Gaining bipartisan support, H.R. 9076 (the “Resolution”) was approved by the United States House of Representatives in a 405-10 vote on September 18, 2024. The Resolution moves on to the United States Senate for approval, and if passed, it will enact the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act.
KingSpry’s Adoption and ART Practice Chair and Family Law Attorney, Dorota Gasienica-Kozak, Esq., reviews the Resolution and highlights its potential impact on American families.
Key Takeaways
If approved by the United States Senate, the Resolution will become law, enacting the Protecting American’s Children by Strengthening Families Act (the “Act”) and updating Title IV-B of the Social Security Act (“Title IV-B”).
Notably, the Act will reauthorize Title IV-B child welfare programs for five (5) years, which will result in historic changes that intend to modernize federal child welfare programs.
What is Title IV-B of the Social Security Act?
Title IV-B is a child welfare funding stream, which is separated into two (2) parts.
Part 1, also known as the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program,provides funding to states and Indian tribes for programs directed towards keeping families together. These funds are essential in protecting and promoting the welfare of children at the state and local levels.
Part 2, also known as the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program, provides formula grants to states, territories, and tribes. The purpose of Part 2 funding is to prevent the maltreatment of children and the unnecessary separation of families. Overall, these funds are used by states, territories, and tribes to improve the care and services offered to children and families, which includes the operation of community-based family services.
Issue
Title IV-B’s authorization expired during fiscal year 2021. Further, its programs have remained unchanged since 2008. As such, there is a need to modernize Title IV-B to ensure federal funds are effectively allocated to meet the needs of American children and families.
Updates to Title IV-B of the Social Security Act
If passed, the Act will update Title IV-B to:
- Reauthorize child welfare programs;
- Enhance the court improvement program;
- Expand regional partnership grants;
- Reduce the administrative burden;
- Streamline funding for Indian tribes;
- Accelerate access to Family First prevention services;
- Strengthen support for youth aging out of foster care;
- Recognize the importance of relative and kinship caregivers;
- Avoid neglect;
- Strengthen support for caseworkers;
- Improve relationships between incarcerated parents and children in foster care;
- Offer guidance to states on improving their data collection and reporting of youth in treatment programs;
- Streamline research, training, and technical assistance funding; and
- Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report on post-adoption and subsidized guardianship services.
Effective Date
If enacted, the Act’s provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, and payments under Title IV-B will begin for calendar quarters after such date.
Individuals interested in supporting the Resolution are encouraged to contact their state and local representatives for more information.
