This bill creates a new program within the U.S. State Department focused on helping children with disabilities around the world stay with their families instead of being placed in institutions. Right now, about 240 million children globally have disabilities, and millions of them live in orphanages, group homes, and other residential facilities—often because their families lack support, face discrimination, or can't access proper services. Research shows that institutional care can cause serious harm, including psychological damage, stunted development, and increased risk of abuse and trafficking.

The bill establishes the International Children with Disabilities Protection Program, which will give grants to organizations run by people with disabilities and families of disabled children in other countries. These organizations will use the money to advocate for better laws and policies that keep families together and help disabled children live independently as adults. The program will also fund training programs and study tours so activists and policymakers from other countries can learn from successful disability rights models in the United States.

The bill authorizes $2 million for 2024 and $10 million per year from 2025 through 2029 to fund these efforts. At least half of the grant money must go directly to local disability organizations in the countries being helped. The State Department will have to report annually to Congress on what programs are working and where more support is needed. The bill also encourages all U.S. foreign aid programs related to children, health, education, and human rights to prioritize keeping disabled children with their families rather than supporting institutional care.

International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023

Menendez, Robert

International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023 This bill establishes the International Children with Disabilities Protection Program in the Department of State. Through the program, the State Department may provide grants to assist organizations of persons with disabilities and family members of children with disabilities in communicating about and advocating for policies that ensure the family inclusion and transition to independent living of children with disabilities. The bill also authorizes the State Department to fund certain nongovernmental organizations to build the capacity to advance policies such as (1) creating rights protection programs for people with disabilities, and (2) promoting the development of advocacy skills and leadership abilities of people with disabilities.