H.R. 2426 would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate state and tribal protocols for children who are missing from foster care. The bill also would require HHS to develop and provide technical assistance to states and Indian tribes to improve state performance in serving missing and trafficked youth. Additionally, H.R. 2426 would require the Government Accountability Office to report on youth running away from foster care and make recommendations to improve child welfare. Finally, the bill would authorize the appropriation in 2024 of whatever amounts are necessary to carry out the bill.
Using information from HHS and historical spending patterns for similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the new requirements would cost $6 million over the 2024-2028 period, assuming appropriation of the estimated amounts.
