U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that the Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act, co-introduced with Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), has advanced out of the Ways and Means Committee.
This bill is now a provision in H.R. 9076, the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act. The bill, aimed at enhancing oversight and accountability in residential treatment facilities for youth, received unanimous approval from the Committee with a 38-0 vote.
“The disturbing pattern of maltreatment and abuse in youth residential treatment centers, recently exposed by a government watchdog, cannot go unaddressed by Congress. It’s clear better federal guidance and information sharing is needed to root out abuse and keep America’s youth safe,” said Rep. Steube. “I want to thank Chairman Smith for his support of my legislation which will increase oversight and accountability of youth residential treatment programs. We have a responsibility to ensure that children in congregate care settings remain safe and protected.”
Approximately 10% of foster youth spend time in congregate care settings. A 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed alarming instances of maltreatment and abuse in youth residential treatment centers. The GAO report recommended additional steps be taken to address maltreatment and how relevant federal agencies support state efforts.
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The Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with the Department of Education, Administration for Children and Families, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Justice, and other policy experts, to develop guidance on best practices for federal agencies and states. This guidance will focus on collecting data and sharing information related to youth well-being in residential treatment facilities, improving data on maltreatment, and enhancing oversight of youth residential programs receiving federal funding.
H.R. 9076, the bipartisan Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act, reauthorizes Title IV-B for the first time since 2021 and delivers the first significant reforms since 2008. With approximately 369,000 children currently in foster care, this legislation offers vital assistance to help strengthen and keep families together and support the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
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The Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act encompasses policies from 16 different pieces of legislation from both Republican and Democrat members of the Ways and Means Committee. It follows the Committee’s extensive, year-long review of the nation’s child welfare programs to identify areas where these programs could better serve children and families.
The Ways and Means Committee’s jurisdiction includes matters related to the public assistance provisions of the Social Security Act, including temporary assistance for needy families, childcare, child and family services, child support, foster care, adoption, supplemental security income, social services, eligibility of welfare recipients for food stamps, and low-income energy assistance.
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