West Florida News

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced that the Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act, introduced with Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), has advanced out of the Ways and Means Committee as a provision in H.R. 9076, the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act. Rep. Steube’s bill, which aims to improve oversight and accountability in residential treatment facilities for youth, was approved unanimously by the Committee in a vote of 38-0.

“The disturbing pattern of maltreatment and abuse in youth residential treatment centers, recently exposed by a government watchdog, cannot go unaddressed by Congress. It’s clear better federal guidance and information sharing is needed to root out abuse and keep America’s youth safe,” said Rep. Steube. “I want to thank Chairman Smith for his support of my legislation which will increase oversight and accountability of youth residential treatment programs. We have a responsibility to ensure that children in congregate care settings remain safe and protected.”

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 and how relevant federal agencies are supporting state efforts.

The Promoting Accountability, Reporting, Information Sharing, and Health Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in consultation with the Department of Education, Administration for Children and Families, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Justice, and other policy experts to develop guidance on best practices for federal agencies and states. The guidance will focus on collecting data and sharing information related to youth well-being in residential treatment facilities, improving data on maltreatment, and enhancing oversight of youth residential programs receiving federal funding.

H.R. 9076 reauthorizes Title IV-B for the first time since 2021 and delivers significant reforms since 2008. With approximately 369,000 children currently in foster care, this legislation offers vital assistance to help strengthen families together while supporting the safety and well-being of children in foster care.

Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act encompasses policies from 16 different pieces of legislation from both Republican and Democrat members of the Ways and Means Committee. It follows the Committee’s extensive year-long review of child welfare programs to identify areas where these programs could better serve children and families.

The Ways and Means Committee’s jurisdiction includes matters relating to public assistance provisions under the Social Security Act such as temporary assistance for needy families; childcare; child services; child support; foster care; adoption; supplemental security income; social services; eligibility for food stamps among welfare recipients; low-income energy assistance.