S.1897 - To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team grant program, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1897 aims to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 by establishing the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Response Team grant program. This program would provide grants to states, local governments, Indian Tribes, and community-based organizations. The goal is to address ACEs associated with exposure to trauma. The bill authorizes appropriations of $10 million per year from 2026 through 2029 to carry out the program.
Expected Effects
The bill would create a framework for addressing childhood trauma through coordinated community responses. This includes establishing protocols, developing partnerships with healthcare providers, and providing training in trauma-informed care. Ultimately, this aims to improve the well-being of children exposed to trauma and reduce the long-term consequences of ACEs.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to mental health and crisis services for children exposed to trauma.
- Enhanced coordination between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and child protective services.
- Increased training in trauma-informed care for various professionals, including emergency responders and educators.
- Support for cross-system planning and collaboration among different agencies and organizations.
- Potential for preventing and mitigating the long-term impact of exposure to trauma and violence.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $10 million annual appropriation may be insufficient to address the widespread need for ACEs response teams across the country.
- The effectiveness of the program will depend on the quality of the applications submitted by states, local governments, and other organizations.
- There may be challenges in coordinating services across different agencies and organizations.
- The program could potentially lead to increased surveillance of families and children, raising privacy concerns.
- The bill does not address the root causes of ACEs, such as poverty and inequality.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to promote the well-being of children. Specifically, the preamble states the goal to "promote the general Welfare". The establishment of grant programs falls under the purview of Congress's spending power. However, the specific implementation of the program would need to be carefully monitored to ensure that it does not infringe on individual liberties or rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).