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New Adoption and Foster Care Rules: Protecting Children and Families

This act introduces significant changes to adoption and foster care processes to ensure equal treatment for all children and families. It aims to help children find safe and loving homes while protecting the rights of parents and caregivers. These changes may affect how families apply for adoption or foster care and how long children remain in foster care.
Key points
Non-discrimination: Adoption and foster care agencies cannot deny opportunities to become a parent or delay services based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity), religion, or national origin of the person or child involved.
Greater State Flexibility: States have more time and must demonstrate they have provided services to help families reunify before petitioning to terminate parental rights. Parental rights cannot be terminated if a parent is actively engaged in addressing the reasons the child entered care (e.g., substance use treatment, mental health concerns).
Court Improvement Support: Court improvement programs will receive funding to increase access to high-quality legal representation for all parties in child welfare cases, including children, parents, and kinship caregivers. They will also train court staff on diversity and equity.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_HR_5856
Sponsor: Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37]
Process start date: 2021-11-04
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

21st Century Children and Families Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_HR_5856.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-11-04.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Non-discrimination: Adoption and foster care agencies cannot deny opportunities to become a parent or delay services based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity), religion, or national origin of the person or child involved.
  • Greater State Flexibility: States have more time and must demonstrate they have provided services to help families reunify before petitioning to terminate parental rights. Parental rights cannot be terminated if a parent is actively engaged in addressing the reasons the child entered care (e.g., substance use treatment, mental health concerns).
  • Court Improvement Support: Court improvement programs will receive funding to increase access to high-quality legal representation for all parties in child welfare cases, including children, parents, and kinship caregivers. They will also train court staff on diversity and equity.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-28.

CATEGORIES

Family Courts and Law Benefits