,,ii #aahth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #eccf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,november #ah1 #bjbd,mr4 ,cornyn 7for himself and ,mr4 ,bennet7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,finance ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize child welfare programs under part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,protecting ,america's ,children by ,strengthening ,families ,act4 #b4 ,references ,except as otherwise expressly provided1 wherever in this ,act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to1 or repeal of1 a section or other provision1 the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of the ,social ,security ,act4 #c4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4,sec4 #b4 ,references4,sec4 #c4 ,table of contents4,sec4 #d4 ,reauthorization of child welfare programs4,sec4 #e4 ,enhancements to the court improvement program4,sec4 #f4 ,expanding regional partnership grants to address parental substance use disorder as cause of child removal4,sec4 #g4 ,modernization2 reducing administrative burden4,sec4 #h4 ,streamlining funding for ,indian tribes4,sec4 #i4 ,accelerating access to ,family ,first prevention services4,sec4 #aj4 ,strengthening support for youth aging out of foster care4,sec4 #aa4 ,recognizing the importance of relative and kinship caregivers4,sec4 #ab4 ,avoiding neglect by addressing poverty4,sec4 #ac4 ,strengthening support for caseworkers4,sec4 #ad4 ,demonstration projects for improving relationships between incarcerated parents and children in foster care4,sec4 #ae4 ,guidance to ,states on improving data collection and reporting for youth in residential treatment programs4,sec4 #af4 ,streamlining research1 training1 and technical assistance funding4,sec4 #ag4 ,report on post adoption and subsidized guardianship services4,sec4 #ah4 ,effective date4 #d4 ,reauthorization of child welfare programs 7a7 ,reauthorization of subpart #a2 discretionary funding ,section #dbe 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbe7 is amended by striking #bjag through #bjbc and inserting #bjbe through #bjbi4 7b7 ,reauthorization of subpart #b2 enhanced support ,section #dcf7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;f7a77 is amended by striking each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjbc and inserting fiscal year #bjbe and #dbj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjbi4 7c7 ,reauthorization of subpart #b2 discretionary funding ,section #dcg7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7a77 is amended by striking #bjag through #bjbc and inserting #bjbe through #bjbi4 7d7 ,funding limitation ,section #dbc7;a77#b77;,a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbc7;a77#b77;,a77 is amended by inserting 1 not to exceed #aj1jjj1jjj before the semicolon4 #e4 ,enhancements to the court improvement program 7a7 ,increase in reservation of funds ,section #dcf7;b77#b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;f7b77#b77 is amended by inserting for fiscal year #bjbe and #dj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbf and each succeeding fiscal year before for grants4 7b7 ,extension of ,state match requirement ,section #dch7;d7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;h7d77 is amended by striking #bjag through #bjbc and inserting #bjbe through #bjbi4 7c7 ,program improvements ,section #dch7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;h7a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by adding at the end the following3 7,f7 that determine the appropriateness and best practices for use of technology to conduct remote hearings1 subject to participant consent1 including to ensure maximum participation of individuals involved in proceedings and to enable courts to maintain operations in times of public health or other emergencies2 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,c71 by striking personnel4 and inserting personnel and supporting optimal use of remote hearing technology2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 to ensure continuity of needed court services1 prevent disruption of the services1 and enable their recovery from threats such as public health crises1 natural disasters or cyberattacks1 including through-- 7,a7 support for technology that allows court proceedings to occur remotely subject to participant consent1 including hearings and legal representation2 7,b7 the development of guidance and protocols for responding to the occurrences and coordinating with other agencies2 and 7,c7 other activities carried out to ensure backup systems are in place4 4 7d7 ,implementation guidance on sharing best practices for technological changes needed for remote court proceedings for foster care or adoption ,section #dch 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;h7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,guidance 7#a7 ,in general ,every #e years1 the ,secretary shall issue implementation guidance for sharing information on best practices for-- 7,a7 technological changes needed for court proceedings for foster care1 guardianship1 or adoption to be conducted remotely in a way that maximizes engagement and protects the privacy of participants2 and 7,b7 the manner in which the proceedings should be conducted4 7#b7 ,initial issuance ,the ,secretary shall issue initial guidance required by paragraph 7#a7 with preliminary information on best practices not later than ,october #a1 #bjbe4 7#c7 ,additional consultation ,the ,secretary shall consult with ,indian tribes on the development of appropriate guidelines for ,state court proceedings involving ,indian children to maximize engagement of ,indian tribes and provide appropriate guidelines on conducting ,state court proceedings subject to the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #aija et seq474 4 #f4 ,expanding regional partnership grants to address parental substance use disorder as cause of child removal 7a7 ,increase in reservation of funds ,section #dcf7;b77#e7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;f7b77#e77 is amended by striking each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjbc and inserting fiscal year #bjbe and #cj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbf and each succeeding fiscal year4 7b7 ,reauthorization ,section #dcg7;f7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c77;,a7-- 7,a7 by striking ,in addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section1 the and inserting ,the2 and 7,b7 by striking #bjag through #bjbc and inserting #bjbe through #bjbi2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#aj71 by striking for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjbc4 7c7 ,authority ,to waive planning phase ,section #dcg7;f77#c77;,b77iii7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#c77;,b77iii77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking all that precedes grant awarded and inserting the following3 7iii7 ,sufficient planning 7,i7 ,in general ,a 2 and 7#b7 by striking may not exceed #bej1jjj1 and2 and 7#c7 by adding after and below the end the following3 7,,ii7 ,exception ,the ,secretary1 on a case-by-case basis1 may waive the planning phase for a partnership that demonstrates that the partnership has engaged in sufficient planning before submitting an application for a grant under this subsection4 4 7d7 ,expanding availability of evidence-,based services 7#a7 ,in general ,section #dcg7;f77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#a77 is amended by inserting 1 and expand the scope of the evidence-based services that may be approved by the clearinghouse established under section #dgf7;d7 before the period4 7#b7 ,considerations for awarding grants ,section #dcg7;f77#g7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#g77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,d72 7,b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,e7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,f7 have submitted information pursuant to paragraph 7#d77;,f7 that demonstrates the capability to participate in rigorous evaluation of program effectiveness4 4 7e7 ,technical assistance on using regional partnership grant funds in