The CARE for Children Act (H.R. 4972)

Original title: Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act

Last action · August 15, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.Sponsors: W. Steube and 25 others

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Introduced

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What This Bill Would Do

This bill proposes changes to the Social Security Act to allow foster children to be placed in 'cottage family homes' and makes these homes eligible for federal . It defines strict standards for these homes, including requirements for trauma-informed care, sibling placement, and child safety reporting systems.

Why it matters

The bill expands the types of facilities eligible for federal foster care funding, potentially increasing the number of available placements for children and sibling groups in the foster system.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Foster children

The bill changes the types of residential settings available for their placement and the standards of care required in those settings.

Directly affected

State child welfare agencies

Agencies may need to update state plans or legislation to align with the new federal definitions and requirements for cottage family homes.

Directly affected

Child care agencies

Organizations operating cottage family homes become eligible for federal foster care maintenance payments if they meet the new federal standards.

Key Facts

The bill amends the Social Security Act to officially recognize 'cottage family homes' as eligible for federal foster care maintenance payments.
Cottage family homes must be licensed by the state and operated by a public or private child care agency.
These homes must provide trauma-informed care and prohibit the use of seclusion or chemical/mechanical restraints.
The bill requires homes to have a system for children to report concerns or mistreatment to staff.

Show all 10 facts

Cottage family homes must be single-family style residences with a limit of two children per bedroom, unless otherwise in the child's best interest.
Children in these homes must be under the care of live-in parents who use the 'reasonable and prudent parent standard'.
The bill mandates that these homes facilitate the placement of sibling groups together.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services is prohibited from penalizing states that choose to classify these homes as foster family homes.
The amendments take effect on the date of enactment, with a potential 6-month delay for states requiring legislative changes to comply.
There is no time limit on foster care maintenance payments for children placed in a cottage family home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'cottage family home' under this bill?

It is a single-family style residence operated by a licensed agency, featuring live-in parents, trauma-informed care, and specific safety and quality standards for children.

Does this bill change how long a child can receive foster care payments?

Yes, it explicitly states there is no time limit on for children placed in a cottage family home.

Can states choose not to participate?

The bill preserves state flexibility, allowing states to determine how they treat these homes for foster care purposes without federal interference.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

2 actions

Aug 15, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Aug 15, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduced in House

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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