,,ii #aagth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #aibg ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,may #bg1 #bjba,mrs4 ,murray 7for herself and ,mr4 ,burr7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,amended ,,capta table of contents4,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,general program,sec4 #aja4 ,interagency work group on child abuse and neglect4,sec4 #ajb4 ,national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse4,sec4 #ajc4 ,research and assistance activities4,sec4 #ajd4 ,grants to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes or ,tribal organizations1 and public or private agencies and organizations4,sec4 #aje4 ,national child abuse hotline4,sec4 #ajf4 ,grants to ,states for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs4,sec4 #ajg4 ,grants for investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect4,sec4 #ajh4 ,miscellaneous requirements relating to assistance4,sec4 #aji4 ,reports4,sec4 #aaj4 ,monitoring and oversight4,sec4 #aaa4 ,authorization of appropriations4,,title ,,ii--,community-based grants for the prevention of child abuse and neglect,sec4 #bja4 ,amendments to title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act4,,title ,,iii--,public health approaches to identify and prevent child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect,sec4 #cja4 ,identifying and preventing child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect4,,title ,,iv--,public health response to infants affected by substance use disorder,sec4 #dja4 ,amending the ,,capta to provide for a public health response to infants affected by substance use disorder4,,title ,v--,adoption ,opportunities,sec4 #eja4 ,purpose4,sec4 #ejb4 ,definitions4,sec4 #ejc4 ,information and services4,sec4 #ejd4 ,studies and reports4,sec4 #eje4 ,unregulated custody transfers4,sec4 #ejf4 ,authorization of appropriations4 #b4 ,amended ,,capta table of contents ,the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking section #b2 and 7#b7 by amending the table of contents under section #a7;b7 to read as follows3 ,table of contents,sec4 #a4 ,short title4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,general program ,sec4 #aja4 ,office on ,child ,abuse and ,neglect4,sec4 #ajb4 ,interagency work group 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 ,grants to ,states for programs relating to the investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect cases4,sec4 #ajh4 ,national child abuse hotline4 ,sec4 #aji4 ,miscellaneous requirements relating to assistance4 ,sec4 #aaj4 ,coordination of child abuse and neglect programs4,sec4 #aaa4 ,reports4 ,sec4 #aab4 ,monitoring and oversight4,sec4 #aac4 ,rule of construction4 ,sec4 #aad4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,,title ,,ii--,community-based grants for the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect ,sec4 #bja4 ,purposes4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,authorization of grants4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,lead entity4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,application4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,uses of funds4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,performance measures4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,national network for community-based family resource programs4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,rule of construction4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,,title ,,iii--,public health approaches to identify and prevent child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect ,sec4 #cja4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,federal ,work ,group on ,public ,health ,surveillance of ,child ,fatalities and near fatalities ,due to ,child ,abuse and ,neglect4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,grants for ,state child death review of child abuse and neglect fatalities and near fatalities4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,authorization of appropriations4 ,,title ,,iv--,public health response to infants affected by substance use disorder ,sec4 #dja4 ,purpose4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,requirements4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,national technical assistance and reporting4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,grant program authorized4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #c4 ,definitions ,the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act is amended by striking section #c 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 and inserting the following3 #b4 ,definitions 7a7 ,in general ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,alaska ,native ,the term ,alaska ,native has the meaning given the term ,native in section #c of the ,alaska ,native ,claims ,settlement ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #afjb74 7#b7 ,child ,subject to subsection 7b77#b71 the term child means a person who has not attained the lesser of-- 7,a7 the age of #ah2 or 7,b7 except in the case of sexual abuse1 the age specified by the child protection law of the ,state in which the child resides4 7#c7 ,child abuse and neglect ,the term child abuse and neglect means1 at a minimum1 any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker1 which results in death1 serious physical or emotional harm1 sexual abuse or exploitation 7including sexual abuse as determined under paragraph 7#ag771 or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm4 7#d7 ,child with a disability ,the term child with a disability means a child with a disability as defined in section #fjb of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adja71 or an infant or toddler with a disability as defined in section #fcb of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adcb74 7#e7 ,children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system ,the term children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system includes children and youth who belong to populations who are the focus of research efforts authorized under section #djd,n of the ,public ,health ,service ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhcp7 and defined in ,,nih ,notice ,,not-,,od-#ai-aci released on ,august #bh1 #bjai4 7#f7 ,community-based family strengthening services ,the term community-based family strengthening services includes services that-- 7,a7 are provided by organizations carrying out programs such as family resource programs1 family support programs1 voluntary home visiting programs1 respite care services programs1 parenting education1 mutual support programs for parents and children1 parent partner programs1 family advocate programs1 and other community programs or networks of such programs2 and 7,b7 are designed to prevent or respond to child abuse and neglect and support families in building protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect4 7#g7 ,community referral services ,the term community referral services means services provided under contract or through an interagency agreement to assist families in obtaining needed information1 mutual support1 and community resources1 including respite care services1 health and mental health services1 employability development and job training1 and other social services1 including early developmental screening of children1 through help lines or other methods4 7#h7 ,governor ,the term ,governor means the chief executive officer of a ,state4 7#i7 ,homeless children and youth ,the term homeless children and youth means an individual who is described in section #gbe of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aadcd;a74 7#aj7 ,indian2 ,indian ,tribe2 ,tribal organization ,the terms ,indian1 ,indian ,tribe1 and ,tribal organization have the meanings given the terms ,indian1 ,indian tribe1 and tribal organization1 respectively1 in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#aa7 ,native ,hawaiian ,the term ,native ,hawaiian has the meaning given the term in section #fbjg of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #geag74 7#ab7 ,near fatality ,the term near fatality means an act that1 as certified by a physician1 places a child in serious or critical condition4 7#ac7 ,protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect ,the term protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect means evidence-based or evidence-informed factors that have been demonstrated to ensure families are more likely to be healthy and strong and less likely to experience child abuse and neglect4 7#ad7 ,respite care services ,the term respite care services means services1 including the services of crisis nurseries1 that are-- 7,a7 provided in the temporary absence of the regular caregiver 7meaning a parent1 other relative1 foster parent1 adoptive parent1 or guardian72 7,b7 provided to children who-- 7i7 are in danger of child abuse or neglect2 7ii7 have experienced child abuse or neglect2 or 7iii7 have disabilities or chronic or terminal illnesses2 7,c7 provided within or outside the home of the child2 7,d7 short-term care 7ranging from a few hours to a few weeks of time1 per year72 and 7,e7 intended to enable the family to stay together and to keep the child living in the home and community of the child4 7#ae7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 7#af7 ,serious bodily injury ,the term serious bodily injury means bodily injury which involves substantial risk of death1 extreme physical pain1 protracted and obvious disfigurement1 or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member1 organ1 or mental faculty4 7#ag7 ,sexual abuse ,the term sexual abuse includes-- 7,a7 the employment1 use1 persuasion1 inducement1 enticement1 or coercion of any child to engage in1 or assist any other person to engage in1 any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct2 and 7,b7 the rape1 and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships1 statutory rape1 molestation1 prostitution1 or other form of sexual exploitation of children1 or incest with children4 7#ah7 ,state ,except as provided in section #ajf7;g71 the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#ai7 ,withholding medically indicated treatment ,the term withholding of medically indicated treatment means the failure to respond to the infant's life-threatening conditions by providing treatment 7including appropriate nutrition1 hydration1 and medication7 which1 in the treating physician's or physicians' reasonable medical judgment1 will be most likely to be effective in ameliorating or correcting all such conditions1 except that the term does not include the failure to provide treatment 7other than appropriate nutrition1 hydration1 or medication7 to an infant when1 in the treating physician's or physicians' reasonable medical judgment-- 7,a7 the infant is chronically and irreversibly comatose2 7,b7 the provision of such treatment would-- 7i7 merely prolong dying2 7ii7 not be effective in ameliorating or correcting all of the infant's life-threatening conditions2 or 7iii7 otherwise be futile in terms of the survival of the infant2 or 7,c7 the provision of such treatment would be virtually futile in terms of the survival of the infant and the treatment itself under such circumstances would be inhumane4 7b7 ,special rule 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#ag7 of subsection 7a71 a child shall be considered a victim of child abuse and neglect or sexual abuse if the child is identified1 by an employee of the ,state or local agency involved1 as being a victim of sex trafficking 7as defined in section #ajc of the ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gajb77 or a victim of severe forms of trafficking in persons 7as defined in such section #ajc74 7#b7 ,state option ,notwithstanding the definition of child under subsection 7a77#b71 for purposes of application of paragraph 7#a71 a ,state may elect to define the term child as a person who has not attained the age of #bd4 4 ,i ,general program #aja4 ,interagency work group on child abuse and neglect ,section #ajb of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajb7 is amended to read as follows3 #ajb4 ,interagency work group on child abuse and neglect 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary may establish and operate an ,interagency ,work ,group on ,child ,abuse and ,neglect 7referred to in this section as the ,work ,group74 7b7 ,composition ,the ,work ,group shall be comprised of representatives from ,federal agencies with responsibility for child abuse and neglect related programs and activities4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,work ,group shall-- 7#a7 coordinate ,federal efforts and activities with respect to child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment1 including data collection and reporting2 7#b7 serve as a forum that convenes relevant ,federal agencies to communicate and exchange ideas concerning child abuse and neglect related programs and activities2 and 7#c7 work to maximize ,federal resources to address child abuse and neglect in areas of critical needs for the field1 such as-- 7,a7 improving research2 7,b7 focusing on prevention of child abuse and neglect2 7,c7 addressing racial bias and disparities in the child protective services system2 7,d7 enhancing child welfare professionals' understanding of trauma-informed practices that prevent and mitigate the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences2 7,e7 identifying actions the child protective services system can take to develop alternative pathways to connect families experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs or other risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect to community-based family strengthening services to prevent child abuse and neglect in order to safely reduce the number of families unnecessarily involved in such system2 and 7,f7 addressing the links between child abuse and neglect and domestic violence4 4 #ajb4 ,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 to read as follows3 #ajc4 ,national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish1 directly or through one or more competitive contracts of not less than #c years duration1 a national clearinghouse for information relating to child abuse and neglect4 7b7 ,consultation ,in establishing the clearinghouse under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall consult with the head of each ,federal agency involved with child abuse and neglect regarding-- 7#a7 the development of the components for information collection2 7#b7 the management of such clearinghouse2 and 7#c7 mechanisms for the sharing of information with other ,federal agencies and clearinghouses4 7c7 ,functions ,the ,secretary1 through the clearinghouse established under subsection 7a71 shall maintain and disseminate information on-- 7#a7 evidence-based and evidence-informed programs1 including private and community-based programs1 that have-- 7,a7 demonstrated success with respect to the prevention1 assessment1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse or neglect2 and 7,b7 potential for broad-scale implementation and replication2 7#b7 the medical diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect and the use of trauma-informed practices that prevent and mitigate the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences2 7#c7 best practices relating to-- 7,a7 differential response2 7,b7 the use of alternative pathways to connect families experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs or other risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect to community-based family strengthening services to prevent child abuse and neglect1 including through the operation of local or ,state helplines 7which may include expanding hotlines and referral systems operated by ,state and local child protective services agencies for such purposes72 7,c7 making improvements to the child protective services systems1 including efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect1 prioritize serving children who are at risk of serious harm1 and implement protocols to identify1 examine1 and eliminate child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect2 7,d7 making appropriate referrals related to the physical1 developmental1 and mental health needs of children who are victims of child abuse or neglect to address the needs of such children and effectively treat the effects of such abuse or neglect2 7,e7 supporting children and youth being cared for by kinship caregivers1 including such children whose living arrangements with kinship caregivers occurred without the involvement of a child protective services agency2 and 7,f7 workforce development and retention of child protective services personnel2 7#d7 professional development and training resources available at the ,state and local level-- 7,a7 for individuals who are engaged1 or who intend to engage1 in the prevention1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect1 including mandated reporters2 and 7,b7 for appropriate ,state and local officials to assist in training law enforcement1 legal1 judicial1 medical1 physical1 behavioral and mental health1 education1 child welfare1 substance use disorder treatment services1 and domestic violence services personnel on-- 7i7 the role of the child protective services system to identify children at risk of serious harm2 and 7ii7 how to direct families in need to alternative pathways for community-based family strengthening services in order to safely reduce the number of families unnecessarily involved with child protective services2 7#e7 in conjunction with the ,national ,resource ,centers authorized under section #caj7;b7 of the ,family ,violence ,prevention and ,services ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ajdaj7;b771 effective programs and best practices for developing and carrying out collaboration between entities providing child protective services and entities providing domestic violence services2 7#f7 maintain and disseminate information about the requirements of section #djb7;c7 and best practices relating to the development1 implementation1 and monitoring of family care plans as described in section #djb7;c7 for infants identified as being affected by substance or alcohol use disorder1 including best practices on topics such as-- 7,a7 collaboration and coordination across substance abuse agencies1 child welfare agencies1 maternal and child health agencies1 family courts1 and other community partners2 and 7,b7 identification and delivery of services for affected infants and their families1 including for infants affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 but whose families do not meet criteria for immediate safety concerns of child abuse and neglect2 7#g7 maintain and disseminate information relating to the incidence of cases of child abuse and neglect in the ,united ,states1 including information based on data submitted by ,state child protective services agencies under section #ajf7;d72 and 7#h7 compile1 analyze1 and publish a summary of the research conducted under section #ajd7;a74 7d7 ,data collection and analysis 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall develop and maintain a ,federal data collection and analysis system1 in consultation with appropriate ,state and local agencies and experts in the field1 to collect1 compile1 and make available ,state child abuse and neglect reporting information which1 to the extent practical1 shall be universal and case specific and integrated with other case-based ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 regional1 and local child welfare data systems 7including the automated foster care and adoption reporting system required under section #dgi of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgi77 which shall include-- 7,a7 standardized data on false1 unfounded1 unsubstantiated1 and substantiated reports2 7,b7 comparable information on child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect1 including-- 7i7 the number of child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect2 and 7ii7 case-specific data about the circumstances under which a child fatality or near fatality occurred due to abuse and neglect1 including the data elements described in section #ajf7;d77#c77;,e72 7,c7 information about the incidence and characteristics of child abuse and neglect in circumstances in which domestic violence is present2 and 7,d7 information about the incidence and characteristics of child abuse and neglect in cases related to substance use disorder4 7#b7 ,confidentiality requirement ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a77;,d71 the ,secretary shall ensure that methods are established and implemented to preserve the confidentiality of records relating to case specific data4 4 #ajc4 ,research and assistance activities ,section #ajd of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaje7 is amended-- 7#a7 by amending subsections 7a7 through 7c7 to read as follows3 7a7 ,research 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall ensure that the ,administration for ,children and ,families1 in coordination with the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 the ,health ,resources and ,services ,administration1 and other relevant ,federal agencies1 and in consultation with recognized experts in the field1 carries out a continuing interdisciplinary program of research1 including longitudinal research1 that is designed to-- 7,a7 provide information needed to improve primary prevention of child abuse and neglect2 7,b7 better protect children from child abuse or neglect2 7,c7 evaluate the efficacy of programs or practices to improve outcomes2 7,d7 improve the well-being of victims of child abuse or neglect2 and 7,e7 be responsive to the research needs of the child welfare field4 7#b7 ,topics ,the research program described in paragraph 7#a7 may focus on-- 7,a7 evidence-based or evidence-informed programs regarding-- 7i7 prevention of child abuse and neglect in families that have not had contact with the child protective services system1 including through supporting the development of protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect2 and 7ii7 trauma-informed treatment of children and families who experience child abuse and neglect1 including efforts to prevent the re-traumatization of such children and families2 7,b7 effective practices to reduce racial bias and disparities in the child protective services system2 7,c7 effective practices and programs in the use of differential response to identify children at risk of serious harm and to safely reduce the number of families unnecessarily investigated by the child protective services system2 7,d7 effective practices and programs designed to improve service delivery and outcomes for child protective services agencies engaged with children and families with complex needs1 such as families who have experienced domestic violence1 substance use disorders1 and adverse childhood experiences2 7,e7 best practices for recruiting and retaining a child protective services workforce and providing professional development2 7,f7 effective collaborations1 between the child protective system and domestic violence service providers1 that provide for the safety of children exposed to domestic violence and their non-abusing parents and that improve the investigations1 interventions1 delivery of services1 and treatments provided for such children and families2 7,g7 child abuse and neglect issues facing ,indians1 ,alaska ,natives1 and ,native ,hawaiians1 including providing recommendations for improving the collection of child abuse and neglect data from ,indian ,tribes and ,native ,hawaiian communities2 and 7,h7 child abuse and neglect issues related to children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system1 including efforts to improve the child welfare system's practices related to the prevention1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect to address such overrepresentation4 7#c7 ,national incidence of child abuse and neglect 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct research on the national incidence of child abuse and neglect and investigate the trends in such incidence1 including the information on the national incidence on child abuse and neglect specified in subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,content ,the research described in subparagraph 7,a7 shall examine 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 unfounded1 or falsely 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 or the lack of adequate training 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 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 7#d7 ,report ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba and every #b years thereafter1 the ,secretary shall prepare and make available on a website that is accessible to the public and 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-- 7,a7 identifies the research priorities under paragraph 7#e7 and the process for determining such priorities2 7,b7 contains a summary of the research supported pursuant to paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b71 and a summary of relevant research on child abuse and neglect conducted by other agencies within the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services2 7,c7 contains the findings of the research regarding the national incidence on child abuse and neglect conducted under paragraph 7#c72 and 7,d7 describes how the ,secretary will continue to improve the accuracy of information on the national incidence on child abuse and neglect specified in paragraph 7#c74 7#e7 ,priorities 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish research priorities1 which may include long-term studies1 for making grants or contracts for purposes of carrying out paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,public comment ,the ,secretary shall provide a biennial opportunity for public comment concerning the priorities proposed under subparagraph 7,a7 and shall maintain an official record of such public comment4 7b7 ,provision of technical assistance 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance to ,state and local public and private agencies and community-based organizations1 including organizations that support children or youth overrepresented in the child welfare system1 disability organizations1 and persons who work with children with disabilities1 and providers of mental health1 substance use disorder treatment1 and domestic violence prevention services1 to assist such agencies and organizations in planning1 improving1 developing1 carrying out1 and evaluating programs and activities1 including replicating successful program models1 relating to the prevention1 assessment1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect4 7#b7 ,content ,the technical assistance under paragraph 7#a7 shall be designed to-- 7,a7 reduce racial bias and disparities in the child protective services system2 7,b7 provide professional development for child protective services workers in trauma-informed practices and supports that prevent and mitigate the effects of trauma and adverse childhood experiences for infants1 children1 youth1 and adults2 7,c7 promote best practices for addressing child abuse and neglect in families with complex needs1 such as families who have experienced domestic violence1 substance use disorders1 and adverse childhood experiences2 7,d7 leverage community-based resources to prevent child abuse and neglect to develop a continuum of preventive services1 including resources regarding health 7including mental health and substance use disorder71 housing1 food assistance1 parent support1 financial assistance1 early childhood care and education1 education services1 and other services to assist families2 7,e7 promote best practices for maximizing coordination and communication between ,state and local child welfare agencies and relevant health care entities1 consistent with all applicable ,federal and ,state privacy laws2 and 7,f7 provide other technical assistance1 as determined by the ,secretary in consultation with such ,state and local public and private agencies and community-based organizations as the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7#c7 ,evaluation ,the technical assistance under paragraph 7#a7 may include an evaluation or identification of-- 7,a7 various methods and procedures for the investigation1 assessment1 and prosecution of child physical and sexual abuse cases2 7,b7 ways to prevent and mitigate the effects of trauma to the child victim2 7,c7 effective programs carried out by the ,states under this title and title ,,ii2 and 7,d7 effective approaches to link child protective service agencies with health care1 mental health care1 and developmental services to improve forensic diagnosis and health evaluations1 and barriers and shortages to such linkages4 7#d7 ,dissemination ,the ,secretary may provide for1 and disseminate information relating to1 various training resources available at the ,state and local level to-- 7,a7 individuals who are engaged1 or who intend to engage1 in the prevention1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect2 and 7,b7 appropriate ,state and local officials to assist in training law enforcement1 legal1 judicial1 medical1 mental health1 education1 child welfare1 substance use disorder1 and domestic violence services personnel in appropriate methods of interacting during investigative1 administrative1 and judicial proceedings with children who have been subjected to1 or children whom such personnel suspect have been subjected to1 child abuse or neglect4 7c7 ,authority ,to make grants or enter into contracts 7#a7 ,in general ,the functions of the ,secretary under this section may be carried out directly or through grant or contract4 7#b7 ,duration ,grants under this section shall be made for periods of not more than #e years4 2 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7e74 #ajd4 ,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 to read as follows3 #aje4 ,grants to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes or ,tribal organizations1 and public or private agencies and organizations 7a7 ,authority ,to award grants or enter into contracts ,the ,secretary may award grants and enter into contracts to carry out programs and projects in accordance with this section1 for any of the following purposes3 7#a7 ,capacity building1 in order to create coordinated1 inclusive1 and collaborative systems that have statewide1 local1 or community-based impact in preventing1 reducing1 and treating child abuse and neglect4 7#b7 ,innovation1 through time-limited1 field-initiated demonstration projects that further the understanding of the field to prevent1 treat1 and reduce child abuse and neglect4 7b7 ,capacity building grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may award grants or contracts to an eligible entity4 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,in this subsection1 the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a ,state or local agency1 ,indian ,tribe or ,tribal organization1 or a nonprofit entity2 or 7,b7 a consortium of entities described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,applications ,to receive a grant or contract under this subsection1 an eligible entity shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#d7 ,uses of funds ,an eligible entity receiving a grant or contract under this subsection shall use the funds made available through the grant or contract to better align and coordinate community-based1 local1 or ,state activities to strengthen families and prevent1 reduce1 or treat child abuse and neglect1 by-- 7,a7 training professionals in prevention1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect1 which may include-- 7i7 training of professional and paraprofessional personnel1 who are engaged in1 or intend to work in1 the field of prevention1 identification1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect1 including training in the links between child abuse and neglect and domestic violence and approaches to working with families with substance use disorder2 7ii7 training on evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to improve child abuse and neglect reporting1 with a focus on adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity1 including on-- 7,i7 recognizing and responding to child sexual abuse2 and 7,,ii7 safely reducing the number of families unnecessarily investigated by the child protective services system2 7iii7 training of personnel in best practices to meet the unique needs and development of special populations of children1 including children with disabilities1 infants1 and toddlers2 7iv7 improving the training of supervisory child welfare workers on best practices for recruiting1 selecting1 and retaining personnel2 7v7 supporting ,state child welfare and child protective services agencies to coordinate the provision of services with ,state and local health care agencies1 substance use disorder prevention and treatment agencies1 mental health agencies1 other public and private welfare agencies1 and agencies that provide early intervention services to promote child safety1 permanence1 and family stability1 which may include training on improving coordination between agencies to meet health evaluation and treatment needs of children who have been victims of substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect2 7vi7 training of personnel in best practices relating to the provision of differential response2 and 7vii7 training for child welfare professionals to reduce and prevent racial bias in the provision of child protective services and child welfare services related to child abuse and neglect2 7,b7 enhancing systems coordination and triage procedures1 including programs of collaborative partnerships between the ,state child protective services agency1 community social service agencies and community-based family support programs1 law enforcement agencies and legal systems1 developmental disability agencies1 substance use disorder treatment agencies1 health care entities1 domestic violence prevention entities1 mental health service entities1 schools1 places of worship1 and other community-based agencies1 such as children's advocacy centers1 in accordance with all applicable ,federal and ,state privacy laws1 to-- 7i7 improve responses to reports of child abuse and neglect2 7ii7 allow for the establishment or improvement of a coordinated triage system2 7iii7 connect families experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs or risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect to community-based systems and programs that assist families seeking support to minimize involvement in the child protective services system2 or 7iv7 modernize data systems and networks to improve the effectiveness of technology used by the child protective services system1 including to facilitate timely information and data sharing and referrals between systems that are designed to serve children and families2 or 7,c7 establishing or enhancing coordinated systems of support for children1 parents1 and families1 including a continuum of preventive services that strengthens families and connects families to services and supports relevant to their diverse needs regardless of how families make contact with such systems4 7c7 ,field-,initiated innovation grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may award grants or contracts to eligible entities for field-initiated demonstration projects of up to #e years that advance innovative approaches to prevent1 reduce1 or treat child abuse and neglect4 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,in this subsection1 the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a ,state or local agency1 ,indian ,tribe or ,tribal organization1 or public or private agency1 or organization2 or 7,b7 a consortium of entities described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,applications ,to receive a grant or contract under this subsection1 an eligible entity shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require1 including a rigorous methodological approach to the evaluation of the grant or contract4 7#d7 ,use of funds ,an eligible entity that receives a grant or contract under this subsection shall use the funds made available through the grant or contract to carry out or bring to scale promising1 evidence-informed1 or evidence-based activities to prevent1 treat1 or reduce child abuse and neglect that shall include one or more of the following3 7,a7 ,multidisciplinary systems of care to strengthen families and prevent1 treat1 or reduce child abuse and neglect1 such as programs that focus on addressing traumatic stress in families due to child abuse and neglect1 especially for families with complex needs or families in which children or parents exhibit high levels of adverse childhood experiences4 7,b7 ,primary prevention programs or strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of child abuse and neglect among families4 7,c7 ,the development and use of alternative pathways to connect families experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs or other risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect to community-based family strengthening services to prevent child abuse and neglect or other public and private resources1 such as supporting the development and implementation of-- 7i7 local or ,state helplines 7which may include expanding hotlines and referral systems operated by ,state and local child protective services agencies for such purposes72 7ii7 a continuum of preventive services that strengthen families and promote child1 parent1 and family1 well-being2 and 7iii7 innovative collaboration and coordination between the child protective services system1 public agencies1 and community-based organizations 7including community-based providers supported under title ,,ii74 7,d7 ,innovative training for mandated child abuse and neglect reporters1 which may include training that is specific to the mandated individual's profession or role when working with children4 7,e7 ,innovative programs1 activities1 and services that are aligned with the research priorities identified under section #ajd7;a77#e74 7,f7 ,projects to improve implementation of best practices to educate and assist medical professionals in identifying1 assessing1 and responding to potential abuse in infants1 including improving communication and alignment with child protective services as appropriate and identifying injuries indicative of potential abuse in infants1 and to assess the outcomes of such best practices4 7,g7 ,projects to establish or implement comprehensive child sexual abuse awareness and prevention programs in an