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B 26-0409

Empowering Parents in CFSA Investigations Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Zachary Parker

Empowers parents in CFSA investigations by expanding their participation rights, potentially altering notification, interview presence, and access to case materials.

Law L26-0133, Effective from Jun 11, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008887
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Bill Summary · B 26-0409

Summary: B26-0409 — Empowering Parents in CFSA Investigations Amendment Act of 2025

Overview

B26-0409, titled the Empowering Parents in CFSA Investigations Amendment Act of 2025, is a District of Columbia Council bill introduced to amend the CFSA (Child and Family Services Agency) investigations framework with a focus on empowering parents during investigations. The available document excerpt does not include the full legislative text, so the specific provisions and changes are not listed here. The bill is moving through the standard Council process, with a public hearing upcoming.

Key Facts

  • Bill Number: B26-0409
  • Title: Empowering Parents in CFSA Investigations Amendment Act of 2025
  • Sponsor (Primary): Councilmember Zachary Parker
  • Introduced: October 6, 2025
  • Current Status: Public Hearing on B26-0409
  • Committee Referral: Referred to the Committee on Youth Affairs (October 7, 2025)
  • Legislative Actions & Timeline:
    • October 6, 2025: Introduced
    • October 7, 2025: Referred to Committee on Youth Affairs
    • October 10, 2025: Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0409 published in the District of Columbia Register
    • October 24, 2025: Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Youth Affairs (duplicated entry noted)
    • October 31, 2025: Notice of Public Hearing Published in the DC Register
    • November 19, 2025: Public Hearing held (listed twice in the record)
  • Sponsors: Parker, Zachary (primary)

What the bill aims to change (Based on the title)

  • The bill seeks to amend how CFSA investigations are conducted with a focus on empowering parents. The exact mechanism—such as rights to notification, participation in interviews, presence during interviews, access to case materials, or timing of communications—has not been detailed in the provided content.
  • Because the full text is not included in the excerpt, the precise procedural changes, safeguards, and their practical impact on CFSA operations, case timelines, or interagency coordination remain to be clarified in the hearing and subsequent amendments.

Potential Implications and Impacts

  • For Parents and Families: If enacted, parents may experience enhanced rights or greater involvement in CFSA investigations, potentially affecting how they receive information, participate in interviews, and interact with caseworkers.
  • For CFSA: The agency may need to adjust procedures, training, and communication protocols to incorporate new parental engagement requirements or protections.
  • For Youth and Stakeholders: Youth advocates and service providers could see changes in how youth cases are handled during investigations, with potential implications for due process, privacy, and child safety considerations.
  • Budget and Operations: Depending on the provisions, there could be administrative or training costs associated with implementing the amendments.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Next Steps: After the public hearing, the Committee on Youth Affairs will review the bill, consider amendments, and decide whether to report it to the full Council for a vote.
  • Public Access: Notices related to hearings and intents to act indicate formal opportunities for public comment and stakeholder input.

Key Takeaway

B26-0409 is an ordinance-level proposal to reform CFSA investigative processes to better involve and empower parents. The detailed provisions are not provided in the excerpt; the bill is currently undergoing public consideration with a hearing scheduled for November 19, 2025. Stakeholders and the public should review the hearing materials for the exact changes proposed and their implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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