coordination with other ,federal funds ,to better serve families affected by a substance use disorder ,section #dce7;d7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;e7d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of paragraph 7#e7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 use grants under section #dcg7;f7 in coordination with other ,federal funds to better serve families in the child welfare system that are affected by a substance use disorder4 4 7f7 ,performance indicators ,section #dcg7;f77#h77;,a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#h77;,a77 is amended in the #ast sentence-- 7#a7 by striking this subsection the #ast place it appears and inserting the ,protecting ,america's ,children by ,strengthening ,families ,act2 7#b7 by inserting child permanency1 reunification1 re-entry into care1 before parental recovery2 and 7#c7 by inserting 1 and access to services for families with substance use disorder1 including those with children who are overrepresented in foster care1 difficult to place1 or have disproportionately low permanency rates before the period4 7g7 ,performance indicator consultation required ,section #dcg7;f77#h77;,b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#h77;,b77 is amended by redesignating clause 7iii7 as clause 7iv7 and inserting after clause 7ii7 the following3 7iii7 ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,institute on ,drug ,abuse4 4 7h7 ,reports to ,congress ,section #dcg7;f77#i77;,b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#i77;,b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of clause 7ii72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of clause 7iii7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7iv7 whether any programs funded by the grants were submitted to the clearinghouse established under section #dgf7;d7 for review and the results of any such review4 4 7i7 ,priority for statewide service growth ,section #dcg7;f77#g7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#g771 as amended by subsection 7d77#b7 of this section1 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,e72 7#b7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,f7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,g7 are a ,state or public agency1 or outline a plan to increase the availability of services funded under the grant statewide4 4 7j7 ,addition of juvenile court as required partner ,section #dcg7;f77#b77;,a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#b77;,a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7iii7 ,the most appropriate administrative office of the juvenile court or ,state court overseeing court proceedings involving families who come to the attention of the court due to child abuse or neglect4 4 7k7 ,additional optional partner ,section #dcg7;f77#b77;,c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#b77;,c77 is amended by redesignating clause 7ix7 as clause 7x7 and inserting after clause 7viii7 the following3 7ix7 ,state or local agencies that administer ,federal health care1 housing1 family support1 or other related programs4 4 7l7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #dcg7;f77#b77;,d7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#b77;,d77 is amended-- 7,a7 by adding and at the end of clause 7i72 7,b7 by striking 2 and at the end of clause 7ii7 and inserting a period2 and 7,c7 by striking clause 7iii74 7#b7 ,section #dcg7;f77#b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#b77 is amended by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and redesignating subparagraphs 7,c7 and 7,d7 as subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 respectively4 #g4 ,modernization2 reducing administrative burden 7a7 ,in general ,section #dca 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,use of technology 7#a7 ,use of portal ,the services referred to in subsection 7a7 may include the means of access to and use of an electronic or digital portal to facilitate the provision of community support to care for and meet specific needs of families and children4 7#b7 ,limitation ,such a portal shall not retain or share personally identifiable information about a beneficiary without consent or for any purpose other than referral4 4 7b7 ,allowing support for family resource centers ,section #dca7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,a71 by inserting 1 including services provided by family resource centers1 before designed2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aj7 ,family resource center 7,a7 ,in general ,the term family resource center means a community or school-based hub of support services for families that-- 7i7 utilizes an approach that is multi-generational1 strengths-based1 and family-centered2 7ii7 reflects1 and is responsive to1 community needs and interests2 7iii7 provides support at no or low cost for participants2 and 7iv7 builds communities of peer support for families1 including kinship families1 to develop social connections that reduce isolation and stress4 7,b7 ,special rule ,for purposes of this subpart1 an expenditure for a service provided by a family resource center may be treated as an expenditure for any #a or more of family support services1 family preservation services1 family reunification services1 or adoption promotion and support services as long as the expenditure is related to serving the children and families in the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose of the category4 4 7c7 ,updating ,state plan requirement ,section #dbb7;b77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b77#a77 is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 provide that a ,state agency will administer or supervise the administration of the plan under this subpart2 4 7d7 ,access to legal representation ,section #dbb7;b77#d7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b77#d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,a72 7#b7 by adding and at the end of subparagraph 7,b72 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,c7 the steps that the ,state will take to ensure that1 with respect to any judicial proceeding involving a child and in which there is an allegation of child abuse or neglect1 including a proceeding on dependency1 adoption1 guardianship1 or termination of parental rights1 information about available independent legal representation is provided to-- 7i7 the child1 as appropriate2 and 7ii7 any individual who is a parent or guardian1 or has legal custody1 of the child2 4 7e7 ,supporting mental health and well-,being of children in foster care ,section #dbb7;b77#ae77;,a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b77#ae7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding clause 7i7-- 7,a7 by inserting and1 if applicable1 the ,state agency responsible for mental health services1 before and in consultation2 and 7,b7 by inserting mental health providers1 before other experts2 7#b7 in clause 7ii71 by inserting a list of services provided to support the physical and before emotional2 7#c7 in clause 7iv71 by inserting and mental health before services2 7#d7 in clause 7v71 by inserting 1 informed consent of youth1 and compliance with professional practice guidelines before the semicolon2 and 7#e7 in clause 7vi71 by inserting 1 licensed mental health providers1 before or other4 7f7 ,reduction of administrative burden 7#a7 ,in general ,subpart #c of part ,b of title ,,iv 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbim7 is amended by redesignating section #ddj as section #ddc and inserting before such section the following3 #dda4 ,reduction of administrative burden 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall reduce the burden of administering this part imposed on the recipients of funds under this part1 by-- 7#a7 reviewing and revising administrative data collection instruments and forms to eliminate duplication and streamline reporting requirements for the recipients while collecting all data required under this part2 7#b7 in coordination with activities required under the ,paperwork ,reduction ,act1 conducting an analysis of the total number of hours reported by the recipients to comply with paperwork requirements and exploring1 in consultation