To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve the health and well-being of maltreated infants and toddlers through the implementation of infant-toddler court teams within States, and for other purposes.
The Strengthening America's Families Act of 2023 creates a federal program to help states establish "infant-toddler court teams"—specialized court systems designed to improve outcomes for babies and young children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or other maltreatment. These interdisciplinary teams bring together judges, child welfare agencies, mental health providers, and community organizations to coordinate services and keep families together when safely possible. The bill authorizes $25 million annually from 2024 through 2027 to fund grants to states implementing these teams, with additional funding for a national resource center to provide training and technical assistance to participating jurisdictions. States receiving grants must designate a lead agency to coordinate local court teams, establish criteria for their operation, and collect data on outcomes such as whether children stay with their families, receive proper medical care, and experience reduced trauma. The bill emphasizes evidence-based practices grounded in early childhood development science and requires the resource center to conduct a comprehensive national evaluation and submit progress reports to Congress within three and five years.
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