Congress has many bills awaiting consideration during the upcoming lame-duck session, including the bipartisan, bicameral Supporting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act (H.R.9076/S.5336). The legislation would reauthorize and amend Title IV-B of the Social Security Act which supports many child welfare efforts and is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. It is a priority of the National Indian Child Welfare Association and has a number of Tribal-specific improvements, including
• increased Tribal funding for both IV-B titles (Child Welfare Services, Promoting Safe and Stable Families);
• funding for Tribal efforts to keep families together, find alternative child placements, and support family reunification or adoption;
• increased funding for Tribal courts that deal with child welfare, such as increased support for the Tribal Court Improvement Programs;
• greater Tribal flexibilities in the use of funds;
• requirements that agencies consult with Tribes on the development of guidelines to maximize Tribal engagement in ICWA state proceedings; and
• reduced administrative burdens for Tribes in carrying out IV-B activities.
H.R. 9076 passed the House easily (405-10) on September 18, 2024, but has not yet been considered on the Senate floor. There are many more pending bills on the Senate docket than will be able to be considered. It would be helpful for Tribal Nations and others to reach out to their Senators to advocate for consideration of the bill. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need any assistance in doing so.