with the recipients1 how to reduce the number of hours required for the compliance by at least #ae percent2 7#c7 collecting input from the recipients with respect to fiscal and oversight requirements and making changes to ensure consistency with standards and guidelines for other ,federal formula grant programs based on the input2 and 7#d7 respecting the sovereignty of ,indian tribes when complying with this subsection4 7b7 ,limitation on applicability ,subsection 7a7 of this section shall not apply to any reporting or data collection otherwise required by law that would affect the ability of the ,secretary to monitor and ensure compliance with ,state plans approved under this part or ensure that funds are expended consistent with this part4 #ddb4 ,public access to ,state plans ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 create a standardized format for ,state plans required under sections #dbb and #dcb used to monitor compliance with those sections2 7#b7 produce comparisons and analyses of trends in ,state plans to inform future technical assistance and policy development2 7#c7 make the ,state plans available on a public website2 and 7#d7 include on the website aggregated national summaries of ,state submissions as the ,secretary deems appropriate4 4 7#b7 ,implementation ,within #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall-- 7,a7 comply with section #dda of the ,social ,security ,act1 as added by the amendment made by paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 notify each recipient of funds under part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act of any change made by the ,secretary pursuant to such section affecting the recipient4 7#c7 ,report ,within #c years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall submit to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate a report describing the efforts of the ,secretary to comply with section #dda of the ,social ,security ,act1 as added by the amendment made by paragraph 7#a71 including the specific actions to comply with each paragraph of such section4 7g7 ,primary prevention partners ,section #dce7;a77#b77;,b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dbi;e7a77#b77;,b77 is amended by inserting including community-based partners with expertise in preventing unnecessary child welfare system involvement before the semicolon4 #h4 ,streamlining funding for ,indian tribes 7a7 ,subpart #a 7#a7 ,tribal set-aside2 direct payments to tribes2 exemptive authority 7,a7 ,in general ,section #dbh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbh7 is amended by striking subsections 7a7 and 7b7 and inserting the following3 7a7 ,reservation of funds2 direct payments ,out of any amount appropriated pursuant to section #dbe for a fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall reserve #c percent for grants to ,indian tribes and tribal organizations1 which shall be paid directly to ,indian tribes and tribal organizations with a plan approved under this subpart1 in accordance with section #dcc7;a74 4 7,b7 ,conforming amendment ,section #dbc7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbc7;a77 is amended by striking the sum appropriated pursuant to section #dbe for each fiscal year and inserting for each fiscal year1 the sum appropriated pursuant to section #dbe remaining after applying section #dbh7;a74 7,c7 ,technical amendment ,section #dbh7;c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbh7;c77 is amended by striking #dej;b and inserting #ecjd4 7#b7 ,improving compliance with the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act 7,a7 ,state plan requirement ,section #dbb7;b77#i7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b77#i77 is amended by striking ,act2 and inserting ,act of #aigh1 including how the ,state will ensure timely notice to ,indian tribes of ,state custody proceedings involving ,indian children1 foster care or adoptive placements of ,indian children1 and case recordkeeping as such matters relate to transfers of jurisdiction1 termination of parental rights1 and active efforts24 7,b7 ,technical assistance ,subpart #a of part ,b of title ,,iv 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fba et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dbi;,b4 ,effective implementation of the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,october #a1 #bjbe1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with ,indian tribal organizations and ,states1 shall develop a plan and provide technical assistance supporting effective implementation of the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh1 including specific measures identified in ,state plans as required by section #dbb7;b77#i7 of this ,act4 ,the technical assistance plan shall be based on data sufficient to assess ,state strengths and areas for improvement in implementing ,federal standards established under the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh1 including1 at a minimum1 the following3 7#a7 ,timely identification of ,indian children and extended family members4 7#b7 ,timely tribal notice of ,state child custody proceedings involving an ,indian child4 7#c7 ,reports of cases in which a transfer of jurisdiction 7as defined under the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh7 was granted or was not granted1 and reasons specified for denial in cases where transfer was denied4 7#d7 ,in cases in which a ,state court orders a foster care placement of an ,indian child1 whether requirements for active efforts to prevent the breakup of the ,indian family1 testimony of a qualified expert witness1 and evidentiary standards were met4 7#e7 ,whether an ,indian child was placed in a placement that is required to be preferred under the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh1 and if not1 the reasons specified4 7#f7 ,in cases in which a ,state court orders the termination of parental rights to an ,indian child1 whether requirements for active efforts to prevent the breakup of the ,indian family1 testimony of a qualified expert witness1 and evidentiary standards were met4 7b7 ,interagency coordination ,on request of the ,secretary1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall provide the ,secretary with such guidance and assistance as may be necessary to facilitate informing ,states and public child welfare agencies on how to comply with the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh1 including specific measures identified in ,state plans as required by section #dbb7;b77#i7 of this ,act4 7c7 ,biennial reports to ,congress ,the ,secretary shall biennially submit to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate a written report on how-- 7#a7 the ,states are complying with the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh and section #dbb7;b77#i7 of this ,act1 as informed by data collected under this section2 and 7#b7 the ,secretary is assisting ,states and ,indian tribes to improve implementation of ,federal standards established under the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh4 4 7#c7 ,reporting requirements2 administrative costs 7,a7 ,in general ,section #dbh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbh7 is amended by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d7 and inserting before such subsection the following3 7b7 ,authority ,to streamline reporting requirements ,the ,secretary shall1 in consultation with the affected ,indian tribes1 modify any reporting requirement imposed by or under this part on an ,indian tribe1 tribal organization1 or tribal consortium if the total of the amounts allotted to the ,indian tribe1 tribal organization1 or tribal consortium under this part for the fiscal year is not more than #ej1jjj1 and in a manner that limits the administrative burden on any tribe to which not more than #ej1jjj is allotted under this subpart for the fiscal year4 7c7 ,tribal authority ,to substitute the ,federal negotiated indirect cost rate for administrative costs cap ,for purposes of sections #dbb7;b77#ad7 and #dbd7;e71 an ,indian tribal organization may elect to have the weighted average of the indirect cost rates in effect under part #bbj of title #b1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations