Today, December 23rd, 2022, the 117th Congress passed a legislative spending package funding the government through the end of its fiscal year until September 30, 2023. The Omnibus bill includes priorities of importance to Prevent Child Abuse America as it provides critical investments and support to families and children.
Prevent Child Abuse America is thrilled that the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act was passed through the Omnibus bill! The five-year reauthorization will expand the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program over five years, providing significant additional resources to tribal communities, and allowing for the continuation of virtual home visiting. The MIECHV program is a federal-state partnership that provides evidence-based home visiting services in all 50 states, D.C., 5 territories, and 25 tribal communities. Approximately a third of Healthy Families America programs receive MIECHV funding. This is the first ever increase in funding for the MIECHV program since its inception.
We are also grateful that there are increases in appropriations for many of our federal priorities. These federal supports are proven to prevent child maltreatment and ensure children reach their full health and life potential. Highlights include:
- $10 million increase for Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) Title I
state grants - $5 million increase for CAPTA Title II Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention
grants - $1 million increase for child sexual abuse prevention and a $2 million increase for preventing adverse childhood experiences to be administered by the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- $1.856 billion increase for the Child Care Development Block Grant
- $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grant
We are, of course, disappointed that lawmakers could not agree on inclusion of the Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Reauthorization Act of 2021, the extended Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit – all critical investments to supporting families. PCA America will continue to advocate for these and other important prevention policies with decisionmakers at the national and state levels.
We applaud Congress for supporting children and families through the passage of the Omnibus bill and look forward to continuing to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of all families with the 118th Congress.
A heartfelt Thank You to our incredible network of state chapters and HFA sites for your endless support in preventing child abuse and neglect before it occurs.
