Youth and Family Engagement in Child Welfare Act

house

senate

president

Legislation Details

Amends the Social Security Act to enhance youth and parent involvement in child welfare policy development.
Requires consultation with youth and parents who have experience in the child welfare system during the planning of State child welfare programs.
Mandates that plans must be developed jointly by the Secretary and the State, incorporating input from various stakeholders, including:
- Public and nonprofit agencies
- Community-based organizations focused on family services
- Parents with child welfare experience, including foster and adoptive parents
- Children, youth, and young adults with child welfare experience, ensuring representation of diverse backgrounds
States that the plan must include a publicly accessible report detailing how the suggestions from children and youth were implemented.
The amendments will take effect on October 1, 2026.

Amends the Social Security Act to enhance youth and parent involvement in child welfare policy development.
Requires consultation with youth and parents who have experience in the child welfare system during the planning of State child welfare programs.
Mandates that plans must be developed jointly by the Secretary and the State, incorporating input from various stakeholders, including:
- Public and nonprofit agencies
- Community-based organizations focused on family services
- Parents with child welfare experience, including foster and adoptive parents
- Children, youth, and young adults with child welfare experience, ensuring representation of diverse backgrounds
States that the plan must include a publicly accessible report detailing how the suggestions from children and youth were implemented.
The amendments will take effect on October 1, 2026.