with respect to the administrative costs of the ,indian tribal organization apply in lieu of the percentage specified in each such section4 4 7,b7 ,conforming amendments ,section #dca7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7a77 is amended in each of paragraphs 7#e7 and 7#f7 by striking #dbh7;c7 and inserting #dbh7;d74 7b7 ,subpart #b 7#a7 ,tribal plan exemption ,section #dcb7;b77#b77;,b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;b7b77#b77;,b77 is amended-- 7,a7 by striking section #dcc7;a7 the #ast place it appears and inserting sections #dcc7;a7 and #dcg7;c77#a7 combined2 and 7,b7 by striking section #dcc7;a7 the #bnd place it appears and inserting such sections4 7#b7 ,application of tribal set-aside before other set-asides ,section #dcf7;b77#c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dbi;f7b77#c77 is amended by striking ,after applying paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e7 7but before applying paragraphs 7#a7 or 7#b771 the and inserting ,the4 7#c7 ,increase in funding for tribal court improvement program ,section #dch7;c77#c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;h7c77#c77 is amended by inserting for fiscal year #bjbe1 and #b1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjbi1 before for grants4 #i4 ,accelerating access to ,family ,first prevention services 7a7 ,in general ,section #dce 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;e7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,prevention services evaluation partnerships 7#a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this subsection is to authorize the ,secretary to make competitive grants to support the timely evaluation of-- 7,a7 services and programs described in section #dga7;e72 or 7,b7 kinship navigator programs described in section #dgd7;a77#g74 7#b7 ,grants ,in accordance with applications approved under this subsection1 the ,secretary may make grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities to carry out projects designed to evaluate a service or program provided by the eligible entity1 or an entity in partnership with the eligible entity1 with respect to the requirements for a promising practice1 supported practice1 or well-supported practice described in section #dga7;e77#d77;,c74 7#c7 ,applications 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity may apply to the ,secretary for a grant under this subsection to carry out a project that meets the following requirements3 7i7 ,the project is designed in accordance with paragraph 7#b74 7ii7 ,the project is to be carried out by the applicant in partnership with-- 7,i7 a ,state agency that administers1 or supervises the administration of1 the ,state plan approved under part ,e1 or an agency administering the plan under the supervision of the ,state agency2 and 7,,ii7 if the applicant is unable or unwilling to do so1 at least #a external evaluator to carry out the evaluation of the service or program provided by the applicant4 7,b7 ,contents ,the application shall contain the following3 7i7 ,a description of the project1 including-- 7,i7 a statement explaining why a grant is necessary to carry out the project2 and 7,,ii7 the amount of grant funds that would be disbursed to each entity described in subparagraph 7,a77ii7 in partnership with the applicant4 7ii7 ,a certification from each entity described in subparagraph 7,a77ii7 that provides assurances that the individual or entity is in partnership with the applicant and will fulfill the responsibilities of the entity specified in the description provided pursuant to clause 7i7 of this subparagraph4 7iii7 ,a certification from the applicant that provides assurances that the applicant intends to comply with subparagraph 7,a77ii77,,ii71 if applicable4 7iv7 ,at the option of the eligible entity1 a certification from the applicant that the applicant requires an external evaluator secured by the ,secretary pursuant to paragraph 7#e71 if applicable4 7#d7 ,priorities ,in approving applications under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall prioritize the following3 7,a7 ,addressing1 with respect to the clearinghouse of practices described in section #dgf7;d77#b71 deficiencies or gaps identified by the ,secretary in consultation with-- 7i7 ,states1 political subdivisions of a ,state1 and tribal communities carrying out1 or receiving the benefits of1 a service or program2 and 7ii7 child welfare experts1 including individuals with lived experience4 7,b7 ,maximizing the number of evidence-based services or programs to be included in the clearinghouse of practices described in section #dgf7;d77#b74 7,c7 ,timely completion of evaluations and the production of evidence4 7,d7 ,supporting services or programs that are based on1 or are adaptations to new population settings of1 a service or program with reliable evidence about the benefits and risks of the service or program4 7#e7 ,availability of external evaluators 7,a7 ,in general ,before accepting applications under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall make reasonable efforts to identify at least #a entity to serve as an external evaluator for any eligible entity that includes a certification under paragraph 7#c77;,b77iv7 with an application under this subsection4 7,b7 ,no effect on consideration of application ,the ,secretary may not consider whether an eligible entity is in partnership with an external evaluator described in paragraph 7,a7 in approving an application under this subsection submitted by the eligible entity4 7#f7 ,reports 7,a7 ,by grant recipients ,within #a year after receiving a grant under this subsection1 and every year thereafter for the next #e years1 the grant recipient shall submit to the ,secretary a written report on-- 7i7 the use of grant funds2 7ii7 whether the program or service evaluated by the project meets a requirement specified in section #dga7;e77#d77;,c71 including information about-- 7,i7 how the program or service is being carried out in accordance with standards specified in the requirement2 7,,ii7 any outcomes of the program or service2 and 7,,iii7 any outcome with respect to which the service or program compares favorably to a comparison practice2 and 7iii7 whether the ,secretary has included the program or service in an update to the clearinghouse of practices described in section #dgf7;d77#b74 7,b7 ,by the ,secretary ,the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives and to the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate an annual written report on-- 7i7 the grants awarded under this subsection2 7ii7 the programs funded by the grants2 7iii7 any technical assistance provided by the ,secretary in carrying out this subsection1 including with respect to the efforts to secure external evaluators pursuant to paragraph 7#e72 and 7iv7 any efforts by the ,secretary to support program evaluation and review pursuant to section #dga7;e7 and inclusion of programs in the pre-approved list of services and programs described in section #dga7;e77#d77;,d7 or the clearinghouse of practices described in section #dgf7;d77#b74 7#g7 ,funding 7,a7 ,limitations ,of the amounts available to carry out this subsection1 the ,secretary may use not more than #e percent to provide technical assistance4 7,b7 ,carryover ,amounts made available to carry out this subsection shall remain available until expended4 7#h7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means any of the following providing a service or program or1 in the sole determination of the ,secretary1 able to provide a service or program if awarded a grant under this subsection3 7i7 ,a ,state1 a political subdivision of a ,state1 or an agency or department of a ,state or political subdivision of a ,state4 7ii7 ,an entity described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of section #dbf7;a77#a74 7iii7 ,an ,indian tribe or tribal organization4 7,b7 ,external evaluator ,the term external evaluator means an entity with the ability and willingness to evaluate a service or program pursuant to paragraph 7#b7 that is not provided by the entity4 7,c7 ,service or program ,the term service or program-- 7i7 means a service or program described in section #dga7;e72 