This week, U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., showcased the “Creating Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act.”

The bill, which Dunn introduced last week “addresses the shortage of foster home options for children by allowing cottage homes to be eligible for federal funds that other programs already have access to” by adding “cottage family homes to the options of federally supported housing for foster children.”

Dunn’s office offered some of the reasons why he introduced the bill.

“Cottage family homes offer a family-like living environment in a single-family residence with no more than two children per bedroom unless it is in the children’s best interest. The cottage ‘parents’ can supervise and nurture around the clock creating a healthier, stable environment,” Dunn’s office noted.

“Going into the foster care system can be difficult for a child and their parents. The transition is even more difficult when there is a shortage of foster care options,” said Dunn. “The CARE for Children Act seeks to ensure the health and safety of children, as well as expands options by including cottage family homes. We must do everything we can to help the future generation become the best versions of themselves.”

Almost a dozen House members are backing the proposal with U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., as the lead co-sponsor.

“We must always prioritize the well-being of our children and provide them with the best possible care. That is why I am proud to co-introduce the Creating Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act, which amends the Social Security Act to include ‘Cottage Family Homes’ to make them eligible for federal funds,” said Soto. “This bill will open up stable and nurturing home environments for children including an estimated six locations in Florida alone. These locations will be extremely beneficial to the well-being of every child who needs them as they will increase capacity, keep sibling groups together, and provide children with a normalized home environment that maintains a strong connection with the child’s family.”

Other backers from the Sunshine State explained why they were behind Dunn’s proposal
“The CARE for Children Act aims to create safe, healthy environments for children by promoting capacity-building, keeping sibling groups together, and providing a normalized home and community environment for our youth in Florida,” said U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla. “At a time when foster homes are in short supply, this bill ensures that cottage family homes keep children safe, nurtured, and cared for to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. I’m glad to join Rep. Dunn and my Florida colleagues in supporting the CARE Act.”

“The CARE Act will open doors to a better and brighter future for foster youth, providing them with the normalized home environment that they need to thrive,” said U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla. “I’m proud to join several of my colleagues in the Florida Congressional Delegation in introducing this necessary and bipartisan piece of legislation.”

“Protecting children and giving them every opportunity to thrive is essential. The Creating Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act addresses the health, safety, and well-being of children who must face and ensure hardship,” said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla.. “I am proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues so we can provide children with a normalized home and community environment when times are most difficult.”

U.S. Reps. Aaron Bean, R-Fla., Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., Scott Franklin, R-Fla., Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., John Rutherford, R-Fla., Greg Steube, R-Fla., and Michael Waltz, R-Fla., are also backing the bill.

Other backers include A Kids Place, the Florida Coalition for Children, Baptist Childrens Village, the Coalition of Residential Excellence and leaders throughout Florida.

“We are grateful that Dr. Dunn and the bill co-sponsors see the value of cottage family homes as a support to struggling families and trauma-impacted children. This bill ensures accountability and respectful environments for children during a difficult time in their lives. Children deserve the warmth, care, education, and support a cottage family home provides,” said Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches President Bill Frye.

“The children we serve have experienced unthinkable trauma, and they deserve the very best care we have to offer. The CARE Act does exactly that as it encourages siblings to remain together while providing more options for a family setting in a Cottage Home,” said St. Augustine Youth Services Executive Director Schuyler Siefker in support of the bill.

Dunn’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. So far, there is no companion bill in the U.S. Senate.