On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration announced new actions to support children and families in foster care. These actions include releasing three regulations to strengthen services and supports for children and families in the child welfare system.
- Final Rule: Support kinship caregivers – family members and loved ones who step forward to care for a child in foster care – by making it easier for them to access resources and financial assistance.
- Proposed Rule: Protect LGBTQI+ youth in foster care from abuse and mistreatment and ensure they have the services they need to thrive. Comments are due on November 27, 20203.
- Proposed Rule: Expand access to legal services for children and families at risk of entering or in the child welfare system. Comments are due November 27, 2023.
There is an additional open Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities, that specifies particular changes for child welfare services. Comments on this NPRM are due November 13, 2023.
Child welfare agencies, advocates, and people with lived expertise are encouraged to submit public comments to the Federal Register regarding the proposed rules.
