Bill > HR4972

This bill introduces the Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act, which aims to address the shortage of foster homes and improve foster care placement options by defining and establishing "cottage family homes" as a new type of foster care placement. The bill amends the Social Security Act to allow for cottage family homes, which are defined as licensed, home-like environments with specific requirements including maintaining family connections, supporting sibling groups, providing age-appropriate activities, implementing trauma-informed care, and prohibiting harmful restraint practices. These homes must have no more than two children per bedroom, be staffed by live-in parents using a "reasonable and prudent parent standard," and have systems for children to report concerns and provide feedback about their care. The legislation ensures that children placed in cottage family homes are eligible for foster care maintenance payments without time limitations and gives states flexibility in implementing these new home types. The amendments will take effect upon enactment, with a six-month grace period for states to adjust their legislation if needed, ultimately seeking to create more supportive and nurturing environments for children in the foster care system.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4972/all-info