PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 17, 2023
Strengthening Tribal Families Act of 2023
This bill establishes requirements related to state compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA). The ICWA establishes minimum federal standards for the removal of Indian children from their families and the placement of these children in foster or adoptive homes.
Specifically, the bill requires a state plan for child welfare services and a state plan related to the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program to ensure that the agency administering or supervising the plan (e.g., a child welfare agency) shall comply with all federal standards established under the ICWA.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Further, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of the Interior must, in consultation with Indian tribal organizations and states, develop a memorandum of understanding that specifies the factors for measuring compliance with the ICWA. These factors must include requirements sufficient to assess state strengths and areas for improvement in implementing the ICWA (e.g., timely tribal notice of state child custody proceedings).
Additionally, the bill directs HHS to submit biennial reports to Congress on certain reviews of child and family service programs.
People & committees
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2] · R–NE
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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