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Language from a bipartisan bill to improve child welfare services led by U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) on July 24 passed the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee as part of a larger bill.

"I am glad the long-overdue package we advanced out of the committee today included my bill to ensure these programs are more informed by and accountable to the people they serve," said Rep. Smith. "I will continue to support these reforms as the legislative process continues."

The committee marked up the Protecting America's Children by Strengthening Families Act, H.R. 9076, which includes policy from the Youth and Family Engagement in Child Welfare Act, H.R. 8815, sponsored on June 25 by Rep. Smith and lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI).

"Our children are our future," Rep. Smith said. "Reviewing the experiences of Americans served by state and federal child welfare programs and taking every step we can to improve outcomes is one of the most impactful things we do on the Committee on Ways and Means."

The congressman's bill would require that youth and parents with lived experience in the child welfare system are consulted on policies, ensuring representation and inclusion of their perspectives in state child welfare program planning, according to the text of H.R. 8815.

Additionally, states would be required to publicly report their suggestions and how the state has implemented them, the text says.

The larger bill, which would strengthen child welfare services and expand the availability of prevention services to better meet the needs of vulnerable families, now heads to the full chamber for action.