age-appropriate manner for parents1 guardians1 and professionals1 including on recognizing and safely reporting such abuse4 7d7 ,evaluation ,in awarding grants and contracts for programs or projects under this section1 the ,secretary shall require all such programs and projects to be evaluated for their effectiveness4 ,funding for such evaluations shall be provided either as a stated percentage of a grant or contracts or as a separate grant or contract entered into by the ,secretary for the purpose of evaluating a particular program or project or group of programs or projects4 ,in the case of an evaluation performed by the recipient of a grant1 the ,secretary shall make available technical assistance for the evaluation1 where needed1 including the use of a rigorous application of scientific evaluation techniques4 4 #aje4 ,national child abuse hotline ,title ,i of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by repealing section #aad2 7#b7 redesignating section #aab as section #aad and moving such section to the end of title ,i2 7#c7 by redesignating sections #ajh through #aaa as sections #aji through #aab1 respectively2 and 7#d7 by inserting after section #ajg the following3 #ajh4 ,national child abuse hotline ,the ,secretary may award a grant under this section to a nonprofit entity to provide for the ongoing operation of a #bd-;hour1 national1 toll-free hotline to provide information and assistance to children who are 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 4 #ajf4 ,grants to ,states for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs ,section #ajf of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;a7 is amended to read as follows3 #ajf4 ,grants to ,states for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs 7a7 ,development and operation grants ,the ,secretary shall make grants to the ,states1 from allotments made under subsection 7g7 for each ,state that applies for a grant under this section1 for purposes of assisting the ,states in improving the child protective services system of each such ,state with respect to one or more of the following activities3 7#a7 ,improving the intake1 assessment1 screening1 and investigation of reports of child abuse or neglect1 including-- 7,a7 the use of differential response1 and establishing and maintaining a rapid response system for high-risk cases1 with special attention to cases involving repeat referrals of the same child1 infants1 and toddlers2 and 7,b7 protocols and training that reduce and prevent racial bias in the child protective services system4 7#b7 ,supporting trauma-informed response1 investigation1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect by-- 7,a7 creating and improving the use of multidisciplinary teams1 including children's advocacy centers2 7,b7 enhancing investigations through interagency1 intra-agency1 interstate1 and intrastate protocols2 and 7,c7 improving legal preparation and representation1 including-- 7i7 procedures for appealing and responding to appeals of substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect2 and 7ii7 provisions to ensure that all children and parents shall have legal representation by a trained attorney in all cases involving an allegation of child abuse or neglect that results in a judicial proceeding1 for the entire duration of the court's jurisdiction in the case4 7#c7 ,establishing alternative pathways to connect families in need to voluntary1 community-based family strengthening services in order to enable the child protective services system to focus on children at most serious risk of harm and safely reduce the number of families unnecessarily investigated for child abuse and neglect1 through the development1 implementation1 and expansion of-- 7,a7 local or ,state helplines 7which may include expanding hotlines and referral systems operated by ,state and local child protective services agencies for such purposes72 and 7,b7 coordination with other local and ,state public entities to support a continuum of preventive services that strengthen families and promote child1 parent1 and family well-being4 7#d7 ,improving case management approaches1 including ongoing case monitoring1 and delivery of services and treatment provided to children and their families to ensure safety and respond to family needs1 including-- 7,a7 multidisciplinary approaches to assessing family needs and connecting families with services1 including prevention services under section #dga of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fga72 7,b7 organizing treatment teams of community service providers that prevent and treat child abuse and neglect1 and improve child and family well-being2 and 7,c7 case-monitoring that can ensure progress in child well-being4 7#e7 ,modernizing data systems to improve case management1 coordination1 and communication between ,state and local public agencies1 including-- 7,a7 updating systems of technology that support the program and track reports of child abuse and neglect from intake through final disposition and allow for interstate and intrastate information exchange2 7,b7 improving real-time case monitoring for caseworkers at the ,state and local levels to track assessments1 service referrals1 follow-up1 case reviews1 and progress toward case plan goals2 7,c7 facilitating real-time data sharing across ,state and local public agencies to allow for enhanced data collection and public disclosure related to child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect2 and 7,d7 developing1 improving1 and implementing risk and safety assessment tools and protocols that reduce and prevent bias4 7#f7 ,developing1 strengthening1 and facilitating training for professionals and volunteers engaged in the prevention1 intervention1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect1 including training on-- 7,a7 the legal duties of such individuals2 7,b7 personal safety for case workers2 7,c7 early childhood1 child1 and adolescent development and the impact of child abuse and neglect1 including long-term impacts of adverse childhood experiences2 7,d7 improving coordination among child protective service agencies and health care agencies1 entities providing health care 7including mental health and substance use disorder services71 and community resources2 7,e7 improving screening1 forensic diagnosis1 and health and developmental evaluations1 which may include best practices for periodic reevaluations1 as appropriate2 7,f7 addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities1 including promoting interagency collaboration to meet such needs2 7,g7 supporting the placement of children with kinship caregivers and addressing the unique needs of children in such placements2 7,h7 implementing responsive1 family-oriented1 and trauma-informed approaches to prevention1 identification1 intervention1 and treatment of child abuse and neglect2 7,i7 ensuring child safety2 7,j7 the links between child abuse and neglect and domestic violence1 and approaches to working with families with mental health needs or substance use disorder2 7,k7 coordinating with other services and agencies to address family and child needs1 including trauma2 and 7,l7 distinguishing between cases of child and abuse neglect and cases related to family economic insecurity where abuse and neglect are not present4 7#g7 ,improving the recruitment and retention of caseworkers1 such as efforts to address the effects of indirect trauma exposure for child welfare workers4 7#h7 ,developing1 facilitating the use of1 and implementing evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies and training protocols for individuals mandated to report child abuse and neglect1 which may include improving public awareness and understanding relating to the role and responsibilities of the child protective services system and the nature and basis for reporting suspected incidents of child abuse and neglect4 7#i7 ,developing1 implementing1 or operating programs and referrals to assist in obtaining or coordinating necessary services for families of infants or toddlers with a disability1 with special attention to at-risk infants or toddlers 7as defined in section #fcb of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adcb771 including-- 7,a7 existing social and health services2 7,b7 financial assistance2 7,c7 educational services2 and 7,d7 the use of differential response in preventing child abuse and neglect4 7#aj7 ,enhancing interagency collaboration between agencies and providers of the child protective services1 public health1 substance use disorder treatment1 education1 domestic violence services1 law enforcement1 and juvenile justice to improve the investigations1 interventions1 delivery of services1 and treatments provided for children and families experiencing child abuse and neglect1 which may include-- 7,a7 methods for continuity of treatment plan and services as children and families transition between systems2 7,b7 addressing the health needs1 including mental health needs1 of children identified as victims of child abuse or neglect1 including supporting prompt1 comprehensive health and developmental evaluations for children who are the subject of substantiated child abuse and neglect reports2 7,c7 the provision of services that assist children exposed to domestic violence1 and that also support the caregiving role of their non-abusing parents2 7,d7 enhancing the capacity of public entities or community-based providers to integrate the leadership of parents in such entities' decision-making2 and 7,e7 co-locating service providers4 7#aa7 ,supporting the development1 implementation1 and monitoring of family care plans for infants affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and their families and affected caregivers1 in accordance with the requirements of section #djb7;c71 including through enhancing interagency coordination1 such as between the ,state's substance abuse agencies1 public health and mental health agencies1 child welfare agencies1 social services agencies1 health care facilities with labor and delivery units1 maternal and child health agencies1 early intervention agencies1 family courts with jurisdiction in cases of child abuse and neglect1 and other agencies or entities involved in supporting families affected by substance use disorders4 7b7 ,eligibility requirements 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 specifies how the ,state will use funds received under the grant to improve and strengthen the child protective services system through the activities described in subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,duration of plan ,each ,state plan shall-- 7i7 be submitted not less frequently than once every #e years1 in coordination with the ,state plan submitted under part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fba et seq472 and 7ii7 be periodically reviewed and revised by the ,state1 as necessary1 to reflect-- 7,i7 any substantive changes to ,state law or regulations related to the prevention of child abuse and neglect that may affect the eligibility of the ,state under this section2 and 7,,ii7 any significant changes from the ,state application related to the ,state's funding of strategies and programs supported under this section4 7,c7 ,public collaboration and comment ,in developing the ,state plan under subparagraph 7,a71 each ,state shall-- 7i7 consult widely with stakeholders and relevant public and private organizations and individuals across the ,state1 which shall include parents2 7ii7 collaborate with the lead entity and community-based providers funded under title ,,ii to strengthen the ,state's prevention efforts in the ,state plan2 7iii7 make the draft plan publicly available by electronic means in an easily accessible format2 and 7iv7 provide all interested members of the public at least #cj days opportunity to submit comments on the draft ,state plan4 7,d7 ,availability ,the ,state shall ensure that the final approved plan required under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be publicly available by electronic means in an easily accessible format1 and shall update the such publicly available plan to include any revisions to such plan described in subparagraph 7,b77ii74 7#b7 ,plan provisions 7,a7 ,descriptions ,each ,state plan required under paragraph 7#a7 shall describe-- 7i7 the activities the ,state will carry out using amounts received under the grant to prevent1 treat1 and reduce child abuse and neglect2 7ii7 how the ,state will implement a systems-building approach to develop and maintain a continuum of preventive supports1 in coordination with relevant ,state and local public agencies families and community-based organizations1 such as through the development of alternative pathways described in subsection 7a77#c72 7iii7 training and retention activities to be provided under the grant to support direct line and supervisory personnel in report taking1 screening1 assessment1 decision-making1 and referral for investigating suspected instances of child abuse and neglect2 7iv7 the training to be provided under the grant for mandatory reporting by individuals who are required to report known or suspected cases of child abuse and neglect1 including for purposes of making such individuals aware of these requirements2 7v7 policies and procedures encouraging the appropriate involvement of families in decision-making pertaining to children who have experienced child abuse or neglect2 7vi7 policies and procedures that promote and enhance appropriate collaboration among child protective service agencies1 domestic violence service agencies1 substance abuse agencies1 other relevant agencies1 and kinship navigators 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 7vii7 policies and procedures regarding the use of differential response and a timeline for the development and implementation of a rapid response system to ensure that all referrals of repeat referrals of the same child1 infants1 and toddlers receive a rapid response from such system2 7viii7 how the ,state will enact policies and procedures within #b years of the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba requiring timely public disclosure of the findings or information about the case of child abuse or neglect that has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality 7in accordance with relevant ,federal and ,state privacy and confidentiality requirements71 which shall include a description of-- 7,i7 how the ,state will make such information publically available in an easily accessible format1 including information on-- 7aa7 the cause and circumstances of the fatality or near fatality2 7bb7 the age1 gender1 and race or ethnicity of the child2 and 7cc7 any previous reports of child abuse or neglect investigations by the perpetrator or the victim2 and 7,,ii7 assurances of the ,state that the ,state will not allow an exception to such public disclosure1 except in a case in which-- 7aa7 the ,state needs 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 during a pending criminal investigation or prosecution of such a fatality or near fatality2 7bb7 the ,state is protecting the identity of a reporter of child abuse or neglect2 or 7cc7 the ,state is withholding information in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the child1 parents and family1 if such members of the victim's family are not perpetrators of the fatality or near fatality2 7ix7 the ,state's efforts to collect and review data on child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect to drive systemic change to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future1 including a description of-- 7,i7 the criteria utilized by the ,state's child protective services agency to determine which cases of child fatalities and near fatalities due to abuse and neglect are reported under subsection 7d71 subject to the requirements of section #dbb7;b77#ai7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b771 such as whether such agency is submitting data on-- 7aa7 only such cases that had involvement with the ,state's child protective services agency1 including cases that were investigated by such agency1 and substantiated as abuse or neglect by such agency2 or 7bb7 all cases of child fatalities and near fatalities identified as being related to child abuse and neglect by the ,state's child death review system2 and 7,,ii7 how the ,state is reviewing and analyzing such data to support reforms intended to prevent future child fatalities and near fatalities across the policies and procedures of the ,state's agencies that support children and families2 7x7 the ,state's efforts to reduce racial bias and disparities in its child protective services system2 7xi7 the ,state's efforts to improve policies and procedures regarding the identification and response to child abuse and neglect in order to safely reduce unnecessary investigations by ,state and local child protective services agencies of-- 7,i7 families solely on the basis of circumstances related to poverty2 and 7,,ii7 families experiencing homelessness solely on the basis of circumstances related to such families' housing status2 and 7xii7 the ,state's plan to ensure that1 within a specified timeline1 all child victims of child abuse or neglect that results in a judicial proceeding are appointed-- 7,i7 a guardian ad litem1 who has received training appropriate to the role1 including training in early childhood1 child1 and adolescent development1 and domestic violence1 and who may be a court appointed special advocate-- 7aa7 to obtain first-hand1 a clear understanding of the situation and needs of the child2 and 7bb7 to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interests of the child2 and 7,,ii7 an attorney ad litem to provide legal services for the child who-- 7aa7 owes to the child the duties of loyalty1 confidentiality1 and competent legal representation2 and 7bb7 is appointed to represent and express the child's wishes to the court4 7,b7 ,assurances ,each ,state plan shall provide assurances that the ,state has-- 7i7 provisions or procedures for individuals to report known and suspected instances of child abuse and neglect as applicable under ,state law1 including a ,state law for mandatory reporting by individuals required to report such instances1 including1 as defined by the ,state-- 7,i7 health professionals2 7,,ii7 school and child care personnel2 7,,iii7 law enforcement officials2 7,,iv7 social workers2 7,v7 camp and after-school employees2 7,,vi7 clergy2 and 7,,vii7 other individuals1 as a ,state may require2 7ii7 provisions for immunity from civil or criminal liability under ,state and local laws 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 7iii7 procedures for the immediate screening1 risk and safety assessment1 and prompt investigation of reports of suspected or known instances of child abuse and neglect1 and triage procedures for the appropriate referral of a child not at risk of imminent harm to a community organization or voluntary preventive service2 7iv7 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 environment1 which may include placements with kinship caregivers2 7v7 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 7vi72 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 7vi7 provisions to require a ,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 7vii7 provisions to require 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 7viii7 