To amend subpart 2 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to address child welfare involvement caused by reasonable childhood independence activities, to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to promote childhood independence, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 12, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Promoting Childhood Independence and Resilience Act of 2026 aims to prevent child welfare agencies from investigating or prosecuting parents who allow their children to engage in age-appropriate independent activities like playing outside, walking to school, taking public transportation, running errands, or babysitting younger siblings. The bill establishes a legal definition of "reasonable childhood independence activities" and prohibits these activities from being considered child neglect or abuse. States receiving federal child welfare funding would be required to adopt policies and staff training ensuring that parents can allow such activities without fear of government intervention, custody loss, or placement on child abuse registries. The Department of Health and Human Services must conduct a study and report within 180 days on best practices for supporting childhood independence and reviewing whether state child protective services unfairly penalize parents for allowing independent play. The law takes effect in the first fiscal year after enactment, with flexibility for states that need time to change legislation or policies.
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