Transparency in Child Separation: Mandatory Reporting of Informal Foster Care Arrangements.
This Act mandates state child protective services (CPS) agencies to collect and publicly report data on child separations from parents that occur outside the formal foster care system and without court oversight (known as "hidden foster care"). The goal is to increase transparency and ensure that families and caregivers who take in children under these informal arrangements receive necessary support and services. Citizens will gain access to information about the extent to which states use informal safety plans resulting in family separation.
Key points
States must disclose how many children are separated from their parents through informal arrangements (like safety plans or kinship diversion) without a court order.
The reporting requirement aims to track whether kinship caregivers receive support services, such as navigator programs or legal counsel.
This data will be compiled and published annually by the federal government, increasing oversight of child welfare agency practices and helping direct funds for family support.
Expired
Citizen Poll