Luján, Casey Reintroduce Legislation to Invest in Preventing and Treating Child Abuse and Neglect

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) reintroduced the Family Strengthening Infrastructure Act to increase federal funding under Title I and Title II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to ensure adequate support for state Child Protective Services (CPS) and community-based prevention services. 

 The Family Strengthening Infrastructure Act of 2024:  

• Authorizes an additional $250 million in mandatory funding for Title I for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2034 to improve response to child maltreatment;
• Authorizes an additional $250 million in mandatory funding for Title II for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2034 to support community-driven, evidence-based, and trauma-informed services that strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment and child welfare system involvement; 

“The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act is monumental legislation signifying our nation’s commitment to the well-being of children and families. However, CAPTA has been underfunded for decades, making it impossible for states to fully comply with federal law by protecting our most vulnerable children. It’s Congress’ responsibility to provide the funds needed to successfully implement the law,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the Family Strengthening Infrastructure Act to increase CAPTA funding and improve investments in the child welfare system for our children. By increasing funding that states and community-based partners desperately need to serve children in need, more families will be better positioned to thrive.”

“As a leader of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Actreauthorization, I have long worked to expand resources to keep families together and protect children, including by passing emergency funding during the pandemic,” said Senator Casey. “This program only works if we fund it. Our bill will bolster CAPTA funding for another decade to support families and help states keep kids safe.”

This legislation is supported by the Committee for Children, Children’s Advocacy Institute, Child Welfare League of America, Prevent Child Abuse America, Zero To Three, National Family Support Network, Social Current, Children and Families Futures, National Child Abuse Coalition, Triple P America, Inc., Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Trust Fund Alliance and American Academy of Pediatrics.

A summary of the bill can be found HERE. Full text of the bill is available HERE.

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