,,ii #aahth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #ceja ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,december #ac1 #bjbc,mr4 ,casey 7for himself1 ,mrs4 ,gillibrand1 and ,mr4 ,brown7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,finance ,a ,,bill ,to provide greater support for grandfamilies and older caregiver relatives4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,grandfamilies ,act of #bjbc4 #b4 ,increasing access to ,social ,security benefits for children who live with grandparents or other family members 7a7 ,in general ,title ,,ii of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dja et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #bjb7;d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,c71 by inserting except as provided in paragraph 7#i71 before was dependent2 and 7,b7 by amending paragraph 7#i7 to read as follows3 7#i7 7,a7 ,in the case of a child who is the child of an individual under clause 7#c7 of the first sentence of section #baf7;e7 and is not a child of such individual under clause 7#a7 or 7#b7 of such first sentence1 the criteria specified in subparagraph 7,b7 shall apply instead of the criteria specified in subparagraph 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,the criteria of this subparagraph are that-- 7i7 the child has been living with such individual in the ,united ,states for a period of not less than #ab months2 7ii7 the child has been receiving not less than of the child's support from such individual for a period of not less than #ab months2 and 7iii7 the period during which the child was living with such individual began before the child attained age #ah4 7,c7 ,in the case of a child who is less than #ab months old1 such child shall be deemed to meet the requirements of subparagraph 7,b7 if1 on the date the child attains #a year of age1 such child has lived with such individual in the ,united ,states and received at least of the child's support from such individual for substantially all of the period which began on the date of such child's birth4 2 and 7#b7 in section #baf7;e71 in the first sentence-- 7,a7 by striking grandchild or stepgrandchild of an individual or his spouse and inserting grandchild1 stepgrandchild1 or other first-degree1 second-degree1 third-degree1 fourth-degree1 or fifth-degree relative of an individual or the individual's spouse2 7,b7 by striking was no natural or adoptive parent and inserting is no living natural or adoptive parent2 7,c7 by striking was under a disability and inserting is under a disability2 7,d7 by striking living at the time and all that follows through 1 or 7,b7 and inserting 1 7,b72 and 7,e7 by inserting 1 or 7,c7 the person has been in the custody of such individual pursuant to a court order for a period of not less than #ab months before the first period4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #bjb7;d77#a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djb7;d77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c7 and inserting subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 and subparagraph 7,c7 or paragraph 7#i7 7as applicable72 and 7#b7 by striking subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 and inserting subparagraph 7,b7 and subparagraph 7,c7 or paragraph 7#i7 7as applicable74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #c4 ,eliminating barriers to ,,tanf for children1 older caregiver relatives1 and caregiver relatives caring for a child with a disability 7a7 ,broadening good cause exception to requirement ,to provide information on noncustodial parents ,section #ded7bi77;,a77i7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fed7bi77;,a77i77 is amended by striking best interests of the child and inserting best interests of the child1 including1 if enforcement procedures against a non-custodial parent of the child are initiated1 whether such procedures will impede the parent's ability to reunify with the child in the future4 7b7 ,disregard of nonparent caregiver relative income1 assets1 and resources in child-,only cases 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djh7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjh7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ac7 ,disregard of income1 assets1 and resources for nonparent caregiver relatives in child-only cases 7,a7 ,in general ,with respect to a minor child who does not reside in the same household as a parent of the child1 a ,state to which a grant is made under section #djc shall not take into account the income1 assets1 or resources of such child's nonparent caregiver relative who is not seeking assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified ,state expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i77 on their own behalf in determining whether the child is eligible for assistance under any such program1 or in determining the amount or types of such assistance to be provided to the child4 7,b7 ,exception ,subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply in the case of a ,state program-- 7i7 that is operated specifically for children living with nonparent caregiver relatives2 7ii7 that provides monthly financial assistance to a child living with a nonparent caregiver relative in an amount that is greater than the amount of assistance that the child would receive on the child's own behalf under the ,state program funded under this part2 7iii7 that is separate from the ,state program funded under this part2 and 7iv7 that is described in the ,state plan submitted under section #djb4 4 7#b7 ,penalty ,section #dji7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ag7 ,penalty for failure to disregard income1 assets1 and resources of nonparent caregiver relative in child-only cases ,if the ,secretary determines that a ,state to which a grant is made under section #djc in a fiscal year has violated section #djh7;a77#ac7 during the fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the ,state under section #djc7;a77#a7 for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to #c percent of the ,state family assistance grant4 4 7c7 ,eliminating #e-,year cap on assistance in child-,only cases 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djh7;a77#g7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjh7;a77#g77 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,h7 ,no limit for child-only cases ,a ,state shall not limit the number of months of assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified ,state expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i77 for a family in which all adults in the family-- 7i7 are nonparent caregiver relatives of a child who does not reside in the same household of the parent of the child2 and 7ii7 do not receive assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i77 on their own behalf4 4 7#b7 ,penalty ,section #dji7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a771 as previously amended by this section1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#i71 by inserting 7other than subparagraph 7,h77 after section #djh7;a77#g72 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ah7 ,penalty for failure to comply with #e-year cap exemptions ,if the ,secretary determines that a ,state to which a grant is made under section #djc in a fiscal year has violated subparagraph 7,h7 of section #djh7;a77#g7 during the fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the ,state under section #djc7;a77#a7 for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to #c percent of the ,state family assistance grant 4 7d7 ,exemption from work requirements for nonparent caregiver relatives in child-,only cases 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djh of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjh7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7h7 ,state required ,to exempt nonparent caregiver relatives from work participation in child-,only cases ,a ,state shall not require an individual to engage in work if the individual-- 7#a7 is the nonparent caregiver relative of a child who does not reside in the same household as a parent of the child2 and 7#b7 resides in a household in which no adult receives assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i77 on their own behalf4 4 7#b7 ,penalty ,section #dji7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a771 as previously amended by this section1 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ai7 ,penalty for failure to comply with work participation exemptions ,if the ,secretary determines that a ,state to which a grant is made under section #djc in a fiscal year has violated subsection 7h7 of section #djh during the fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the ,state under section #djc7;a77#a7 for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to #c percent of the ,state family assistance grant4 4 7e7 ,eliminating #e-,year cap on assistance for older caregiver relatives and caregiver relatives caring for a child with a disability 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djh7;a77#g7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjh7;a77#g771 as amended by subsection 7c77#a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,i7 ,non-application of limit to older caregiver relatives and caregiver relatives caring for a child with a disability 7i7 ,no limit for older caregiver relatives and caregiver relatives caring for a child with a disability ,subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply and a ,state shall not limit the number of months of assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified ,state expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i77 based on receipt of such assistance by an individual who is an older caregiver relative or a caregiver relative caring for a child with a disability 7as such terms are defined for purposes of paragraph 7#ad774 7ii7 ,disregard of months of assistance ,in determining the number of months for which a family that includes an adult who has received assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified ,state expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i771 the ,state shall disregard any month for which such assistance was provided with respect to the family during which such adult was an older caregiver relative or a caregiver relative caring for a child with a disability 7as such terms are defined for purposes of paragraph 7#ad774 4 7#b7 ,penalty ,section #dji7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a771 as previously amended by this section1 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#i71 by inserting or 7,i7 after subparagraph 7,h72 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#ah71 by inserting or 7,i7 after subparagraph 7,h74 7f7 ,exemption from work requirements for older caregiver relatives and caregiver relatives caring for a child with a disability 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djh of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjh71 by subsection 7d77#a71 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7i7 ,state required ,to exempt caregiver relatives from work