Child Welfare Workforce Development Act

HR 8745, the Child Welfare Workforce Development Act, modifies federal funding rules to help states improve their child welfare workforce. It removes penalties for states that don’t immediately meet certain workforce standards and directs states to use funds for specific, concrete actions: reducing caseloads, modernizing technology systems, enhancing caseworker safety, implementing mentoring programs for stress, and launching recruitment campaigns. These changes apply to states receiving federal child welfare funds starting October 1, 2026, with flexibility for states needing to pass new laws first. The bill directly affects state child welfare agencies and their ability to retain and support frontline workers.