# What This Bill Does

This bill gives the federal government the ability to fund programs that help improve the child welfare workforce—the social workers, caseworkers, and other professionals who investigate abuse, help protect children, and work with families in crisis. Right now, child welfare agencies across the country struggle with high turnover, burnout, and difficulty attracting qualified people to these demanding jobs. This bill creates a way for the federal government to award grants to states and organizations to tackle those problems directly.

The bill focuses on two main approaches. First, it allows funding for programs that help recruit new workers to child welfare jobs, support the ones already doing the work, and keep experienced people from leaving for other careers. Second, it funds training and education programs that teach professionals and paraprofessionals how to recognize, prevent, and treat child abuse and neglect. This means better-trained caseworkers who know what to look for and how to help families effectively.

Why does this matter? When child welfare agencies have high staff turnover and inexperienced workers, children can fall through the cracks. Cases get missed, investigations take longer, and families don't get the help they need. By investing in a stronger, more stable workforce, this bill aims to improve how the system protects vulnerable children. The practical effect is that states and local organizations can now apply for federal money specifically designed to solve workforce problems—whether that's offering better pay and benefits to keep workers, creating mentorship programs, or providing specialized training that helps people do their jobs better and feel more confident in their work.

To amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to promote a high-quality workforce in the child welfare system.

Sherrill, Mikie

 <p>This bill permits the Children's Bureau of the Administration for Children &amp; Families to provide grants for programs that support a high-quality workforce to prevent, identify, and treat child abuse and neglect.</p>