National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 23, 2025
Bottom line
This bill authorizes $10 million annually for four years to fund local programs aimed at improving responses to children exposed to trauma by fostering collaboration between emergency responders, health services, and community partners.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) grant program under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. It authorizes the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to make grants to States, local governments, Indian Tribes, and community organizations. These grants are intended to fund the creation of ACERTs, which will integrate law enforcement, mental health, and crisis services to support children exposed to trauma, facilitate access to services, and provide trauma-informed training.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides crucial federal funding to address the long-term impacts of childhood trauma by enabling communities to develop integrated, trauma-informed response systems. They believe that early intervention and coordinated care can significantly improve outcomes for children, reduce future societal costs associated with unaddressed trauma, and enhance public safety by addressing root causes of distress.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while the bill's intent is laudable, the authorized funding level is insufficient to make a widespread, national impact, potentially leading to a patchwork of services rather than comprehensive change. Some may also raise concerns about the scope of federal involvement in local service provision or the potential for administrative burdens associated with grant applications and reporting requirements.
The bill is very concise and can be easily understood by an informed reader in a short amount of time, making it highly accessible for public review.
Section 2, adding Section 3051(a) to Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
Establishment of the National ACERT Grant Program
This provision authorizes the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to award grants. These grants are specifically for States, units of local government, Indian Tribes, and neighborhood or community-based organizations. The purpose of these grants is to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that are associated with exposure to trauma.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that federal funding is essential to catalyze and support local efforts to combat the pervasive issue of childhood trauma, which has significant public health and safety implications. They argue that a national grant program ensures a consistent framework while allowing for local adaptation.
Critics contend
Some might argue that such programs are best funded and managed at the state or local level without federal intervention, or that the federal government should prioritize other areas of crime control. Concerns could also be raised about potential federal overreach into local service delivery.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for federal support and guidance on a national issue with the need for local flexibility in implementation, acknowledging that trauma responses must be tailored to specific community needs.
Section 2, adding Section 3051(b) to Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
Authorized Uses of Grant Funds
This section details how the grant money can be used by recipients. It includes establishing protocols for responding to children exposed to trauma, creating referral partnerships with behavioral health and substance treatment providers, integrating law enforcement with mental health services, implementing comprehensive support programs, identifying barriers to trauma-informed care, providing training to various emergency and service providers, supporting cross-system collaboration among different agencies, and offering technical assistance on trauma prevention and mitigation.
Section 2, adding Section 3051(d) to Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968
Authorization of Appropriations
This provision authorizes the appropriation of $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to fund the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team grant program. This means that Congress is permitted to allocate this amount of money, but it does not automatically appropriate the funds; a separate appropriations act would be required.