ``of--'' and all that follows through ``a 
     kinship'' and inserting ``of a kinship'';
       (iii) in paragraph (1)(C)--

       (I) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (iii);
       (II) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (iv); and
       (III) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(v) connections to individualized assistance, as 
     needed;'';
       (iv) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4);
       (v) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (G) of 
     paragraph (1) as paragraphs (1) through (7), respectively;
       (vi) by redesignating clauses (i) through (iv) and clause 
     (v) (as added by clause (iii)(III) of this subparagraph) as 
     subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively;
       (vii) by moving each provision so redesignated 2 ems to the 
     left; and
       (viii) by striking ``caregiving;'' and inserting 
     ``caregiving.'';
       (C) in subsection (b)--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``1 or more of'';

[[Page H5263]]

       (ii) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively, and inserting after paragraph (2) 
     the following:
       ``(3) a description of how the entity will directly fund, 
     or provide data to the Secretary for, an evaluation which 
     will publish and submit information to the clearinghouse 
     described in section 476(d)(2) and which is designed to meet 
     the requirements of section 471(e)(4)(C), or a description of 
     how the funds will be used to help the State transition to a 
     program for which the State will seek reimbursement under 
     section 474(a)(7);'';
       (iii) in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``and'' at the end;
       (iv) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking the 
     period and inserting ``; and''; and
       (v) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) if the entity is a State, local or tribal child 
     welfare agency--
       ``(A) documentation of support from a relevant community-
     based organization with experience serving kinship families 
     when applicable; or
       ``(B) a description of how the organization plans to 
     coordinate its services and activities with those offered by 
     the relevant community-based organizations.'';
       (D) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
       ``(d) Federal Share.--An entity to which a grant is made 
     under this section may use the grant to pay not more than 75 
     percent of the cost of the activities to be carried out by 
     the entity pursuant to this section.'';
       (E) in subsection (g)--
       (i) by striking all that precedes ``2 percent'' and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(g) Reservation of Funds for Technical Assistance.--The 
     Secretary may reserve''; and
       (ii) by striking ``subsection (h)'' the 2nd place it 
     appears and inserting ``section 437(b)(6)''; and
       (F) by striking subsection (h).
       (2) Reservation of discretionary funds.--Section 437(b) (42 
     U.S.C. 629g(b)), as amended by section 108(b) of this Act, is 
     amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Kinship navigators.--The Secretary shall reserve 
     $10,000,000 for grants under section 427 for each of fiscal 
     years 2026 through 2029.''.
       (3) Conforming amendment.--Section 474(a)(7) (42 U.S.C. 
     674(a)(7)) is amended by striking ``427(a)(1)'' and inserting 
     ``427(a)''.

     SEC. 111. AVOIDING NEGLECT BY ADDRESSING POVERTY.

       (a) Family Preservation Services.--Section 431(a)(1) (42 
     U.S.C. 629a(a)(1)), as amended by section 110(a)(1) of this 
     Act, is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(H)(i) services providing nonrecurring short term 
     benefits (including supports related to housing instability, 
     utilities, transportation, and food assistance, among other 
     basic needs) that address immediate needs related to a 
     specific crisis, situation, or event affecting the ability of 
     a child to remain in a home established for the child that is 
     not intended to meet an ongoing need; and
       ``(ii) for purposes of this subpart, an expenditure for a 
     service described in clause (i) may be treated as an 
     expenditure for any 1 or more of family support services, 
     family preservation services, family reunification services, 
     or adoption promotion and support services as long as the 
     expenditure is related to serving the children and families 
     in the specified category and consistent with the overall 
     purpose of the category.''.
       (b) State Plan Requirements.--Section 432(a) (42 U.S.C. 
     629b(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(11) provides a description of policies in place, 
     including training for employees, to address child welfare 
     reports and investigations of neglect concerning the living 
     arrangements or subsistence needs of a child with the goal to 
     prevent the separation of a child from a parent of the child 
     solely due to poverty, to ensure access to services described 
     in section 431(a)(1)(H).''.

     SEC. 112. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR CASEWORKERS.

       (a) Reauthorization of, and Increase in Funding for, 
     Caseworker Visits.--Section 436(b)(4)(A) (42 U.S.C. 
     629f(b)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 
     2017 through 2023'' and inserting ``fiscal year 2025 and 
     $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each succeeding fiscal 
     year''.
       (b) Minimum Grant Amount.--Section 433(e) (42 U.S.C. 
     629c(e)) is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and 
     inserting the following:
       ``(1) Base allotment.--From the amount reserved pursuant to 
     section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     first allot to each State (other than an Indian tribe) that 
     has provided to the Secretary such documentation as may be 
     necessary to verify that the jurisdiction has complied with 
     section 436(b)(4)(B)(ii) during the fiscal year, a base 
     allotment of $100,000, and shall then allot to each of those 
     States an amount determined in paragraph (2) or (3) of this 
     subsection, as applicable.
       ``(2) Territories.--From the amount reserved pursuant to 
     section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year that remains after 
     applying paragraph (1) of this subsection for the fiscal 
     year, the Secretary shall allot to each jurisdiction 
     specified in subsection (b) of this section to which a base 
     allotment is made under such paragraph (1) an amount 
     determined in the same manner as the allotment to each of 
     such jurisdictions is determined under section 423 (without 
     regard to the initial allotment of $70,000 to each State).
       ``(3) Other states.--From the amount reserved pursuant to 
     section 436(b)(4)(A) for any fiscal year that remains after 
     applying paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection for the 
     fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to each State (other 
     than an Indian tribe) not specified in subsection (b) of this 
     section to which a base allotment was made under paragraph 
     (1) of this subsection an amount equal to such remaining 
     amount multiplied by the supplemental nutrition assistance 
     program benefits percentage of the State (as defined in 
     subsection (c)(2) of this section) for the fiscal year, 
     except that in applying subsection (c)(2)(A) of this section, 
     `subsection (e)(3)' shall be substituted for `such paragraph 
     (1)'.''.
       (c) Requirement to Use Funds to Improve Quality of 
     Caseworker Visits With Foster Children.--Section 
     436(b)(4)(B)(i) (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)(4)(B)(i)) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(i) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid from 
     amounts reserved under subparagraph (A) shall use the amount 
     to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits with 
     children who are in foster care under the responsibility of 
     the State, with an emphasis on--

       ``(I) reducing caseload ratios and the administrative 
     burden on caseworkers, to improve caseworker decision making 
     on the safety, permanency, and well-being of foster children 
     and on activities designed to increase retention, 
     recruitment, and training of caseworkers;
       ``(II) implementing technology solutions to streamline 
     caseworker duties and modernize systems, ensuring improved 
     efficiency and effectiveness in child welfare services;
       ``(III) improving caseworker safety;
       ``(IV) mental health resources to support caseworker well-
     being, including peer-to-peer support programs; and
       ``(V) recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting qualified 
     caseworker candidates.''.