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 7ix7 established and maintained citizen review panels in accordance with subsection 7c72 7x7 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 7xi7 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#cd ,u4,s4,c4 #bjiac7;a772 7xii7 an assurance that1 upon the implementation by the ,state of the provisions1 procedures1 and mechanisms under clause 7xi71 conviction of any one of the felonies listed in clause 7xi7 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 7xiii7 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 7xiv7 provisions addressing the training 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 duties1 including in different languages if necessary1 in order to protect the legal rights and safety of children and families from the initial time of contact during investigation through treatment2 7xv7 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 7xvi7 provisions for systems of technology that support the ,state child protective service system described in subsection 7a7 and track reports of child abuse and neglect from intake through final disposition2 7xvii7 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 #ajc of the ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gajb772 7xviii7 provisions and procedures for training child protective services workers about identifying1 assessing1 and providing comprehensive services for children who are sex trafficking 7as defined in section #ajc of the ,trafficking ,victims ,protection ,act of #bjjj 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #gajb77 victims1 including efforts to coordinate with ,state law enforcement1 juvenile justice1 and social service agencies such as runaway and homeless youth shelters to serve this population2 7xix7 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-- 7,i7 coordination and consultation with individuals designated by and within appropriate health-care facilities2 7,,ii7 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 7,,iii7 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 7xx7 procedures to provide information and training for mandated reporters who are educators on the requirements of subtitle ,b of title ,,vii of the ,mc,kinney-,vento ,homeless ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aadca et seq47 to support homeless children and youth in enrolling1 attending1 and succeeding in school1 in accordance with the ,state plan submitted under such subtitle ,b2 7xxi7 collaborated with families affected by child abuse or neglect1 and the lead entity and community-based providers supported under title ,,ii in developing the ,state plan described in paragraph 7#a72 7xxii7 provisions and procedures to ensure that all parents shall1 in all cases involving allegations of child abuse or neglect which results in a judicial proceeding1 have legal representation by a trained attorney for the entire duration of the court's jurisdiction in the case2 and 7xxiii7 procedures and policies for developing1 implementing1 and monitoring family care plans required under section #djb7;c7 to ensure the safety and well-being of infants born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and the well-being of such infants' families and caregivers4 7#c7 ,limitation 7,a7 ,certain identifying information ,nothing in clause 7ii7 or 7iv7 of paragraph 7#b77;,b7 shall be construed as restricting the authority of a ,state to refuse to disclose identifying information concerning the individual initiating a report or complaint alleging suspected instances of child abuse or neglect1 except that the ,state may not refuse such a disclosure where a court orders such disclosure after such court has reviewed1 in camera1 the record of the ,state related to the report or complaint and has found it has reason to believe that the reporter knowingly made a false report4 7,b7 ,clarification ,nothing in subparagraph 7,a7 shall be construed to limit a ,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 7,c7 ,mandated reporters in certain ,states ,with respect to a ,state in which ,state law requires all of the individuals to report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect directly to a ,state child protective services agency or to a law enforcement agency1 the requirement under paragraph 7#b77;,b77i7 shall not be construed to require the ,state to define the classes of individuals described in subclauses 7,i7 through 7,,vii7 of such paragraph4 7c7 ,citizen review panels 7#a7 ,establishment 7,a7 ,in general ,each ,state to which a grant is made under this section shall establish 7including by designating under subparagraph 7,b77 not less than #b citizen review panels4 7,b7 ,designation ,a ,state may designate a citizen review panel for purposes of this subsection1 comprised of one or more existing 7as of the date of the designation7 entities established under ,state or ,federal law1 such as child fatality panels1 foster care review panels1 or ,state task forces established under section #ajg1 if such entities have the capacity to satisfy the requirements of paragraph 7#c7 and the ,state ensures that such entities will satisfy such requirements4 7#b7 ,membership ,except as provided in paragraph 7#a77;,b71 each panel established pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall be composed of volunteer members who are broadly representative of the community in which such panel is established1 including parents with experience with the child protective services system and members who have expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect1 and may include adults who experienced child abuse or neglect4 7#c7 ,functions 7,a7 ,in general ,each panel established pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall evaluate1 by examining the policies1 procedures1 and practices of ,state and local agencies and where appropriate1 specific cases1 the extent to which ,state and local child protective services system agencies are effectively discharging their child protection responsibilities in accordance with-- 7i7 the ,state plan under subsection 7b72 and 7ii7 any other criteria that the panel considers important to ensure the protection of children1 including-- 7,i7 a review of the extent to which the ,state and local child protective services system is coordinated with the foster care1 prevention1 and permanency program established under part ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj et seq472 and 7,,ii7 a review of child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect and ,state and local efforts to change policies1 procedures1 and practices to prevent future fatalities and near fatalities4 7,b7 ,alternative pathways ,in carrying out the requirements of subparagraph 7,a71 each panel shall examine the policies1 procedures1 and practices of ,state and local child protective services system agencies that result in substantial numbers of families being unnecessarily investigated for child abuse and neglect 7including by examining racial basis7 and shall develop recommendations to the ,state1 in accordance with paragraph 7#e71 regarding how ,state and local child protective services agencies can become a more effective system of appropriate and immediate response for children who are at most serious risk of child abuse and neglect and eliminate child abuse fatalities and near fatalities4 7,c7 ,confidentiality 7i7 ,in general ,the members and staff of a panel established under paragraph 7#a7-- 7,i7 shall not disclose to any person or government official any identifying information about any specific child protection case with respect to which the panel is provided information2 and 7,,ii7 shall not make public other information unless authorized by ,state statute4 7ii7 ,civil sanctions ,each ,state that establishes a panel pursuant to paragraph 7#a7 shall establish civil sanctions for a violation of clause 7i74 7,d7 ,public outreach ,each panel shall provide for public outreach and comment in order to assess the impact of current procedures and practices upon children and families in the community and in order to meet its obligations under subparagraph 7,a74 7#d7 ,state assistance ,each ,state that establishes a panel pursuant to paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 shall develop a memorandum of understanding with each panel1 clearly outlining the panel's roles and responsibilities1 and identifying any support from the ,state2 7,b7 shall provide the panel access to information on cases that the panel desires to review if such information is necessary for the panel to carry out its functions under paragraph 7#c72 and 7,c7 shall provide the panel1 upon its request1 staff assistance for the performance of the duties of the panel4 7#e7 ,reports ,each citizen review panel established under paragraph 7#a7 shall annually prepare and make available to the ,state and the public1 which activities may be carried out collectively by a combination of such panels1 a report containing a summary of the activities of the panel and recommendations to improve the child protective services system at the ,state and local levels4 ,not later than #f months after the date on which a report is submitted by the panel to the ,state1 the appropriate ,state agency shall submit a written response to ,state and local child protective services systems and the panel that describes how the ,state will incorporate the recommendations of such panel 7where appropriate7 to make measurable progress in improving the ,state and local child protective services systems1 which response may include providing examples of efforts to implement the panel's recommendations4 7d7 ,annual ,state data reports 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#b71 each ,state to which a grant is made under this section shall annually submit a report to the ,secretary containing1 at a minimum1 the data elements described in paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,exception ,in working with ,states to implement the requirement in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall have the authority to waive such requirements for any data element required in paragraph 7#c7 if a ,state demonstrates to the ,secretary that reporting such information is not feasible or is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information4 7#c7 ,required data elements ,the following data elements shall annually be reported by ,states to the ,secretary1 in accordance with paragraph 7#a7 at the aggregate and case-specific level3 7,a7 ,the number of children who were reported to the ,state during the year as victims of child abuse or neglect1 disaggregated1 where available1 by demographic characteristics including age1 sex1 race and ethnicity1 disability1 caregiver risk factors1 caregiver relationship1 living arrangement1 and relation of victim to their perpetrator4 7,b7 ,of the number of children described in subparagraph 7,a71 the number with respect to whom such reports were-- 7i7 substantiated2 7ii7 unsubstantiated2 or 7iii7 determined to be false4 7,c7 ,of the number of children described in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 the number that did not receive services during the year under the ,state program funded under this section or an equivalent ,state program2 7ii7 the number that received services during the year under the ,state program funded under this section or an equivalent ,state program2 and 7iii7 the number that were removed from their families during the year by disposition of the case4 7,d7 ,the number of families that were served through differential response1 from the ,state1 during the year4 7,e7 ,the number of child fatalities and near fatalities in the ,state during the year resulting from child abuse or neglect1 which shall include-- 7i7 the number of child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect 7disaggregated by such type of incident7 that-- 7,i7 is compiled by the ,state child protective services agency for submission under this subsection2 and 7,,ii7 are derived from data sources which-- 7aa7 includes data from ,state vital statistics departments1 child death review teams1 law enforcement agencies1 and offices of medical examiners or coroners1 in accordance with the requirements of section #dbb7;b77#ai7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b77#ai772 and 7bb7 may include information from hospitals1 health departments1 juvenile justice departments1 and prosecutor and attorney general offices2 and 7ii7 case-specific information 7and the sources used to provide such information7 about the circumstances under which a child fatality or near fatality occurred due to abuse and neglect1 including-- 7,i7 the cause of the death listed on the death certificate in the case of a child fatality1 and the type of life-threatening injury in the case of a near fatality2 7,,ii7 whether the child and such child's siblings were reported to the ,state child protective services system2 7,,iii7 the responses taken by the child protective services agency 7which may include services or investigations1 as applicable71 including any determinations by such agency2 7,,iv7 the child's living arrangement or placement at the time of the incident2 7,v7 the perpetrator's relationship to the child2 7,,vi7 any known previous child abuse and neglect of the child by other perpetrators and of any child abuse and neglect of other children by the perpetrator2 7,,vii7 the demographics and relevant characteristics of the child1 perpetrator1 and family2 7,,viii7 the child's encounters with the health care system prior to the incident2 and 7,,ix7 other relevant data as determined by the ,secretary designed to inform prevention efforts4 7,f7 ,of the number of children described in subparagraph 7,e71 the number of such children who were in foster care at the time of the incident reported under such subparagraph4 7,g7 7i7 ,the number of child protective service personnel responsible for the-- 7,i7 intake of reports filed in the previous year2 7,,ii7 screening of such reports2 7,,iii7 assessment of such reports2 and 7,,iv7 investigation of such reports4 7ii7 ,the average caseload for the personnel described in clause 7i74 7,h7 ,the agency response time with respect to each such report with respect to initial investigation of reports of child abuse or neglect4 7,i7 ,the response time with respect to the provision of services to families and children where an allegation of child abuse or neglect has been made4 7,j7 ,for child protective service personnel responsible for intake1 screening1 assessment1 and investigation of child abuse and neglect reports in the ,state-- 7i7 information on the education1 qualifications1 and training requirements established by the ,state for child protective service professionals1 including for entry and advancement in the profession1 including advancement to supervisory positions2 7ii7 data on the education1 qualifications1 and training of such personnel2 7iii7 demographic information of the child protective service personnel2 and 7iv7 information on caseload or workload requirements for such personnel1 including requirements for average number and maximum number of cases per child protective service worker and supervisor4 7,k7 ,with respect to children reunited with their families or receiving family preservation services1 within the #e-year period preceding submission of the report-- 7i7 the number of reports to the ,state child protective services agency for suspected child abuse and neglect2 7ii7 the number of substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect2 and 7iii7 the number of fatalities or near fatalities of such children due to child abuse or neglect4 7,l7 ,the number of children for whom individuals were appointed by the court to represent the best interests of such children and the average number of out of court contacts between such individuals and children4 7,m7 ,the annual report containing the summary of the activities and recommendations of the citizen review panels of the ,state required by subsection 7c77#e74 7,n7 ,the number of children under the care of the ,state child protection system who are transferred into the custody of the ,state juvenile justice system4 7,o7 ,the number of children that had a family care plan in accordance with section #djb7;c71 and who were referred to the child protective services system4 7,p7 ,the number of children determined to be victims of sex trafficking4 7#d7 ,,ncands files ,within #f months after receiving a ,state report under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall make publish the data reported by the ,state under paragraph 7#c7 in the following formats3 7,a7 ,the agency file that contains aggregate data4 7,b7 ,the child file that contains case-specific information4 7e7 ,annual ,state reports ,a ,state that receives funds under subsection 7a7 shall annually prepare and submit to the ,secretary a report describing the manner in which funding provided under this section1 alone or in combination with other ,federal funds1 was used to address the purposes and achieve the objectives of this section1 including-- 7#a7 the amount of such funding used by the ,state to provide services to individuals1 families1 or communities to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect1 directly or through referrals1 and a description of how the ,state implemented systems-building approaches to strategically coordinate such services with ,state and local agencies and relevant public entities to develop and maintain a continuum of preventive services aimed at preventing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect2 7#b7 a description of how the ,state uses differential response1 as applicable1 and alternative pathways for families seeking support2 7#c7 a description of the ,state's efforts to reduce racial bias and disparities in its child protective services system1 including changes in the rates of overrepresentation of children or youth in the child protective services system by race or ethnicity2 7#d7 a description of the ,state's efforts to safely reduce unnecessary investigations of families1 through the child protective system1 solely based on circumstances related to-- 7,a7 poverty2 and 7,b7 housing status2 7#e7 the number of children under the age of #c who are involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect and who the ,state child protective services agency referred for early intervention services funded under part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq471 disaggregated1 where available1 by demographic characteristics including race and ethnicity1 and1 for children not referred for such services1 a description of why such children were not referred2 and 7#f7 a description of how the ,state used such funding to implement effective strategies to enhance collaboration among child protective services and social services1 legal services1 health care 7including mental health and substance use disorder services71 domestic violence service1 and educational agencies1 and community-based organizations1 that contribute to improvements to the overall well-being of children and families4 7f7 ,annual report by the ,secretary ,annually1 and not later than #f months after receiving the ,state reports under subsections 7d7 and 7e71 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 prepare a report based on information provided by the ,states for the fiscal year under such subsections