Federal Child Welfare Laws
Explore federal laws that authorize and govern Children’s Bureau programs. Federal laws are enacted by Congress and organized by subject in the United States Code .
- Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) — Review CAPTA requirements related to the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect, including the Adoption Opportunities program.
- Compilation of Titles IV-B, IV-E, and Related Sections of the Social Security Act — Access federal statutory requirements for child welfare programs authorized under titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act.
Federal Child Welfare Legislation
Review legislation that has shaped federal child welfare policy and programs. Legislation begins as bills introduced in Congress and must be enacted before becoming federal law. Access official public laws through the U.S. Government Publishing Office and Congress.gov . You can also review recently enacted child welfare laws .
- Index of Federal Child Welfare Laws — Explore selected federal laws enacted since 1974 that affect children, families, and child welfare agencies.
- About CAPTA: A Legislative History — Learn how CAPTA has evolved and how federal legislation has addressed child abuse and neglect.
Child Welfare Regulations and Regulatory Actions
Review federal regulations that interpret and implement child welfare laws administered by the Administration for Children and Families and the Children’s Bureau. Proposed rules, final rules, and public notices are published in the Federal Register .
The Children’s Bureau Regulatory Actions resource includes proposed and final regulations, notices for public comment, and links to Code of Federal Regulations provisions governing title IV-B and title IV-E programs.