and 7ii7 includes a kinship navigator program described in section #dgd7;a77#g74 4 7b7 ,funding ,section #dcg7;b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,preventive services evaluation partnerships ,the ,secretary shall reserve #e1jjj1jjj for grants under section #dce7;f7 for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjbi4 4 #aj4 ,strengthening support for youth aging out of foster care 7a7 ,caseworker visits ,section #dbb7;b77#ag7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbb7;b77#ag77 is amended by inserting 1 and include a description of how the ,state may offer virtual caseworker visits to youth in care who have attained the age of #ah years and provided informed consent for virtual visits before the semicolon4 7b7 ,youth and family engagement in child welfare program planning ,section #dcb7;b77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;b7b77#a77 is amended to read as follows3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall approve a plan that meets the requirements of subsection 7a7 only if-- 7,a7 the plan was developed jointly by the ,secretary and the ,state1 and the ,state1 in developing the plan1 consulted with-- 7i7 appropriate public and nonprofit private agencies2 7ii7 community-based organizations involved in providing services for children and families in the areas of family preservation1 family support1 family reunification1 foster care1 kinship1 and adoption promotion and support2 7iii7 parents with child welfare experience1 foster parents1 adoptive parents1 and kinship caregivers2 and 7iv7 children1 youth1 and young adults with experience in the child welfare system1 including ,state boards and councils comprised of youth with lived experience who represent the diversity of children in the ,state to whom the plan would apply2 and 7,b7 the ,state has made publicly accessible on a website of the ,state agency a report that outlines how the ,state has implemented the suggestions of the children and youth referred to in subparagraph 7,a77iv74 4 #aa4 ,recognizing the importance of relative and kinship caregivers 7a7 ,in general ,section #dca7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7a771 as amended by section #g7;b77#b7 of this ,act1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by striking children and inserting children1 youth12 and 7ii7 by striking adoptive and extended and inserting kinship and adoptive2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by striking parents and other caregivers 7including foster parents7 and inserting parents1 kinship caregivers1 and foster parents2 7,c7 by striking and at the end of subparagraph 7,e72 7,d7 by striking the period at the end of subparagraph 7,f7 and inserting 2 and2 and 7,e7 by adding at the end the following3 7,g7 7i7 peer-to-peer mentoring and support programs with demonstrated experience fostering constructive relationships between children and families and mentors with relevant lived experience or interactions with the child welfare system2 and 7ii7 for purposes of this subpart1 an expenditure for a service described in clause 7i7 may be treated as an expenditure for any #a or more of family support services1 family preservation services1 family reunification services1 or adoption promotion and support services1 as long as the expenditure is related to serving the children and families in the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose of the category4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b7-- 7,a7 in clause 7i71 by striking children and inserting children1 youth12 and 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking extended and inserting kinship2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#g77;,a71 by inserting with kinship caregivers or before in a foster family home2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 ,youth ,the term youth means an individual who has not attained #bf years of age4 4 7b7 ,kinship navigators 7#a7 ,in general ,section #dbg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbg7 is amended-- 7,a7 in the section heading1 by striking ,family connection grants and inserting ,kinship navigators2 7,b7 in subsection 7a7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking helping and inserting administering programs to help2 7ii7 by striking of-- and all that follows through a kinship and inserting of a kinship2 7iii7 in paragraph 7#a77;,c7-- 7,i7 by striking and at the end of clause 7iii72 7,,ii7 by adding and at the end of clause 7iv72 and 7,,iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7v7 connections to individualized assistance1 as needed2 2 7iv7 by striking paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#d72 7v7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g7 of paragraph 7#a7 as paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g71 respectively2 7vi7 by redesignating clauses 7i7 through 7iv7 and clause 7v7 7as added by clause 7iii77,,iii7 of this subparagraph7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e71 respectively2 7vii7 by moving each provision so redesignated #b ems to the left2 and 7viii7 by striking caregiving2 and inserting caregiving42 7,c7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking #a or more of2 7ii7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d7 as paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#e71 respectively1 and inserting after paragraph 7#b7 the following3 7#c7 a description of how the entity will directly fund1 or provide data to the ,secretary for1 an evaluation which will publish and submit information to the clearinghouse described in section #dgf7;d77#b7 and which is designed to meet the requirements of section #dga7;e77#d77;,c71 or a description of how the funds will be used to help the ,state transition to a program for which the ,state will seek reimbursement under section #dgd7;a77#g72 2 7iii7 in paragraph 7#d7 7as so redesignated71 by striking and at the end2 7iv7 in paragraph 7#e7 7as so redesignated71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7v7 by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 if the entity is a ,state1 local or tribal child welfare agency-- 7,a7 documentation of support from a relevant community-based organization with experience serving kinship families when applicable2 or 7,b7 a description of how the organization plans to coordinate its services and activities with those offered by the relevant community-based organizations4 2 7,d7 by striking subsection 7d7 and inserting the following3 7d7 ,federal share ,an entity to which a grant is made under this section may use the grant to pay not more than #ge percent of the cost of the activities to be carried out by the entity pursuant to this section4 2 7,e7 in subsection 7g7-- 7i7 by striking all that precedes #b percent and inserting the following3 7g7 ,reservation of funds for technical assistance ,the ,secretary may reserve 2 and 7ii7 by striking subsection 7h7 the #bnd place it appears and inserting section #dcg7;b77#f72 and 7,f7 by striking subsection 7h74 7#b7 ,reservation of discretionary funds ,section #dcg7;b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7b771 as amended by section #i7;b7 of this ,act1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 ,kinship navigators ,the ,secretary shall reserve #aj1jjj1jjj for grants under section #dbg for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjbi4 4 7#c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #dgd7;a77#g7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fgd7;a77#g77 is amended by striking #dbg7;a77#a7 and inserting #dbg7;a74 #ab4 ,avoiding neglect by addressing poverty 7a7 ,family preservation services ,section #dca7;a77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7a77#a771 as amended by section #aa7;a77#a7 of this ,act1 is amended-- 7#a7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,g71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,h7 7i7 services providing nonrecurring short term benefits 7including supports related to housing instability1 utilities1 transportation1 and food assistance1 among other basic needs7 that address immediate needs related to a specific crisis1 situation1 or event affecting the ability of a