Child Protection Reform: Community Support Over Investigations for At-Risk Families.
This law aims to safely reduce the number of families referred to Child Protective Services (CPS) by offering voluntary, community-based support instead of immediate investigation. Families facing poverty, parental stress, or domestic violence will be directed to "alternative pathways," such as helplines and preventive programs, to strengthen family well-being. The bill significantly increases authorized funding to support this shift towards prevention and voluntary assistance.
Key points
Establishes "alternative pathways" to connect families struggling with basic needs or risk factors (like poverty or stress) to voluntary community support systems outside of the formal child protection system.
Mandates training for professionals (mandated reporters) on how to refer families to these voluntary supports, aiming to reduce unnecessary CPS investigations.
Significantly increases authorized funding for child abuse prevention and family support programs (up to $500 million and $1 billion for FY 2024).
Integrates domestic violence experts and research into the child welfare system to better address its role in abuse and neglect cases.
Expired
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