This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop federal guidance for states on improving how they collect and share data about youth in residential treatment facilities. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must work with the Departments of Education and Justice, along with other relevant experts, to create best practices guidance covering data collection on youth well-being, tracking of maltreatment incidents, and oversight of these facilities that receive federal funding. The guidance will apply to states administering certain federal child welfare programs under the Social Security Act and will include research-based strategies for assessing risks to youth health and safety. This bill affects state child welfare agencies, residential treatment providers, and ultimately the thousands of youth currently residing in these facilities across the country. No specific funding amount is mentioned in the legislation, with the primary requirement being the development and distribution of guidance to help states better monitor and protect youth in their care.
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