and the results of the ,state monitoring requirements in section #aaa2 and 7#b7 make the report and such information available to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the national clearinghouse described in section #ajc4 7g7 ,allotments 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,state ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 7,b7 ,territory ,the term territory means ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7#b7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall make an allotment to each ,state and territory that applies for a grant under this section1 in an amount equal to the sum of-- 7,a7 #ej1jjj2 and 7,b7 an amount that bears the same relationship to any grant funds remaining after all such ,states and territories have received #ej1jjj1 as the number of children under the age of #ah in the ,state or territory bears to the number of such children in all ,states and territories that apply for such a grant4 7#c7 ,minimum allotments to ,states ,the ,secretary shall adjust the allotments under paragraph 7#b71 as necessary1 such that no ,state that applies for a grant under this section receives an allotment in an amount that is less than #aej1jjj4 4 #ajg4 ,grants for investigation and prosecution of child abuse and neglect 7a7 ,grants to ,states ,section #ajg7;a7 of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;c7a77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 the assessment1 investigation1 and prosecution of suspected child abuse and neglect cases1 including cases of suspected child sexual abuse1 exploitation1 and child sex trafficking1 in a manner that limits additional trauma to the child and the child's family2 7#b7 the assessment1 investigation1 and prosecution of cases of suspected child abuse-related fatalities and suspected child neglect-related fatalities1 including through a child abuse investigative multidisciplinary review team1 such as team from the ,state child death review program2 and 7#c7 the assessment1 investigation1 and prosecution of cases involving children with disabilities or serious health-related problems1 or other vulnerable populations1 who are suspected victims of child abuse or neglect4 4 7b7 ,state task forces ,section #ajg7;c77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;c7c77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,i71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,j71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,k7 individuals experienced in working with children or youth overrepresented in the child welfare system4 4 7c7 ,state task force study ,section #ajg7;d77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;c7d77#a77 is amended by striking and exploitation1 and inserting exploitation1 and child sex trafficking14 7d7 ,adoption of ,state task force recommendations ,section #ajg7;e77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;c7e77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and exploitation1 and inserting exploitation1 and child sex trafficking12 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,c7-- 7,a7 by striking and exploitation1 and inserting exploitation1 and child sex trafficking12 and 7,b7 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 improving coordination among agencies regarding reports of child abuse and neglect to ensure both law enforcement and child protective services agencies have ready access to full information regarding past reports1 which may be done in coordination with other ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 or agencies for other geographic regions4 4 #ajh4 ,miscellaneous requirements relating to assistance ,section #aji of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;d71 as so redesignated by section #aje of this ,act1 is amended by striking subsection 7e74 #aji4 ,reports ,section #aaa of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;f71 as so redesignated by section #aje of this ,act1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjaj and inserting ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by striking 7b7 and all that follows through ,not and inserting the following3 7b7 ,activities and technical assistance ,not 2 and 7,b7 by striking ,senate a report and all that follows and inserting ,senate a report on technical assistance activities for programs that support ,state efforts to meet the needs and objectives of section #ajf42 and 7#c7 by striking subsections 7c7 and 7d7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,report on ,state mandatory reporting laws ,not later than #d years after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 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 information on-- 7#a7 training supported by this ,act1 and through other relevant ,federal programs1 for mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect2 7#b7 ,state efforts to improve reporting on1 and responses to reports of1 child abuse or neglect2 and 7#c7 barriers1 if any1 affecting mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect4 7d7 ,report relating to injuries indicating the presence of child abuse ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 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-- 7#a7 information on best practices developed by medical institutions and other multidisciplinary partners to identify and appropriately respond to injuries indicating the presence of potential physical abuse in children1 particularly among infants1 including-- 7,a7 the identification and assessment of such injuries by health care professionals and appropriate child protective services referral and notification processes in response to such injuries2 and 7,b7 an identification of effective programs replicating such best practices1 and barriers or challenges to implementing such programs2 and 7#b7 data on any outcomes associated with the practices described in paragraph 7#a71 including data on subsequent revictimization and child fatalities4 7e7 ,report relating to child abuse and neglect in indian tribal communities ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states1 taking into consideration the perspectives of ,indian ,tribes from each of the #ab ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs ,regions1 shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives that contains-- 7#a7 information about such ,indian ,tribes and related ,tribal organizations providing child abuse and neglect prevention activities1 including types of programming and number of such ,tribes and ,tribal organizations providing activities2 7#b7 a description of promising practices used by such ,tribes and related ,tribal organizations for child abuse and neglect prevention2 7#c7 information about the child abuse and neglect prevention activities such ,indian ,tribes and related ,tribal organizations are providing1 including those activities supported by ,federal1 ,tribal1 and ,state funds2 7#d7 information on ways to support prevention efforts regarding child abuse and neglect of children who are ,indians1 including ,alaska ,natives1 which may include the use of the children's trust fund model2 7#e7 an assessment of ,federal agency collaboration and technical assistance efforts to address child abuse and neglect prevention and treatment of children who are ,indians1 including ,alaska ,natives2 7#f7 an examination of access to child abuse and neglect prevention research and demonstration grants by ,indian tribes and related ,tribal organizations under this ,act2 and 7#g7 an examination of ,federal child abuse and neglect data systems to identify what ,tribal data is being submitted to the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services1 or other relevant agencies1 as applicable1 any barriers to the submission of such data1 and recommendations on improving the submission of such data4 7f7 ,report relating to court appointments 7#a7 ,study ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study of-- 7,a7 policies in selected ,states regarding the appointment of guardians ad litem and attorneys ad litem as described in section #ajf7;b77#b77;,a77xii72 and 7,b7 successes and challenges in selected ,states regarding the appointment of a guardian ad litem and attorney ad litem in each case involving a victim of child abuse or neglect that results in judicial proceeding4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than #a year after completion of the study under paragraph 7#a71 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 summarizes the study under paragraph 7#a7 and includes recommendations1 as appropriate1 for improving access for such victims to guardians ad litem and attorneys ad litem4 4 #aaj4 ,monitoring and oversight ,title ,i of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act is amended by striking section #aab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;g71 as so redesignated by section #aje of this ,act1 and inserting the following3 #aab4 ,monitoring and oversight ,the ,secretary shall conduct monitoring to ensure that each ,state that receives a grant under section #ajf is in compliance with the requirements of section #ajf7;b71 which shall-- 7#a7 be in addition to the review of the ,state plan upon its submission under section #ajf7;b77#a77;,a72 and 7#b7 include monitoring of ,state policies and procedures required under section #ajf7;b77#b77;,b77xxiii7 and section #djb4 4 #aaa4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #aad of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eajf;h71 as so redesignated by section #aje of this ,act1 is amended by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting the following3 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,general authorization ,in addition to any funds appropriated under paragraph 7#c71 there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title #bgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg4 7#b7 ,discretionary activities ,of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall make available #cj percent of such amounts to fund discretionary activities under this title4 7#c7 ,hotline authorization ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out section #ajh such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbb through #bjbg4 4 ,,ii ,community-based grants for the prevention of child abuse and neglect #bja4 ,amendments to title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act ,title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaf et seq47 is amended to read as follows3 ,,ii ,community-based grants for the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect #bja4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to support community-based family strengthening services and statewide systems-building approaches to ensure the development1 operation1 expansion1 evaluation1 and coordination of initiatives1 programs1 and activities to prevent child abuse and neglect2 and 7#b7 to increase access to a continuum of primary preventive services for diverse populations1 including families with low incomes1 families who are racial or ethnic minorities1 families that include children with disabilities or caregivers with disabilities1 children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system1 families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness1 and families in rural communities1 that help strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect4 #bjb4 ,authorization of grants 7a7 ,authority ,the ,secretary shall make grants under this title on a formula basis1 from allotments made in accordance with subsection 7c71 to the entities designated by the ,states as the lead entities under section #bjc7;b7 for the purposes of-- 7#a7 supporting community-based family strengthening services1 to assist families to build protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect1 that-- 7,a7 are accessible to diverse populations1 effective1 trauma-informed1 and culturally responsive2 7,b7 build upon the strengths of families2 7,c7 provide families with early1 comprehensive support2 7,d7 promote the development of healthy familial relationships and parenting skills1 especially for young parents and parents of young children2 7,e7 increase family stability2 7,f7 improve family access to other formal and informal community-based resources1 such as referral to early childhood health and developmental services1 mental health services1 and supports to meet the needs of families that include children with disabilities or caregivers with disabilities2 and 7,g7 meaningfully involve parents in the planning1 implementation1 and evaluation of such services1 including the parents of families with low incomes1 parents who are racial or ethnic minorities1 parents of children with disabilities1 parents with disabilities1 parents of children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system1 parents experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness1 and parents in rural communities2 7#b7 promoting the development of a continuum of primary preventive services for families1 through ,state- and community-based collaborations1 public-private partnerships1 and the leveraging of ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and private funds2 7#c7 financing the establishment1 maintenance1 expansion1 or redesign of core services described in section #bje7;d77#c77;,a71 to address unmet needs described in the inventory in section #bjd7;b77#a77;,c77i72 7#d7 financing public information and education activities that focus on the healthy and positive development of parents and children and the promotion of child abuse and neglect prevention activities1 including-- 7,a7 comprehensive outreach strategies to engage diverse populations2 and 7,b7 efforts to increase awareness1 of adults who work with children in a professional or volunteer capacity1 regarding the availability of community-based family strengthening services2 and 7#e7 providing professional development and technical assistance 7including activities to support the implementation of services7 to improve the effectiveness of community-based family strengthening services including on the use of evidence-based or evidence-informed practices1 public health approaches to preventing child abuse and neglect1 and culturally responsive practices4 7b7 ,reservation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall reserve #a percent of the amount appropriated under section #bji for a fiscal year to make awards to ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations and for migrant programs4 7#b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 for any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated under section #bji exceeds the amount appropriated under section #bji for fiscal year #bjba by more than #d1jjj1jjj1 the ,secretary shall reserve1 from the total amount appropriated-- 7,a7 #e percent for awards to ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect2 and 7,b7 #a percent for migrant programs to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect4 7c7 ,allotments to ,states ,the ,secretary shall allot the amount appropriated under section #bji for a fiscal year and remaining after the reservations under subsection 7b7 and section #bjg among the ,states as follows3 7#a7 #gj percent #gj percent of such remaining amount shall be allotted among the ,states by allotting to each ,state an amount that bears the same proportion to such remaining amount as the number of children under the age of #ah residing in the ,state bears to the total number of children under the age of #ah residing in all ,states 7except that no ,state shall receive less than #bjj1jjj under this paragraph74 7#b7 #cj percent #cj percent of such remaining amount shall be allotted among the ,states by allotting to each ,state an amount that bears the same proportion to such remaining amount as the amount of private1 ,state1 or other non-,federal funds leveraged and directed in the preceding fiscal year through the lead entity 7as designated for the preceding fiscal year7 of the ,state bears to the total of the amounts of private1 ,state1 or other non-,federal sources leveraged and directed in the preceding fiscal year through such an entity of all ,states4 7d7 ,terms ,funds allotted by the ,secretary to a ,state under this section shall be-- 7#a7 for a #c-year period2 and 7#b7 provided to the ,state on an annual basis4 #bjc4 ,lead entity 7a7 ,definition of lead entity ,in this title1 the term lead entity means a public1 quasi-public1 or nonprofit private entity 7which may be an entity that has not been established pursuant to ,state legislation1 executive order1 or any other written authority of the ,state7 that-- 7#a7 exists to strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and neglect and has a demonstrated ability to work with ,state and local public agencies and community-based nonprofit organizations to provide professional development and technical assistance2 and 7#b7 has the capacity and commitment to partner meaningfully with family advocates1 parents who are or have been recipients of community-based family strengthening services1 and adults who experienced child abuse or neglect as children1 to provide leadership in the planning1 implementation1 and evaluation of the programs and policy decisions of the entity described in this subsection4 7b7 ,designation 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state shall be eligible for a grant under this title for a fiscal year if the ,governor of a ,state has designated a lead entity to administer funds under this title for the purposes identified under section #bja1 including to develop1 implement1 operate1 enhance1 or expand community-based family strengthening services4 7#b7 ,designation considerations ,in designating a lead entity under paragraph 7#a7 the ,governor shall-- 7,a7 take into consideration the capacity and expertise of potential lead entities2 and 7,b7 take into consideration 7equally7 whether a potential lead entity is-- 7i7 a trust fund advisory board of the ,state2 or 7ii7 an existing entity that-- 7,i7 leverages ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and private funds for a broad range of child abuse and neglect prevention activities and family resource programs2 and 7,,ii7 is directed by an interdisciplinary1 public-private entity that includes participants from communities to be served by the lead entity4 7c7 ,assurances ,on designating a lead entity under this title1 the ,governor of the ,state shall provide assurances to the ,secretary as part of the application submitted by the lead entity under section #bjd that the lead entity-- 7#a7 will provide or will be responsible for providing-- 7,a7 community-based family strengthening services1 in accordance with section #bje1 including through collaborative1 public-private partnerships with community-based providers2 7,b7 leadership to elevate the importance of primary prevention of child abuse and neglect across the ,state through an interdisciplinary1 collaborative1 public-private structure with balanced representation from private and public sector members1 and representation of parents1 adults who experienced child abuse or neglect as children1 community-based providers1 and parents with disabilities2 and 7,c7 direction and oversight of programs of community-based family strengthening services supported by grant funds under this title through the use of identified