Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act

The bill establishes a competitive grant pilot program to be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services over a five-year period. This program will award up to five grants to eligible entities, including state child welfare agencies and non-profit organizations with demonstrated foster care expertise.

The primary goal is to encourage the development of specialized foster care programs specifically designed to place together challenging sibling groups. These include groups of three or more siblings, those with a wide age range, and sibling groups where at least one youth has complex needs, such as challenging behaviors, severe mental health issues, disabilities, chronic illnesses, or a history of trauma.

Grant funds must be used to develop evidence-based programs that can identify available placements and substantially increase joint sibling placements for these specific groups. Recipients are required to submit reports detailing the number of children served, sibling group sizes, placement methods, and outcomes. Up to $10,000,000 is authorized for appropriations to carry out this program over the five-year period.