,,ib ,union ,calendar ,no4 #ej #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #bdhj ,report ,no4 #aaf-gd ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,may #b1 #bjai ,ms4 ,schrier 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,comer1 ,mrs4 ,trahan1 ,mr4 ,johnson of ,south ,dakota1 ,ms4 ,bonamici1 ,ms4 ,stefanik1 ,mr4 ,scott of ,virginia1 and ,ms4 ,foxx of ,north ,carolina7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,education and ,labor ,may #bj1 #bjai ,additional sponsors3 ,mr4 ,fitzpatrick1 ,mr4 ,guthrie1 ,mr4 ,walberg1 ,mr4 ,banks1 ,mr4 ,taylor1 ,mr4 ,meuser1 ,mr4 ,timmons1 ,mr4 ,morelle1 ,ms4 ,wilson of ,florida1 ,mrs4 ,hayes1 ,ms4 ,omar1 ,mr4 ,trone1 ,mr4 ,takano1 ,mr4 ,de,saulnier1 ,mrs4 ,davis of ,california1 ,ms4 ,wild1 ,mr4 ,levin of ,michigan1 ,mr4 ,thompson of ,pennsylvania1 ,mr4 ,smucker1 ,mr4 ,watkins1 ,mr4 ,wright1 ,ms4 ,jayapal1 ,mr4 ,harder of ,california1 ,ms4 ,shalala1 ,mrs4 ,lee of ,nevada1 ,ms4 ,stevens1 ,mr4 ,huffman1 ,mr4 ,langevin1 ,mr4 ,stivers1 ,mr4 ,allen1 ,mr4 ,byrne1 ,mr4 ,rooney of ,florida1 ,mrs4 ,mc,bath1 ,mr4 ,castro of ,texas1 ,ms4 ,adams1 ,mr4 ,lipinski1 ,ms4 ,norton1 ,mr4 ,sean ,patrick ,maloney of ,new ,york1 ,ms4 ,porter1 ,ms4 ,scanlon1 ,ms4 ,finkenauer1 and ,mr4 ,sherman ,may #bj1 #bjai ,reported with an amendment1 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union1 and ordered to be printed ,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,for text of introduced bill1 see copy of bill as introduced on ,may #b1 #bjai ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4 ,title ,i--,general program ,sec4 #aja4 ,repeal of findings4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,repeal of ,advisory ,board on ,child ,abuse and ,neglect4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,research and assistance activities4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,grants to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes or tribal organizations1 and public or private agencies and organizations4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,grants to ,states for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,miscellaneous requirements4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,reports4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,electronic interstate data exchange system4 ,sec4 #aaa4 ,technical and conforming amendments4 ,title ,,ii--,community-based ,grants for the ,prevention of ,child ,abuse and ,neglect ,sec4 #bja4 ,purpose and authority4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,eligibility4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,amount of grant4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,application4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,local program requirements4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,performance measures4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,national network for community-based family resource programs4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,definitions4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,rule of construction4 ,sec4 #baj4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,sec4 #baa4 ,study and report4 ,title ,,iii--,adoption ,opportunities ,sec4 #cja4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,report and guidance on unregulated custody transfers4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,information and services4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,study and report on successful adoptions4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,i ,general program #aja4 ,repeal of findings ,section #b of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 is repealed4 #ajb4 ,repeal of ,advisory ,board on ,child ,abuse and ,neglect ,section #ajb of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajb7 is repealed4 #ajc4 ,national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse ,section #ajc of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajd7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#a71 by inserting early learning programs and after including2 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#a77;,c7-- 7,a7 in clause 7iii71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in clause 7iv71 by adding and at the end2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7v7 the number of child fatalities and near fatalities due to maltreatment1 as reported by ,states in accordance with the uniform standards established pursuant to subsection 7d71 and any other relevant information related to such fatalities2 2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,uniform standards for tracking and reporting of child fatalities resulting from maltreatment 7#a7 ,regulations required ,not later than #bd months after the date of the enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 the ,secretary shall develop and issue final regulations establishing uniform standards for the tracking and reporting of child fatalities and near-fatalities resulting from maltreatment4 ,as a condition on eligibility for receipt of funds under section #ajf1 the standards established under this paragraph shall be used by ,states for the tracking and reporting of such fatalities under subsection 7d7 of such section4 7#b7 ,maintenance of ,state law ,notwithstanding the uniform standards developed under paragraph 7#a71 a ,state that defines or describes such fatalities for any purpose other than tracking and reporting under this subsection may continue to use that definition or description for such purpose4 7#c7 ,negotiated rulemaking ,in developing regulations under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall submit such regulations to a negotiated rulemaking process1 which shall include the participants described in paragraph 7#d74 7#d7 ,participants described ,the participants described in this paragraph are-- 7,a7 ,state and county officials responsible for administering the ,state plans under this ,act and parts ,b and ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fba et seq41 #fgj et seq472 7,b7 child welfare professionals with field experience2 7,c7 child welfare researchers2 7,d7 domestic violence researchers2 7,e7 domestic violence professionals2 7,f7 child development professionals2 7,g7 mental health professionals2 7,h7 pediatric emergency medicine physicians2 7,i7 child abuse pediatricians1 as certified by the ,american ,board of ,pediatrics1 who specialize in treating victims of child abuse2 7,j7 forensic pathologists2 7,k7 public health administrators2 7,l7 public health researchers2 7,m7 law enforcement2 7,n7 family court judges2 7,o7 prosecutors2 7,p7 medical examiners and coroners2 7,q7 a representative from the ,national ,center for ,fatality ,review and ,prevention2 and 7,r7 such other individuals and entities as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 4 #ajd4 ,research and assistance activities ,section #ajd of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaje7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by amending paragraph 7#a7 to read as follows3 7#a7 ,topics ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with other ,federal agencies and recognized experts in the field1 carry out a continuing interdisciplinary program of research1 including longitudinal research1 that is designed to provide information needed to improve primary prevention of child abuse and neglect1 better protect children from child abuse or neglect1 and improve the well-being of victims of child abuse or neglect1 with at least a portion of such research being field initiated4 ,such research program may focus on-- 7,a7 disseminating evidence-based treatment directed to individuals and families experiencing trauma due to child abuse and neglect1 including efforts to improve the scalability of the treatments and programs being researched2 7,b7 developing a set of evidence-based approaches to support child and family well-being and developing ways to identify1 relieve1 and mitigate stressors affecting families in rural1 urban1 and suburban communities2 7,c7 establishing methods to promote racial equity in the child welfare system1 including a focus on how neglect is defined1 how services are provided1 and the unique impact on ,native ,american1 ,alaska ,native1 and ,native ,hawaiian communities2 7,d7 improving service delivery or outcomes for child welfare service agencies engaged with families experiencing domestic violence1 substance use disorder1 or other complex needs2 7,e7 the extent to which the number of unsubstantiated1 unfounded1 and false reported cases of child abuse or neglect have contributed to the inability of a ,state to respond effectively to serious cases of child abuse or neglect2 7,f7 the extent to which the lack of adequate resources and the lack of adequate professional development of individuals required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect have contributed to the inability of a ,state to respond effectively to serious cases of child abuse and neglect2 7,g7 the extent to which unsubstantiated reports return as more serious cases of child abuse or neglect2 7,h7 the incidence and outcomes of child abuse and neglect allegations reported within the context of divorce1 custody1 or other family court proceedings1 and the interaction between family courts and the child protective services system2 7,i7 the information on the national incidence of child abuse and neglect specified in clauses 7i7 through 7xi7 of subparagraph 7,j72 and 7,j7 the national incidence of child abuse and neglect1 including-- 7i7 the extent to which incidents of child abuse and neglect are increasing or decreasing in number and severity2 7ii7 the incidence of substantiated and unsubstantiated reported child abuse and neglect cases2 7iii7 the number of substantiated cases that result in a judicial finding of child abuse or neglect or related criminal court convictions2 7iv7 the extent to which the number of unsubstantiated1 unfounded and false reported cases of child abuse or neglect have contributed to the inability of a ,state to respond effectively to serious cases of child abuse or neglect2 7v7 the extent to which the lack of adequate resources and the lack of adequate education of individuals required by law to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect have contributed to the inability of a ,state to respond effectively to serious cases of child abuse and neglect2 7vi7 the number of unsubstantiated1 false1 or unfounded reports that have resulted in a child being placed in substitute care1 and the duration of such placement2 7vii7 the extent to which unsubstantiated reports return as more serious cases of child abuse or neglect2 7viii7 the incidence and prevalence of physical1 sexual1 and emotional abuse and physical and emotional neglect in substitute care2 7ix7 the incidence and prevalence of child maltreatment by a wide array of demographic characteristics such as age1 sex1 race1 family structure1 household relationship 7including the living arrangement of the resident parent and family size71 school enrollment and education attainment1 disability1 grandparents as caregivers1 labor force status1 work status in previous year1 and income in previous year2 7x7 the extent to which reports of suspected or known instances of child abuse or neglect involving a potential combination of jurisdictions1 such as intrastate1 interstate1 ,federal-,state1 and ,state-,tribal1 are being screened out solely on the basis of the cross-jurisdictional complications2 and 7xi7 the incidence and outcomes of child abuse and neglect allegations reported within the context of divorce1 custody1 or other family court proceedings1 and the interaction between family courts and the child protective services system4 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking paragraph 7#a77,o7 and inserting paragraph 7#a77;,j72 7,c7 by amending paragraph 7#c7 to read as follows3 7#c7 ,reporting requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #d years after the date of the enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 the ,secretary shall prepare and submit to the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor and ,pensions of the ,senate a report that contains the results of the research conducted under paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,national incidence ,the ,secretary shall ensure that research conducted1 and data collected1 under paragraph 7#a77;,j7 are reported in a way that will allow longitudinal comparisons as well as comparisons to the national incidence studies conducted under this title4 2 and 7,d7 by striking the second paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by amending paragraph 7#b7 to read as follows3 7#b7 ,areas of emphasis ,such technical assistance-- 7,a7 shall focus on-- 7i7 implementing strategies that can leverage existing community-based and ,state funded resources to prevent child abuse and neglect and providing education for individuals involved in prevention activities2 