       (d) Elimination of Cost-share Penalty Tied to Monthly 
     Caseworker Visit Standard.--Section 424(f) (42 U.S.C. 624(f)) 
     is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(1)(A)''; and
       (2) by striking paragraphs (1)(B) and (2).

     SEC. 113. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FOR IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS 
                   BETWEEN INCARCERATED PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN 
                   FOSTER CARE.

       (a) In General.--Section 439 (42 U.S.C. 629i) is amended to 
     read as follows:

     ``SEC. 439. STATE PARTNERSHIP PLANNING AND DEMONSTRATION 
                   GRANTS TO SUPPORT MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS 
                   BETWEEN FOSTER CHILDREN AND THE INCARCERATED 
                   PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN.

       ``(a) Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make demonstration 
     grants to eligible State partnerships to develop, implement, 
     and provide support for programs that enable and sustain 
     meaningful relationships between covered foster children and 
     the incarcerated parents of the children.
       ``(2) Payment of annual installments.--The Secretary shall 
     pay each demonstration grant in 5 annual installments.
       ``(3) 1-year planning grants.--The Secretary may make a 
     planning grant to a recipient of a demonstration grant, to be 
     paid to the recipient 1 year before payment of the 1st annual 
     installment of the demonstration grant and in an amount not 
     greater than any installment of the demonstration grant, if--
       ``(A) the recipient includes a request for a planning grant 
     in the application under subsection (c); and
       ``(B) the Secretary determines that a planning grant would 
     assist the recipient and improve the effectiveness of the 
     demonstration grant.
       ``(b) Eligible State Partnership Defined.--
       ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `eligible 
     State partnership' means an agreement entered into by, at a 
     minimum, the following:
       ``(A) The State child welfare agency responsible for the 
     administration of the State plans under this part.
       ``(B) The State agency responsible for adult corrections.
       ``(2) Additional partners.--For purposes of this section, 
     an eligible State partnership may include any entity with 
     experience in serving incarcerated parents and their 
     children.
       ``(3) Partnerships entered into by indian tribes or tribal 
     consortia.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if an Indian tribe 
     or tribal consortium enters into a partnership pursuant to 
     this section that does not consist solely of tribal child 
     welfare agencies (or a consortium of the agencies), the 
     partnership shall be considered an eligible State partnership 
     for purposes of this section.
       ``(c) Application Requirements.--An eligible State 
     partnership seeking a demonstration grant under this section 
     to carry out a program described in subsection (a)(1) shall 
     submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
     require. The application shall include the following:
       ``(1) A summary of the program, including how the program 
     will support a meaningful

[[Page H5264]]

     relationship between a covered foster child and an 
     incarcerated parent of the child.
       ``(2) A description of the activities to be carried out by 
     the program, which must include all of the activities 
     described in subsection (d) that are in the best interest of 
     the covered foster child.
       ``(3) A framework for identifying--
       ``(A) each covered foster child eligible for services under 
     the program, including, to the extent practicable, 
     coordination of data between relevant State child welfare 
     agencies and court systems; and
       ``(B) the roles and responsibilities of the entities in the 
     partnership.
       ``(4) Documentation that the applicant is an eligible State 
     partnership.
       ``(5) Assurances that the applicant will participate fully 
     in the evaluation described in subsection (f)(2) and shall 
     maintain records for the program, including demographic 
     information disaggregated by relevant characteristics with 
     respect to covered foster children and incarcerated parents 
     who participate in the program.
       ``(d) Program Activities.--To the extent that the 
     activities are in the best interest of the covered foster 
     child, the activities referred to in subsection (c)(2) shall 
     include the following:
       ``(1) Revision of policies.--Through consultation with 
     incarcerated parents and their families, grantees shall 
     promote organizational policies of participating child 
     welfare entities and collaborating correctional facilities to 
     promote meaningful relationships through regular and 
     developmentally appropriate communication and visitation 
     between covered foster children and the incarcerated parents, 
     including, when appropriate, the following:
       ``(A) For child welfare entities--
       ``(i) inclusion of parents in case planning and decision 
     making for children;
       ``(ii) regular sharing of information and responses to 
     requests for information between caseworkers and incarcerated 
     parents with respect to the case information of a child, any 
     changes to a case, permanency plans, requirements to maintain 
     parental rights, and any efforts to terminate parental 
     rights;
       ``(iii) appropriate opportunities for incarcerated parents 
     to demonstrate their relationship with a covered foster child 
     given their incarceration, including training and courses 
     required for a service plan; and
       ``(iv) the enhanced visitation described in paragraph (2).
       ``(B) For correctional facilities, fostering visitation and 
     communication that is developmentally appropriate in terms 
     of--
       ``(i) the nature of communication and visitation, 
     including--

       ``(I) the ability to physically touch parents;
       ``(II) engaging with parents in locations that are 
     appropriate for the age and development of the child;
       ``(III) exchanging items that are appropriate to the age 
     and development of the child, include expectations that are 
     appropriate for the age and development of the child related 
     to behavior, attire, and wait times; and
       ``(IV) allowing appropriate adults to bring children if 
     legal guardians are not available to promote regular contact;