child to remain in a home established for the child that is not intended to meet an ongoing need2 and 7ii7 for purposes of this subpart1 an expenditure for a service described in clause 7i7 may be treated as an expenditure for any #a or more of family support services1 family preservation services1 family reunification services1 or adoption promotion and support services as long as the expenditure is related to serving the children and families in the specified category and consistent with the overall purpose of the category4 4 7b7 ,state plan requirements ,section #dcb7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;b7a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#i71 by striking and after the semicolon2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#aj71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 provides a description of policies in place1 including training for employees1 to address child welfare reports and investigations of neglect concerning the living arrangements or subsistence needs of a child with the goal to prevent the separation of a child from a parent of the child solely due to poverty1 to ensure access to services described in section #dca7;a77#a77;,h74 4 #ac4 ,strengthening support for caseworkers 7a7 ,reauthorization of1 and increase in funding for1 caseworker visits ,section #dcf7;b77#d77;,a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;f7b77#d77;,a77 is amended by striking each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjbc and inserting fiscal year #bjbe and #bf1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbf and each succeeding fiscal year4 7b7 ,minimum grant amount ,section #dcc7;e7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;c7e77 is amended by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,base allotment ,from the amount reserved pursuant to section #dcf7;b77#d77;,a7 for any fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall first allot to each ,state 7other than an ,indian tribe7 that has provided to the ,secretary such documentation as may be necessary to verify that the jurisdiction has complied with section #dcf7;b77#d77;,b77ii7 during the fiscal year1 a base allotment of #ajj1jjj1 and shall then allot to each of those ,states an amount determined in paragraph 7#b7 or 7#c7 of this subsection1 as applicable4 7#b7 ,territories ,from the amount reserved pursuant to section #dcf7;b77#d77;,a7 for any fiscal year that remains after applying paragraph 7#a7 of this subsection for the fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall allot to each jurisdiction specified in subsection 7b7 of this section to which a base allotment is made under such paragraph 7#a7 an amount determined in the same manner as the allotment to each of such jurisdictions is determined under section #dbc 7without regard to the initial allotment of #gj1jjj to each ,state74 7#c7 ,other ,states ,from the amount reserved pursuant to section #dcf7;b77#d77;,a7 for any fiscal year that remains after applying paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of this subsection for the fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall allot to each ,state 7other than an ,indian tribe7 not specified in subsection 7b7 of this section to which a base allotment was made under paragraph 7#a7 of this subsection an amount equal to such remaining amount multiplied by the supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits percentage of the ,state 7as defined in subsection 7c77#b7 of this section7 for the fiscal year1 except that in applying subsection 7c77#b77;,a7 of this section1 subsection 7e77#c7 shall be substituted for such paragraph 7#a74 4 7c7 ,requirement ,to use funds ,to improve quality of caseworker visits with foster children ,section #dcf7;b77#d77;,b77i7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;f7b77#d77;,b77i77 is amended to read as follows3 7i7 ,in general ,a ,state to which an amount is paid from amounts reserved under subparagraph 7,a7 shall use the amount to improve the quality of monthly caseworker visits with children who are in foster care under the responsibility of the ,state1 with an emphasis on-- 7,i7 reducing caseload ratios and the administrative burden on caseworkers1 to improve caseworker decision making on the safety1 permanency1 and well-being of foster children and on activities designed to increase retention1 recruitment1 and training of caseworkers2 7,,ii7 implementing technology solutions to streamline caseworker duties and modernize systems1 ensuring improved efficiency and effectiveness in child welfare services2 7,,iii7 improving caseworker safety2 7,,iv7 mental health resources to support caseworker well-being1 including peer-to-peer support programs2 and 7,v7 recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting qualified caseworker candidates4 4 7d7 ,elimination of cost-,share penalty tied to monthly caseworker visit standard ,section #dbd7;f7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbd7;f77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking 7#a77;,a72 and 7#b7 by striking paragraphs 7#a77;,b7 and 7#b74 #ad4 ,demonstration projects for improving relationships between incarcerated parents and children in foster care 7a7 ,in general ,section #dci 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;i7 is amended to read as follows3 #dci4 ,state partnership planning and demonstration grants to support meaningful relationships between foster children and the incarcerated parents of the children 7a7 ,authority 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may make demonstration grants to eligible ,state partnerships to develop1 implement1 and provide support for programs that enable and sustain meaningful relationships between covered foster children and the incarcerated parents of the children4 7#b7 ,payment of annual installments ,the ,secretary shall pay each demonstration grant in #e annual installments4 7#c7 #a-year planning grants ,the ,secretary may make a planning grant to a recipient of a demonstration grant1 to be paid to the recipient #a year before payment of the #ast annual installment of the demonstration grant and in an amount not greater than any installment of the demonstration grant1 if-- 7,a7 the recipient includes a request for a planning grant in the application under subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 the ,secretary determines that a planning grant would assist the recipient and improve the effectiveness of the demonstration grant4 7b7 ,eligible ,state partnership defined 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 the term eligible ,state partnership means an agreement entered into by1 at a minimum1 the following3 7,a7 ,the ,state child welfare agency responsible for the administration of the ,state plans under this part4 7,b7 ,the ,state agency responsible for adult corrections4 7#b7 ,additional partners ,for purposes of this section1 an eligible ,state partnership may include any entity with experience in serving incarcerated parents and their children4 7#c7 ,partnerships entered into by ,indian ,tribes or tribal consortia ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 if an ,indian tribe or tribal consortium enters into a partnership pursuant to this section that does not consist solely of tribal child welfare agencies 7or a consortium of the agencies71 the partnership shall be considered an eligible ,state partnership for purposes of this section4 7c7 ,application requirements ,an eligible ,state partnership seeking a demonstration grant under this section to carry out a program described in subsection 7a77#a7 shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary may require4 ,the application shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a summary of the program1 including how the program will support a meaningful relationship between a covered foster child and an incarcerated parent of the child4 7#b7 ,a description of the activities to be carried out by the program1 which must include all of the activities described in subsection 7d7 that are in the best interest of the covered foster child4 7#c7 ,a framework for identifying-- 7,a7 each covered foster child eligible for services under