Why It Matters

United Family Advocates is entering federal child welfare lobbying at a pivotal moment. Congress just passed the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act in January 2025, the most substantial child welfare reform in over 15 years. The organization hired Abecedarian Group LLC in April to influence implementation and shape future policy.

The organization targets Title IV-E and IV-B of the Social Security Act and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)—precisely the mechanisms Congress just reformed. Multiple bills remain pending that align with United Family Advocates’ priorities, including the Promoting Permanency Through Kinship Families Act and the Hidden Foster Care Transparency Act.

By the Numbers

United Family Advocates made its first federal lobbying disclosure in November 2025, with a single firm and registered lobbyist.

Lobbying Team:

Their sole registered lobbyist, Celia Hartman Sims, brings seven years of congressional experience, including work as an oversight aide on the Senate HELP Committee. Federal child welfare funding has declined 30 percent in inflation-adjusted terms over two decades, though the recent law added $75 million annually.

Contract Value:
While specific contract details aren’t disclosed, Abecedarian Group’s 2025 client portfolio totaled $80,000 across four clients, suggesting individual contracts range from $15,000–$30,000.

The Agenda

United Family Advocates targets specific federal child welfare statutes: Title IV-E and Title IV-B of the Social Security Act and CAPTA—the core mechanisms funding foster care, family preservation, and child abuse prevention programs.

Current lobbying priorities:

  • Implementation and funding: Ensuring robust federal resources as states execute the new law
  • Kinship care expansion: Supporting pending bills like H.R. 5583 that remove barriers to placing children with relatives
  • Prevention services: Building on substance use support provisions in recent reform
  • Accountability and transparency: Backing measures like the Hidden Foster Care Transparency Act

The organization competes with government administrator associations, service providers, and policy organizations like Triple P America lobbying on overlapping issues.

Broader Context

The Supporting America’s Children and Families Act marked the most substantial federal child welfare overhaul in over 15 years, with bipartisan backing for provisions aligned with United Family Advocates’ mission: increased prevention funding, protection from poverty-based separations, and expanded kinship care support.

Several bills remain pending that target the organization’s priorities, including the STRONG Support for Children Act funding community trauma prevention programs. Behind this legislative activity lie persistent challenges: reunifications and adoptions from foster care have declined, while child welfare worker turnover exceeds 30 percent nationally.

Between The Lines

Congressional activity remains robust. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) and Ranking Member Danny Davis (D-IL-07) champion prevention services, while House Ways and Means hearings examine accountability gaps in state programs. Congressional resolutions supporting National Kinship Care Month signal sustained member interest.

Competitive Landscape

Triple P America Inc. represents direct competition, explicitly targeting CAPTA and Title IV-B reauthorization. Government groups dominate: the National Association of County Human Services Administrators and County Welfare Directors Association of California lobby on foster care funding, while Treatment Communities of America focuses on substance abuse intersections.

The Bottom Line

United Family Advocates enters federal advocacy during peak child welfare reform activity. With experienced lobbyist Celia Hartman Sims and strategic timing after landmark legislation, the organization is positioned to influence implementation. However, success depends on distinguishing its voice amid competing priorities from county administrators, service providers, and established advocacy groups already active on identical issues.