       ``(ii) reasonable inclusion of all children of the parent;
       ``(iii) communication and visitation at times when the 
     children are available;
       ``(iv) security procedures to comfort children and be 
     minimally invasive; and
       ``(v) promoting parent-child relationships regardless of 
     the sentence imposed on the parent.
       ``(2) Enhanced visitation.--
       ``(A) Grantees shall facilitate weekly communication and, 
     for at least 9 days each year, in-person visitation between a 
     covered foster child and any incarcerated parent of the 
     child.
       ``(B) Electronic visitation (such as live video visits, 
     phone calls, and recorded books) may be used but shall not be 
     the sole method to promote a meaningful relationship for 
     purposes of the grant.
       ``(C) Enhanced visitation programs shall--
       ``(i) integrate best practices for visitation programs with 
     incarcerated parents and their children;
       ``(ii) adopt developmentally appropriate visitation 
     policies and procedures such as those described in paragraph 
     (1)(B);
       ``(iii) reduce or eliminate the cost of developmentally 
     appropriate communication and visitation for the covered 
     foster child, which may include the purchase of communication 
     technology, covering transportation, insurance, and lodging 
     costs, costs related to providing appropriate visitation 
     spaces and activities, and other relevant costs;
       ``(iv) to the extent practicable, integrate appropriate 
     parenting education to help prepare and process visits; and
       ``(v) avoid restricting visitation and communication as a 
     punishment for the incarcerated parents.
       ``(3) Training.--Grantees shall incorporate ongoing 
     training for child welfare workers, correctional facility 
     staff, and other program providers to understand the 
     importance of promoting meaningful relationships between 
     children and incarcerated parents.
       ``(4) Case management.--Grantees shall provide case 
     management services for the incarcerated parents of a covered 
     foster child to promote the relationship, access to services, 
     and coordination with the caseworkers of the covered foster 
     child to strengthen the relationship.
       ``(5) Legal assistance.--Grantees shall facilitate access 
     to necessary legal services and may use grant funds for 
     services that are not reimbursable under other Federal 
     programs.
       ``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of any 
     activity carried out using a grant made under this section 
     shall be not greater than 75 percent.
       ``(f) Technical Assistance, Evaluations, and Reports.--
       ``(1) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide 
     technical assistance with respect to grants under this 
     section, including by--
       ``(A) assisting grantees in understanding best practices in 
     promoting meaningful relationships between incarcerated 
     parents and their children as well as consulting with 
     appropriate stakeholders when developing their programs;
       ``(B) assisting grantees with establishing and analyzing 
     implementation and performance indicators; and
       ``(C) conducting an annual technical assistance and 
     training meeting and an annual grantee meeting so that 
     grantees can learn from the experiences of other grantees.
       ``(2) Evaluations.--The Secretary shall conduct an 
     evaluation of program outcomes, including with respect to 
     parent and child well-being, parent-child interactions, 
     parental involvement, awareness of child development and 
     parenting practices, placement stability, and termination of 
     parental rights with respect to covered foster children and 
     incarcerated parents, to measure program effectiveness, as 
     determined by the Secretary, and identify opportunities for 
     improved program practices and implementation.
       ``(3) Reports to the congress.--
       ``(A) Initial report.--Not later than 3 years after the 
     date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a 
     report that includes--
       ``(i) the number of applications for grants under this 
     section;
       ``(ii) the number of grants awarded, and the amounts for 
     each grant; and
       ``(iii) information on the grants, including--

       ``(I) interim results of the evaluation described in 
     paragraph (2);
       ``(II) disaggregated data on covered foster children and 
     incarcerated parents;
       ``(III) information on the composition of eligible State 
     partnerships;
       ``(IV) best practices for facilitating meaningful 
     relationships between covered foster children and 
     incarcerated parents; and
       ``(V) barriers to implementation or expansion of programs 
     funded under this section.

       ``(B) Final report.--Not later than 6 years after the date 
     of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit 
     to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a 
     report that includes--
       ``(i) the final results of the evaluation described in 
     paragraph (2); and
       ``(ii) recommendations for refinements to grant 
     requirements to improve program outcomes.
       ``(g) Authority of Secretary With Respect to Indian Tribes 
     and Tribal Organizations.--
       ``(1) Waiver or modification of requirements.--In making a 
     grant to an Indian tribe or tribal organization under this 
     section, the Secretary may waive the matching requirement of 
     subsection (e) or modify an application requirement imposed 
     by or under subsection (c) if the Secretary determines that 
     the waiver or modification is appropriate to the needs, 
     culture, and circumstances of the Indian tribe or tribal 
     organization.
       ``(2) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall use tribally 
     relevant data in carrying out the evaluation under subsection 
     (f)(2) with respect to an Indian tribe or tribal 
     organization.
       ``(h) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--
     There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not 
     more than $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 
     2029 to carry out this section.
       ``(i) Definition of Covered Foster Child.--In this section, 
     the term `covered foster child' means a child that--
       ``(1) is in foster care; and
       ``(2) has at least 1 parent incarcerated in a Federal, 
     State, or local correctional facility.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 431(a)(2)(B)(vii) (42 U.S.C. 
     629a(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is amended by striking ``(as defined in 
     section 439(b)(2))''.
       (2) Section 431(a) (42 U.S.C. 629a(a)), as amended by 
     sections 106(b)(2) and 110(a)(4) of this Act, is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(12) Mentoring.--The term `mentoring' means a structured, 
     managed program in which children are appropriately matched 
     with screened and trained adult volunteers for one on-one 
     relationships, involving meetings and activities on a regular 
     basis, intended to meet, in part, the child's need for 
     involvement with a caring and supportive adult who provides a 
     positive role model.''.

     SEC. 114. GUIDANCE TO STATES ON IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION AND 
                   REPORTING FOR YOUTH IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT 
                   PROGRAMS.

       Within 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
     the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation 
     with the Department of Education, the Administration for 
     Children and Families, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid 
     Services, the

[[Page H5265]]

     Administration for Community Living, the Department of 
     Justice, and other relevant policy experts, as determined by 
     the Secretary, shall issue and disseminate, or update and 
     revise, as applicable, guidance to State agencies in 
     administering State plans approved under parts B and E of 
     title IV of the Social Security Act on the following:
       (1) Best practices for Federal and State agencies to 
     collect data and share information related to the well-being 
     of youth residing in residential treatment facilities, 
     including those facilities operating in multiple States or 
     serving out-of-state youth.
       (2) Best practices on improving State collection and 
     sharing of data related to incidences of maltreatment of 
     youth residing in residential treatment facilities, including 
     with respect to meeting the requirement of section 
     471(a)(9)(A) of such Act for such youth in foster care.
       (3) Best practices on improving oversight of youth 
     residential programs receiving Federal funding, and research-
     based strategies for risk assessment related to the health, 
     safety, and well-being of youth in the facilities.

     SEC. 115. STREAMLINING RESEARCH, TRAINING, AND TECHNICAL 
                   ASSISTANCE FUNDING.

