John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act prohibits discrimination in child welfare services based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status. It aims to improve safety, well-being, and permanency for LGBTQ youth in foster care, addressing issues like overrepresentation, experiences of discrimination, and harmful practices like conversion therapy. The bill also establishes a National Resource Center to provide support and guidance on LGBTQ-affirming child welfare practices and mandates data collection to better understand the needs of this population.
Key provisions
- Prohibits discrimination in child welfare services based on religion, sex, and marital status.
- Requires improved safety, well-being, and permanency for LGBTQ youth in foster care.
- Prohibits conversion therapy.
- Establishes a National Resource Center to support LGBTQ youth and foster families.
- Mandates data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity within the child welfare system.
- Requires covered entities to provide culturally competent training.
- Creates a private right of action for victims of discrimination.
- Directs the Secretary to publish guidance on compliance with the Act.
Who is affected
- LGBTQ youth in foster care
- Foster and adoptive parents
- Child welfare agencies
- Religious organizations providing child welfare services
- States
Bill text
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Sponsors
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