This bill protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the child welfare system, including parents, guardians, relatives, caregivers, and those seeking to become foster or adoptive parents. It requires states to develop safeguards and supportive services for individuals with disabilities involved in child welfare cases, including individualized parenting assessments based on objective evidence rather than disability stereotypes, and peer-reviewed parenting education tailored to different populations. The bill also directs federal agencies to revise and distribute updated training materials for child welfare agencies and courts within one year, with the new requirements taking effect one year after those materials are released. Courts must demonstrate efforts to provide equal participation opportunities for people with disabilities in child welfare proceedings. The Secretary of Health and Human Services must report to Congress within four years on how states have implemented these changes and what outcomes have resulted for families with disabilities involved in the child welfare system.
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