the program1 including1 to the extent practicable1 coordination of data between relevant ,state child welfare agencies and court systems2 and 7,b7 the roles and responsibilities of the entities in the partnership4 7#d7 ,documentation that the applicant is an eligible ,state partnership4 7#e7 ,assurances that the applicant will participate fully in the evaluation described in subsection 7f77#b7 and shall maintain records for the program1 including demographic information disaggregated by relevant characteristics with respect to covered foster children and incarcerated parents who participate in the program4 7d7 ,program activities ,to the extent that the activities are in the best interest of the covered foster child1 the activities referred to in subsection 7c77#b7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,revision of policies ,through consultation with incarcerated parents and their families1 grantees shall promote organizational policies of participating child welfare entities and collaborating correctional facilities to promote meaningful relationships through regular and developmentally appropriate communication and visitation between covered foster children and the incarcerated parents1 including1 when appropriate1 the following3 7,a7 ,for child welfare entities-- 7i7 inclusion of parents in case planning and decision making for children2 7ii7 regular sharing of information and responses to requests for information between caseworkers and incarcerated parents with respect to the case information of a child1 any changes to a case1 permanency plans1 requirements to maintain parental rights1 and any efforts to terminate parental rights2 7iii7 appropriate opportunities for incarcerated parents to demonstrate their relationship with a covered foster child given their incarceration1 including training and courses required for a service plan2 and 7iv7 the enhanced visitation described in paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,for correctional facilities1 fostering visitation and communication that is developmentally appropriate in terms of-- 7i7 the nature of communication and visitation1 including-- 7,i7 the ability to physically touch parents2 7,,ii7 engaging with parents in locations that are appropriate for the age and development of the child2 7,,iii7 exchanging items that are appropriate to the age and development of the child1 include expectations that are appropriate for the age and development of the child related to behavior1 attire1 and wait times2 and 7,,iv7 allowing appropriate adults to bring children if legal guardians are not available to promote regular contact2 7ii7 reasonable inclusion of all children of the parent2 7iii7 communication and visitation at times when the children are available2 7iv7 security procedures to comfort children and be minimally invasive2 and 7v7 promoting parent-child relationships regardless of the sentence imposed on the parent4 7#b7 ,enhanced visitation 7,a7 ,grantees shall facilitate weekly communication and1 for at least #i days each year1 in-person visitation between a covered foster child and any incarcerated parent of the child4 7,b7 ,electronic visitation 7such as live video visits1 phone calls1 and recorded books7 may be used but shall not be the sole method to promote a meaningful relationship for purposes of the grant4 7,c7 ,enhanced visitation programs shall-- 7i7 integrate best practices for visitation programs with incarcerated parents and their children2 7ii7 adopt developmentally appropriate visitation policies and procedures such as those described in paragraph 7#a77;,b72 7iii7 reduce or eliminate the cost of developmentally appropriate communication and visitation for the covered foster child1 which may include the purchase of communication technology1 covering transportation1 insurance1 and lodging costs1 costs related to providing appropriate visitation spaces and activities1 and other relevant costs2 7iv7 to the extent practicable1 integrate appropriate parenting education to help prepare and process visits2 and 7v7 avoid restricting visitation and communication as a punishment for the incarcerated parents4 7#c7 ,training ,grantees shall incorporate ongoing training for child welfare workers1 correctional facility staff1 and other program providers to understand the importance of promoting meaningful relationships between children and incarcerated parents4 7#d7 ,case management ,grantees shall provide case management services for the incarcerated parents of a covered foster child to promote the relationship1 access to services1 and coordination with the caseworkers of the covered foster child to strengthen the relationship4 7#e7 ,legal assistance ,grantees shall facilitate access to necessary legal services and may use grant funds for services that are not reimbursable under other ,federal programs4 7e7 ,federal share ,the ,federal share of the cost of any activity carried out using a grant made under this section shall be not greater than #ge percent4 7f7 ,technical assistance1 evaluations1 and reports 7#a7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall provide technical assistance with respect to grants under this section1 including by-- 7,a7 assisting grantees in understanding best practices in promoting meaningful relationships between incarcerated parents and their children as well as consulting with appropriate stakeholders when developing their programs2 7,b7 assisting grantees with establishing and analyzing implementation and performance indicators2 and 7,c7 conducting an annual technical assistance and training meeting and an annual grantee meeting so that grantees can learn from the experiences of other grantees4 7#b7 ,evaluations ,the ,secretary shall conduct an evaluation of program outcomes1 including with respect to parent and child well-being1 parent-child interactions1 parental involvement1 awareness of child development and parenting practices1 placement stability1 and termination of parental rights with respect to covered foster children and incarcerated parents1 to measure program effectiveness1 as determined by the ,secretary1 and identify opportunities for improved program practices and implementation4 7#c7 ,reports to the ,congress 7,a7 ,initial report ,not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate a report that includes-- 7i7 the number of applications for grants under this section2 7ii7 the number of grants awarded1 and the amounts for each grant2 and 7iii7 information on the grants1 including-- 7,i7 interim results of the evaluation described in paragraph 7#b72 7,,ii7 disaggregated data on covered foster children and incarcerated parents2 7,,iii7 information on the composition of eligible ,state partnerships2 7,,iv7 best practices for facilitating meaningful relationships between covered foster children and incarcerated parents2 and 7,v7 barriers to implementation or expansion of programs funded under this section4 7,b7 ,final report ,not later than #f years after the date of the enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate a report that includes-- 7i7 the final results of the evaluation described in paragraph 7#b72 and 7ii7 recommendations for refinements to grant requirements to improve program outcomes4 7g7 ,authority of ,secretary with respect to ,indian tribes and tribal organizations 7#a7 ,waiver or modification of requirements ,in making a grant to an ,indian tribe or tribal organization under this section1 the ,secretary may waive the matching requirement of subsection 7e7 or modify an application requirement imposed by or under subsection 7c7 if the ,secretary determines that the waiver or modification is appropriate to the needs1 culture1 and circumstances of the ,indian tribe or tribal organization4 7#b7 ,evaluation ,the ,secretary shall use tribally relevant data in carrying out the evaluation under subsection 7f77#b7 with respect to an ,indian tribe or tribal organization4 7h7 ,limitations on authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary not more than #ce1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjbi to carry out this section4 7i7 ,definition of covered foster child ,in this section1 the term covered foster child means a child that-- 7#a7 