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Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

USA119th CongressHR-9878| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
Mary Gay Scanlon

Mary Gay Scanlon

Democratic Representative

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (2)
Glenn Thompson (Republican)Gwen Moore (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, known as the "Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act," seeks to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to significantly improve protections and support for children being raised in kinship families, particularly those who are not formally part of the foster care system. Congress finds that millions of children are cared for by relatives or close family friends, often due to parental substance misuse, highlighting a critical need for tailored support for these "grandfamilies." The bill aims to integrate the unique circumstances and needs of kinship families into the broader framework of child abuse prevention and treatment. Key provisions of the bill include expanding the **Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect** and the **National Clearinghouse for Information Relating to Child Abuse** to include representatives and resources specifically for kinship families. It mandates that **State grants** for child abuse prevention and treatment programs prioritize kin placement, support the licensing of kin as foster parents, and establish strong community networks for these families. Furthermore, the bill requires **community-based grants** to address the unique needs of kinship caregivers, offering training on topics such as children's behavioral and mental health challenges, understanding substance use disorders, and accessing eligible services, thereby ensuring more equitable and effective support for children in kinship care.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-5583
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2747
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-8555
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act
Jul 22, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-5065
Introduced in Senate
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-5583
    Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2747
    Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-8555
    Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act


  • July 22, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-5065
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Families

Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

USA119th CongressHR-9878| House 
| Updated: 7/22/2026
This legislation, known as the "Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act," seeks to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to significantly improve protections and support for children being raised in kinship families, particularly those who are not formally part of the foster care system. Congress finds that millions of children are cared for by relatives or close family friends, often due to parental substance misuse, highlighting a critical need for tailored support for these "grandfamilies." The bill aims to integrate the unique circumstances and needs of kinship families into the broader framework of child abuse prevention and treatment. Key provisions of the bill include expanding the **Advisory Board on Child Abuse and Neglect** and the **National Clearinghouse for Information Relating to Child Abuse** to include representatives and resources specifically for kinship families. It mandates that **State grants** for child abuse prevention and treatment programs prioritize kin placement, support the licensing of kin as foster parents, and establish strong community networks for these families. Furthermore, the bill requires **community-based grants** to address the unique needs of kinship caregivers, offering training on topics such as children's behavioral and mental health challenges, understanding substance use disorders, and accessing eligible services, thereby ensuring more equitable and effective support for children in kinship care.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-5583
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2747
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-8555
Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act
Jul 22, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-5065
Introduced in Senate
Jul 22, 2026
Introduced in House
Jul 22, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-5583
    Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2747
    Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-8555
    Help Grandfamilies Prevent Child Abuse Act


  • July 22, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-5065
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 22, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • July 22, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Mary Gay Scanlon

Mary Gay Scanlon

Democratic Representative

Pennsylvania

Cosponsors (2)
Glenn Thompson (Republican)Gwen Moore (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

Families

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted