H.R. 8156 — National Parent and Youth Helpline Act

This section states congressional findings that (1) there are approximately 174 million parents, caregivers, and youth in the United States; (2) many lack an immediate connection to trusted guidance for personal challenges; (3) an effective helpline could foster parental strengths to improve family relationships, community life, and the future for American children and families; (4) helpline prevention services support parents and caregivers in addressing child development concerns, child maltreatment, substance misuse, and other challenges; and (5) such services promote safety and stability by reducing harmful influences and encouraging protective behaviors through ongoing engagement.

This section establishes a grant program under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)—which supports states and communities in preventing, assessing, and treating child abuse and neglect—authorizing the Secretary to award a grant to one nonprofit entity to (1) establish and operate a 24-hour national toll-free parent and youth helpline providing emotional support and assistance via calls, texts, and live chats for personal challenges (e.g., emotional distress, substance abuse, peer relationships, educational concerns) and weekly evidence-based mutual support groups; (2) create and maintain a website with information and resources on family well-being; and (3) implement nationwide outreach strategies. The grant prioritizes entities with experience operating such helplines and mutual support groups, has a duration of up to 5 years, requires grantee performance reports to the Secretary, and directs the Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the program's implementation and effectiveness not later than three years after enactment. The section authorizes appropriations of $20 million for each of FY2027 through FY2032.