Homeland Security Children Act (H.R. 4426)

Summary

Makes sure the government includes the special needs of children when planning for and responding to disasters like hurricanes or terrorist attacks.

What problem does this solve?

Emergency plans often focused on adults, leaving children's unique safety and health needs unaddressed during a crisis. This law forces the Department of Homeland Security to include children in all its safety and disaster plans.

What does this law do?

Considers children in all mission planning

Requires every office in the Department of Homeland Security to think about the needs of children, including those in under-served areas, when planning and carrying out their missions.

Requires feedback from child experts

Directs department leaders to get advice from groups that represent children's needs to make sure their plans are effective. The Federal Advisory Committee Act will not apply to these consultations.

Authorizes a technical expert for children's needs

Allows for the appointment of an expert to help include children's needs in all activities related to preparing for and recovering from disasters.

Mandates annual reports to Congress

Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to Congress every year for five years on the steps taken to include children's needs in department policy.

Who does this affect?

Children
Department of Homeland Security
Child advocacy organizations

What is the real world impact?

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Protects a vulnerable population

Ensures that children, who have unique physical and emotional needs, are not overlooked during the chaos of a natural disaster or terrorist attack. It makes their safety a formal part of the planning process.

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Creates accountability

Requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress for five years, showing how it is actively including children's needs. This prevents the requirement from being ignored.

When does this start?

This law sets a deadline for the first report to Congress, with more reports to follow annually for five years.

Annual progress reports

Starting one year after the law is enacted, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a report to Congress each year for five years detailing efforts to incorporate the needs of children.