       (a) Repurposing Discretionary Research Set-aside.--Section 
     435(c) (42 U.S.C. 629e(c)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Evaluation, Research, and Technical Assistance With 
     Respect to Targeted Program Resources.--Of the amount 
     reserved under section 437(b)(1) for a fiscal year, the 
     Secretary shall use not less than--
       ``(1) $1,000,000 for technical assistance to grantees under 
     section 437(f) and to support design of local site 
     evaluations with the goal of publishing and submitting 
     evaluation findings to the clearinghouse established under 
     section 476(d), or to award grants to allow current or former 
     grantees under section 437(f) to analyze, publish, and submit 
     to the clearinghouse data collected during past grants; and
       ``(2) $1,000,000 for technical assistance required under 
     section 429B of this Act to support effective implementation 
     of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 and to support 
     development of associated State plan measures described 
     pursuant to section 422(b)(9) of this Act.''.
       (b) Elimination of Research Set-aside From Mandatory 
     Funds.--
       (1) In general.--Section 436(b) (42 U.S.C. 629f(b)), as 
     amended by the preceding provisions of this Act, is amended 
     by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating paragraphs (2) 
     through (5) as paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively.
       (2) Conforming amendments.--
       (A) Section 433(a) (42 U.S.C. 629c(a)) is amended by 
     striking ``436(b)(3)'' and inserting ``436(b)(2)''.
       (B) Section 433(e) (42 U.S.C. 629c(e)), as amended by 
     section 112(b) of this Act, is amended by striking 
     ``436(b)(4)(A)'' and inserting ``436(b)(3)(A)'' each place it 
     appears.
       (C) Section 434(a)(2)(A) (42 U.S.C. 629d(a)(2)(A)) is 
     amended by striking ``436(b)(4)(B)'' and inserting 
     ``436(b)(3)(B)''.
       (D) Section 437(b)(1) (42 U.S.C. 629g(b)(1)) is amended by 
     striking ``436(b)(1)'' and inserting ``435''.
       (E) Section 437(f)(3) (42 U.S.C. 629g(f)(3)) is amended by 
     striking ``436(b)(5)'' and inserting ``436(b)(4)''.
       (F) Section 438(c) (42 U.S.C. 629g(c)) is amended in each 
     of paragraphs (1) through (3) is amended by striking 
     ``436(b)(2)'' and inserting ``436(b)(1)''.

     SEC. 116. REPORT ON POST ADOPTION AND SUBSIDIZED GUARDIANSHIP 
                   SERVICES.

       (a) In General.--Within 2 years after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Ways 
     and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee 
     on Finance of the Senate a report on children who enter into 
     foster care under the supervision of a State administering a 
     plan approved under part B or E of title IV of the Social 
     Security Act after finalization of an adoption or legal 
     guardianship.
       (b) Information.--The Secretary shall include in the report 
     information, to the extent available through the Adoption and 
     Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System and other data 
     sources, regarding the incidence of adoption disruption and 
     dissolution affecting children described in subsection (a) 
     and factors associated with such circumstances, including--
       (1) whether affected individuals received pre- or post-
     legal adoption services; and
       (2) other relevant information, such as the age of the 
     child involved.
       (c) Post-adoption Services and Guardianship.--The Secretary 
     shall include in the report--
       (1) a summary of post-adoption services and guardianship in 
     each State that are available to families that adopted 
     children from foster care and the extent to which the 
     services are evidence-based or evidence-informed.
       (2) a summary of funding and funding sources for the 
     services in each State, including set-asides under the 
     Promoting Safe and Stable Families program.

     SEC. 117. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       (a) In General.--The amendments made by this title shall 
     take effect on October 1, 2025, and shall apply to payments 
     under part B of title IV of the Social Security Act for 
     calendar quarters beginning on or after such date.
       (b) Delay Permitted if State Legislation Required.--If the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State 
     legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is 
     required in order for a State plan developed pursuant to part 
     B of title IV of the Social Security Act to meet the 
     additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by 
     this title, the plan shall not be regarded as failing to meet 
     any of the additional requirements before the 1st day of the 
     1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular 
     session of the State legislature that begins after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act. For purposes of the preceding 
     sentence, if the State has a 2-year legislative session, each 
     year of the session is deemed to be a separate regular 
     session of the State legislature.
       (c) Application to Programs Operated by Indian Tribal 
     Organizations.--In the case of an Indian tribe, tribal 
     organization, or tribal consortium that the Secretary of 
     Health and Human Services determines requires time to take 
     action necessary to comply with the additional requirements 
     imposed by the amendments made by this Act (whether the 
     tribe, organization, or tribal consortium has a plan under 
     section 479B of the Social Security Act or a cooperative 
     agreement or contract entered into with a State), the 
     Secretary shall provide the tribe, organization, or tribal 
     consortium with such additional time as the Secretary 
     determines is necessary for the tribe, organization, or 
     tribal consortium to take the action to comply with the 
     additional requirements before being regarded as failing to 
     comply with the requirements.

         TITLE II--STRENGTHENING STATE AND TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT

     SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Strengthening State and 
     Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act''.

     SEC. 202. IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRIBAL CHILD SUPPORT 
                   ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.

       (a) Improving the Collection of Past-due Child Support 
     Through State and Tribal Parity in the Allowable Use of Tax 
     Information.--
       (1) Amendment to the social security act.--Section 464 of 
     the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 664) is amended by adding 
     at the end the following:
       ``(d) Applicability to Indian Tribes and Tribal 
     Organizations Receiving a Grant Under This Part.--This 
     section, except for the requirement to distribute amounts in 
     accordance with section 457, shall apply to an Indian tribe 
     or tribal organization receiving a grant under section 455(f) 
     in the same manner in which this section applies to a State 
     with a plan approved under this part.''.
       (2) Amendments to the internal revenue code.--
       (A) Section 6103(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 
     is amended by striking ``any local child support enforcement 
     agency'' and inserting ``any tribal or local child support 
     enforcement agency''.
       (B) Section 6103(a)(3) of such Code is amended by inserting 
     ``, (8)'' after ``(6)''.
       (C) Section 6103(l) of such Code is amended--
       (i) in paragraph (6)--

       (I) by striking ``or local'' in subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting ``tribal, or local'';
       (II) by striking ``and local'' in the heading thereof and 
     inserting ``tribal, and local'';
       (III) by striking ``The following'' in subparagraph (B) and 
     inserting ``The'';
       (IV) by striking the colon and all that follows in 
     subparagraph (B) and inserting a period; and
       (V) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(D) State, tribal, or local child support enforcement 
     agency.--For purposes of this paragraph, the following shall 
     be treated as a State, tribal, or local child support 
     enforcement agency:
       ``(i) Any agency of a State or political subdivision 
     thereof operating pursuant to a plan described in section 454 
     of the Social Security Act which has been approved by the 
     Secretary of Health and Human Services under part D of title 
     IV of such Act.
       ``(ii) Any child support enforcement agency of an Indian 
     tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under section 
     455(f) of the Social Security Act.'';
       (ii) in paragraph (8)--

