To amend subpart 2 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to address child welfare involvement caused by reasonable childhood independence activities, to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to promote childhood independence, and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

2026-05-12

This bill would protect families from child welfare investigations when parents allow their children to engage in age-appropriate independent activities like walking to school or playing outside unsupervised. The legislation aims to clarify that letting kids develop independence and life skills should not automatically trigger child abuse or neglect concerns, affecting how social workers and child protective services respond to reports involving these normal childhood experiences.