7ii7 reducing racial bias in child welfare systems1 including how such systems interact with health1 law enforcement1 and education systems2 7iii7 promoting best practices for families experiencing domestic violence1 substance use disorder1 or other complex needs2 and 7iv7 providing professional development and other technical assistance to child welfare agencies to improve the understanding of and to help address the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences in parents and children in contact with the child welfare system2 and 7,b7 may include the identification of-- 7i7 various methods and procedures for the investigation1 assessment1 and prosecution of child physical and sexual abuse cases2 7ii7 ways to mitigate psychological trauma to the child victim2 7iii7 effective programs carried out by the ,states under titles ,i and ,,ii2 and 7iv7 effective approaches being utilized to link child protective service agencies with health care1 mental health care1 and developmental services and early intervention to improve forensic diagnosis and health evaluations1 and barriers and shortages to such linkages4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7c71 by striking paragraph 7#c72 and 7#d7 by striking subsection 7e74 #aje4 ,grants to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes or tribal organizations1 and public or private agencies and organizations ,section #aje of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#g7 as paragraph 7#aa72 7,b7 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#f7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,prevention services ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to establish or expand prevention services that reduce incidences of child maltreatment and strengthen families4 7#b7 ,traumatic stress ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to address instances of traumatic stress in families due to child abuse and neglect1 especially for families with complex needs or families that exhibit high levels of adverse childhood experiences4 7#c7 ,promoting a high-quality workforce ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to carry out programs or strategies that promote a high-quality workforce in the child welfare system through--- 7,a7 improvements to recruitment1 support1 or retention efforts2 or 7,b7 education for professionals and paraprofessionals in the prevention1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect4 7#d7 ,improving coordination ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to carry out activities to improve intrastate coordination within the child welfare system4 ,such activities may include-- 7,a7 aligning information technology systems2 7,b7 improving information sharing regarding child and family referrals2 or 7,c7 creating collaborative voluntary partnerships among public and private agencies1 the ,state's child protective services1 local social service agencies1 community-based family support programs1 ,state and local legal agencies1 developmental disability agencies1 substance use disorder treatment providers1 health care providers and agencies1 domestic violence prevention programs1 mental health services1 schools and early learning providers1 religious entities1 and other community-based programs4 7#e7 ,primary prevention ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to carry out or expand primary prevention programs or strategies that address family or community protective factors4 7#f7 ,neglect due to economic insecurity ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to carry out programs or strategies that reduce findings of child neglect due in full or in part to family economic insecurity4 7#g7 ,education of mandatory reporters ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities for projects that involve research-based strategies for innovative education of mandated child abuse and neglect reporters1 and for victims to understand mandatory reporting4 7#h7 ,sentinel injuries ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to identify and test effective practices to improve early detection and management of injuries indicative of potential abuse in infants to prevent future cases of child abuse and related fatalities4 7#i7 ,innovative partnerships ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to carry out innovative programs or strategies to coordinate the delivery of services to help reduce child abuse and neglect via partnerships among health1 mental health1 education 7including early learning and care programs as appropriate71 and child welfare agencies and providers4 7#aj7 ,reducing child abuse and neglect due to the substance use disorder of a parent or caregiver ,the ,secretary may award grants under this subsection to entities to carry out activities to reduce child abuse and neglect due to the substance use disorder of a parent or caregiver4 2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ab7 ,national child abuse hotline 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may award a grant under this subsection to a nonprofit entity to provide for the ongoing operation of a #bd-;hour1 national1 toll-free telephone hotline to provide information and assistance to youth victims of child abuse or neglect1 parents1 caregivers1 mandated reporters1 and other concerned community members1 including through alternative modalities for communications 7such as texting or chat services7 with such victims and other information seekers4 7,b7 ,priority ,in awarding grants described in this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall give priority to applicants with experience in operating a hotline that provides assistance to victims of child abuse1 parents1 caregivers1 and mandated reporters4 7,c7 ,application ,to be eligible to receive a grant described in this paragraph1 a nonprofit entity shall submit an application to the ,secretary that shall-- 7i7 contain such assurances and information1 be in such form1 and be submitted in such manner1 as the ,secretary shall prescribe2 7ii7 include a complete description of the entity's plan for the operation of a national child abuse hotline1 including descriptions of-- 7,i7 the professional development program for hotline personnel1 including technology professional development to ensure that all persons affiliated with the hotline are able to effectively operate any technological systems used by the hotline2 7,,ii7 the qualifications for hotline personnel2 7,,iii7 the methods for the creation1 maintenance1 and updating of a comprehensive list of prevention and treatment service providers2 7,,iv7 a plan for publicizing the availability of the hotline throughout the ,united ,states2 7,v7 a plan for providing service to non-,english speaking callers1 including service through hotline personnel who have non-,english language capability2 7,,vi7 a plan for facilitating access to the hotline and alternative modality services by persons with hearing impairments and disabilities2 7,,vii7 a plan for providing crisis counseling1 general assistance1 and referrals to youth victims of child abuse2 and 7,,viii7 a plan to offer alternative services to calling1 such as texting or live chat2 7iii7 demonstrate that the entity has the capacity and the expertise to maintain a child abuse hotline and a comprehensive list of service providers2 7iv7 demonstrate the ability to provide information and referrals for contacts1 directly connect contacts to service providers1 and employ crisis interventions2 7v7 demonstrate that the entity has a commitment to providing services to individuals in need2 and 7vi7 demonstrate that the entity complies with ,state privacy laws and has established quality assurance practices4 2 and 7#b7 by striking subsections 7b7 and 7c7 and inserting the following3 7b7 ,goals and performance ,the ,secretary shall ensure that each entity receiving a grant under this section-- 7#a7 establishes quantifiable goals for the outcome of the project funded with the grant2 and 7#b7 adequately measures the performance of the project relative to such goals4 7c7 ,performance report required 7#a7 ,in general ,each entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary a performance report that includes-- 7,a7 an evaluation of the effectiveness of the project funded with the grant relative to the goals established for such project under subsection 7b77#a72 and 7,b7 data supporting such evaluation4 7#b7 ,submission ,the report under paragraph 7#a7 shall be submitted to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7d7 ,continuing grants ,the ,secretary may only award a continuing grant to an entity under this section if such entity submits a performance report required under subsection 7c7 that demonstrates effectiveness of the project funded4 4 #ajf4 ,grants to ,states for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs 7a7 ,development and operation grants ,subsection 7a7 of section #ajf of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7 is amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,development and operation grants ,the ,secretary shall make grants to the ,states1 from allotments under subsection 7f7 for each ,state that applies for a grant under this section1 for purposes of assisting the ,states in improving and implementing a child protective services system that is family-centered1 integrates community services1 and is capable of providing rapid response to high-risk cases1 by carrying out the following3 7#a7 ,conducting the intake1 assessment1 screening1 and investigation of reports of child abuse or neglect4 7#b7 ,ensuring that reports concerning a child's living arrangements or subsistence needs are addressed through services or benefits and that no child is separated from such child's parent for reasons of poverty4 7#c7 ,creating and improving the use of multidisciplinary teams and interagency1 intra-agency1 interstate1 and intrastate protocols to enhance fair investigations2 and improving legal preparation and representation4 7#d7 ,complying with the assurances in section #ajf7;b77#b74 7#e7 ,establishing ,state and local networks of child and family service providers that support child and family well-being1 which shall-- 7,a7 include child protective services1 as well as agencies and service providers1 that address family-strengthening1 parenting skills1 child development1 early childhood care and learning1 child advocacy1 public health1 mental health1 substance use disorder treatment1 domestic violence1 developmental disabilities1 housing1 juvenile justice1 elementary and secondary education1 and child placement2 and 7,b7 address instances of child abuse and neglect by incorporating evaluations that assess the development of a child1 including language and communication1 cognitive1 physical1 and social and emotional development1 the need for mental health services1 including trauma-related services1 trauma-informed care1 and parental needs4 7#f7 ,ensuring child protective services is addressing the safety of children and responding to parent and family needs1 which shall include-- 7,a7 family-oriented efforts that emphasize case assessment and follow up casework focused on child safety and child and parent well-being1 which may include-- 7i7 ensuring parents and children undergo physical and mental health assessments1 as appropriate1 and ongoing developmental monitoring2 7ii7 multidisciplinary approaches to assessing family needs and connecting the family with services1 including prevention services under section #dga of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fga72 7iii7 organizing a treatment team with the goal of preventing child abuse and neglect1 and improving parent and child well-being2 7iv7 case monitoring that supports child well-being2 and 7v7 differential response efforts2 and 7,b7 establishing and maintaining a rapid response system that responds promptly to all reports of child abuse or neglect1 with special attention to cases involving children under #c years of age4 7#g7 ,educating caseworkers1 community service providers1 attorneys1 health care professionals1 parents1 and others engaged in the prevention1 intervention1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect1 which shall include education on-- 7,a7 practices that help ensure child safety and well-being2 7,b7 approaches to family-oriented prevention1 intervention1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect2 7,c7 early childhood1 child1 and adolescent development1 and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on such development2 7,d7 the relationship between child abuse and domestic violence1 and support for non-abusing parents2 7,e7 strategies to work with families impacted by substance use disorder and mental health issues 7and1 when appropriate1 be coordinated with prevention efforts funded under section #dga of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fga772 7,f7 effective use of multiple services to address family and child needs1 including needs resulting from trauma2 7,g7 efforts to improve family