This bill, known as the "John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act," seeks to prohibit discrimination within federally funded child welfare services. Specifically, it forbids discrimination based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and marital status against children, youth, families, or individuals participating in or seeking child welfare programs.

The primary purpose is to enhance the safety, well-being, and permanency outcomes for LGBTQ+ children and youth involved with child welfare services. It recognizes that LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care and face higher rates of poor treatment, discrimination, and negative mental health outcomes.

To ensure compliance, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is mandated to publish guidance and provide technical assistance to covered entities. This assistance includes identifying and rectifying inconsistent state laws and practices, expanding recruitment efforts for diverse foster and adoptive parents, and developing comprehensive cultural competency training for all involved parties, including judges and attorneys.

The bill requires covered entities to provide service delivery and staff training that is language-appropriate, gender-appropriate, and culturally sensitive, respecting the complex social identities of all participants. It also mandates the collection of data on the sexual orientation and gender identity of children, youth, and foster/adoptive parents, as well as whether SOGI-related family conflict contributed to a child's removal.

Furthermore, the legislation establishes a National Resource Center dedicated to promoting the well-being, safety, and permanency of LGBTQ+ children and youth in the child welfare system. This center will provide training, technical assistance, and guidance to increase cultural competency and identify best practices.

Covered entities must comply with the Act within specified deadlines, with potential extensions for states needing to amend their laws. Non-compliance can result in the withholding of federal funds. The bill also includes a private right of action, allowing aggrieved individuals to seek relief in federal court.

Finally, a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study is required within three years to assess state compliance, focusing on the elimination of discriminatory policies, provision of training, data collection, and implementation of reporting procedures. The bill clarifies that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 cannot be used to challenge or defend against claims under this Act, reinforcing its anti-discrimination provisions.