The Improving Outcomes for Children Affected by Methamphetamine Act of 2006 (S. 3525)

Full Senate Vote

The Improving Outcomes for Children Affected by Methamphetamine Act of 2006 (S. 3525) passed the Senate unanimously on Thursday, July 13. The bill was introduced by Senator Grassley (R-IA) and contains a series of measures to help states improve the well-being of children affected by methamphetamine (meth) abuse and addiction. This includes directing $40 million toward grants for regional partnerships among service providers for children and families.

The companion bill in the House passed without objection on July 25. There remain significant differences between the House and the Senate versions, which will be revisited by the conference committee.

Senate Finance Committee Mark-up

The Senate Finance Committee met on June 8 to consider the Improving Outcomes for Children Affected by Methamphetamine Act of 2006. The Act reauthorizes mandatory funding of $345 million and discretionary funding of $200 million for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) program. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve $40 million for competitive grants to regional partnerships to improve permanency outcomes for children affected by methamphetamine (meth) abuse and addiction, and where appropriate, the child’s family. State and private welfare and health service providers, enforcement agencies and any other providers related to provision of child and family services funded under the PSSF Program are eligible to apply for a 2-5 year grant from $500,000 up to $1 million for each fiscal year.

The Act also reauthorizes discretionary funding of $67 million for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program. Furthermore, it authorizes HHS to enter into a cooperative agreement with a national mentoring support organization to increase the number of children receiving mentoring services. The national mentoring organization is selected on a competitive basis and must have substantial experience in mentoring services for children. HHS is required to reserve not more than 50 percent of the program funds for mentoring vouchers to increase access to mentoring services.

At the mark-up, Chairman Grassley (R-IA) emphasized that meth is a unique problem, which requires the collaboration of child welfare service providers and families. Members from both parties echoed his comments on the importance of this legislation and added information on the impact of meth in their states. Ranking member Baucus (D-MT) commented on the need to ensure that children will not suffer due to the meth abuse of their parents. Senator Lincoln (D-AR) stated that meth production is a top priority concern of Arkansas as there is an enormous number of children exposed to the drug. She also elaborated on the danger of meth labs. Senator Bunning (R-KY) agreed that this Act is necessary. The Bill came to a vote and passed with no opposition.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman’s Mark of the "Improving Outcomes for Children Affected by Meth Act of 2006"

Statements on the Act:

Chairman Charles Grassley, R-IA
Ranking Member Max Baucus, D-MT