and child well-being2 7,h7 support for child welfare workers affected by secondary trauma2 and 7,i7 supporting families and caregivers to combat and prevent unsubstantiated1 unfounded1 or false reports1 including through education on the rights of families and caregivers4 7#h7 ,creating or improving data systems that allow for-- 7,a7 the identification of cases requiring prompt responses2 7,b7 real-time case monitoring that tracks assessments1 service referrals1 follow-up1 case reviews1 and progress toward parent and child goals2 and 7,c7 sharing basic identifying data with law enforcement1 as necessary4 7#i7 ,improving the general child protective system by developing1 improving1 and implementing safety assessment tools1 providing that such tools1 protocols1 and systems shall not authorize the separation of any child from the legal parent or guardian of such child solely on the basis of poverty1 or without a judicial order1 except in the case of imminent harm4 4 7b7 ,eligibility requirements 7#a7 ,state plan ,paragraph 7#a7 of section #ajf7;b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 ,state plan 7,a7 ,in general ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 a ,state shall submit to the ,secretary a ,state plan that-- 7i7 specifies how the grant will be used1 and the ,state's strategic plan1 to treat child abuse and neglect and enhance community-based1 prevention-centered approaches that attempt to prevent child abuse and neglect while strengthening and supporting families whenever possible2 and 7ii7 meets the requirements of this subsection4 7,b7 ,coordination and consultation 7i7 ,coordination ,each ,state1 to the maximum extent practicable1 shall coordinate its ,state plan under this subsection with its ,state plan under part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fba et seq47 relating to child and family services and1 in ,states electing to provide services under part ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj et seq47 relating to foster care prevention services1 its ,state plan under such part ,e4 7ii7 ,consultation ,in developing a ,state plan under this subsection1 a ,state shall consult with community-based prevention and service agencies1 parents and families affected by child abuse or neglect in the ,state1 law enforcement1 family court judges1 prosecutors who handle criminal child abuse cases1 and medical professionals engaged in the treatment of child abuse and neglect4 7,c7 ,duration and submission of plan ,each ,state plan shall-- 7i7 be submitted not less than every #e years2 and 7ii7 if necessary1 revised by the ,state to inform the ,secretary of any substantive changes1 including-- 7,i7 any changes to ,state law or regulations1 relating to the prevention of child abuse and neglect that may affect the eligibility of the ,state under this section2 or 7,,ii7 any changes in the ,state's activities1 strategies1 or programs under this section4 4 7#b7 ,contents ,paragraph 7#b7 of section #ajf7;b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,contents ,a ,state plan submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall contain a description of the activities that the ,state will carry out using amounts received under the grant to achieve the objectives of this title1 including-- 7,a7 an assurance in the form of a certification by the ,governor of the ,state that the ,state has in effect and is enforcing a ,state law1 or has in effect and is operating a statewide program1 relating to child abuse and neglect that includes-- 7i7 provisions or procedures for an individual to report known and suspected instances of child abuse and neglect1 including a ,state law for mandatory reporting by individuals required to report such instances2 7ii7 procedures for the immediate screening1 risk and safety assessment1 and prompt investigation of such reports of alleged abuse and neglect in order to ensure the well-being and safety of children2 7iii7 procedures for immediate steps to be taken to ensure and protect the safety of a victim of child abuse or neglect and of any other child under the same care who may also be in danger of child abuse or neglect and ensuring their placement in a safe environment2 7iv7 methods to preserve the confidentiality of all records in order to protect the rights of the child and of the child's parents or guardians1 including requirements ensuring that reports and records made and maintained pursuant to the purposes of this ,act shall only be made available to-- 7,i7 individuals who are the subject of the report2 7,,ii7 ,federal1 ,state1 or local government entities1 or any agent of such entities1 as described in clause 7xi7 of this subparagraph2 7,,iii7 child abuse citizen review panels2 7,,iv7 child fatality review panels2 7,v7 a grand jury or court1 upon a finding that information in the record is necessary for the determination of an issue before the court or grand jury2 and 7,,vi7 other entities or classes of individuals statutorily authorized by the ,state to receive such information pursuant to a legitimate ,state purpose2 7v7 provisions and procedures requiring that in every case involving a victim of child abuse or neglect which results in a judicial proceeding1 a guardian ad litem1 who has received education appropriate to the role1 including education in early childhood1 child1 and adolescent development1 and domestic violence1 and who may be an attorney or a court appointed special advocate who has received education appropriate to that role 7or both71 shall be appointed to represent the child 7who1 for purposes of this section1 shall have any age limit elected by the ,state pursuant to section #dge7h77;,b77iii7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fge7h77;,b77iii77 in such proceedings-- 7,i7 to obtain first-hand1 a clear understanding of the situation and needs of such child2 and 7,,ii7 to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of such child2 7vi7 the establishment of citizen review panels in accordance with subsection 7c72 7vii7 provisions and procedures to require that a representative of the child protective services agency shall1 at the initial time of contact with the individual subject to a child abuse or neglect investigation1 advise the individual of the complaints or allegations made against the individual1 in a manner that is consistent with laws protecting the rights of the informant2 7viii7 provisions1 procedures1 and mechanisms-- 7,i7 for the expedited termination of parental rights in the case of any infant determined to be abandoned under ,state law2 and 7,,ii7 by which individuals who disagree with an official finding of child abuse or neglect can appeal such finding2 7ix7 provisions addressing the professional development of representatives of the child protective services system regarding the legal duties of the representatives1 which may consist of various methods of informing such representatives of such duties 7including providing such education in different languages if necessary71 in order to protect the legal rights and safety of children and their parents and caregivers from the initial time of contact during investigation through treatment2 7x7 provisions for immunity from civil or criminal liability under ,state and local laws and regulations for individuals making good faith reports of suspected or known instances of child abuse or neglect1 or who otherwise provide information or assistance1 including medical evaluations or consultations1 in connection with a report1 investigation1 or legal intervention pursuant to a good faith report of child abuse or neglect2 7xi7 provisions to require the ,state to disclose confidential information to any ,federal1 ,state1 or local government entity1 or any agent of such entity1 that has a need for such information in order to carry out its responsibilities under law to protect children from child abuse and neglect2 7xii7 provisions requiring1 and procedures in place that facilitate the prompt expungement of any records that are accessible to the general public or are used for purposes of employment or other background checks in cases determined to be unsubstantiated or false1 except that nothing in this section shall prevent ,state child protective services agencies from keeping information on unsubstantiated reports in their casework files to assist in future risk and safety assessment2 7xiii7 provisions and procedures for requiring criminal background record checks that meet the requirements of section #dga7;a77#bj7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fga7;a77#bj77 for prospective foster and adoptive parents and other adult relatives and non- relatives residing in the household2 7xiv7 provisions for systems of technology that support the ,state child protective services system and track reports of child abuse and neglect from intake through final disposition2 7xv7 provisions and procedures requiring identification and assessment of all reports involving children known or suspected to be victims of sex trafficking 7as defined in section #ajc7ab7 of the ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gajb 7#ab772 7xvi7 provisions1 procedures1 and mechanisms that assure that the ,state does not require reunification of a surviving child with a parent who has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction-- 7,i7 to have committed murder 7which would have been an offense under section #aaaa7;a7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 if the offense had occurred in the special maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the ,united ,states7 of another child of such parent2 7,,ii7 to have committed voluntary manslaughter 7which would have been an offense under section #aaab7;a7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code1 if the offense had occurred in the special maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the ,united ,states7 of another child of such parent2 7,,iii7 to have aided or abetted1 attempted1 conspired1 or solicited to commit such murder or voluntary manslaughter2 7,,iv7 to have committed a felony assault that results in the serious bodily injury to the surviving child or another child of such parent2 7,v7 to have committed sexual abuse against the surviving child or another child of such parent2 or 7,,vi7 to be required to register with a sex offender registry under section #aac7;a7 of the ,adam ,walsh ,child ,protection and ,safety ,act of #bjjf 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afiac7;a772 and 7xvii7 an assurance that1 upon the implementation by the ,state of the provisions1 procedures1 and mechanisms under clause 7xvi71 conviction of any one of the felonies listed in clause 7xvi7 constitute grounds under ,state law for the termination of parental rights of the convicted parent as to the surviving children 7although case-by-case determinations of whether or not to seek termination of parental rights shall be within the sole discretion of the ,state72 7,b7 an assurance that the ,state has in place procedures for responding to the reporting of medical neglect 7including instances of withholding of medically indicated treatment from infants with disabilities who have life-threatening conditions71 procedures or programs1 or both 7within the ,state child protective services system71 to provide for-- 7i7 coordination and consultation with individuals designated by and within appropriate health-care facilities2 7ii7 prompt notification by individuals designated by and within appropriate health-care facilities of cases of suspected medical neglect 7including instances of withholding of medically indicated treatment from infants with disabilities who have life-threatening conditions72 and 7iii7 authority1 under ,state law1 for the ,state child protective services system to pursue any legal remedies1 including the authority to initiate legal proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction1 as may be necessary to prevent the withholding of medically indicated treatment from infants with disabilities who have life-threatening conditions2 7,c7 an assurance or certification that programs and education conducted under this title address the unique needs of unaccompanied homeless youth1 including access to enrollment and support services and that such youth are eligible for under parts ,b and ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fba et seq41 #fgj et seq47 and meet the requirements of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aacja et seq472 7,d7 a description of-- 7i7 policies and procedures 7including appropriate referrals to child welfare service systems and for other appropriate services 7including home visiting services and mutual support and parent partner programs77 to address the needs of infants born with and identified as being affected by substance use or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure1 or a ,fetal ,alcohol ,spectrum ,disorder1 including a requirement that health care providers involved in the delivery or care of such infants notify the child welfare