participation where caregiver receives assistance ,a ,state shall not require an individual to engage in work1 and1 at the option of the ,state and on a case-by-case basis1 may disregard such individual in determining the participation rates under section #djg7;a71 if the individual-- 7#a7 is an older caregiver relative or a caregiver relative caring for a child with a disability 7as such terms are defined for purposes of subsection 7a77#ad772 and 7#b7 directly receives assistance on the individual's own behalf under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i774 4 7#b7 ,penalty ,paragraph 7#ah7 of section #dji7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a771 as added by subsection 7d77#b71 is amended by inserting or 7i7 after subsection 7h74 7#c7 ,conforming amendments #djb7;a77#a77;,a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjb7;a77#a77;,a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in clause 7ii71 by inserting and subject to subsection 7h7 and 7i7 of section #djh before the period2 and 7,b7 in clause 7iii71 by inserting and subject to subsection 7h7 and 7i7 of section #djh before the period4 7g7 ,disregard of income1 assets1 and resources for older caregiver relatives 7#a7 ,in general ,section #djh7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fjh7;a771 as previously amended by this section1 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ad7 ,disregard of income1 assets1 and resources for older caregiver relatives and caregiver relatives caring for a child with a disability 7,a7 ,in general ,in determining the eligibility for1 and amount of1 assistance under the ,state program funded under this part or any other ,state program funded with qualified ,state expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i77 for a family that includes an individual who is an older caregiver relative 7as defined in subparagraph 7,b77 or a caregiver relative caring for a child with a disability 7as defined in subparagraph 7,c771 a ,state to which a grant is made under section #djc shall not take into account the income1 assets1 or resources of that individual4 7,b7 ,definition of older caregiver relative 7i7 ,in general ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term older caregiver relative means an individual who-- 7,i7 subject to clause 7ii71 has attained age #ee2 and 7,,ii7 is the primary caregiver for a minor child who-- 7aa7 is living with the individual2 7bb7 does not have a parent living in the home2 and 7cc7 is a grandchild1 stepgrandchild1 or other first-degree1 second-degree1 third-degree1 fourth-degree1 or fifth-degree relative of the individual or the individual's spouse4 7ii7 ,state option to modify age criterion ,at the option of a ,state1 such term shall include an individual who has not attained age #ee4 7iii7 ,determination to be made by ,state ,the determination of whether an individual meets the criteria described in clause 7i77,,ii7 shall be made by the ,state4 7,c7 ,definition of caregiver relative caring for a child with a disability 7i7 ,in general ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term caregiver relative caring for a child with a disability means an individual1 regardless of age1 who is the primary caregiver for a minor child who-- 7,i7 is living with the individual2 7,,ii7 is a child1 grandchild1 stepgrandchild1 or other first-degree1 second-degree1 third-degree1 fourth-degree1 or fifth-degree relative of the individual or the individual's spouse2 and 7,,iii7 has a disability1 as defined in section #c of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb774 7ii7 ,determination to be made by ,state ,the determination of whether an individual meets the criteria described in clause 7i7 shall be made by the ,state4 4 7#b7 ,penalty ,section #dji7;a7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a771 as previously amended by this section1 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#bj7 ,penalty for failure to disregard income1 assets1 and resources for older caregiver relatives ,if the ,secretary determines that a ,state to which a grant is made under section #djc in a fiscal year has violated section #djh7;a77#ad7 during the fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reduce the grant payable to the ,state under section #djc7;a77#a7 for the immediately succeeding fiscal year by an amount equal to #c percent of the ,state family assistance grant4 4 7h7 ,effective date 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,delay permitted 7,a7 ,in general ,before the date described in subparagraph 7,b71 a ,state plan under title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act shall not be regarded as failing to comply with an additional requirement imposed on the plan by this section if the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services determines that such additional requirement-- 7i7 requires ,state legislation 7other than legislation appropriating funds7 in order for the plan to meet such additional requirement2 or 7ii7 could not practicably be met by the plan before such date4 7,b7 ,date described ,for purposes of subparagraph 7,a71 the date described in this subparagraph is1 with respect to a ,state1 the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the ,state legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this section4 ,for purposes of the previous sentence1 in the case of a ,state that has a #b-year legislative session1 each year of such session shall be deemed to be a separate regular session of the ,state legislature4 #d4 ,improving the collection of