National Parent and Youth Helpline Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8156
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-08T12:23:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The National Parent and Youth Helpline Act (H.R. 8156) aims to prevent child abuse and strengthen families by directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund a national, toll-free telephone helpline. This helpline would offer guidance and support to parents, caregivers, and youth facing personal or family challenges.
Key Provisions
- Grant Program: HHS awards a single grant to one nonprofit organization for up to 5 years to:
- Operate a 24/7 national toll-free helpline via calls, texts, and live chats, providing emotional support for issues like distress, substance abuse, peer relationships, and education.
- Host weekly mutual support groups nationwide to promote family stability.
- Build and maintain a website with resources on emotional, social, behavioral, and educational well-being.
- Conduct outreach to reach parents, caregivers, and youth across the U.S.
- Award Priority: Preference for nonprofits experienced in running similar helplines and evidence-based support groups.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Grantee submits performance reports to HHS on activities, effectiveness, and other data.
- HHS submits a report to Congress within 3 years on the helpline's implementation and impact.
- Funding: Authorizes $20 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Title I of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) (42 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) by adding a new section (103A), introducing the first federal grant specifically for a national parent and youth helpline focused on prevention services.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS gains responsibility for grant administration, oversight, and congressional reporting; requires annual appropriations of $20 million.
- Citizens: Parents, caregivers, and youth (estimated 174 million people) gain free, accessible 24/7 support to address family challenges, potentially reducing child maltreatment and improving well-being.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- HHS (Secretary and staff): Oversees grant and reporting.
- Nonprofit organizations: Eligible to apply, with one receiving the grant.
- Parents, caregivers, children, and youth: Primary beneficiaries of helpline services.
- Congress: Receives reports and authorizes funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Expands CAPTA's prevention focus without mandating new regulations; relies on voluntary nonprofit operation and appropriations (not automatic spending).
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; uses Congress's spending power for public welfare.
- Political: Emphasizes family strengthening and child safety through evidence-based services; findings highlight societal benefits like improved community stability.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-03-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Parent and Youth Helpline Act — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (6 pages)