The 21st Century Children and Families Act expands protections against discrimination in adoption and foster care by prohibiting states and federally funded entities from denying placement opportunities or services based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), religion, or national origin. The bill gives states greater flexibility before terminating parental rights by requiring them to demonstrate they have provided adequate services and support to families, and it prevents states from filing termination petitions if a parent is actively engaged in treatment services, is incarcerated, or is being detained or deported. The legislation also strengthens the Court Improvement Program by expanding its focus to include better legal representation for all parties in child welfare cases, including children, parents, and kinship caregivers, while requiring states to implement training on racial equity and cultural competency. The bill takes effect on the first day of the first fiscal year after enactment, with states allowed additional time if new legislation is needed to comply, and grants Indian tribes similar flexibility. The Court Improvement Program changes take effect on October 1, 2024.
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