HHS pilot grants would fund keeping siblings in foster care together

What does this do?

This bill would direct the federal Department of Health and Human Services to run a pilot grant program supporting specialized foster care for sibling groups. Grants would go toward programs serving three situations: sibling groups of three or more children, siblings with a wide age gap, and siblings where one or more child has complex needs such as a disability, serious mental health condition, life-threatening illness, or trauma history. Funded programs must use evidence-based approaches shown to increase how often siblings are placed together.

Who does it affect?

Eligible applicants include state child welfare agencies, tribal and local agencies, faith- and community-based organizations, and nonprofits with proven foster care experience that operate under state oversight. Up to five grants can be awarded over a five-year period.

Why does it matter?

Without this program, specialized funding for keeping complex sibling groups together in foster care would not exist at the federal level. Grant recipients would be required to report outcomes to the federal government, including how many children were served and how siblings were placed.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $10M total available
• 5-year grant period

Where does it stand?