goals and objectives1 clear lines of communication and accountability1 the provision of leveraged or combined funding from ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and private sources1 centralized assessment and planning activities1 the provision of training and technical assistance1 and reporting and evaluation functions2 7#b7 has a demonstrated commitment to parental leadership in the development1 operation1 and oversight of the community-based family strengthening services2 7#c7 has a demonstrated ability to work with ,state and local public agencies and community-based nonprofit organizations to develop and maintain a continuum of primary preventive services designed to support children and families2 7#d7 has the capacity to provide operational support 7both financial and programmatic71 professional development1 technical assistance1 and evaluation assistance to community-based providers1 through innovative1 interagency funding and interdisciplinary service delivery mechanisms2 7#e7 will integrate its efforts with individuals and organizations experienced in working in partnership with diverse populations1 including families with low incomes1 families who are racial or ethnic minorities1 families that include children with disabilities or caregivers with disabilities1 children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system1 families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness1 and families in rural communities2 and 7#f7 will engage with diverse populations to identify and address unmet needs when developing the inventory required under section #bjd7;b77#a77;,c77i7 and when distributing funds to community-based providers under section #bje4 #bjd4 ,application 7a7 ,in general ,to receive a grant under this title1 a lead entity shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such form1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require1 including the contents described in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,contents ,each application submitted under subsection 7a7 by a lead entity shall include each of the following3 7#a7 ,a description of-- 7,a7 the lead entity responsible for the administration of funds provided under this title1 including how the lead entity will conduct oversight of community-based providers that receive subgrants under section #bje2 7,b7 how the lead entity will ensure community-based family strengthening services supported by grant funds under this title will be integrated into a continuum of primary preventive services for children and families1 including how the lead entity will-- 7i7 utilize statewide and local systems-building approaches to increase access to community-based family strengthening services for diverse populations2 7ii7 determine which communities to serve2 7iii7 support place-based approaches to meeting the needs of children and families2 and 7iv7 ensure such services are designed to serve children and families in hard-to-reach areas2 7,c7 an inventory as of the date of submission of such application1 that includes a description of-- 7i7 the unmet needs in the ,state1 identified through engagement with diverse populations2 and 7ii7 the community-based family strengthening services supported by grant funds under this title and other relevant services provided in the ,state2 7,d7 how the lead entity will ensure1 in the policy decision-making1 implementation1 and evaluation of community-based providers supported by grant funds under this title1 the meaningful involvement of-- 7i7 parents who are or who have been recipients of community-based family strengthening services2 7ii7 family advocates2 and 7iii7 adults who experienced child abuse or neglect as children2 7,e7 the criteria the lead entity will use to select and fund community-based providers1 including how the lead entity will take into consideration a provider's ability to-- 7i7 collaborate with ,state and local public agencies and community-based nonprofit organizations and engage in long-term and strategic planning to support the development of a continuum of primary preventive services across the ,state2 7ii7 meaningfully partner with parents in the development1 implementation1 and evaluation of community-based family strengthening services2 and 7iii7 incorporate evidence-based or evidence-informed practices2 7,f7 outreach activities the lead entity and community-based providers will undertake to maximize the participation of diverse populations1 including families with low incomes1 families who are racial or ethnic minorities1 families that include children with disabilities or caregivers with disabilities1 children and youth overrepresented in the child welfare system1 families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness1 and families in rural communities2 7,g7 how the performance of the ,state program will be assessed using the measures described in section #bjf and by other measures that may be established by the lead entity2 7,h7 the actions the lead entity will take to advocate for systemic changes in ,state policies1 practices1 procedures1 and regulations to-- 7i7 improve the delivery of community-based family strengthening services2 and 7ii7 promote primary prevention activities to strengthen and support families in order to reduce child abuse and neglect and contact with the child protective services system2 and 7,i7 the lead entity's plan for providing operational support1 professional development1 and technical assistance to community-based providers1 related to the use of trauma-informed practices1 public health approaches to preventing child abuse and neglect1 culturally responsive practices1 and the use of evidence-based or evidence-informed practices4 7#b7 ,a budget for the development1 operation1 and expansion of the community-based family strengthening services that demonstrates that the ,state will expend1 in non-,federal funds1 an amount 7in cash1 not in kind7 equal to not less than #bj percent of the amount received under this title for activities under this title4 7#c7 ,an assurance that-- 7,a7 the lead entity will use grant funds received under this title to provide community-based family strengthening services in accordance with section #bje in a manner that-- 7i7 helps families build protective factors that are linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect1 including knowledge of parenting and child development 7including social and emotional development71 parental resilience1 social connections1 and time-limited and need-based concrete support available to families2 7ii7 is trauma-informed1 culturally responsive1 and takes into consideration the assets and needs of communities in which the lead entity serves2 and 7iii7 promotes coordination between community-based providers1 ,state and local public agencies1 community-based nonprofit organizations1 and relevant private entities to develop and expand a continuum of primary preventive supports that promote child1 parent1 and family well-being1 with a focus on increasing access to those supports for diverse populations2 7,b7 funds received under this title will be used to supplement1 not supplant1 other ,state and local public funds designated for the establishment1 maintenance1 expansion1 and redesign of community-based family strengthening services2 and 7,c7 the lead entity will provide the ,secretary with reports at such time and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#d7 ,the assurances described in section #bjc7;c74 #bje4 ,uses of funds 7a7 ,in general ,a lead entity that receives a grant under this title shall use the grant funds to develop1 implement1 operate1 expand1 and enhance community-based family strengthening services1 including by providing subgrants to community-based providers described in subsection 7b74 7b7 ,community-,based provider ,in this title1 the term community-based provider means an entity that provides community-based family strengthening services1 including an entity that is a ,state or local public agency or a community-based nonprofit organization4 7c7 ,priority ,in awarding subgrants under this section1 a lead entity shall give priority to community-based providers proposing evidence-based or evidence-informed local programs to serve low-income communities or to serve young parents or parents of young children4 7d7 ,uses of funds ,a lead entity or a community-based provider that receives funds under this section shall use the funds to develop1 implement1 operate1 expand1 and enhance community-based family strengthening services1 which may include-- 7#a7 assessing community assets and needs through a planning process that-- 7,a7 involves other relevant community-based organizations1 including those that have already performed a local needs assessments and can positively contribute to the planning process2 7,b7 meaningfully involves parents2 and 7,c7 uses information and expertise from local public agencies1 local nonprofit organizations1 and local private sector representatives2 7#b7 developing a comprehensive strategy1 which may leverage public-private partnerships1 to provide a continuum of primary preventive services to children and families1 especially to families experiencing difficulty meeting basic needs or with other risk factors linked with child abuse and neglect1 such as families with young parents1 parents of young children1 or parents who experienced domestic violence or child abuse or neglect as children2 7#c7 7,a7 providing1 directly or through community referral services1 core child abuse and neglect prevention services1 such as-- 7i7 parent support and education programs that build protective factors linked to the prevention of child abuse and neglect2 7ii7 mutual support and self-help programs2 7iii7 parental leadership skills development programs that support parents as leaders in their families and communities2 7iv7 respite care services2 and 7v7 outreach and follow up services1 which may include voluntary home visiting services2 and 7,b7 connecting individuals and families to community referral services1 including referral to-- 7i7 adoption services for individuals interested in adopting a child2 7ii7 early childhood care and education programs such as a child care program1 a ,head ,start program 7including an ,early ,head ,start program7 carried out under the ,head ,start ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ihca et seq471 a developmental screening program1 or a program carried out under section #fai or part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adai1 #adca et seq472 7iii7 services and supports to meet the additional needs of families with children with disabilities or caregivers with disabilities2 7iv7 nutrition programs1 which may include the special supplemental nutrition program for women1 infants1 and children program under section #ag of the ,child ,nutrition ,act of #aiff 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aghf7 and the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjaa et seq472 7v7 educational services1 academic tutoring1 adult education and literacy services1 and workforce development activities1 such as activities described in section #acd of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cagd72 7vi7 self-sufficiency and life management skills training2 7vii7 mental health services2 7viii7 peer counseling2 and 7ix7 domestic violence service programs that provide services and treatment to children and their nonabusing caregivers2 7#d7 developing and maintaining leadership roles for the meaningful involvement of parents in the development1 operation1 evaluation1 and oversight of the services provided by the lead entity or community-based providers2 7#e7 providing leadership in mobilizing local public and private resources to support the provision of community-based family strengthening services2 and 7#f7 coordinating services with ,state and local public agencies1 community-based nonprofit organizations1 and relevant private entities1 to promote child1 parent1 and family well-being1 including coordinating services through the development1 operation1 and expansion of ,state and local systems to develop a continuum of primary preventive services to strengthen families and to prevent child abuse and neglect4 #bjf4 ,performance measures 7a7 ,measures ,each lead entity receiving a grant under this title shall collect information on the extent to which the ,state program carried out under this title meets measures relating to-- 7#a7 the effective development1 operation1 and expansion of community-based family strengthening services that meet the requirements of this title1 including the use of systems-building approaches to increase access to such services for diverse populations2 7#b7 the community-based family strengthening services supported under this title and an inventory of the types of such services provided in accordance with section #bje and a description that shall specify whether those services are evidence-based or evidence-informed2 7#c7 the extent to which the lead entity has addressed the unmet needs identified by the inventory required under section #bjd7;b77#a77;,c77i72 7#d7 7,a7 the involvement of a diverse representation of families in the design1 operation1 and evaluation of community-based family strengthening services supported by grant funds under this title2 and 7,b7 the continued leadership of parents in the ongoing planning1 implementation1 and evaluation of such community-based family strengthening services supported by grant funds under this title1 demonstrated in an implementation plan2 7#e7 the satisfaction among families who received community-based family strengthening services supported by grant funds under this title2 7#f7 the establishment or maintenance of innovative funding mechanisms that blend ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and private funds1 and of innovative1 interdisciplinary service delivery mechanisms1 for the development1 operation1 expansion1 and enhancement of the community-based family strengthening services2 7#g7 the effectiveness of activities conducted under this title in meeting the purposes of the program1 demonstrated through the results of evaluation1 or the outcomes of monitoring1 conducted by the lead entity2 and 7#h7 the number of children and families that received community-based family strengthening services funded under this title1 including a disaggregated count of families with children with disabilities and families with caregivers with disabilities4 7b7 ,reports ,the lead entity shall submit to the ,secretary a report containing the information described in subsection 7a74 #bjg4 ,national network for community-based family resource programs ,from the amount appropriated under section #bji for a fiscal year and remaining after the reservation under section #bjb7;b71 the ,secretary may reserve not more than #e percent to support the activities of lead entities-- 7#a7 to create1 operate1 and maintain a peer review process2 7#b7 to create1 operate1 and maintain an information clearinghouse2 7#c7 to fund a yearly symposium on ,state system change efforts that result from the provision of the community-based family strengthening services2 7#d7 to establish1 operate1 and maintain a computerized communication system between lead entities2 and 7#e7 to contribute to funding ,state-to-,state technical assistance through biannual conferences4 #bjh4 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit grandparents1 kinship care providers1 foster parents1 adoptive parents1 or any other individual1 in a parenting role from receiving or participating in services and programs under this title4 #bji4 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title #bgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg4 4 ,,iii ,public health approaches to identify and prevent child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect #cja4 ,identifying and preventing child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect ,the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 ,,iii ,public health approaches to identify and prevent child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect #cja4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this title is to develop coordinated leadership and shared responsibility at the ,federal1 ,state1 and local levels to implement data-driven strategies and reforms to prevent child fatalities and near fatalities from occurring in the future through the use of improved collection1 reporting1 and analysis of all child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect4 #cjb4 ,federal ,work ,group on ,public ,health ,surveillance of ,child ,fatalities and near fatalities ,due to ,child ,abuse and ,neglect 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish the ,federal ,work ,group on ,public ,health ,surveillance of ,child ,fatalities and near fatalities ,due to ,child ,abuse and ,neglect 7referred to in this section as the ,work ,group74 7b7 ,in general 7#a7 ,composition ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 the ,secretary shall appoint representatives to the ,work ,group from the ,administration for ,children and ,families1 the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 the ,health ,resources and ,services ,administration1 the ,department of ,justice and other ,federal agencies1 as the ,secretary determines4 7#b7 ,consultation ,in carrying out the duties described under subsection 7c71 the ,work ,group shall consult with experts determined by the ,secretary who meet the qualifications described in section #c7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,protect our ,kids ,act 7,public ,law #aab-bge74 7c7 ,duties ,the ,work ,group shall-- 7#a7 oversee the development of uniform public health data standards that are designed to promote consistent terminology and data collection related to child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect2 and 7#b7 examine all ,federal data collections related to child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect and make recommendations to the ,secretary regarding-- 7,a7 how to improve the accuracy1 uniformity1 and comparability of data regarding child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect within and across ,states2 7,b7 how to ensure that such data collections are informative and can be effectively utilized by local1 ,state1 ,federal policymakers and the public to make data-driven decisions to prevent such fatalities and near fatalities2 and 7,c7 the purposes and roles of existing data systems1 and how such data systems or next-generation data systems should more effectively meet the goals described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b74 7d7 ,annual report to ,secretary ,the ,work ,group shall annually prepare a report and submit such report to the ,secretary on the activities carried out under subsection 7b71 including recommendations for improving public health surveillance of child fatalities and near fatalities due to abuse and neglect4 #cjc4 ,grants for ,state child death review of child abuse and neglect fatalities and near fatalities 7a7 ,program authorized ,the ,secretary may award grants or cooperative agreements to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 and ,tribal organizations for the purposes of assisting such ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 and ,tribal organizations in-- 7#a7 supporting child death review programs1 