July 30, 2026
Ms. Moore of Wisconsin introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
To amend part B of title IV of the Social Security to ensure that child protective services systems do not permit the separation of children from parents solely on the basis of poverty, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Family Poverty is Not Child Neglect Act
.
Sec. 2. State plan requirements
Section 422(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 622(b)) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (18), by striking ; and
and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in paragraph (19)(B), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(20)
provide assurances that—
(A)
no child is separated from a parent or guardian of the child solely on the basis of poverty; and
(B)
the State will develop or improve services and benefits to keep families in poverty safely together, such as through assistance with respect to housing insecurity or unemployment of parents or guardians in such families.
Sec. 3. Report on child poverty and neglect
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report on the following:
(1)
The effect of poverty with respect to—
(A)
contacts with authorities related to child and family services;
(B)
investigations carried out related to the welfare of a child;
(C)
allegations of child neglect, abuse, or other forms of maltreatment;
(D)
temporary or permanent removals of a child from the home, family, or household of the child;
(E)
transient, temporary, or permanent placements in foster care, kinship care, or other informal care settings; and
(F)
and other actions that affect the custody or care of a child.
(2)
Recommendations for legislation to accurately gain information related to paragraph (1).
(3)
Recommendations for legislation to help prevent a family in poverty from experiencing the separation, whether permanent or temporary, of a child from the family.