       (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or State or local'' 
     and inserting ``, State, tribal, or local'';
       (II) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``enforced pursuant 
     to a plan described'' and all that follows through ``of such 
     Act'' and inserting ``enforced pursuant to the provisions of 
     part D of title IV of the Social Security Act'';
       (III) by adding at the end of subparagraph (B) the 
     following: ``The information disclosed to any child support 
     enforcement agency under subparagraph (A) with respect to any 
     individual with respect to whom child support obligations are 
     sought to be established or enforced may be disclosed by such 
     agency to any agent of such agency which is under contract 
     with such agency for purposes of, and to the extent necessary 
     in, establishing and collecting child support obligations 
     from, and locating, individuals owing such obligations.'';
       (IV) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
     following:

       ``(C) State, tribal, or local child support enforcement 
     agency.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `State, 
     tribal, or local child support enforcement agency' has the 
     same meaning as when used in paragraph (6)(D).''; and

[[Page H5266]]

       (V) by striking ``and local'' in the heading thereof and 
     inserting ``tribal, and local''; and

       (iii) in paragraph (10)(B), by adding at the end the 
     following new clause:
       ``(iii) The information disclosed to any child support 
     enforcement agency under subparagraph (A) with respect to any 
     individual with respect to whom child support obligations are 
     sought to be established or enforced may be disclosed by such 
     agency to any agent of such agency which is under contract 
     with such agency for purposes of, and to the extent necessary 
     in, establishing and collecting child support obligations 
     from, and locating, individuals owing such obligations.''.
       (D) Section 6103(p)(4) of such Code is amended--
       (i) by striking ``subsection (l)(10), (13)(A), (13)(B), 
     (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20), or any 
     entity'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and 
     inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), (10), (13)(A), (13)(B), 
     (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20), or any Indian 
     tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under section 
     455(f) of the Social Security Act, or any entity'';
       (ii) by striking ``subsection (l)(10)'' in subparagraph 
     (F)(i) and inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), (10)'';
       (iii) by striking ``subsection (l)(10), (13)(A), (13)(B), 
     (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), (19), or (20) or any 
     entity'' each place it appears in the matter following 
     subparagraph (F)(iii) and inserting ``subsection (l)(6), (8), 
     (10), (13)(A), (13)(B), (13)(C), (13)(D)(i), (16), (18), 
     (19), or (20), or any Indian tribe or tribal organization 
     receiving a grant under section 455(f) of the Social Security 
     Act, or any entity''; and
       (iv) by inserting ``, (8)'' after ``paragraph (6)(A)'' in 
     the matter following subparagraph (F)(iii).
       (E) Section 6103(p)(9) of such Code is amended by striking 
     ``or local'' and inserting ``tribal, or local''.
       (F) Section 6402(c) of such Code is amended by adding at 
     the end the following: ``For purposes of this subsection, any 
     reference to a State shall include a reference to any Indian 
     tribe or tribal organization receiving a grant under section 
     455(f) of the Social Security Act.''.
       (b) Reimbursement for Reports.--Section 453(g) of the 
     Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(g)) is amended--
       (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``State''; and
       (2) by striking ``and State'' and inserting ``, State, and 
     tribal''.
       (c) Technical Amendments.--Paragraphs (7) and (33) of 
     section 454 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 654) are 
     each amended by striking ``450b'' and inserting ``5304''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
submit extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, title IV-B of the Social Security Act provides critical 
resources to protect the safety and well-being of children in foster 
care and gives States, Tribes, and territories flexibility to invest in 
prevention services to keep vulnerable families together whenever 
possible.
  Unfortunately, this program's authorization expired in 2021, and the 
program has remained largely unchanged since 2008. We have a 
responsibility to make sure programs are meeting the current needs of 
families and children who need it most. This reauthorization modernizes 
title IV-B child welfare and increases accountability.
  Right now, there are nearly 400,000 children in foster care and over 
20,000 who age out of foster care each year.
  The Ways and Means Committee has worked over the last year to conduct 
a top-to-bottom review of America's child welfare system. We have held 
four hearings and numerous meetings with stakeholders to better 
understand where there are gaps and how to bring this program up to 
date to better serve America's children.
  I represent one of the poorest congressional districts in the 
country, and before I came to Congress, I practiced family law and saw 
firsthand how our child welfare system can put undue strain on 
families.
  That is why I particularly appreciate the opportunity to have worked 
with Representative Gwen Moore in introducing legislation, included in 
this bill, that prevents child services from taking children away from 
their families simply because they live in poverty. I think about the 
families separated in Missouri over the years not because of abuse or 
neglect, but because they could not afford to pay a bill or new clothes 
for their kids. It is not right, and this bill corrects that.
  The bipartisan legislation before us today is the result of those 
efforts. It will not only help address the needs of children in foster 
care but also support early intervention to help families stay 
together. The Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families 
Act, introduced by the chair and ranking member of our Work and Welfare 
Subcommittee, Darin LaHood and   Danny Davis, reauthorizes title IV-B 
for 5 years and makes significant reforms to modernize the program.
  Specifically, this bill reduces the administrative burden by dialing 
back paperwork and reporting requirements that are hamstringing 
caseworkers.
  It streamlines funding to improve access for Indian Tribes.
  It helps to prevent abuse and neglect and ensures that children are 
not separated from their parents solely on the basis of poverty.
  It addresses the caseworker crisis by improving access to training.
  It strengthens the support systems for the 2.5 million grandparents 
and relatives who provide kinship care to children who might otherwise 
enter foster care.
  It also improves outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care 
into adulthood.
  This bill also includes important legislation from Representative 
Hern of Oklahoma that would strengthen the tools available to States 
and Tribes to ensure millions of families receive the child support 
that they are owed. That bill would prevent the IRS from blocking State 
child support agencies from using contractors to administrator their 
child support enforcement program.
  Representative Hern's bill, the Strengthening State and Tribal Child 
Support Enforcement Act, will harmonize Federal laws so States can 
continue carrying out necessary child support payment collections and 
allow Tribal child support agencies to direct access to the same tools. 
This bill avoids additional significant costs that would be incurred by 
both States and Tribes should the IRS policy go into place as it is 
scheduled to do on October 1.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical 
legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Supporting America's Children 
and Families Act which now includes two bipartisan bills reported out 
of the Ways and Means Committee. The first bill would improve and 
invest in the child welfare services funded under title IV-B of the 
Social Security Act. The second bill would ensure that State and Tribal 
child support agencies can continue their work collecting child support 
obligations.
  I thank Chairman LaHood and Chairman Smith for their hard work and 
willingness to work with all of us to reauthorize and improve title IV-
B of the Social Security Act. I am delighted that today we advance this 
important bipartisan step forward for our most vulnerable children and 
families.
  This bill would increase guaranteed funding for the MaryLee Allen 
Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program for the first time since 
2006, providing meaningful new resources to make sure that all children 
are in safe, loving, and permanent homes.
  The bill includes good ideas from Members on both sides of the aisle 
and from the experts who work with us to prioritize child well-being in 
our work. Indeed, 228 national, State, and local organizations support 
this bill.
  The bill provides modest but critical funding for services all along 
the child welfare continuum. In addition to providing essential new 
funding for both State and Tribal child welfare agencies to support 
families, this bill includes numerous, significant investments and 
policy updates that improve child safety and well-being.

