Improving Childhood Trauma Support

This act aims to improve the support system for children who have experienced trauma, also known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Key Terms and Definitions

• Care Coordination: An active, ongoing process that assists children ages 0 through 5 at risk of or who have experienced an adverse childhood experience, and their caregivers, in identifying, accessing, and using community resources and services.
• Indian Tribe: Has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
• Protective Factors: Any supportive element in a child's or caretaker's life that helps the child or caregiver to withstand trauma, such as a stable school environment or supportive peer relationships.

Authorizations and Appropriations

In general, $15,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for each of the 5 fiscal years following the fiscal year in which this section is enacted to carry out this section. Of this amount, the Secretary shall use not less than 10 percent of such amount for grants to eligible entities that are Indian tribes.

The Secretary may also use up to 15 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section for administrative expenses, including the expenses of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of the Department of Health and Human Services for compiling and reporting information.

Additionally, up to 5 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section may be reserved to provide technical assistance to eligible entities in preparing and submitting applications under this section.