services system of the occurrence of such condition in such infants1 except that such notification shall not be construed to-- 7,i7 establish a definition under ,federal law of what constitutes child abuse or neglect2 or 7,,ii7 require prosecution for any illegal action2 7ii7 the development of a plan of safe care for the infant born and identified as being affected by substance use or withdrawal symptoms1 or a ,fetal ,alcohol ,spectrum ,disorder to ensure the safety and well-being of such infant following release from the care of health care providers1 including through-- 7,i7 addressing the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of the infant and affected family or caregiver2 and 7,,ii7 the development and implementation by the ,state of monitoring systems regarding the implementation of such plans to determine whether and in what manner local entities are providing1 in accordance with ,state requirements1 referrals to and delivery of appropriate services for the infant and affected family or caregiver2 7iii7 policies and procedures to make available to the public on the ,state website the data1 findings1 and information about all cases of child abuse or neglect resulting in a child fatality or near fatality1 including a description of-- 7,i7 how the ,state will not create an exception to such public disclosure1 except in a case in which-- 7aa7 the ,state would like to delay public release of case-specific findings or information 7including any previous reports of domestic violence and subsequent actions taken to assess and address such reports7 while a criminal investigation or prosecution of such a fatality or near fatality is pending2 7bb7 the ,state is protecting the identity of a reporter of child abuse or neglect2 or 7cc7 the ,state is withholding identifying information of members of the victim's family who are not perpetrators of the fatality or near fatality2 and 7,,ii7 how the ,state will ensure that in providing the public disclosure required under this clause1 the ,state will include-- 7aa7 the cause and circumstances of the fatality or near fatality2 7bb7 the age and gender of the child2 and 7cc7 any previous reports of child abuse or neglect investigations that are relevant to the child abuse or neglect that led to the fatality or near fatality2 7iv7 how the ,state will use data collected on child abuse or neglect to prevent child fatalities and near fatalities2 7v7 how the ,state will implement efforts to prevent child fatalities and near fatalities2 7vi7 the cooperation of ,state law enforcement officials1 court of competent jurisdiction1 and appropriate ,state agencies providing human services in the investigation1 assessment1 prosecution1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect2 7vii7 the steps the ,state will take to improve the professional development1 retention1 and supervision of caseworkers and how the ,state will measure the effectiveness of such efforts2 7viii7 the ,state's plan to ensure each child under the age of #c who is involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect will be referred to the ,state's child find system under section #fce7;a77#e7 of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adce7;a77#e77 in order to determine if the child is an infant or toddler with a disability 7as defined in section #fcb7e7 of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adcb7e7772 7ix7 the ,state's plan to improve1 as part of a comprehensive ,state strategy led by law enforcement1 professional development for child protective services workers and their appropriate role in identifying1 assessing1 and providing comprehensive services for children who are sex trafficking victims1 in coordination with law enforcement1 juvenile justice agencies1 runaway and homeless youth shelters1 and health1 mental health1 and other social service agencies and providers2 7x7 the services to be provided under the grant to individuals1 families1 or communities1 either directly or through referrals1 aimed at preventing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect2 7xi7 the ,state's efforts to ensure professionals who are required to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect are aware of their responsibilities under subparagraph 7,a77i7 and receive professional development relating to performing such responsibilities that is specific to their profession and workplace2 7xii7 policies and procedures encouraging the appropriate involvement of families in decisionmaking pertaining to children who experienced child abuse or neglect2 7xiii7 the ,state's efforts to improve appropriate collaboration among child protective services agencies1 domestic violence services agencies1 substance use disorder treatment agencies1 and other agencies in investigations1 interventions1 and the delivery of services and treatment provided to children and families affected by child abuse or neglect1 including children exposed to domestic violence1 where appropriate2 7xiv7 policies and procedures regarding the use of differential response1 as applicable1 to improve outcomes for children2 and 7xv7 the ,state's efforts to reduce racial bias in its child protective services system4 4 7#c7 ,limitations ,paragraph 7#c7 of section #ajf7;b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,limitation and inserting ,limitations2 7,b7 by striking ,with regard to clauses 7vi7 and 7vii7 of paragraph 7#b77;,b71 and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,disclosure of certain identifying information ,with regard to subparagraphs 7,a77iv7 and 7,d77iii7 of paragraph 7#b71 2 7,c7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,public access to court proceedings ,nothing in paragraph 7#b7 shall be construed to limit the ,state's flexibility to determine ,state policies relating to public access to court proceedings to determine child abuse and neglect1 except that such policies shall1 at a minimum1 ensure the safety and well-being of the child1 parents1 and families4 4 7#d7 ,definitions ,paragraph 7#d7 of section #ajf7;b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,definitions and inserting ,definition2 7,b7 by striking this subsection and all that follows through means an act and inserting the following3 this subsection1 the term near fatality means an act2 7,c7 by striking 2 and and inserting a period2 and 7,d7 by striking subparagraph 7,b74 7c7 ,citizen review panels ,section #ajf7;c7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b71 by striking ,exceptions4 and all that follows through ,a ,state may and inserting ,exception4--,a ,state may2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking and where appropriate1 specific cases12 and 7,b7 in clause 7iii77,i71 by striking foster care and adoption programs and inserting foster care1 prevention1 and permanency programs2 and 7#c7 by amending the first sentence of paragraph 7#f7 to read as follows3 ,each panel established under paragraph 7#a7 shall prepare and make available to the ,state and the public1 on an annual basis1 a report containing a summary of the activities of the panel1 the criteria used for determining which activities the panel engaged in1 and recommendations or observations to improve the child protective services system at the ,state and local levels1 and the data upon which these recommendations or observations are based44 7d7 ,annual ,state data reports ,section #ajf7;d7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by amending paragraph 7#ac7 to read as follows3 7#ac7 ,the annual report containing the summary of the activities and recommendations of the citizen review panels of the ,state required by subsection 7c77#f71 and the actions taken by the ,state as a result of such recommendations4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#ae71 by striking subsection 7b77#b77;,b77ii7 and inserting subsection 7b77#b77;,d77i72 7#c7 in paragraph 7#af71 by striking subsection 7b77#b77;,b77xxi7 and inserting subsection 7b77#b77;,d77viii72 7#d7 in paragraph 7#ag71 by striking subsection 7b77#b77;,b77xxiv7 and inserting subsection 7b77#b77;,a77xv72 and 7#e7 in paragraph 7#ah7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking subsection 7b77#b77;,b77ii7 and inserting subsection 7b77#b77;,d77i72 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking subsection 7b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting subsection 7b77#b77;,d77ii72 and 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking subsection 7b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting subsection 7b77#b77;,d77ii72 and 7#f7 by adding at the end the following3 7#ai7 ,the number of child fatalities and near fatalities from maltreatment and related information in accordance with the uniform standards established under section #ajc7;d74 4 7e7 ,allotments ,section #ajf7;f7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7f77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 ,limitation ,for any fiscal year for which the amount allotted to a ,state or territory under this subsection exceeds the amount allotted to the ,state or territory under such subsection for fiscal year #bjai1 the ,state or territory may use not more than #b percent of such excess amount for administrative expenses4 4 #ajg4 ,miscellaneous requirements ,section #ajh of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by inserting ,indian tribes1 and tribal organizations1 after ,states12 7#b7 by redesignating subsections 7c7 through 7e7 as subsections 7d7 through 7f71 respectively2 and 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,protecting against systemic child sexual abuse 7#a7 ,reporting and task force ,not later than #bd months after the date of the enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 each ,state task force established under section #ajg7;c7 and expanded as described in paragraph 7#b7 shall study and make recommendations on the following1 with a focus on preventing systemic child sexual abuse3 7,a7 ,how to detect systemic child sexual abuse that occurs in an organization4 7,b7 ,how to prevent child sexual abuse and systemic child sexual abuse from occurring in organizations1 which shall include recommendations to improve-- 7i7 practices and policies for the education of parents1 caregivers1 and victims1 and age appropriate education of children1 about risk factors or signs of potential child sexual abuse2 and 7ii7 the efficacy of applicable ,state laws and the role such laws play in deterring or preventing incidences of child sexual abuse4 7,c7 ,the feasibility of making available the disposition of a perpetrator within an organization to-- 7i7 the child alleging sexual abuse or the child's family2 or 7ii7 an adult who was a child at the time of the sexual abuse claim in question or the adult's family4 7#b7 ,task force composition ,for purposes of this subsection1 a ,state task force shall include-- 7,a7 the members of the ,state task force described in section #ajg7;c7 for the ,state2 and 7,b7 the following3 7i7 ,family court judges4 7ii7 ,individuals from religious organizations4 7iii7 ,individuals from youth-serving organizations1 including youth athletics organizations4 7#c7 ,reporting on recommendations ,not later than #f months after a ,state task force makes recommendations under paragraph 7#a71 the ,state maintaining such ,state task force shall-- 7,a7 make public the recommendations of such report2 7,b7 report to the ,secretary on the status of adopting such recommendations2 and 7,c7 in a case in which the ,state declines to adopt a particular recommendation1 make public the explanation for such declination4 7#d7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this subsection-- 7,a7 the terms child sexual abuse and sexual abuse shall not be limited to an act or a failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker2 7,b7 the term organization means any entity that serves children2 and 7,c7 the term systemic child sexual abuse means-- 7i7 a pattern of informal or formal policy or de facto policy to not follow ,state and local requirements to report instances of child sexual abuse in violation of ,state and local mandatory reporting laws or policy2 or 7ii7 a pattern of assisting individual perpetrators in maintaining their careers despite substantiated evidence of child sexual abuse4 4 #ajh4 ,reports 7a7 ,scaling evidence-based treatment of child abuse and neglect ,section #aaj of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;f7 is amended to read as follows3 #aaj4 ,study and report relating to scaling evidence-based treatment of child abuse and neglect2 study and report on marital age of consent2 study and report on ,state mandatory reporting laws 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct a study that examines challenges to1 and best practices for1 the scalability of treatments that reduce the trauma resulting from child abuse and neglect and reduce the risk of revictimization1 such as those allowable under sections #aje and #ajf4 7b7 ,content of study ,the study described in subsection 7a7 shall be completed