child support for families receiving ,,tanf assistance 7a7 ,in general ,section #ded of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fed7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#cj7 through 7#cd7 as paragraphs 7#ca7 through 7#ce71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#bi7 the following3 7#cj7 include a description of-- 7,a7 the methods used by the ,state to determine whether an individual who has applied for or is receiving assistance under the ,state program funded under part ,a1 the ,state program under part ,e1 the ,state program under title ,,xix1 or the supplemental nutrition assistance program1 as defined under section #c7;h7 of the ,food and ,nutrition ,act of #bjjh 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bjab7;h771 is cooperating in good faith with the ,state in establishing paternity or in establishing1 modifying1 or enforcing a support order1 as provided in paragraph 7#bi72 7,b7 the ,state's process for determining in a timely manner whether such an individual satisfies the cooperation requirement described in subparagraph 7,a7 due to the individual's participation in another ,state or ,federal assistance program2 7,c7 the good cause or other exceptions to the cooperation requirement that the ,state recognizes1 including an explanation of any special requirements or considerations for a relative caregiver seeking to apply for such an exception2 and 7,d7 how the ,state makes clear to an individual who has applied for or is receiving assistance under a program referred to in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 what1 if anything1 the individual needs to do in order to satisfy the cooperation requirement1 including explaining to the individual how the individual might satisfy the requirement through participation in another ,state or ,federal assistance program2 7ii7 the effect on the individual's eligibility to receive assistance under a program referred to in subparagraph 7,a71 and under other ,state or ,federal assistance programs1 if the individual fails to satisfy the cooperation requirement2 and 7iii7 the good cause or other exceptions to the cooperation requirement for which the individual may be eligible1 including if a standard of proof is required to qualify for each exception and an explanation of any special requirements or considerations for caregiver relatives2 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments ,title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #deb7k77#a71 by striking section #ded7ca7 and inserting section #ded7cb72 and 7#b7 in section #ded1 in the matter following paragraph 7#ce7 7as redesignated by subsection 7a77 by striking paragraph 7#cc7 and inserting paragraph 7#cd74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #e4 ,encouraging ,states to adopt temporary guardianship laws 7a7 ,in general ,section #dgd7;a77#g7 of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgd7;a77#g77 is amended by inserting 7or1 in the case of a ,state that has in effect for the quarter a temporary guardianship law 7as defined in section #dge7ad771 #ge percent7 after #ej percent4 7b7 ,definition ,section #dge of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fge7 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#ad7 7,a7 ,the term temporary guardianship law means a ,state law that allows for the establishment1 by operation of such law and through an easily navigable simple civil process1 of a relationship between a child and a nonparent caregiver who has taken responsibility for caring for the child in the absence of the child's parents in which some of the parental rights with respect to the child are transferred to the caregiver for a specified period of time which may be extended or renewed1 except that the total period of time for which such rights are transferred to the caregiver 7including any extensions or renewals7 shall not exceed a maximum period of time 7as established by the ,state74 7,b7 ,under the process established under a law described in subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 court fees shall be waived or reduced2 and 7ii7 any court forms or filings related to the process are easy enough to understand that a nonparent caregiver who has taken responsibility for caring for the child in the absence of the child's parents could reasonably complete such forms or filings without legal assistance4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #f4 ,guidance 7a7 ,guidance to ,states on ensuring awareness of child welfare system among kinship caregivers ,not later than the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall issue guidance to ,states on ways to ensure that kinship caregivers who receive assistance under a ,state program funded under part ,a of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq47 or any other ,state program funded with qualified ,state expenditures 7as defined in section #dji7;a77#g77;,b77i7 of such ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fji7;a77#g77;,b77i777 are-- 7#a7 provided with information about any appropriate assistance and services available to them through the child welfare system of the ,state1 including eligibility for foster care licensure and pathways to guardianship assistance programs or adoption subsidies1 and how to access such assistance and services2 and 7#b7 referred to any kinship navigator program operated by the ,state4 7b7 ,guidance on coordinating assistance for caregivers ,not later than the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall issue guidance for ,states identifying