Strengthening Evidence-based Prevention Services Act of 2024

This bill creates a $5 million annual grant program (2025-2029) to fund independent evaluations of evidence-based child welfare prevention services and kinship navigator programs. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, or community organizations partnering with state child welfare agencies and an external evaluator, but exclude for-profit businesses. Grants prioritize projects addressing gaps in a national clearinghouse of proven practices, requiring grantees to report annually on program outcomes and inclusion in the clearinghouse. The program aims to strengthen the evidence base for child welfare services by systematically assessing which programs work best before expanding them.