  For example, it invests in aiding kinship caregivers in finding 
needed resources and in evidence-based programs that successfully help 
parents

[[Page H5267]]

overcome substance abuse disorders to safely care for their children.
  It increases funding for Tribal child welfare programs while 
respecting Tribal sovereignty and monitoring State engagement with the 
Indian Child Welfare Act. It updates our policies to help ensure that 
parents and children have access to independent legal representation in 
child welfare court proceedings, a key factor to address racial 
disparities in child welfare.
  This bill also provides for a new demonstration project to promote 
meaningful relationships between foster youth and their incarcerated 
parents. I have personally witnessed the power of these relationships 
to change lives for both children and parents, and I thank Chairman 
LaHood and my colleagues for working with me to help these families.
  In addition, the bill amends section 6103 of the Internal Revenue 
Code to bring parity to Tribal and State child support services 
agencies and to ensure that State agencies can continue their work.
  I recognize the leadership of Representatives Gwen Moore, Suzan 
DelBene, and Kevin Hern on these provisions. I know that agencies 
across the country and in my home State of Illinois are eager for us to 
enact this provision quickly to resolve a longstanding discrepancy in 
interpretation about the use and definition of contractors assisting 
child support agencies. The bill strengthens the ability of State, 
Tribal, and local child support agencies to serve families.
  Both the substance of this bill and the true collaboration in both 
policy areas, child welfare and child support, represent a great step 
forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support its passage, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the chairman of 
the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. 
Smith) for his leadership and guidance in bringing this bill through 
the Committee on Ways and Means and to the floor here today.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill, Supporting 
America's Children and Families Act. As chairman of the House Ways and 
Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, I am proud that this important 
legislation demonstrates our bipartisan commitment to supporting 
vulnerable children and parents.
  H.R. 9076 includes two pieces of legislation. Title I contains the 
Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families Act, which I am 
proud to have introduced alongside the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
Davis), my fellow Illinoisan, ranking member, and friend, to 
reauthorize and improve the title IV-B program. The bill authorizes and 
reforms this critical child welfare program to support the safety and 
well-being of children in foster care.
  The second bill, introduced by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. 
Hern), my friend, will ensure States and Tribes have the tools 
necessary to continue to collect child support on behalf of millions of 
families across the country.
  This combined legislation is the result of a yearlong investigation 
and five committee hearings to learn from stakeholders, parents, 
States, and Tribes.
  Based on that work, we have been able to include bipartisan reforms 
that will improve child welfare and strengthen child support 
enforcement across the country, all with the net result of a reduction 
in direct Federal spending of $136 million over 10 years.
  I repeat: a reduction in direct Federal spending of $136 million over 
10 years.
  I take seriously the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare's 
responsibility to ensure we have a strong safety net for the nearly 
400,000 children in foster care who have experienced the trauma and 
hardships of abuse and neglect. This 5-year reauthorization modernizes 
the program and expands what we know is working.
  In government, we often add to programs over time in our quest for 
improvement. Regrettably, though, this approach often results in 
fragmented and complex systems that burden administrators and hinder 
families from receiving the support they desperately need.
  This legislation before us tackles that issue and represents the most 
significant reform and investment in child welfare since 1993. Bills 
which were the foundation of what we are voting on here today were 
introduced by 19 Members from both sides of the aisle.
  This bill will specifically save taxpayer dollars through early 
intervention to keep families together, whenever possible, and reduce 
the need for foster care. It removes ineffective requirements and 
ensures States are accountable for matching Federal funds. It frees up 
more time for States and caseworkers to focus on families by requiring 
HHS to reduce administrative burdens by 15 percent. It expands access 
for Tribal communities by streamlining funding. It builds support 
systems for the 2.5 million grandparents and relatives serving as 
kinship caregivers, and strengthens post-adoption services to ensure 
children waiting for adoption find stable, loving homes.
  This child welfare reauthorization has been endorsed by more than 200 
organizations, including our county, State, and Tribal partners, as 
well as organizations representing former foster youth with lived 
experience.
  Title II of the legislation before us includes the Strengthening 
State and Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act, which I am proud to 
have cosponsored with the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern), the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert), the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker), the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. 
DelBene), and the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).
  A key tool used to collect past-due child support is the Treasury 
Offset Program. This program allows States to collect past-due 
obligations by intercepting Federal tax refunds from noncustodial 
parents.
  Last year, 5 percent, or $1.5 billion, was collected for families 
through this program. Unfortunately, a statutory conflict threatens to 
cut off access to this important child support enforcement tool for 42 
States.
  Absent a legislative change by October 1 of 2024, States and the 
Federal Government face hundreds of millions in new costs, and millions 
of families could lose vital child support payments.
  The legislation before us today will formally authorize State use of 
contractors while maintaining protections on the privacy of Federal 
taxpayer information.
  Further, this bill authorizes Tribal access, providing much-needed 
parity for Tribal enforcement agencies.
  I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern) for his leadership on 
this bill. This legislation has garnered endorsements from State and 
Tribal organizations across the country, including 26 sitting 
Governors.
  The well-being and safety of America's children and struggling 
families is an area of common interest for both Republicans and 
Democrats. This legislation demonstrates what we can achieve when we 
work together. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for his 
continued partnership and leadership on these issues.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I acknowledge all of the members of the 
Subcommittee on Work and Welfare and the full Committee on Ways and 
Means for their valuable contribution and input on this important 
legislation.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman 
from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), the ranking member of the Subcommittee 
on Social Security.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) for yielding me time, and I congratulate the 
gentleman on this outstanding piece of legislation.

  In my youth, I had the opportunity as then-president of the senate in 
the State of Connecticut to work with Dr. Edward Zigler, commonly 
referred to as the ``father of Head Start'' and really the person who 
came up with the concept and idea of family resource centers.
  He looked out around the country and saw schoolhouses, and he saw 
them in communities where everybody attended and worked and said: 
Wouldn't that be a great idea?

