West Florida News

U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) have introduced the Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act to enhance protection for youth in residential treatment facilities. This bipartisan legislation aims to improve oversight and accountability by providing enhanced federal guidance, technical assistance, and data reporting.

“We’ve heard horrific accounts from survivors about their time in congregate care facilities across the country. It’s clear better federal guidance and information sharing is needed to root out abuse and keep America’s youth safe. Congress has the power to act, and we must exercise our authority to ensure better oversight and accountability of residential youth programs receiving federal funding,” said Rep. Steube. “The Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act will ensure we are tackling this issue on all fronts. Congress must strengthen the current laws and put new protections in place to prevent the abuse at residential treatment facilities from perpetuating any longer.”

“Reports of abuse in youth residential treatment centers are alarming, unacceptable, and need to be addressed by the federal government,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bipartisan legislation would allow federal lawmakers and government agencies to better understand the scope of these issues, provide critical oversight, and inform action to improve services for these vulnerable children. The federal government must play its part to help ensure the well-being and proper care of our foster youth.”

“The disturbing pattern of maltreatment and abuse in youth residential treatment centers, recently exposed by a government watchdog, cannot go unaddressed by Congress. We have a responsibility to ensure that children in congregate care settings remain safe and protected. I want to thank Representatives Steube and Panetta for this important and long-overdue legislation that will increase oversight and accountability of youth residential treatment programs,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).

Approximately 10% of foster youth spend time in congregate care settings. A 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report revealed alarming instances of maltreatment and abuse in youth residential treatment centers. In their report, GAO recommended additional steps be taken to address maltreatment.

The Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with various other departments including Education; Administration for Children & Families; Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Justice; among others—to develop guidance on best practices for collecting data related to youth well-being in these facilities.

The Ways & Means Committee oversees matters relating to public assistance provisions under the Social Security Act including child care services; foster care; adoption support; supplemental security income; social services eligibility for welfare recipients regarding food stamps as well as low-income energy assistance.