Kamlager-Dove Introduces 21st Century Children and Families Act to End Discrimination in Foster Care Services and Keep Families United

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced the 21st Century Children and Families Act. This legislation would require state agencies involved in adoption or foster care placement to expand nondiscrimination protections, address disparities in access to services, and extend the timeline for modifying parental rights when a child is not in the care of a relative.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation which would protect Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ communities from discrimination in the adoption and foster care processes," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. "As Republicans across the country lead efforts to roll back marginalized groups’ rights at the state level, we must guard against discrimination in all policy arenas through federal legislation.

“Additionally, this bill would help families from these communities stay together by preventing states from modifying parental rights for at least 24 months while a child is not in the care of a relative and by barring states from terminating parental rights based solely on a parent’s enrollment in services such as SNAP or WIC, incarceration status, or DHS detention status,” continued Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “We know that children achieve better outcomes when they remain with their families. This bill would make it easier for children entering the foster care system or adoption process—especially those from marginalized communities—to remain with their relatives so these children can succeed.”

"The National Foster Youth Institute supports the 21st Century Children and Families Act of 2024. NFYI advocates for the well-being of young people and transition-age youth who have been impacted by the foster care system. Our nonpartisan advocacy lies within ensuring equitable rights and resources for youth and families of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religions. We believe the government has a fiduciary responsibility to aid in strengthening the family dynamic within the home and to support cultural preservation by addressing the disproportionality in child welfare and the disparities in access to services," said Cortez L. Carey, NFYI Director of Government Relations.

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