including at the local level1 in the review of all incidents of child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse or neglect1 including incidents in which the child was known by1 or referred to1 the child protective services system2 7#b7 improving data collection and reporting related to child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect1 including intrastate and interstate data comparability2 and 7#c7 developing coordinated leadership and shared responsibility across ,state1 ,tribal1 and local public agencies that support children and families to implement data-driven strategies and reforms in order to prevent child fatalities and near fatalities due to child abuse and neglect from occurring in the future4 7b7 ,application ,a ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 or ,tribal organization desiring a grant or cooperative agreement under subsection 7a7 shall submit to the ,secretary an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7c7 ,uses of funds ,a ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 or ,tribal organization receiving a grant or cooperative agreement under subsection 7a7 shall use such funds for the purposes of carrying out the grant program under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,reporting 7#a7 ,state reporting ,each ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 and ,tribal organization that receives an award under this subsection shall submit a report to the ,secretary1 for each fiscal year for which such award is received1 at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 7#b7 ,secretary's report to congress ,the ,secretary shall submit an annual report to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives that includes a summary of reports submitted by ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 and ,tribal organizations under paragraph 7#a7 and the ,secretary's recommendations or observations on the challenges1 successes1 and lessons derived from implementation of the grant program under subsection 7a74 #cjd4 ,authorization of appropriations ,to carry out this title1 there are authorized to be appropriated #bj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg4 4 ,,iv ,public health response to infants affected by substance use disorder #dja4 ,amending the ,,capta to provide for a public health response to infants affected by substance use disorder ,the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja et seq47 is amended by inserting after title ,,iii1 as added by section #cja1 the following3 ,,iv ,public health response to infants affected by substance use disorder #dja4 ,purpose ,the purpose of this title is to ensure the safety1 permanency1 and well-being of infants affected by substance use by supporting ,states in providing a public health response to infants1 mothers1 and families by-- 7#a7 supporting the health and well-being of infants and their mothers rather than penalizing the family2 7#b7 developing comprehensive family care plans to address the needs of infants1 children1 and families2 7#c7 increasing access to treatment support and other services for mothers with a substance use disorder and their children1 including ensuring that mothers can access necessary prenatal services2 7#d7 supporting mothers and caregivers in building protective factors so that infants are at a low risk of child abuse or neglect2 7#e7 providing access to appropriate screening1 assessment1 and intervention services for infants affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder2 and 7#f7 improving the capacity of health care professionals1 child welfare workers1 and other personnel involved in the development1 implementation1 and monitoring of family care plans4 #djb4 ,requirements 7a7 ,in general ,each ,state receiving ,federal funds under section #ajf or section #djd shall have in effect policies and procedures that meet the requirements of this section4 7b7 ,designation ,the ,governor of the ,state shall designate a lead agency to carry out the ,state's public health response to strengthen families and ensure the safety and well-being of-- 7#a7 infants born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder2 and 7#b7 the families and caregivers of such infants4 7c7 ,family care plans ,at the same time a ,state submits a ,state plan under section #ajf7;b77#a71 the lead agency designated by the ,governor under subsection 7b7 shall provide to the ,secretary a description of the ,state's policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of infants born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and the well-being of the families and caregivers of such infants1 including a description of-- 7#a7 how the ,state is implementing and monitoring family care plans1 including by-- 7,a7 developing family care plans prior to the expected delivery of the infant2 and 7,b7 conducting necessary follow up to ensure that families are able to access supports and services1 and to ensure the safety and well-being of infants and the caregivers of such infants2 7#b7 the ,state's policies and procedures for requiring providers involved in the delivery or care of infants born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 to notify the lead agency designated under subsection 7b7 of the occurrence of such condition in such infants2 7#c7 the ,state's policies and procedures to ensure the development of a multi-disciplinary family care plan for the infant born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 and such infant's affected family member or caregiver1 to ensure the safety and well-being of such infant following release from the care of health care providers1 including by-- 7,a7 using a family assessment approach to develop each family care plan2 7,b7 addressing1 through coordinated service delivery1 the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of the infant and affected family member or caregiver2 and 7,c7 the development and implementation by the ,state of monitoring systems regarding the implementation of such plans to determine whether1 and in what manner1 local entities are providing1 in accordance with ,state requirements1 referrals to and delivery of appropriate services for the infant and affected family member or caregiver2 and 7#d7 the ,state's plan to develop a system for purposes of notifications required by paragraph 7#b7 that is distinct and separate from the system used in the ,state to report child abuse and neglect1 and designed to promote a public health response to infants born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and not for the purpose of initiating an investigation of child abuse or neglect4 7d7 ,special rule ,nothing in this section shall be construed to-- 7#a7 establish a definition under ,federal law of what constitutes child abuse or neglect2 or 7#b7 require investigation or prosecution for any illegal action1 including a response by the ,state's child protective services system4 7e7 ,annual report ,the lead agency of a ,state designated by the ,governor under subsection 7b7 shall annually work with the ,secretary to provide a report that provides the number of infants-- 7#a7 identified under subsection 7c77#b72 7#b7 for whom a family care plan was developed under subsection 7c77#c72 and 7#c7 for whom a referral was made for appropriate services1 including services for the affected family or caregiver1 under subsection 7c77#c74 #djc4 ,national technical assistance and reporting 7a7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance to support ,states in complying the requirements of section #djb7;c7 that includes-- 7#a7 disseminating best practices on implementation of multidisciplinary family care plans2 7#b7 addressing ,state-identified challenges with developing1 implementing1 and monitoring family care plans2 7#c7 supporting collaboration and coordination across substance abuse agencies1 child welfare agencies1 maternal and child health agencies1 family courts1 and other community partners2 7#d7 supporting ,state efforts to develop information technology systems to manage family care plans2 and 7#e7 providing technical assistance in accordance with the infants with prenatal substance-exposure initiative developed by the ,national ,center on ,substance ,abuse and ,child ,welfare4 7b7 ,secretary's report to ,congress ,the ,secretary shall submit an annual report to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives that includes1 at a minimum1 information on-- 7#a7 the activities of the ,secretary under subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 the progress of ,states in developing1 implementing1 and monitoring family care plans to ensure a public health response to addressing the needs of infants born with1 and identified as being affected by1 substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and the families of such infants1 and as appropriate1 recommendations for improving such practices4 #djd4 ,grant program authorized 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary is authorized to award grants to ,states for the purpose of assisting maternal and child health agencies1 child welfare agencies1 public health agencies1 mental health agencies1 social services agencies1 substance abuse agencies1 health care facilities with labor and delivery units1 and health care providers to facilitate collaboration in developing1 updating1 implementing1 and monitoring family care plans described in section #djb7;c74 7b7 ,distribution of funds 7#a7 ,reservations ,of the amounts made available to carry out subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall reserve-- 7,a7 no more than #c percent for the purposes described in subsection 7g72 and 7,b7 no less than #c percent for grants to ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations to address the needs of infants identified as being affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and their families or caregivers1 which1 to the extent practicable1 shall be consistent with the uses of funds described under subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,allotments to states and territories ,the ,secretary shall allot the amount made available to carry out subsection 7a7 that remains after application of paragraph 7#a7 to each ,state that applies for such a grant1 in an amount equal to the sum of-- 7,a7 #ejj1jjj2 and 7,b7 an amount that bears the same relationship to any funds made available to carry out subsection 7a7 and remaining after application of paragraph 7#a7 and subparagraph 7,a71 as the number of live births in the ,state in the previous calendar year bears to the number of live births in all ,states in such year4 7#c7 ,ratable reduction ,if the amount made available to carry out subsection 7a7 is insufficient to satisfy the requirements of paragraph 7#b77;,a71 the ,secretary shall ratably reduce each allotment to a ,state4 7c7 ,application ,a ,state desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time and in such manner as the ,secretary may require4 ,such application shall include1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 a description of-- 7,a7 how the lead agency designated under section #djb7;b7 will coordinate with relevant ,state entities and programs 7including maternal and child health providers1 the child welfare agency1 public health agencies1 mental health agencies1 the ,state substance abuse agency1 health care facilities with labor and delivery units1 health care providers1 programs funded by the ,substance ,abuse and ,mental ,health ,services ,administration that provide substance use disorder treatment for women1 maternal and child health programs funded by the ,health ,services ,resources ,administration1 the ,state ,medicaid program1 the ,state agency administering the block grant program under title ,v of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gja et seq471 the ,state agency administering the programs funded under part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq471 the maternal1 infant1 and early childhood home visiting program under section #eaa of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gaa71 ,early ,head ,start1 the ,state judicial system1 and other agencies1 as determined by the ,secretary7 and any ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations located in the ,state to develop the application under this subsection and implement the activities under this section2 7,b7 how the ,state plans to use funds for activities described in subsection 7d7 for the purposes of meeting the requirements of section #djb7;c72 7,c7 if applicable1 how the ,state plans to utilize funding authorized under part ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj et seq47 to assist in carrying out any family care plan1 including funding authorized under section #dga7;e7 of such ,act for mental health and substance use disorder prevention and treatment services and in-home parent skill-based programs and funding authorized under such section #dgb7;j7 for children with a parent in a licensed residential family-based treatment facility for substance use disorder2 and 7,d7 the treatment and other services and programs available in the ,state to effectively carry out any family care plan developed1 including identification of needed treatment1 and other services and programs to ensure the well-being of young children and their families affected by substance use disorder1 such as programs carried out under part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq47 and comprehensive early childhood development services and programs such as ,head ,start programs2 and 7#b7 an assurance that the ,state will comply with requirements to refer a child identified as substance-exposed to early intervention services as required pursuant to a grant under part ,c of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq474 7d7 ,uses of funds ,funds awarded to a ,state under this subsection may be used for the following activities1 which may be carried out by the ,state directly1 or through grants or subgrants1 contracts1 or cooperative agreements3 7#a7 ,improving ,state and local systems with respect to the development and implementation of family care plans1 which-- 7,a7 shall address the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of the infant and affected family or caregiver and include parent and caregiver engagement1 regarding available treatment and service options and include resources available for pregnant1 perinatal1 and postnatal women2 and 7,b7 may include activities such as-- 7i7 developing policies1 procedures1 or protocols for the administration or development of evidence-based and validated screening tools for infants who may be affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and pregnant1 perinatal1 and postnatal women whose infants may be affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder2 7ii7 improving assessments used to determine the needs of the infant and family2 7iii7 improving ongoing case management services2 7iv7 improving access to treatment services1 which may be prior to the pregnant woman's delivery date2 7v7 keeping families safely together when it is in the best interest of the child2 and 7vi7 developing the notification pathway as an alternative to a child maltreatment report1 as described in subsection #djb7;c77#b74 7#b7 ,establishing partnerships1 agreements1 or memoranda of understanding between the lead agency and other entities 7including health professionals1 health care facilities1 child welfare professionals1 juvenile and family court judges1 substance use and mental disorder treatment programs1 early childhood education programs1 maternal and child health and early intervention professionals 7including home visiting providers71 peer-to-peer recovery programs such as parent mentoring programs1 and housing agencies7 to facilitate the successful development and implementation of family care plans1 including development of plans prior to the expected delivery of the infant1 by-- 7,a7 developing a comprehensive1 multi-disciplinary assessment and intervention process for infants1 pregnant women1 and their families who are affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 that includes meaningful engagement with1 and takes into account the unique needs of1 each family and addresses differences between medically supervised substance use1 including for the treatment of substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder2 7,b7 ensuring that treatment approaches for serving infants1 pregnant women1 and perinatal and postnatal women whose infants may be affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 are designed to1 where appropriate1 keep infants with their mothers during both inpatient and outpatient treatment2 and 7,c7 increasing access to all evidence-based medications to treat substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 including medications for opioid use disorder approved by the ,food and ,drug ,administration1 behavioral therapy1 and counseling services for the treatment of substance use disorders1 as appropriate4 7#c7 ,developing policies1 procedures1 or protocols in consultation and coordination with health professionals1 public and private health care facilities1 and substance abuse agencies to ensure that-- 7,a7 appropriate notification to the appropriate agency determined by the ,governor's office is made in a timely manner1 as required under section #djb7;c77#b72 7,b7 a family care plan is in place1 in accordance with section #djb7;c77#c7 before the infant is discharged from the birth or health care facility2 and 7,c7 such health and related agency professionals are trained on how to follow such protocols and are aware of the supports that may be provided under a family care plan4 7#d7 ,training health professionals and health system leaders1 early intervention professionals1 child welfare workers1 substance abuse treatment agencies1 and other related professionals such as home visiting agency staff and law enforcement in relevant topics1 including-- 7,a7 the referral and process requirements for notification to the appropriate agency as determined by the ,governor when child abuse or neglect reporting is not mandated1 including training on how such notification pathway is distinct and separate from the pathway used in the ,state to report child abuse and neglect2 7,b7 the co-occurrence of pregnancy and substance use disorder1 and implications of prenatal exposure2 7,c7 the clinical guidance about treating substance use disorder in pregnant and postpartum women2 7,d7 appropriate screening and interventions for infants affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder1 and the requirements section #djb7;c72 and 7,e7 appropriate multigenerational strategies to address the mental health needs of the parent and child together4 7#e7 ,developing and updating systems of technology for improved data collection and monitoring of family care plans1 including existing electronic medical records1 to measure the outcomes achieved through the family care plans1 including monitoring systems to meet the requirements of this title and submission of performance measures4 7e7 ,reporting ,each ,state that receives funds under this section1 for each year such funds are received1 shall submit a report to the ,secretary that includes-- 7#a7 the impact of substance use disorder in such ,state1 including with respect to the substance or class of substances with