Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Mentoring and Supporting Families Act.
Section 2. Use of peer support, peer mentoring, and career coaching
Section 2008 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397g) is amended—
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
(1) Preference in considering applications
In considering applications for a grant under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to—
(A) applications that include opportunities for mentoring or peer support, and make career coaching available, as part of the case management plan; and
(B) applications that include a commitment to providing project participants with a monthly cash stipend or wage supplement.
(2) Inclusion among support services
A project for which a grant is made under this section shall include case management plans that include career coaching (with the option to offer appropriate peer support and mentoring opportunities to help develop soft skills and social capital), which may be offered on an ongoing basis before, during, and after initial training as part of a career pathway model.
Section 3. Effective date
The amendment made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 2025.