Supporting Grandfamilies Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
The bill provides dedicated funding and a refined mandate to a national center supporting grandfamilies and kinship families, particularly those with older caregivers or children with disabilities.
What it actually does
This bill reestablishes and funds the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies and Kinship Families, originally authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It appropriates $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, available through September 30, 2031, for the Center to provide training, technical assistance, and resources to organizations serving grandfamilies. The bill also refines the Center's purpose and activities, focusing primarily on grandfamilies where the primary caregiver is age 55 or older, or where the child has one or more disabilities.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that grandfamilies and kinship families play a crucial role in providing stable homes for children, often stepping in during crises such as the opioid epidemic. They contend that reestablishing and funding this Center is vital to provide these families and the organizations that support them with necessary resources, training, and coordination, ensuring better health, academic, and economic outcomes for all members.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, reestablishing a specific center with dedicated funding could lead to duplication of efforts with existing state or local programs. They might also contend that the specific focus on caregivers aged 55+ or children with disabilities, while addressing important needs, could inadvertently limit the scope of support for other grandfamilies facing different challenges, potentially creating administrative complexities.
The bill is short and clear, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2(1) and (5), amending 20 U.S.C. 3020g(a) and adding (d)
Reestablishment, Funding, and Grant Requirements for the Center
This provision reestablishes the National Technical Assistance Center on Grandfamilies and Kinship Families and appropriates $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027, available until September 30, 2031. The funds are for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to operate the Center through a grant or contract. It also specifies that the organization selected to run the Center must be a nonprofit with demonstrated expertise in grandfamily issues, experience providing technical assistance, facilitating peer learning, engaging grandfamilies for input, and tailoring services to their unique needs.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that dedicated funding ensures the Center's continuity and ability to provide crucial support. The stringent requirements for the operating organization guarantee that the Center will be run by experienced, effective entities with a proven track record of engaging with and serving grandfamilies.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the reestablishment of such a center, but some might argue that the specific requirements for the operating organization could limit competition or favor larger, established nonprofits over smaller, innovative ones.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff involves balancing the need for a highly qualified operator with the desire for broad participation in the grant process. The specific requirements aim for effectiveness but might narrow the field of eligible organizations.
Section 2(3), inserting new 20 U.S.C. 3020g(b)
Defined Purpose and Targeted Focus of the Center
This provision explicitly defines the purpose of the Center: to provide training, technical assistance, coordination, and resources to community-based organizations, government programs, and other entities serving grandfamilies and kinship families. Its goal is to support the health, academic achievement, and well-being (including economic) of all family members. Crucially, it directs the Center to primarily focus on grandfamilies where the primary caregiver is age 55 or older, or where the child has one or more disabilities as defined by federal law.
Section 2(4), amending 20 U.S.C. 3020g(c)
Expanded Activities and Focus on Substance Use
This section updates the list of activities the Center is authorized to conduct. It directs the Center to develop evidence-based practices, specifically adding 'opioid and other substance use' to the issues addressed. It also emphasizes promoting coordination of services, facilitating learning across states, territories, and tribal entities, helping organizations plan and coordinate programs, and assisting in tailoring services to the unique needs of grandfamilies and kinship families.
The bill defines 'disabilities' for the purpose of the Center's primary focus by referencing the definition under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15002).
Section 2(3), inserting new 20 U.S.C. 3020g(b)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid redundancy and ensure consistency with existing federal definitions.
Case for: Supporters argue that referencing an established definition provides legal clarity and consistency, preventing new interpretations or ambiguities that could arise from a novel definition within this bill.
Case against: Critics might argue that relying on external definitions can make the bill less accessible to a general audience, requiring additional research to fully grasp its implications for affected children.
Estimated impact: Ensures that the Center's services for children with disabilities align with existing federal frameworks for developmental disabilities.