options for ,state programs1 including programs funded under title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fja et seq471 programs funded under the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjja et seq471 and other relevant programs that are jointly funded or administered by ,states and the ,federal ,government1 to collaborate1 coordinate1 and streamline outreach to1 and processing of applications of assistance1 for grandparents and older relative caregivers or kinship caregivers caring for grandchildren and other relative children residing with them4 ,the options identified in such guidance shall include best practices for ,state programs to coordinate with the ,national ,technical ,assistance ,center on ,grandfamilies and ,kinship ,families established under section #bibb of the ,american ,rescue ,plan ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjbj;g74 #g4 ,state support plans for grandparents caring for grandchildren 7a7 ,in general ,not later than the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act1 from amounts appropriated to carry out this section1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall award grants to ,states for purposes of developing ,state support plans for grandparents caring for grandchildren and other relatives caring for relative children4 7b7 ,requirements ,a ,state support plan for grandparents caring for grandchildren and other relatives caring for relative children that is funded by a grant under this section shall include the following3 7#a7 ,an initial assessment of the state of grandparents caring for grandchildren and other relatives caring for relative children in the ,state4 7#b7 ,a plan for how appropriate ,state agencies can collaborate in their efforts to provide financial support1 housing services1 and other services and supports to grandparents caring for grandchildren and other relatives caring for relative children4 7#c7 ,steps that the ,state proposes to take over the next #e years to ensure that grandparents caring for grandchildren and other relatives caring for relative children have necessary resources4 7#d7 ,a plan to simplify or combine application requirements for ,state public assistance programs to reduce administrative burdens on recipients1 with a focus on families consisting of grandparents or other older caregiver relatives raising relative children4 7#e7 ,a plan to incorporate in the ,state support plan-- 7,a7 at least #a recommendation from the most recent report to ,congress of the ,advisory ,council to ,support ,grandparents ,raising ,grandchildren 7provided that such report was released not more than #e years before the date on which the ,state is awarded a grant under this section72 or 7,b7 least #a recommendation from the ,administration for ,community ,living4 7c7 ,coordination with ,national ,technical ,assistance ,center on ,grandfamilies and ,kinship ,families ,the ,national ,technical ,assistance ,center on ,grandfamilies and ,kinship ,families established under section #bibb of the ,american ,rescue ,plan ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjbj;g7 is encouraged to coordinate with ,states on the development of ,state support plans funded by grants under this section4 7d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #aj1jjj1jjj to carry out this section4 #h4 ,grandfamilies and kinship families alliance grants 7a7 ,purpose ,the purposes of this section are-- 7#a7 to provide funds1 through the ,administration for ,community ,living1 to strengthen and support grassroots efforts that address the unique needs of grandfamilies or kinship families1 including those supporting children with disabilities or those navigating through mental health concerns or trauma2 and 7#b7 to establish cross-sector partnerships1 in order to establish interagency collaborations and foster the integration of new or existing activities1 designed to increase the health1 well-being1 financial security1 or legal standing of members of grandfamilies or kinship families4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,administration for ,community ,living4 7#b7 ,cross-sector ,the term cross-sector1 used with respect to an entity1 means that members of the entity represent different service-related sectors1 such as aging1 child welfare1 income support1 food and nutrition1 legal1 health and mental health1 education1 housing1 or disability services4 7#c7 ,cross-sector partnership ,the term cross-sector partnership means an alliance1 or other partnership1 that-- 7,a7 is cross-sector in nature2 and 7,b7 serves a local 7which may be regional7 area4 7#d7 ,educational provider ,the term educational provider includes an institution of higher education1 including such an institution that is a junior or community college 7as defined in section #cab7;f7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajeh7;f7771 and a secondary school 7as defined in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja774 7#e7 ,grandfamily or kinship family ,the term grandfamily or kinship family means a family in which a child resides with and is being raised by a grandparent1 another extended family member1 or an adult with whom the child has a close family-like relationship1 such as a godparent or a close family friend4 7#f7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given such term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#g7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#h7 ,state ,the term ,state means any of the #ej ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,marianas4 7c7 ,grant