[[Page H5268]]

  What he understood most, of course, is that childcare is family care. 
That is something that the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) has 
exemplified in my time with him on the Ways and Means Committee, and I 
am proud to be associated with the gentleman, this bill, and the work 
and effort of Dr. Edward Zigler of Yale University.
  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Hern).
  Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in favor of H.R. 9076. I am very pleased 
that this legislation is coming to the House floor today.
  The Supporting America's Children and Families Act includes two 
pieces of legislation that are important, not just to me, but to my 
home State of Oklahoma.
  The first is the Strengthening State and Tribal Child Support 
Enforcement Act. This policy finally allows Tribes who run their own 
child support enforcement programs to access Treasury offset programs. 
There are 38 federally recognized Tribes in my home State of Oklahoma, 
10 of which run their own child support enforcement agencies.
  I would highlight this policy has the support of the National Tribal 
Child Support Association and the National Association of Tribal Child 
Support Directors.
  Not only does this policy help Tribes efficiently run their child 
support enforcement programs, but States will be allowed to continue to 
use the third-party contractors to help run their child support 
enforcement programs. Child support enforcement is not a partisan 
issue. It is the right thing for Congress to do. Without this fix, we 
risk States having to bring all child support enforcement services in-
house, costing hundreds of millions of dollars, along with the 
immediate pause of child support programs to millions of families, an 
absolutely devastating outcome. We cannot let this happen to our 
families.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this piece of 
legislation to help the children that are growing up to be this 
country's next generation because it truly is about the children.
  This legislation also includes the Tribal Welfare Support Act, which 
allows child welfare funds from title IV-B to be paid directly to 
Tribes, reducing the regulatory burden for both States and Tribes.
  Right now, child welfare payments are made to Tribes through two 
different funding allocations, one of which goes through States rather 
than directly to Tribal guarantees, an outdated and fragmented system 
that needs to be updated.
  The Tribal Child Welfare Support Act modernizes this process so that 
title IV-B recipients can spend more time helping their children and 
families, and less time wading through the red tape.
  The Supporting America's Children and Families Act passed unanimously 
out of the Committee on Ways and Means and contains priorities that 
will help families and children all over this country.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle 
to support this piece of legislation today.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore), one of the most serious 
antipoverty advocates that I know.
  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with all of the comments that have 
been made today in describing the importance of these bills and getting 
us one step closer to a really healthy, robust title IV-B 
reauthorization and putting that into law.
  I especially thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the 
ranking member of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, and the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Work and Welfare, for bringing us here today.
  As the chairwoman of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster 
Youth, I am so grateful that so many of our priorities of the 
bipartisan caucus were addressed in this package, including ensuring 
that poverty is not synonymous with neglect; including enhancing peer-
to-peer mentoring; listening to the voices of those with experience in 
the welfare system; supporting youth as they transition out of foster 
care; giving a larger, broader platform to considering kinship 
caregiving as opposed to removing children from homes; improving our 
child support collection mechanisms; and strengthening the Indian Child 
Welfare Act.
  This package includes a much-needed, albeit small, increase in title 
IV-B dollars. Whatever way it is sliced, we can't make the system 
better or work the way we want without making investments.
  One of my main priorities in Congress has been to make sure that 
poverty is not synonymous with neglect, and I was so very proud to work 
with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith) during the reauthorization 
effort to include this provision in the bill before us.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Valadao). The time of the gentlewoman 
has expired.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 2 minutes 
to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin.
  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding me additional time.
  Mr. Speaker, I was proud to work with the gentleman to require that 
States receiving these Federal dollars to identify and implement 
policies that would prevent family separation solely based on poverty.

  I am so proud to have worked on the provision to make sure that those 
with lived experience in the foster youth system are included in the 
development of State plans.
  It is also critically important that we are passing the part of this 
legislation, the Strengthening State and Tribal Support Act, that piece 
of the legislation championed by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. 
Hern). I have joined him in cosponsoring this bill to improve a key 
mechanism for enforcing child support orders, and that is intercepting 
State tax refunds.
  Mr. Speaker, child support payments are vital to child well-being and 
development, and they help fight child poverty and keeping both parents 
engaged in supporting their child.
  Tribes are currently unable to directly request that tax refunds be 
garnished for child support, and States have problems, as well, with 
these hindrances. This is also a direct affront to Tribal sovereignty 
not to be able to provide these services directly. I am so glad that 
these provisions have been included.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from those 27 
Governors, including Wisconsin's own Tony Evers, in support of the 
provisions which they argue will support the ability of State, Tribal, 
and local child support agencies to adequately service families.

     Hon. Charles E. Schumer,
     Majority Leader, U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Mitch McConnell,
     Minority Leader, U.S. Senate,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Mike Johnson,
     Speaker, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
     Hon. Hakeem Jeffries
     Minority Leader, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, 
     Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries: As governors 
     from across the nation, we urge you to pass the bipartisan 
     Strengthening State and Tribal Child Support Act (H.R. 7906), 
     which will help support the ability of state, Tribal, and 
     local child support agencies to serve families in each of our 
     states.
       Maintaining states' and Tribes' ability to perform child 
     support enforcement via federal tax offset is vital to 
     ensuring the well-being of over 12 million children currently 
     receiving the services of the child support program. It is 
     critical that states and Tribes do not lose the ability to 
     perform this essential action.


                               Background

       Federal law requires child support agencies to access 
     federal tax information (FTI) for establishment and 
     enforcement purposes, including the federal tax refund offset 
     program. Child support agencies across the country contract 
     with private partners for this and a variety of critical 
     services, including management of state disbursement units, 
     which are responsible for disbursement of all child support 
     funds collected in a state, as well as technology services 
     related to the maintenance and development of child support 
     case management systems.
       The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has determined that 
     direct access to FTI by Tribal child support programs is 
     prohibited under current law and that contractor access to 
     FTI is limited. Until last year, IRS audits of

[[Page H5269]]

     child support programs held those federal tax information 
     findings in abeyance while waiting for a legislative 
     solution.
       The IRS and the federal Office of Child Support Services 
     (OCSS) had agreed for decades to allow contractor access to 
     FTI for the sole purpose of establishing and enforcing child 
     support obligations as long as contractors adhered to 
     stringent measures to ensure that confidential information 
     remained protected. Importantly, contractors have never 
     breached the extensive confidentiality requirements. A 
     legislative solution to this issue is long overdue.


