Eliminating Debtor’s Prison for Kids Act of 2023

This bill prevents juvenile offenders and their families from being jailed or forced to pay court fees, fines, or child support as a condition of probation. States must certify they prohibit these fees (including costs for attorneys, prosecution, or detention) to qualify for federal grants. The grants fund evidence-based mental health services and diversion programs for at-risk youth in detention, aiming to reduce reliance on incarceration. A national report will track how fees impact different demographic groups and incarceration rates.