Horsford Introduces Bill to Support Families Affected by Parental Substance Abuse

June 28, 2024

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmen Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Danny Davis (IL-07), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, introduced the Regional Partnership Grants Reauthorization Act of 2024 to reauthorize the Regional Partnership Grant Program for five years. This bill aims to improve substance abuse services within the child welfare system, supporting children and families in need.

“Substance abuse impacts families across our country, and we need to provide strong support systems to help those in need,” said Congressman Horsford. “The Regional Partnership Grants Reauthorization Act ensures that children and families receive the services they need to overcome these challenges. We need action now to support and protect our most vulnerable families.”

“Research is clear that Regional Partnership Grants successfully strengthen families affected by both substance use and child welfare to increase child stability, safety, and reunification” said Rep. Danny K. Davis. “Substance use is one of the primary reasons that children enter foster care. I am proud to partner with Rep. Horsford in leading the Regional Partnership Grants Reauthorization Act to modernize these grants that help children and families affected by substance use to thrive.”

The Regional Partnership Grants Reauthorization Act of 2024 will:

Reauthorize the Regional Partnership Grant Program through Fiscal Year 2028;
Build the child welfare evidence base and strengthen implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA); and
Incorporate important lessons learned from prior rounds of the program.

The Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau administers the Regional Partnership Grant Program to improve the well-being of children affected by parental substance use disorders. The program supports initiatives like peer recovery coaching, family-centered services, parenting programs, and specialized services for fathers and pregnant women to improve child safety and permanency. Since 2007, the Children’s Bureau has awarded seven rounds of RPG funding to 127 projects across 40 states – serving over 41,000 children, 31,000 adults, and 25,500 families. Since its development, Nevada has received two rounds of awards through the grant program.