the highest incidence of abuse in the previous year in such ,state1 including-- 7,a7 the prevalence of substance use disorder in such ,state2 7,b7 the aggregate rate of births in the ,state of infants affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder 7as determined by hospitals1 insurance claims1 claims submitted to the ,state ,medicaid program1 or other records71 if available and to the extent practicable2 7,c7 the number and percentage of infants identified1 for whom a family care plan was developed1 and for whom a referral was made for appropriate services2 7,d7 the number and percentage of family care plans developed prior to the expected delivery of an infant affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder2 and 7,e7 the challenges the ,state faces in developing1 implementing1 and monitoring family care plans in accordance with section #djb7;c72 7#b7 data disaggregated by geographic location1 economic status1 race and ethnicity1 except that such disaggregation shall not be required if the results would reveal personally identifiable information on1 with respect to infants identified under section #djb7;c7-- 7,a7 the number who experienced removal associated with parental substance use2 7,b7 the number who experienced removal and subsequently are reunified with parents1 and the length of time between such removal and reunification2 7,c7 the number who are referred to community providers without a child protection case2 7,d7 the number who receive services while in the care of their birth parents2 7,e7 the number who receive post-reunification services within #a year after a reunification has occurred2 and 7,f7 the number who experienced a return to out-of-home care within #a year after reunification4 7f7 ,secretary's report to ,congress ,the ,secretary shall submit an annual report to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,education and ,labor1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives that includes the information described in subsection 7e7 and recommendations or observations on the challenges1 successes1 and lessons derived from implementation of the grant program4 7g7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall use the amount reserved under subsection 7b77#a77;,a7 to carry out an independent evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the program assisted under this subsection in-- 7#a7 developing comprehensive family care plans to support the needs of infants1 children1 and families2 7#b7 increasing access to treatment support and other services for mothers with a substance use disorder and their children2 7#c7 providing access to appropriate screening1 assessment1 and intervention services for infants affected by substance use disorder1 including alcohol use disorder2 and 7#d7 improving the capacity of health care professionals1 child welfare workers1 and other personnel involved in the development1 implementation1 and monitoring of family care plans4 #dje4 ,authorization of ,appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title #fj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg4 4 ,v ,adoption ,opportunities #eja4 ,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 by striking the section heading and inserting the following3 #bja4 ,purpose 2 7#b7 by striking subsection 7a72 and 7#c7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by striking the following3 7b7 ,purpose 2 7,b7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking particularly and all that follows through 1 by providing and inserting particularly for children facing barriers to adoption1 by providing2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking and at the end2 7,d7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 support the development and implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed post-legal adoption services for families that adopt children1 in order to increase permanency in adoptive placements2 and 7#e7 support the recruitment of racially and ethnically diverse prospective foster and adoptive parents4 4 #ejb4 ,definitions ,title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh is amended by inserting after section #bja 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaa7 the following3 #bjb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,child facing a barrier to adoption ,the term child facing a barrier to adoption includes an older child1 a child who is a racial or ethnic minority1 a child with a disability1 a child or youth who belongs to a population that is the focus of research efforts authorized under section #djd,n of the #bast ,century ,cures ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bhcp7 and defined in ,notice ,,not-,,od-#ai-aci1 issued by the ,national ,institutes of ,health on ,august #bh1 #bjai1 and a child with special needs as defined in section #dgc7;c7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgc7;c774 7#b7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services4 4 #ejc4 ,information and services ,section #bjc of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaac7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting the following3 7a7 ,program authorization 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish an appropriate administrative arrangement to provide a centralized focus for carrying out the provisions of this title and for planning and coordinating all departmental activities affecting adoption and foster care1 including-- 7,a7 services to facilitate the adoption of children facing barriers to adoption2 7,b7 services to families considering adoption of such children2 and 7,c7 post-legal adoption services for families to provide permanent and caring home environments for children who would benefit from adoption4 7#b7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall make available such consultant services1 on-site technical assistance and personnel1 together with payment of appropriate administrative expenses1 including salaries and travel costs1 as are necessary for carrying out departmental activities described in paragraph 7#a74 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking connection with2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking and prepare and all that follows and inserting the following3 8including-- 7,a7 training1 including the continuous improvement and evaluation of such training1 on the provision of mental health supports for adoptive families to promote permanency2 and 7,b7 the development of information and education and training materials1 regarding adoption1 adoption assistance programs1 and post-legal adoption services1 and dissemination of the materials to all interested parties1 public and private agencies and organizations 7including hospitals1 health care and family planning clinics1 and social services agencies71 and governmental bodies2 2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by striking conduct1 directly and inserting conduct 7directly2 7ii7 by striking private organizations1 ongoing1 extensive recruitment efforts and inserting private agencies or organizations7 ongoing1 extensive public awareness and recruitment efforts2 7iii7 by striking to promote the adoption of older children1 minority children1 and children with special needs1 develop national public awareness efforts to unite and inserting the following3 8to-- 7,a7 promote the adoption of children facing barriers to adoption2 7,b7 unite 2 and 7iv7 by striking parents1 and establish and inserting 8parents2 and 7,c7 establish 2 7,d7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by striking for 7,a7 the and inserting the following 8for-- 7,a7 the 2 and 7ii7 by striking and 7,b7 the and inserting the following 8and 7,b7 the 2 7,e7 in paragraph 7#d7-- 7i7 by striking groups and minority groups7 and inserting groups and organizations that represent families who are racial or ethnic minorities72 and 7ii7 by striking of minorities and inserting of people who are racial or ethnic minorities2 7,f7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking corporations and and inserting large and2 7,g7 in paragraph 7#g7-- 7i7 by striking increase and inserting identify best practices for2 7ii7 by striking for the recruitment of and inserting to recruit2 and 7iii7 by striking older children and all that follows and inserting children facing barriers to adoption22 7,h7 in paragraph 7#h71 by striking in order2 7,i7 in paragraph 7#i7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking ,special ,needs and inserting ,children ,facing ,barriers to2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting people who are racial or ethnic before minorities2 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking with special needs and inserting facing barriers to adoption2 and 7iv7 by striking subparagraph 7,d7 and inserting the following3 7,d7 identify and disseminate best practices to reduce adoption disruption and dissolution1 and increase permanency1 including best practices related to pre- and post-legal adoption services2 2 7,j7 in paragraph 7#aj7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 by inserting racial or ethnic before minority populations2 7,,ii7 by striking minority children and inserting children who are racial or ethnic minorities2 and 7,,iii7 by striking minority families and inserting racially and ethnically diverse families2 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 in clause 7ii71 by striking 1 including and all that follows and inserting a semicolon2 7,,ii7 by redesignating clauses 7iii7 through 7ix7 as clauses 7iv7 through 7x72 7,,iii7 by inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 developing and using procedures1 including family finding strategies1 to notify family and relatives when a child enters the child welfare system1 and to identify such family and relatives who are willing to adopt or provide a permanent home for such child to improve permanency2 2 7,,iv7 in clause 7vi71 as so redesignated1 by inserting 1 including such groups for prospective kinship caregivers before the semicolon2 7,v7 in clause 7vii71 as so redesignated1 by striking training of personnel and inserting training on working with diverse cultural1 racial1 linguistic1 and socioeconomic communities1 for2 7,,vi7 in clause 7vii77,,iii71 as so redesignated1 by striking with experience and all that follows and inserting a semicolon2 7,,vii7 in clause 7ix71 as so redesignated1 by inserting 1 including such groups for kinship caregivers before the semicolon2 and 7,,viii7 in clause 7x71 as so redesignated1 by striking ,act and inserting title2 and 7,k7 in paragraph 7#aa7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting ,indian ,tribes1 ,tribal organizations1 after ,states12 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7iv7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 procedures to identify and support potential kinship care arrangements4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 by striking the subsection header and inserting the following3 7c7 ,services for families adopting children facing barriers to adoption 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking special needs children and inserting children facing barriers to adoption2 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b77;,g71 by inserting 1 including such parents1 children1 and siblings in kinship care arrangements before the semicolon2 7#d7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 by striking the subsection header and inserting the following3 7d7 ,improving placement rate of children in foster care and improving post-,legal adoption support services 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by inserting including through the improvement of post-legal adoption services1 after adoption12 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 in clause 7i71 by inserting 1 including plans to assess the need for and provide post-legal adoption services in order to improve permanency before the semicolon2 7,,ii7 in clause 7ii71 by striking older children and all that follows and inserting children facing barriers to adoption1 who are legally free for adoption22 and 7,,iii7 in clause 7iv71 by striking section #dgc and all that follows and inserting subpart #b of part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi et seq47 and part ,e of such title ,,iv 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgj et seq4742 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b7-- 7,i7 in clause 7i71 by striking older children and all that follows through special needs1 and inserting children facing barriers to adoption22 and 7,,ii7 in clause 7ii71 by striking successful and inserting evidence-based and evidence-informed2 and 7,d7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7,i7 by striking the first sentence2 and 7,,ii7 in the last sentence1 by striking section #bje7;a7 and inserting section #bjf7;a72 and 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking this ,act and inserting this title2 and 7#e7 in subsection 7e77#a71 by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 such as through the use of an electronic interstate case processing system4 #ejd4 ,studies and reports ,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 ,studies and reports 7a7 ,report on the outcomes of individuals who were adopted from foster care ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 the ,secretary shall prepare and 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 on research and data regarding-- 7#a7 the outcomes of individuals who were adopted from foster care as children2 and 7#b7 a summary of the post-adoption services available to families that adopted children from foster care including the extent to which such services are evidence-based or evidence-informed4 7b7 ,report on adoption disruption and dissolution 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 the ,secretary shall prepare and 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 on children who enter into foster care under the supervision of a ,state after prior finalization of an adoption or legal guardianship1 including adoptions of foster youth and international adoptions4 7#b7 ,information ,the ,secretary shall include in such report information1 to the extent that such information is available through the ,adoption and ,foster ,care ,analysis and ,reporting ,system and other data sources1 regarding the incidence of adoption disruption and dissolution impacting children described in paragraph 7#a7 and factors associated with such circumstances1 including-- 7,a7 whether affected individuals received pre- or post-legal adoption services2 and 7,b7 other relevant information1 such as the age of the child involved4 4 #eje4 ,unregulated custody transfers ,title ,,ii of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaaa et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #bje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaae7 as section #bjf2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #bjd the following3 #bje4 ,sense of ,congress1 technical assistance1 and report on unregulated custody transfers 7a7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 there are challenges associated with adoptions 7including the child's mental health needs and the difficulties many families face in accessing support services7 and some families may seek out an unregulated transfer of physical custody of an adoptive child without any formal supervision by child welfare agencies or courts2 7#b7 some adopted children experience trauma1 and the disruption and placement in another home due to such a transfer may contribute to additional trauma and instability for such children2 7#c7 unregulated custody transfers may not include certain safety measures that are required as part of formal adoption proceedings2 7#d7 child welfare agencies and courts may be unaware of the placement of children through unregulated custody transfers and1 as a result1 may not conduct assessments on children's safety and well-being in such subsequent placements2 7#e7 the lack of such assessments may result in the placement of children in homes in which the children may be exposed to unsafe environments2 7#f7 the caregivers with whom a child is placed through an unregulated custody transfer may have no legal responsibility with respect to such child and may not have complete records1 including the child's birth1 medical1 or other records1 with respect to such child2 7#g7 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 child2 7#h7 unregulated custody transfers pose significant challenges for children who experience such transfers2 and 7#i7 the ,department of ,health and ,human ,services should support ,states in preventing1 identifying1 and responding to unregulated custody transfers1 including of adopted children4 7b7 ,technical assistance and public awareness ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the heads of other relevant departments of the ,federal ,government-- 7#a7 shall improve public awareness related to preventing adoption disruption and dissolution1 including preventing unregulated custody transfers of adopted children2 and 7#b7 in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 may update ,federal resources1 including internet websites1 to provide-- 7,a7 employees of ,state1 local1 and ,tribal agencies that provide child welfare services with education and training materials related to preventing1 identifying1 and responding to unregulated custody transfers2 and 7,b7 families with information on post-legal adoption services from ,state1 local1 and private resources to promote child permanency4 7c7 ,report to ,congress 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of the ,,capta ,reauthorization ,act of #bjba1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,state1 shall prepare and submit to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,education and ,labor of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives1 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 information on the causes1 methods1 and characteristics of unregulated custody transfers1 including the use of social media and the internet2 7,b7 information on the effects of unregulated custody transfer on children1 including the effects of 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 data on 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 suggested changes or updates to ,federal and ,state law to address unregulated custody transfers2 7ii7 suggested changes or updates to child protection practices to address unregulated custody transfers2 and 7iii7 methods of providing to the public information regarding adoption and child protection4 4 #ejf4 ,authorization of appropriations ,section #bjf of the ,child ,abuse ,prevention and ,treatment and ,adoption ,reform ,act of #aigh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaae7 is amended to read as follows3 #bjf4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbg to carry out programs and activities authorized under this title4 7b7 ,allocation ,not less than #ce percent and not more than #ej percent of the funds appropriated under subsection 7a7 shall be allocated for activities under subsections 7b77#aj7 and 7c7 of section #bjc4 7c7 ,availability ,funds appropriated pursuant to authorizations in this title shall remain available until expended for the purposes for which the funds were appropriated4 4