is in foster care2 and 7#b7 has at least #a parent incarcerated in a ,federal1 ,state1 or local correctional facility4 4 7b7 ,conforming amendments 7#a7 ,section #dca7;a77#b77;,b77vii7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7a77#b77;,b77vii77 is amended by striking 7as defined in section #dci7;b77#b774 7#b7 ,section #dca7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;a7a771 as amended by sections #g7;b77#b7 and #aa7;a77#d7 of this ,act1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#ab7 ,mentoring ,the term mentoring means a structured1 managed program in which children are appropriately matched with screened and trained adult volunteers for one on-one relationships1 involving meetings and activities on a regular basis1 intended to meet1 in part1 the child's need for involvement with a caring and supportive adult who provides a positive role model4 4 #ae4 ,guidance to ,states on improving data collection and reporting for youth in residential treatment programs ,within #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 in consultation with the ,department of ,education1 the ,administration for ,children and ,families1 the ,centers for ,medicare and ,medicaid ,services1 the ,administration for ,community ,living1 the ,department of ,justice1 and other relevant policy experts1 as determined by the ,secretary1 shall issue and disseminate1 or update and revise1 as applicable1 guidance to ,state agencies in administering ,state plans approved under parts ,b and ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act on the following3 7#a7 ,best practices for ,federal and ,state agencies to collect data and share information related to the well-being of youth residing in residential treatment facilities1 including those facilities operating in multiple ,states or serving out-of-state youth4 7#b7 ,best practices on improving ,state collection and sharing of data related to incidences of maltreatment of youth residing in residential treatment facilities1 including with respect to meeting the requirement of section #dga7;a77#i77;,a7 of such ,act for such youth in foster care4 7#c7 ,best practices on improving oversight of youth residential programs receiving ,federal funding1 and research-based strategies for risk assessment related to the health1 safety1 and well-being of youth in the facilities4 #af4 ,streamlining research1 training1 and technical assistance funding 7a7 ,repurposing discretionary research set-,aside ,section #dce7;c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;e7c77 is amended to read as follows3 7c7 ,evaluation1 research1 and technical assistance with respect to targeted program resources ,of the amount reserved under section #dcg7;b77#a7 for a fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall use not less than-- 7#a7 #a1jjj1jjj for technical assistance to grantees under section #dcg7;f7 and to support design of local site evaluations with the goal of publishing and submitting evaluation findings to the clearinghouse established under section #dgf7;d71 or to award grants to allow current or former grantees under section #dcg7;f7 to analyze1 publish1 and submit to the clearinghouse data collected during past grants2 and 7#b7 #a1jjj1jjj for technical assistance required under section #dbi;,b of this ,act to support effective implementation of the ,indian ,child ,welfare ,act of #aigh and to support development of associated ,state plan measures described pursuant to section #dbb7;b77#i7 of this ,act4 4 7b7 ,elimination of research set-,aside from mandatory funds 7#a7 ,in general ,section #dcf7;b7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;f7b771 as amended by the preceding provisions of this ,act1 is amended by striking paragraph 7#a7 and redesignating paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#e7 as paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d71 respectively4 7#b7 ,conforming amendments 7,a7 ,section #dcc7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;c7a77 is amended by striking #dcf7;b77#c7 and inserting #dcf7;b77#b74 7,b7 ,section #dcc7;e7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;c7e771 as amended by section #ac7;b7 of this ,act1 is amended by striking #dcf7;b77#d77;,a7 and inserting #dcf7;b77#c77;,a7 each place it appears4 7,c7 ,section #dcd7;a77#b77;,a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;d7a77#b77;,a77 is amended by striking #dcf7;b77#d77;,b7 and inserting #dcf7;b77#c77;,b74 7,d7 ,section #dcg7;b77#a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7b77#a77 is amended by striking #dcf7;b77#a7 and inserting #dce4 7,e7 ,section #dcg7;f77#c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7f77#c77 is amended by striking #dcf7;b77#e7 and inserting #dcf7;b77#d74 7,f7 ,section #dch7;c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fbi;g7c77 is amended in each of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c7 is amended by striking #dcf7;b77#b7 and inserting #dcf7;b77#a74 #ag4 ,report on post adoption and subsidized guardianship services 7a7 ,in general ,within #b years after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services shall prepare and submit to the ,committee on ,ways and ,means of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,finance of the ,senate a report on children who enter into foster care under the supervision of a ,state administering a plan approved under part ,b or ,e of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act after finalization of an adoption or legal guardianship4 7b7 ,information ,the ,secretary shall include in the report information1 to the extent available through the ,adoption and ,foster ,care ,analysis and ,reporting ,system and other data sources1 regarding the incidence of adoption disruption and dissolution affecting children described in subsection 7a7 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 7c7 ,post-,adoption services and guardianship ,the ,secretary shall include in the report-- 7#a7 a summary of post-adoption services and guardianship in each ,state that are available to families that adopted children from foster care and the extent to which the services are evidence-based or evidence-informed2 and 7#b7 a summary of funding and funding sources for the services in each ,state1 including set-asides under the ,promoting ,safe and ,stable ,families program4 #ah4 ,effective date 7a7 ,in general ,the amendments made by this ,act shall take effect on ,october #a1 #bjbe1 and shall apply to payments under part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date4 7b7 ,delay permitted if ,state legislation required ,if the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services determines that ,state legislation 7other than legislation appropriating funds7 is required in order for a ,state plan developed pursuant to part ,b of title ,,iv of the ,social ,security ,act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this ,act1 the plan shall not be regarded as failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the #ast day of the #ast calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session of the ,state legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this ,act4 ,for purposes of the preceding sentence1 if the ,state has a #b-year legislative session1 each year of the session is deemed to be a separate regular session of the ,state legislature4 7c7 ,application to programs operated by ,indian tribal organizations ,in the case of an ,indian tribe1 tribal organization1 or tribal consortium that the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services determines requires time to take action necessary to comply with the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this ,act 7whether the tribe1 organization1 or tribal consortium has a plan under section #dgi;,b of the ,social ,security ,act or a cooperative agreement or contract entered into with a ,state71 the ,secretary shall provide the tribe1 organization1 or tribal consortium with such additional time as the ,secretary determines is necessary for the tribe1 organization1 or tribal consortium to take the action to comply with the additional requirements before being regarded as failing to comply with the requirements4