program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 acting directly1 or by contract with another entity1 shall carry out a grant program4 ,in carrying out the program1 the ,administrator shall make grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities4 ,the ,administrator shall make the grants for periods of #e years and in amounts of not less than #bjj1jjj per year4 7#b7 ,eligible entities ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 an entity shall-- 7,a7 be a nonprofit organization1 ,state or local agency 7including an area agency on aging as defined in section #ajb of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjb771 an ,indian ,tribe1 or an educational provider in #a or more ,states2 and 7,b7 have a proven record of supporting members of grandfamilies or kinship families and convening key stakeholders to address an issue related to grandfamilies or kinship families4 7#c7 ,application ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 an entity shall submit an application with respect to a cross-sector partnership to the ,administrator1 at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,administrator may require1 including-- 7,a7 information that demonstrates the entity's capacity for establishing and sustaining cross-system partnerships aimed at improving the health1 well-being1 financial security1 or legal standing of grandfamily or kinship family members2 7,b7 information that demonstrates the entity sought and included1 or an assurance that the entity will seek and include1 input from key stakeholders1 including members of grandfamilies or kinship families1 when establishing the partnership and identifying relevant activities2 7,c7 a plan from the entity to incorporate in the activities carried out under the grant-- 7i7 at least #a recommendation from the most recent report to ,congress of the ,advisory ,council to ,support ,grandparents ,raising ,grandchildren 7provided that such report was released not more than #e years before the date on which the entity submits its application for a grant under this section72 or 7ii7 at least #a recommendation from the ,administration for ,community ,living2 7,d7 information that demonstrates that the cross-sector partnership involved has developed or adopted1 or an assurance that the partnership will develop or adopt1 well-defined activities that are evidence-informed or trauma specific or trauma informed1 to enhance the health1 well-being1 financial security1 or legal standing of grandfamilies or kinship families2 7,e7 7i7 memoranda from at least #c organizations that are cross-sector stakeholders that indicate the organizations will participate in the cross-sector partnership2 7ii7 an assurance that at least #a participating stakeholder organization1 or the lead entity itself1 will be an institution of higher education that provides not less than a #b-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a degree2 and 7iii7 an assurance that the contributions of the participating stakeholder organizations will be reflected in the programmatic budget of the partnership2 7,f7 information that demonstrates how the eligible entity will work with the cross-sector partnership to align existing 7as of the date of submission of the application7 activities to support members of grandfamilies or kinship families2 7,g7 information that demonstrates how the eligible entity will identify1 support1 and provide stipends to volunteers to support the goals of the cross-sector partnership1 which volunteers may include-- 7i7 volunteers or participants of ,ameri,corps programs under the ,national and ,community ,service ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abeja et seq47 or the ,domestic ,volunteer ,service ,act of #aigc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #diej et seq471 the ,national ,community ,care ,corps program supported by the ,administration for ,community ,living1 or any other federally-funded program supporting volunteers in community service2 7ii7 community members2 or 7iii7 students at an institution of higher education who are seeking internships or direct volunteer experiences2 7,h7 information that identifies potential members of a cross-sector advisory council that-- 7i7 will be comprised of at least #g members1 and on which a majority of members are or have in the past been members of grandfamilies or kinship families2 and 7ii7 will advise the partnership on activities to be carried out under the grant2 and 7,i7 a plan developed by the eligible entity to work in partnership with technical resource centers supported by the ,administration for ,community ,living1 including the ,national ,technical ,assistance ,center on ,grandfamilies and ,kinship ,families established under section #bibb of the ,american ,rescue ,plan ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjbj;g71 on activities related to the objectives for the grant4 7#d7 ,preferences ,in determining which entities shall receive grants under this section1 the ,administrator shall give preference to entities that-- 7,a7 provide geographic diversity1 including entities that serve rural localities2 7,b7 support children who have been orphaned by the ,,covid-#ai pandemic or opioid crisis2 7,c7 have capacity to provide culturally appropriate activities2 7,d7 demonstrate capacity to work with educational systems1 including systems for early childhood education or elementary education2 7,e7 support children with disabilities living with a grandfamily or kinship family2 or 7,f7 identify as a lived experience entity1 which are organizations1 groups1 