S-397 : Still Just a Bill


Safe Home Act of 2021

This bill makes unregulated custody transfers a form of child abuse and neglect under federal child-welfare law. Specifically, an unregulated custody transfer occurs when a child is placed with a non-relative or otherwise unfamiliar adult, with the intention of severing the parental or guardian relationship with the child, without reasonably ensuring the child's safety, and without legally transferring parental or guardian rights.

The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to (1) report on the causes, effects, and prevalence of unregulated custody transfers; (2) develop policy recommendations for preventing such transfers; and (3) issue guidance to the states.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2021-02-23IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.Senate
2021-02-23IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Amy Klobuchar [D] (MN)
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Families
Related Subjects
  • Adoption and foster care
  • Child safety and welfare
  • Congressional oversight
  • Domestic violence and child abuse
  • Family relationships
  • Government information and archives
  • Separation, divorce, custody, support
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

Related Bills

See Related Bills