This bill establishes a grant program within the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support states that implement requirements for recording child welfare interviews. The primary goal is to enhance transparency and accountability in child protective services investigations by encouraging the systematic recording of interactions with children and adults. To be eligible for these grants, a state's child protective services agency must have a statute, ordinance, policy, or practice in effect that mandates the recording of all child welfare interviews with both children and adults. These recordings can be made via electronic audio, body camera video, or other reasonable means. Furthermore, the state must ensure these recordings are retained and securely stored for a minimum of five years , with specific protocols for access and release, including availability to caregivers or guardians for judicial proceedings unless a court orders otherwise. Grant funds are specifically designated to cover costs directly associated with conducting and retaining these mandated recordings, including initial interviews conducted during family assessments. The Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will administer the program using existing available funds.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Crime and Law Enforcement
Child safety and welfareDigital mediaFamily servicesSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsSound recordingState and local government operations
GRACIE Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-659| Senate
| Updated: 2/20/2025
This bill establishes a grant program within the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to support states that implement requirements for recording child welfare interviews. The primary goal is to enhance transparency and accountability in child protective services investigations by encouraging the systematic recording of interactions with children and adults. To be eligible for these grants, a state's child protective services agency must have a statute, ordinance, policy, or practice in effect that mandates the recording of all child welfare interviews with both children and adults. These recordings can be made via electronic audio, body camera video, or other reasonable means. Furthermore, the state must ensure these recordings are retained and securely stored for a minimum of five years , with specific protocols for access and release, including availability to caregivers or guardians for judicial proceedings unless a court orders otherwise. Grant funds are specifically designated to cover costs directly associated with conducting and retaining these mandated recordings, including initial interviews conducted during family assessments. The Director of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will administer the program using existing available funds.
Child safety and welfareDigital mediaFamily servicesSocial work, volunteer service, charitable organizationsSound recordingState and local government operations