This bill changes how the government handles unaccompanied children who are caught crossing the border illegally. Right now, these children can be released to various sponsors—people who don't have to be their parents or guardians, as long as they pass a background check. The PARENT Act would tighten this by requiring that within 72 hours of determining a child is unaccompanied, they can only be handed over to their actual parent or legal guardian, or kept in the care of the Department of Health and Human Services. In practical terms, this means fewer options for where these children can go—the government would need to verify they're actually related to the person taking them, rather than allowing release to other adults who might be family friends or community members. The intent appears to be protecting children from potential trafficking or unsafe situations by ensuring they only go to verified family members or stay in government custody while authorities work to locate their parents.

PARENT Act of 2023

Burgess, Michael C.

Protecting an Alien child's Reasonable Expectation of No Trafficking Act of 2023 or the PARENT Act of 2023 This bill establishes that no later than 72 hours after determining that a child in federal custody is an unaccompanied alien minor, custody of that child may only be transferred to the child's verified parent or legal guardian or to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Currently, HHS may release such children to sponsors, who are not required to be a parent or legal guardian but must pass a background check.