in a manner that considers the variability among treatment programs and among populations vulnerable to child abuse and neglect4 ,the study shall include1 at minimum3 7#a7 ,a detailed synthesis of the existing research literature examining barriers and challenges to1 and best practices for the scalability of child welfare programs and services as well as programs and services for vulnerable children and families in related fields1 including healthcare and education4 7#b7 ,data describing state and local providers' experiences with scaling treatments that reduce the trauma resulting from child abuse and neglect and reduce the risk of revictimization4 7#c7 ,consultation with experts in child welfare1 healthcare1 and education4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives a report that contains the results of the study conducted under subsection 7a71 including recommendations for best practices for scaling treatments that reduce the trauma resulting from child abuse and neglect and reduce the risk of revictimization4 7d7 ,study and report on marital age of consent 7#a7 ,study ,the ,secretary shall study1 with respect to each ,state-- 7,a7 the ,state law regarding the minimum marriage age2 and 7,b7 the prevalence of marriage involving a child who is under the age of such minimum marriage age4 7#b7 ,factors ,the study required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include an examination of-- 7,a7 the extent to which any statutory exceptions to the minimum marriage age in such laws contribute to the prevalence of marriage involving a child described in paragraph 7#a77;,b72 7,b7 whether such exceptions allow such a child to be married without the consent of such child2 and 7,c7 the impact of such exceptions on the safety of such children4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives a report containing the findings of the study required by this subsection1 including any best practices4 7e7 ,study and report on ,state mandatory reporting laws 7#a7 ,study ,the ,secretary shall collect information on and otherwise study ,state laws for mandatory reporting of incidents of child abuse or neglect4 ,such study shall examine trends in referrals and investigations of child abuse and neglect due to differences in such ,state laws with respect to the inclusion1 as mandatory reporters1 of the following individuals3 7,a7 ,individuals licensed or certified to practice in any health-related field licensed by the ,state1 employees of health care facilities or providers licensed by the ,state1 who are engaged in the admission1 examination1 care or treatment of individuals1 including mental health and emergency medical service providers4 7,b7 ,individuals employed by a school who have direct contact with children1 including teachers1 administrators1 and independent contractors4 7,c7 ,peace officers and law enforcement personnel4 7,d7 ,clergy1 including ,christian ,science practitioners1 except where prohibited on account of clergy-penitent privilege4 7,e7 ,day care and child care operators and employees4 7,f7 ,employees of social services agencies who have direct contact with children in the course of employment4 7,g7 ,foster parents4 7,h7 ,court appointed special advocates 7employees and volunteers74 7,i7 ,camp and after-school employees4 7,j7 ,an individual1 paid or unpaid1 who1 on the basis of the individual's role as an integral part of a regularly scheduled program1 activity1 or service1 accepts responsibility for a child4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives a report containing the findings of the study required by this subsection1 including any best practices related to the inclusion1 as mandatory reporters1 of individuals described in paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,report on child abuse and neglect in ,indian tribal communities 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general1 in consultation with the ,indian tribes from each of the #ab regions of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs1 shall study child abuse and neglect in ,indian ,tribal communities for the purpose of identifying vital information and making recommendations concerning issues relating to child abuse and neglect in such communities1 and submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions and the ,committee on ,indian ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives a report on such study1 which shall include-- 7,a7 the number of ,indian tribes providing primary child abuse and neglect prevention activities2 7,b7 the number of ,indian tribes providing secondary child abuse and neglect prevention activities2 7,c7 promising practices of ,indian tribes with respect to child abuse and neglect prevention that are culturally-based or culturally-adapted2 7,d7 information and recommendations on how such culturally-based or culturally-adapted child abuse and neglect prevention activities could become evidence-based2 7,e7 the number of ,indian tribes that have accessed ,federal child abuse and neglect prevention programs2 7,f7 child abuse and neglect prevention activities that ,indian tribes provide using ,state funds2 7,g7 child abuse and neglect prevention activities that ,indian tribes provide using ,tribal funds2 7,h7 ,tribal access to ,state children's trust fund resources1 as described in section #bjb of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;a72 7,i7 how a children's trust fund model could be used to support prevention efforts regarding child abuse and neglect of ,american ,indian and ,alaska ,native children2 7,j7 ,federal agency technical assistance efforts to address child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment of ,american ,indian and ,alaska ,native children2 7,k7 ,federal agency cross-system collaboration to address child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment of ,american ,indian and ,alaska ,native children2 7,l7 ,tribal access to child abuse and neglect prevention research and demonstration grants under the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq472 and 7,m7 an examination of child abuse and neglect data systems to identify what ,tribal data is being submitted1 barriers to submitting data1 and recommendations on improving the collection of data from ,indian ,tribes4 7#b7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term ,alaska ,native has the meaning given the term in section #aaa of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;g72 and 7,b7 the terms child abuse and neglect and ,indian tribe have the meaning given the terms in section #c of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note74 #aji4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #aab7;a7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;h7a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking to carry out through fiscal year #bjaj and inserting to carry out this title #bgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7,b7 by striking #bjaa through #bjae and inserting #bjba through #bjbe2 and 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#b77;,a7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall make available #cj percent of such amounts1 or #ajj1jjj1jjj1 whichever is less1 to fund discretionary activities under this title4 4 #aaj4 ,electronic interstate data exchange system ,title ,i of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #aae4 ,electronic interstate data exchange system 7a7 ,interstate data exchange system 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall consider the recommendations included in the reports required under paragraph 7#h77;,a7 and subsection 7b77#b7 in developing an electronic interstate data exchange system that allows ,state entities responsible under ,state law for maintaining child abuse and neglect registries to communicate information across ,state lines4 7#b7 ,standards ,in developing the electronic interstate data exchange system under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 use interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships1 such as the ,national ,information ,exchange ,model2 7,b7 develop policies and governance standards that-- 7i7 ensure consistency in types of information shared and not shared2 and 7ii7 specify circumstances under which data should be shared through the interstate data exchange system2 and 7,c7 ensure that all standards and policies adhere to the privacy1 security1 and civil rights laws of each ,state and ,federal law4 7#c7 ,limitation on use of electronic interstate data exchange system ,the electronic interstate data exchange system may only be used for purposes relating to child safety4 7#d7 ,pilot program 7,a7 ,implementation ,not later than #f months after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall begin implementation of a pilot program to generate recommendations for the full integration of the electronic interstate data exchange system4 ,such pilot program shall include not less than #aj ,states and not more than #ae ,states4 7,b7 ,completion ,not later than #cj months after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall complete the pilot program described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#e7 ,integration ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services may assist ,states in the integration of this system into the infrastructure of each ,state using funds appropriated under this subsection4 7#f7 ,participation ,as a condition on eligibility for receipt of funds under section #ajf1 each ,state shall-- 7,a7 participate in the electronic interstate data exchange system to the fullest extent possible in accordance with ,state law 7as determined by the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services7 not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbg2 and 7,b7 prior to the participation described in subparagraph 7,a71 provide to the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services an assurance that the child abuse and neglect registry of such ,state provides procedural due process protections with respect to including individuals on such registry4 7#g7 ,prohibition ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services may not access or store data from the electronic interstate data exchange system1 unless the ,state to which such data pertains voluntarily shares such data with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#h7 ,reports ,the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall prepare and submit to ,congress-- 7,a7 not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this section1 a report on the recommendations from the pilot program described in paragraph 7#d72 and 7,b7 not later than ,january #ca1 #bjbe1 a report on the progress made in implementing this subsection4 7#i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,of the funds appropriated under section #aab for a fiscal year-- 7,a7 for each of fiscal years #bjbj and #bjba1 #b1jjj1jjj shall be reserved to carry out this section2 and 7,b7 for each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbe1 #a1jjj1jjj shall be reserved to carry out this section4 7b7 ,working group 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #fj days after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall convene a working group to study and make recommendations on the following3 7,a7 ,the feasibility of making publicly available on the website of each ,state definitions and standards of substantiated child abuse and neglect for the ,state4 7,b7 ,whether background check requirements under this ,act1 the ,child ,care and ,development ,block ,grant ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #iheh et seq471 and part ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj et seq47 are complementary or if there are discrepancies that need to be addressed4 7,c7 ,how to improve communication between and across ,states1 including through the use of technology and the use of the electronic interstate data exchange system established under subsection 7a71 to allow for more accurate and efficient exchange of child abuse and neglect records4 7,d7 ,how to reduce barriers and establish best practices for the ,state to provide timely responses to requests from other ,states for information contained in the ,state's child abuse and neglect registry through the electronic interstate data exchange system established under subsection 7a74 7,e7 ,how to ensure due process for any individual included in a ,state's child abuse and neglect registry1 including the following3 7i7 ,the level of evidence necessary for inclusion in the ,state's child abuse and neglect registry4 7ii7 ,the process for notifying such individual of inclusion in the ,state's child abuse and neglect registry and the implications of such inclusion4 7iii7 ,the process for providing such individual the opportunity to challenge such inclusion1 and the procedures for resolving such challenge4 7iv7 ,the length of time an individual's record is to remain in the ,state's child abuse and neglect registry1 and the