or collaborations whose primary mission is to put people with lived experience in grandfamilies or kinship families in a position to support other individuals going through similar experiences4 7#e7 ,uses of funds 7,a7 ,required uses ,an entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds-- 7i7 to establish or sustain a cross-sector partnership to strengthen and support grassroots efforts that address the unique needs of grandfamilies or kinship families1 including those supporting children with disabilities or those navigating through mental health concerns or trauma2 7ii7 to foster the integration of new or existing activities designed to increase the health1 well-being1 financial security1 or legal standing of members of grandfamilies or kinship families2 and 7iii7 to promote peer-to-peer support efforts1 including such efforts through support groups1 social activities1 or educational training4 7,b7 ,allowable uses ,an entity that receives a grant under this section may use the grant funds-- 7i7 to support volunteer efforts related to objectives of the partnership1 including conducting outreach to and providing stipends for members of grandfamilies or kinship families participating in advisory councils described in paragraph 7#c77;,h71 or providing peer-to-peer supports described in subparagraph 7,a77iii71 who are not otherwise being paid for such participation or supports2 7ii7 for staff positions for the partnership2 7iii7 to conduct a gap and asset analysis and to raise awareness of the needs of grandfamilies or kinship families within the local area served2 7iv7 to support technology and software needs related to the partnership2 7v7 to reimburse project-related mileage for staff and volunteers2 7vi7 to attend grant recipient trainings or other meetings with technical resource centers supported by the ,administration for ,community ,living2 or 7vii7 to help grandfamilies or kinship families coordinate benefits or assistance under any ,federal program or any ,state or local program financed in whole or in part with ,federal funds4 7#f7 ,supplement not supplant ,amounts made available under this section shall be used to supplement and not supplant other ,federal1 ,state1 and local public funds expended to provide services for grandfamilies or kinship families4 7#g7 ,annual report 7,a7 ,information from grant recipients ,each recipient of a grant under this section shall annually submit to the ,administrator information consisting of-- 7i7 the number of individuals and organizations supported by the partnership funded by the grant1 including the number of people who received direct services or training from the local activities carried out under this section and the estimated number of people who were impacted by the activities2 7ii7 demographic data1 including the age1 sex1 ethnicity1 disability status1 and race of those supported by the partnership2 7iii7 the number of and demographic data for volunteers involved in supporting the objectives of the activities and the number of people who benefited from the contributions of volunteers2 7iv7 recommendations to align and coordinate activities across service-related sectors1 such as aging1 child welfare1 income support1 food and nutrition1 legal1 health and mental health1 or education services1 for members of grandfamilies or kinship families1 and lessons learned and promising practices developed during the year2 and 7v7 ways in which the project supported by the grant has engaged individuals with experience related to being a member of a grandfamily or kinship family in the design1 implementation1 and feedback related to the project4 7,b7 ,report by administrator ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act and every year thereafter1 the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 prepare1 based on the information submitted under subparagraph 7,a71 a report on the impact of the program carried out under this section2 and 7ii7 submit the report to-- 7,i7 the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions1 the ,special ,committee on ,aging1 and the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate2 and 7,,ii7 the ,committee on ,education and ,labor and the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#h7 ,evaluation 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall reserve not more than #aj percent of the funds made available under this section for administrative purposes4 7,b7 ,evaluation ,the ,administrator shall use funds reserved under subparagraph 7,a7 for evaluation in the aggregate of the local activities supported by the grants4 7,c7 ,permissible uses of funds ,the ,administrator shall use the reserved funds for administrative purposes that may include-- 7i7 the establishment of an interagency task force to evaluate the recommendations provided by grant recipients under paragraph 7#g77;,a77iv71 to foster ,federal coordination related to activities for grandfamilies or kinship families2 7ii7 support for the ,administration for ,community ,living's ,research1 ,demonstration1 and ,evaluation ,center for the ,aging ,network1 established under section #bja7;g7 of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjaa7;g772 7iii7 evaluation described in subparagraph 7,b7 by an independent evaluator1 separate from any of the grant recipients1 hired by the ,administrator2 and 7iv7 hosting1 not less than annually1 learning collaboratives with the grant recipients4 7#i7 ,funds ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #h1gej1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbd through #bjbh4