                          Legislative Solution

       Introduced by Representative Kevin Hern (R-Oklahoma) and 
     lead cosponsors Representatives Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) and 
     Suzan DelBene (D-Washington), H.R. 7906 resolves a long-
     standing discrepancy in interpretation under the Internal 
     Revenue Code of the use and definition of contractors, who 
     are integral to assisting child support agencies in 
     establishing and enforcing child support obligations. The 
     companion to H.R. 7906, S. 3154, was introduced in the Senate 
     by Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Senator Ron Wyden 
     (D-Oregon).
       The federal tax refund offset program collects tens of 
     millions in current and past due child support every year. 
     These vital funds for children across the nation are in 
     jeopardy if resolution to this discrepancy is not addressed.
       Based on preliminary cost estimates obtained from child 
     support program directors across the country, absent this 
     legislative solution, compliance with IRS requirements would 
     total over $1 billion nationally in additional costs for 
     child support programs each year. These are the additional 
     administrative costs associated with bringing current vendor-
     provided services in-house. The legislation would also 
     provide Tribes with direct access to federal tax information 
     to offset federal tax refunds from parents owing support to 
     their children and allow them to obtain vital information to 
     establish and enforce child support for children served by 
     tribal child support agencies.


               Bipartisan, Bicameral, Stakeholder Support

       After many months of review and negotiation, this important 
     effort and bill as introduced has earned bipartisan support 
     and a nearly identical bill is pending in the Senate. 
     Additionally, the IRS and the Office of Child Support 
     Services were meaningfully engaged and involved throughout 
     the process and supported the provisions. The four national 
     associations representing state and Tribal child support 
     agencies also support the bill.
       This legislative fix clarifying the use of contractors 
     provides administrative certainty for all agencies and 
     provides Tribes with direct access to tax refund offsets, 
     giving them another tool to support children and families. We 
     support the passage of H.R 7906 to avoid disruption in these 
     essential services.
           Sincerely,
       Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin.
       Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio.
       Governor Kay Ivey, Alabama.
       Governor Gavin Newsom, California.
       Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut.
       Governor Josh Green, M.D., Hawaii.
       Governor Laura Kelly, Kansas.
       Governor Wes Moore, Maryland.
       Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan.
       Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona.
       Governor Jared Polis, Colorado.
       Governor John Carney, Delaware.
       Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois.
       Governor Janet Mills, Maine.
       Governor Maura Healey, Massachusetts.
       Governor Mike Parson, Missouri.
       Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey.
       Governor Doug Burgum, North Dakota.
       Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania.
       Governor Kristi Noem, South Dakota.
       Governor Phil Scott, Vermont.
       Governor Mark Gordon, Wyoming.
       Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico.
       Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon.
       Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island.
       Governor Spencer Cox, Utah.
       Governor Jay Inslee, Washington.

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Smucker).
  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. 
Smith) for yielding and his work on this very important piece of 
legislation. I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the 
ranking member of the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, as well as the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the chairman of the Subcommittee 
on Work and Welfare, for their work on this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 9076, the Supporting 
America's Children and Families Act.

                              {time}  1615

  One pillar of this bill reauthorizes the title IV-B program, which 
underpins much of the child welfare system and provides funding to 
States for community-based and prevention-oriented programs and 
services. At the time we are reauthorizing, we take that opportunity to 
learn how we can improve. The improvements that are included today in 
that reauthorization will make a difference in the lives of many 
children and families throughout the country.
  I am very pleased that included in this package are four bills that I 
introduced after receiving input from providers and others in my 
community and district. After hearing from individuals and witnesses in 
hearings about this package, it will include policies to allow IV-B 
dollars to support kinship families, reduce the administrative burden 
on State and Tribal child welfare agencies, support caseworkers, and 
gather data on the effectiveness of post-adoptive services.
  The other pillar of this bill would ensure that States can utilize 
contractors to support their child welfare programs, which is a vital 
flexibility that the two counties that I represent, Lancaster and York 
Counties in Pennsylvania, take advantage of to ensure steady child 
support payments.
  H.R. 9076 aims to provide vital resources to families in need with 
the goal of preventing them from needing the foster care system in the 
first place and helping to maintain healthy families, which are the 
cornerstone of our society.
  Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' 
on this bill.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may 
consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Yakym).
  Mr. YAKYM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Supporting America's 
Children and Families Act, which updates key child welfare programs for 
the first time since 2008. That includes reducing the paperwork burden 
for States and caseworkers, improving training and technology available 
to caseworkers, strengthening support systems for grandparents and 
other relatives who become primary caregivers, and providing better 
services for those aging out of foster care.
  When I was board chair for the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph 
County, I saw firsthand the difference programs of all types make in 
putting at-risk youth on a path to success and keeping them on it. That 
involves treating each child as an individual, not just another number, 
and assessing their unique circumstances and needs. This takes more 
work, but it ensures the best result for the child, their family, and 
their communities.
  I thank Mr. LaHood, Mr. Davis, Chairman Smith, and Ranking Member 
Neal for their bipartisan work on this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Chairman 
Smith and Chairman LaHood for their partnership on this important bill 
that would improve and invest in child welfare services under title IV-
B and ensure that State and Tribal support agencies can continue their 
work. I think all of our committee can be seriously proud of this 
bipartisan work. It has been a pleasure working with the chair and Mr. 
LaHood.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this very important legislation, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is not often that you find this many Republicans and 
Democrats voting together on a bill, but when it comes to supporting 
children and families, we are in strong agreement.
  Reauthorizing title IV-B is a first-in-a-generation win that will 
refocus the child welfare system on keeping families together and 
preventing abuse and neglect.
  Don't take our word for it. The title IV-B coalition, made up of 22 
different national, State, and county organizations, has endorsed this 
legislation. The National Foster Youth Institute, the Child Welfare 
League of America, and the National Indian Child Welfare Association 
have all come out in support of this legislation.
  I also give a special thanks to Paris Hilton for personally coming to 
Capitol Hill and testifying about her lived experience and in support 
of reforms to this program.

[[Page H5270]]

  The legislation from Representative Hern that is also included in 
this bill will fix the disconnect between Federal laws that are 
currently setting up State and Tribal child support agencies for 
failure.
  The child support enforcement program is one of the most highly 
successful, cost-effective Federal programs that millions of families 
across the country rely upon each month. The program produces $5 in 
benefits for every $1 spent on administration. Nearly 13 million 
children, representing 18 percent of all children, are affected by this 
program.
  Twenty-six States from the National Governors Association have 
endorsed this legislation, along with the National Conference of State 
Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, and the National 
Association of Tribal Child Support Directors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join them in supporting this 
important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Smucker). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 9076, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________