process for removing such individual's record4 7v7 ,the criteria for when such individual's child abuse and neglect registry record may be-- 7,i7 made accessible to the general public2 7,,ii7 made available for purposes of an employment check2 and 7,,iii7 be shared for the purposes of participation in the electronic interstate data exchange system described in subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this section1 the working group convened under paragraph 7#a7 shall submit a report containing its recommendations to the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,construction ,there shall be no requirement for any ,state to adopt the recommendations of the working group1 nor shall the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services incentivize or coerce any ,state to adopt any such recommendation4 4 #aaa4 ,technical and conforming amendments 7a7 ,technical amendments ,the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq471 as amended by the preceding provisions of this ,act1 is further amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,committee on ,education and the ,workforce each place it appears and inserting ,committee on ,education and ,labor2 7#b7 in section #ajc7;c77#a77;,f71 by striking abused and neglected children and inserting victims of child abuse or neglect2 and 7#c7 in section #ajg7;f71 by striking 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfjc;a7 and inserting 7#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #bjajd74 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #ajc ,section #ajc7;b77#e7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajd7;b77#e77 is amended by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii74 7#b7 ,section #aje ,section #aje7;a77#aa7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf7;a77#aa7 7as redesignated by section #aje7a77;,a7 of this ,act7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii72 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c7-- 7i7 in clause 7i77,,ii71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii72 7ii7 in clause 7i77,,iv71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii77,,ii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii77,,ii72 and 7iii7 in clause 7ii71 by striking clauses 7ii7 and 7iii7 of section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b7 and inserting clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d72 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,d7-- 7i7 in clause 7i77,i71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii77,i7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii77,i72 7ii7 in clause 7ii77,i71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77ii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77i72 7iii7 in clause 7ii77,,ii71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii77,i72 7iv7 in clause 7iii77,i71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77i7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,a77i72 7v7 in clause 7iii77,,iv71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii72 and 7vi7 in clause 7v71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77iii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77ii72 7,d7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77ii7 and inserting section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d77i72 and 7,e7 in subparagraph 7,g77ii71 by striking clauses 7ii7 and 7iii7 of section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b7 and inserting clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d74 7#c7 ,section #aad ,section #aad7a77;,b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajh7a77;,b77 is amended by striking clauses 7ii7 and 7iii7 of section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b7 and inserting clauses 7i7 and 7ii7 of section #ajf7;b77#b77;,d74 7#d7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act is amended-- 7,a7 by striking the items relating to sections #b and #ajb2 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #aad the following3 ,sec4 #aae4 ,electronic interstate data exchange system4 2 and 7,c7 by striking the item relating to section #aaj1 and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,study and report relating to scaling evidence-based treatment of child abuse and neglect2 study and report on marital age of consent2 study and report on ,state mandatory reporting laws4 4 ,,ii ,community-based ,grants for the ,prevention of ,child ,abuse and ,neglect #bja4 ,purpose and authority ,subsections 7a7 and 7b7 of section #bja of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf7 are amended to read as follows3 7a7 ,purpose ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to establish and maintain support for community-based family strengthening services and statewide systems-building approaches to the extent practicable1 to ensure the development1 operation1 expansion1 coordination1 and evaluation of quality services1 initiatives1 programs1 and activities to prevent child abuse and neglect2 and 7#b7 to promote improved access for diverse populations with demonstrated need1 including low-income families1 racial and ethnic minorities1 families with children or caregivers with disabilities1 underserved communities1 and rural communities1 to family strengthening services in order to more effectively prevent child abuse and neglect4 7b7 ,authority ,the ,secretary shall make grants under this title on a formula basis to the entity designated by the ,state as the lead entity 7referred to in this title as the lead entity7 under section #bjb7a7 for the following purposes3 7#a7 ,providing programs1 activities1 and initiatives to help families build protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect1 such as knowledge of parenting and child development1 parental resilience1 social connections1 time-limited and need-based concrete support1 and social and emotional development of children1 that-- 7,a7 are accessible to diverse populations1 effective1 and culturally appropriate2 7,b7 build upon existing strengths2 7,c7 offer assistance to families2 7,d7 provide early1 comprehensive support for parents2 7,e7 promote the development of healthy familial relationships and parenting skills1 especially in young parents and parents with very young children2 7,f7 increase family stability2 7,g7 improve family access to formal and informal community-based resources1 including health and mental health services1 time-limited and need-based concrete supports1 and services and supports to meet the needs of families with children or caregivers with disabilities2 and 7,h7 support the additional needs of families with children with disabilities1 including through respite care4 7#b7 ,fostering the development of a continuum of preventive services to strengthen families through ,state- and community-based collaborations and both public and private partnerships4 7#c7 ,financing the start-up1 maintenance1 expansion1 or redesign of core services described in section #bje1 where communities have identified gaps and decided to prioritize the establishment of such services1 to the extent practicable given funding levels and community priorities4 7#d7 ,maximizing funding through leveraging ,federal1 ,state1 local1 public1 and private funds to carry out the purposes of this title4 7#e7 ,developing or enhancing statewide and local networks to operate1 expand1 or enhance community-based family strengthening services1 initiatives1 and activities that promote child1 parent1 family1 and community health and well-being and prevent child abuse and neglect4 7#f7 ,promoting the development of1 and coordination with1 existing community coalitions of networks of family strengthening services that utilize culturally responsive providers in order to enhance child1 family1 and community well-being and prevent child abuse and neglect in all families4 7#g7 ,financing public information activities that focus on parent and child development and child abuse and neglect prevention4 7#h7 ,to the extent practicable-- 7,a7 promoting the development and implementation of a statewide systems-building strategy to address the unmet needs identified in the inventory described in section #bjd7c71 including the participation of public and private stakeholders1 community-based organizations1 legislators1 parents and other relevant stakeholders1 and ,state agencies1 including the child welfare agency1 the public health agency1 housing agency1 and the ,state education agency1 to scale evidence-based1 evidence-informed1 and promising programs that expand access to family strengthening services and reduce the numbers of children entering the foster care system2 7,b7 developing comprehensive outreach strategies to engage families with various risk factors1 including families who have experienced trauma or domestic violence1 parents with substance use disorder1 and families with children or caregivers with disabilities2 and 7,c7 providing capacity-building supports to local programs to improve desired outcomes for children and families1 such as-- 7i7 technical assistance1 including support for local programs to collect outcome data that helps improve service delivery2 7ii7 professional development2 and 7iii7 peer support networks1 including through developing a problem-solving forum4 4 #bjb4 ,eligibility ,section #bjb of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 the ,governor of the ,state has designated a lead entity to administer funds under this title for the purposes identified under the authority of this title1 including to develop1 implement1 operate1 enhance1 or expand community-based family strengthening services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect2 2 and 7,b7 by striking subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting the following3 7,d7 the ,governor of the ,state has given consideration to the capacity and expertise of all entities requesting to be designated under subparagraph 7,a72 2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 by striking subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 has demonstrated ongoing meaningful partnerships with parents in the development1 operation1 and oversight of ,state- and community-based family strengthening services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect2 2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking community-based and prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families and inserting community-based family strengthening services designed2 7,c7 by striking subparagraph 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,c7 has the capacity to provide operational support 7both financial and programmatic71 professional development1 technical assistance1 and evaluation assistance1 to community-based organizations2 2 and 7,d7 by striking subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting the following3 7,d7 will integrate efforts with individuals and organizations experienced in working in partnership with low-income families1 racial and ethnic minorities1 families with children or caregivers with disabilities1 sexual and gender minority youth1 victims of domestic violence1 and with the child abuse and neglect prevention activities in the ,state1 and demonstrate a financial commitment to those activities2 and 7,e7 will take into consideration access for diverse populations and unmet need when distributing funds to local programs under section #bje4 4 #bjc4 ,amount of grant ,section #bjc of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;b7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting the following3 7a7 ,reservation ,for the purpose of making allotments to ,indian tribes and tribal organizations and migrant programs1 the ,secretary shall reserve #e percent of the amount appropriated under section #baj7;a7 for each fiscal year1 except that1 if making such reservation would cause the total amount allotted to ,states under this section for a fiscal year to be less than such total for fiscal year #bjai1 the ,secretary shall reserve #a percent of the amount appropriated under section #baj7;a7 for the year for such purpose4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,limitation ,for any fiscal year for which the amount allotted to a ,state under subsection 7b7 exceeds the amount allotted to the ,state under such subsection for fiscal year #bjai1 the ,state's lead entity may use not more than #aj percent of such excess amount for administrative expenses4 4 #bjd4 ,application ,section #bjd of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking specified by the ,secretary as essential to carrying out the provisions of section #bjb1 including and inserting and assurances required in paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 of section #bjb and types of information specified by the ,secretary as essential in carrying out the provisions of section #bja7;b71 including2 7#b7 in paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#d71 by striking community-based and prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families and inserting community-based family strengthening services designed2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#c7 by striking community-based and prevention-focused programs and activities and inserting community-based family strengthening services designed2 7#d7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and neglect2 and inserting services and statewide strategies designed to strengthen and support families to promote child1 family1 and community well-being and prevent child abuse and neglect22 7#e7 by striking paragraph 7#f7 and inserting the following3 7#f7 a description of the ,state's capacity and commitment to ensure the meaningful involvement of parents who are or have been consumers of preventative supports1 including the involvement of parents of diverse populations1 such as low-income families1 families with children or caregivers with disabilities1 racial and ethnic minorities1 and members of other underrepresented or underserved groups1 family advocates1 and adult victims of child abuse or neglect who can provide leadership in the planning1 implementation1 and evaluation of the programs and policy decisions of the applicant agency in accomplishing the desired outcomes for such efforts2 2 7#f7 by redesignating paragraph 7#ab7 as paragraph 7#ae72 7#g7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#g7 through 7#aa7 as paragraphs 7#h7 through 7#ab71 respectively2 7#h7 by inserting after paragraph 7#f7 the following3 7#g7 a description of the process and criteria the lead entity will use to identify and select communities in which to build a continuum of family strengthening services1 including an assurance that the process will ensure access for all families1 including families in communities with high rates of child abuse and neglect relative to other communities in the ,state2 2 7#i7 by striking paragraph 7#i71 as so redesignated1 and inserting the following3 7#i7 a description of outreach activities that the lead entity and local grantees will undertake to maximize the participation of low-income families1 racial and ethnic minorities1 families with children or caregivers with disabilities1 sexual and gender minority youth1 victims of domestic violence1 homeless families and those at risk of homelessness1 and members of other underserved or underrepresented groups2 4 7#aj7 by striking paragraph 7#aj71 as so redesignated1 and inserting the following3 7#aj7 a plan for providing operational support1 professional development1 and technical assistance to grantees1 other ,state and local programs and providers1 families1 and other entities involved in strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect2 2 7#aa7 in paragraph 7#aa71 as so redesignated1 by striking and its members 7where appropriate7 and inserting of community-based family strengthening services and statewide initiatives2 and 7#ab7 by striking paragraph 7#ab71 as so redesignated1 and inserting the following3 7#ab7 a description of the actions that the applicant entity will take to inform systemic changes in ,state policies1 practices1 procedures1 and regulations to improve the delivery of community-based family strengthening services designed to promote child1 family1 and community well-being1 and to prevent child abuse and neglect2 7#ac7 a description of how the lead entity will incorporate research evidence in its process for selecting community-based family strengthening services2 7#ad7 an assurance that1 in issuing regulations to improve the delivery of community-based family strengthening services designed to promote child1 family1 and community well-being1 and to prevent child abuse and neglect1 the ,state will-- 7,a7 take into account how such regulations will impact activities funded under this ,act2 and 7,b7 where appropriate1 attempt to avoid duplication of efforts1 minimize costs of compliance with such regulations1 and maximize local flexibility with respect to such regulations2 and 4 #bje4 ,local program requirements ,section #bje of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;e7 is amended to read as follows3 #bje4 ,local program requirements 7a7 ,in general ,grants from the lead entity made under this title shall be used to develop1 implement1 operate1 expand1 and enhance community-based family strengthening services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect that-- 7#a7 assess community assets and needs and develop a strategy to create a comprehensive continuum of effective services that strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and neglect1 through a planning process involving parents1 local and public agencies1 local nonprofit organizations and service providers1 and private sector representatives in meaningful ways2 7#b7 develop or enhance existing place-based family strengthening services1 other parenting support services1 and connections and coordination among key family services in the community by reaching spaces familiar to such families2 and 7#c7 help families build protective factors that support child and family well-being and help prevent child abuse and neglect1 including knowledge of parenting and child development1 parental resilience1 social connections1 time-limited and need-based concrete support1 and social and emotional development of children4 7b7 ,local consideration ,in awarding grants1 the lead entity shall consider1 consistent with the needs of the ,state and community1 how the grantee-- 7#a7 demonstrates the ability to form collaborations across a range of services or initiatives and the commitment to engage in long-term planning and strategic development for community-based family strengthening services as well as provide on-going problem solving support2 7#b7 involves parents1 including parents of children with disabilities1 diverse racial and ethnic groups1 and members of other underrepresented or underserved populations1 in the development1 implementation1 oversight1 and evaluation of services2 7#c7 addresses the need for place-based services and the need to reach families in hard-to-reach areas through approaches that provide core family strengthening services2 7#d7 promotes improved access to family strengthening services for diverse populations and ensures that the services address identified needs of all families2 and 7#e7 demonstrates an understanding of the sources of child and family trauma and the strategies that mitigate the impact of and prevent adverse childhood experiences4 7c7 ,local uses of funds ,grant funds from the lead entity shall be used for community-based family strengthening services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect1 which may include the following3 7#a7 ,developing a strategy based on supporting a comprehensive continuum of preventive1 family-centered services that strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and neglect1 especially to young parents1 to parents with young children1 and to parents who are adult victims of domestic violence or child abuse or neglect1 through public-private partnerships4 7#b7 ,addressing the needs of families in hard-to-reach areas by creating access to place-based family strengthening services4 7#c7 ,performing an assessment of community needs1 including by partnering1 at the option of the grantee1 with an organization that already has performed a needs assessment 7such as a ,maternal1 ,infant and ,early ,childhood ,home ,visiting program under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa7 or a ,head ,start program under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq474 7#d7 ,supporting outreach for services1 including by coordinating with existing family strengthening services such as home visiting and other early intervention programs4 7#e7 ,providing1 promoting the development or enhancement of1 or connecting families to1 core services that include-- 7,a7 parenting support and parent education programs1 including services that help parents and other caregivers support children's development2 7,b7 parent leadership skills development programs that support parents' personal growth as leaders in their families and communities2 7,c7 mutual support groups for parents1 children1 and parent partners2 7,d7 respite and crisis care2 and 7,e7 referrals to optional community and social services1 including-- 7i7 domestic violence services2 7ii7 screening and referrals to early intervention2 7iii7 voluntary home visiting programs2 7iv7 health and mental health services1 including referrals for information on the ,state ,medicaid plan under title ,,xix of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #acif et seq472 7v7 early care and learning programs including child care and ,head ,start programs and ,early ,head ,start programs under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq472 7vi7 nutrition programs1 including the special supplemental nutrition program for women1 infants1 and children established under section #ag of the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf7 and the supplemental nutrition assistance program established under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 7vii7 education and workforce development programs1 including adult literacy1 child development1 wellness1 and family socioeconomic mobility programs2 and 7viii7 services and supports to meet the needs of families with children or caregivers with disabilities1 such as early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families1 as early intervention services are defined in section #fcb of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adcb74 7#f7 ,providing leadership in mobilizing local public and private resources to support the provision of community-based family strengthening services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect4 7#g7 ,developing and maintaining meaningful partnerships with parents relating to the development1 operation1 evaluation1 and oversight of the programs and services4 7#h7 ,coordinating with other community-based family strengthening services designed to prevent child abuse and neglect in the development1 operation1 and expansion of networks where appropriate4 7d7 ,priority ,when awarding grants1 a lead entity shall give priority to effective community-based efforts that serve low-income communities and are focused on comprehensive approaches to serving young parents or parents with young children4 4 #bjf4 ,performance measures ,section #bjf of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;f7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraphs 7#a71 7#e71 7#f71 and 7#h71 by striking community-based and prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families and inserting community-based family strengthening services designed2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking meets and inserting meet2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking including core and optional services as described in section #bjb2 7#d7 by striking paragraph 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#c7 shall demonstrate how they have addressed unmet needs identified by the inventory required under section #bjd2 4 7#e7 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following3 7#d7 shall describe the number of families served1 including families with children or caregivers with disabilities1 and the involvement of a diverse representation of families in the design1 operation1 and evaluation of both community-based family strengthening services and networks of such services2 2 7#f7 by striking paragraph 7#g7 and inserting the following3 7#g7 shall describe-- 7,a7 the number of programs funded disaggregated by urban1 suburban1 and rural community type2 7,b7 the number of children and families served under each such program disaggregated by urban1 suburban1 and rural community type2 and 7,c7 the number of programs that partner with outside entities and the services such outside entities provide2 2 7#g7 in paragraph 7#h7-- 7,a7 by striking leadership of and insert partnership with2 and 7,b7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#h7 by adding at the end the following3 7#i7 shall describe the extent to which there is evidence to support the effectiveness of activities conducted under this title for the program's intended purpose1 or1 in instances where such evidence is not available1 shall describe barriers and challenges to developing evidence of effectiveness4 4 #bjg4 ,national network for community-based family resource programs ,section #bjg of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;g7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking such sums as may be necessary and inserting not more than #e percent2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking community-based and prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families and inserting community-based family strengthening services designed4 #bjh4 ,definitions ,section #bjh of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;h7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#a71 