To amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act, to require States to guarantee legal representation to children and parents involved in child protection proceedings, under the program of Federal payments for foster care, prevention, and permanency, and for other purposes.
Sponsored by Scanlon, Mary Gay (Democrat-PA-5) · House · Introduced May 21, 2026
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Plain-English Summary (AI-assisted)
This bill would require all states to provide lawyers for children and parents involved in child welfare court cases as a condition of receiving federal foster care funding. Currently, the right to legal representation in these cases is not guaranteed nationwide, and representation standards vary significantly by state.
Legislative Status Timeline
Introduced
May 21, 2026
In Committee
May 21, 2026
Passed House
Pending
Passed Senate
Pending
Presidential Action
Pending
Sponsor
Scanlon, Mary Gay
Independent · PA-5
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