respectively1 and transferring paragraph 7#a7 as redesignated to appear before paragraph 7#b7 as redesignated2 and 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#a7 7as so redesignated7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,community-based family strengthening services ,the term community-based family strengthening services includes organizations such as family resource programs1 family support programs1 voluntary home visiting programs1 respite care services1 parenting education1 mutual support groups for parents1 children1 parent partner programs1 and other community programs or networks of such programs that provide activities that are designed to prevent child abuse and neglect4 4 #bji4 ,rule of construction 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #bji as section #baj2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #bjh the following3 #bji4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit grandparents1 kinship care providers1 foster parents1 adoptive parents1 or any other individual in a parenting role from receiving or participating in services and programs under this title4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act is amended by striking the item relating to section #bji and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #bji4 ,rule of construction4 ,sec4 #baj4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #baj4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #baj of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf et seq471 as redesignated by section #bji of this ,act1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,there are and inserting the following3 7a7 ,in general ,there are 2 7#b7 by striking to carry out through fiscal year #bjaj and inserting to carry out this title #bgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj2 7#c7 by striking #bjaa through #bjae and inserting #bjba through #bjbe2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,treatment of non-,federal funds in certain fiscal years ,for any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under subsection 7a7 exceeds the amount appropriated under such subsection for fiscal year #bjai1 the ,secretary shall consider non-,federal funds and in-kind contributions as part of the ,state contribution for the activities specified in section #bjd7d74 4 #baa4 ,study and report 7a7 ,study relating to new prevention programs 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall complete a study1 using data reported by ,states to the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services under section #bjf of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf;f71 as amended by this ,act-- 7,a7 to determine how many families and children in the first #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act are served annually through programs funded under title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf et seq472 and 7,b7 to compare the number of such families and children served annually in the first #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act to the number of such families and children served in fiscal year #bjai4 7#b7 ,contents ,the study required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include the following for each of the first #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act3 7,a7 ,an examination of how many families received evidence-based programming under title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf et seq474 7,b7 ,an examination of the extent to which local programs conduct evaluations using funds provided under such title and the findings of such evaluations4 7,c7 ,an examination of whether findings of effectiveness in evaluation studies vary by urban1 suburban1 or rural community type4 7,d7 ,an examination of whether programs partnering with other entities are more effective than those that do not partner with other entities4 7,e7 ,an examination of barriers to implement evidence-based programming or to conduct evaluations in instances where such activities do not occur4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #d years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives a report that contains the results of the study conducted under paragraph 7#a74 ,,iii ,adoption ,opportunities #cja4 ,purpose ,section #bja of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaa7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by striking ,congressional findings and declaration of purpose and inserting ,purpose2 7#b7 by striking subsection 7a72 and 7#c7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by striking 7b7 ,purpose4--2 7,b7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by inserting sexual and gender minority youth after particularly older children1 minority children12 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting services and1 after post-legal adoption4 #cjb4 ,report and guidance on unregulated custody transfers ,the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaa et seq47 is amended by inserting after section #bja the following3 #bjb4 ,report and guidance on unregulated custody transfers 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that3 7#a7 ,some adopted children may be at risk of experiencing an unregulated custody transfer because the challenges associated with adoptions 7including the child's mental health needs and the difficulties many families face in acquiring support services7 may lead families to seek out unregulated custody transfers4 7#b7 ,some adopted children experience trauma1 and the disruption and placement in another home by unregulated custody transfer creates additional trauma and instability for children4 7#c7 ,children who experience an unregulated custody transfer may be placed with families who have not completed required child welfare or criminal background checks or clearances4 7#d7 ,social services agencies and courts are often unaware of the placement of children through unregulated custody transfer and therefore do not conduct assessments on the child's safety and well-being in such placements4 7#e7 ,such lack of placement oversight places a child at risk for future abuse and increases the chance that the child may experience-- 7,a7 abuse or neglect2 7,b7 contact with unsafe adults or youth2 and 7,c7 exposure to unsafe or isolated environments4 7#f7 ,the caregivers with whom a child is placed through unregulated custody transfer often have no legal responsibility with respect to such child1 placing the child at risk for additional unregulated custody transfers4 7#g7 ,such caregivers also may not have complete records with respect to such child1 including the child's birth1 medical1 or immigration records4 7#h7 ,a child adopted through intercountry adoption may be at risk of not acquiring ,united ,states citizenship if an unregulated custody transfer occurs before the adoptive parents complete all necessary steps to finalize the adoption of such child4 7#i7 ,engaging in1 or offering to engage in1 unregulated custody transfer places children at risk of harm4 7b7 ,report to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall provide to the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor and ,pensions of the ,senate a report on unregulated custody transfers of children1 including of adopted children4 7#b7 ,elements ,the report required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 the causes1 methods1 and characteristics of unregulated custody transfers1 including the use of social media and the internet2 7,b7 the effects of unregulated custody transfers on children1 including the lack of assessment of a child's safety and well-being by social services agencies and courts due to such unregulated custody transfer2 7,c7 the prevalence of unregulated custody transfers within each ,state and across all ,states2 and 7,d7 recommended policies for preventing1 identifying1 and responding to unregulated custody transfers1 including of adopted children1 that include-- 7i7 amendments to ,federal and ,state law to address unregulated custody transfers2 7ii7 amendments to child protection practices to address unregulated custody transfers2 and 7iii7 methods of providing the public information regarding adoption and child protection4 7c7 ,guidance to ,states 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date specified in subsection 7b77#a71 the ,secretary shall issue guidance and technical assistance to ,states related to preventing1 identifying1 and responding to unregulated custody transfers1 including of adopted children4 7#b7 ,elements ,the guidance required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 education materials related to preventing1 identifying1 and responding to unregulated custody transfers for employees of ,state1 local1 and ,tribal agencies that provide child welfare services2 7,b7 guidance on appropriate pre-adoption education and post-adoption services for domestic and international adoptive families to promote child permanency2 and 7,c7 the assistance available through the ,national ,resource ,center for ,special ,needs ,adoption under section #bjc7;b77#i74 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,state ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and any commonwealth1 territory1 or possession of the ,united ,states4 7#b7 ,unregulated custody transfer ,the term unregulated custody transfer means the abandonment of a child1 by the child's parent1 legal guardian1 or a person or entity acting on behalf1 and with the consent1 of such parent or guardian-- 7,a7 by placing a child with a person who is not-- 7i7 the child's parent1 step-parent1 grandparent1 adult sibling1 legal guardian1 or other adult relative2 7ii7 a friend of the family who is an adult and with whom the child is familiar2 or 7iii7 a member of the ,federally recognized ,indian tribe of which the child is also a member2 7,b7 with the intent of severing the relationship between the child and the parent or guardian of such child2 and 7,c7 without-- 7i7 reasonably ensuring the safety of the child and permanency of the placement of the child1 including by conducting an official home study1 background check1 and supervision2 and 7ii7 transferring the legal rights and responsibilities of parenthood or guardianship under applicable ,federal and ,state law to a person described in subparagraph 7,a74 4 #cjc4 ,information and services 7a7 ,national ,resource ,center for ,special ,needs ,adoption ,section #bjc7;b77#i7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaac7;b77#i77 is amended by inserting not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act1 establish and before maintain4 7b7 ,placement with adoptive families ,section #bjc7;b77#aa77;,c7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaac7;b77#aa77;,c77 is amended by striking such children and inserting the children and youth described in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a7 of section #bja4 7c7 ,pre-adoption services ,section #bjc7;c77#a7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaac7;c77#a77 is amended by striking post and inserting pre- and post-4 7d7 ,services ,section #bjc7;c77#b7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaac7;c77#b77 is amended by inserting and the development of such services1 after not supplant1 services4 7e7 ,elimination of barriers to adoption across jurisdictional boundaries ,section #bjc7;e77#a7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaac7;e77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking with1 ,states1 and inserting with ,states1 ,indian ,tribes12 and 7#b7 by inserting 1 including through the use of web-based tools such as the electronic interstate case-processing system referred to in section #dcg7;g7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7g77 before the period at the end4 #cjd4 ,study and report on successful adoptions ,section #bjd of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaad7 is amended to read as follows3 #bjd4 ,study and report on successful adoptions 7a7 ,study ,the ,secretary shall conduct a study 7directly or by grant to1 or contract with1 public or private nonprofit research agencies or organizations7 on adoption outcomes and the factors 7including parental substance use disorder7 affecting those outcomes4 7b7 ,report ,not later than the date that is #cf months after the date of the enactment of the ,stronger ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act the ,secretary shall submit a report to ,congress that includes the results of the study required under subsection 7a74 4 #cje4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #bje7;a7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaae7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking fiscal year #bjaj and inserting fiscal year #bjbj2 and 7#b7 by striking fiscal years #bjaa through #bjae and inserting fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 ,may #bj1 #bjai ,reported with an amendment1 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union1 and ordered to be printed