256 
(i) professionals with substantial expe-
rience in assisting survivors of domestic vi-
olence or child abuse, such as a victim 
service provider; and 
(ii) where possible, survivors of do-
mestic violence, or child physical or sexual 
abuse. 
(C) EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—The education and 
training program in subparagraph (A) 
shall rely on evidence-based and peer-re-
viewed research by recognized experts in 
the types of abuse designated under this 
section. 
(ii) EXCLUSION.—The education and 
training program shall not include theories, 
concepts, and belief systems unsupported 
by valid, credible scientific research. 
(C) 
OBJECTIVE
OF
EDUCATION
AND 
TRAINING PROGRAM.—The education and train-
ing program shall be designed to improve the 
ability of courts to recognize and respond to 
child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, domes-
tic violence, and trauma on all family victims, 
particularly children, and make appropriate 
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custody decisions that prioritize child safety and 
well-being, and shall be culturally sensitive and 
appropriate for diverse communities. 
(D) TRAINING
REQUIREMENTS.—Judges 
and all other personnel identified in subpara-
graph (A) must receive at least 60 hours of ini-
tial training on these identified topics, and at 
least 20 hours of this ongoing training every 
two years. 
(E) 
CUSTODY
EVALUATOR
REQUIRE-
MENTS.—Prior to being appointed in a case, a 
custody evaluator shall, at a minimum, hold a 
Master’s degree in a relevant field and must 
have completed the training requirements of 
subparagraph (D). 
(4) LEGAL REPRESENTATION.—The state shall 
notify parties of the importance of legal representa-
tion and shall direct the parties to appropriate re-
sources. 
(b) GRANT INCREASE.—The amount of the increase 
provided to a State under the covered formula grant under 
this title shall be equal to not more than 10 percent of 
the average of the total amount of funding provided to 
the State under the covered formula grant under the 3 
most recent awards to the State. 
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SEC. 1606. APPLICATION. 
A State seeking a grant under this title shall submit 
an application to the Attorney General at such time, in 
such manner, and containing such information as the At-
torney General may reasonably require, including informa-
tion regarding the law described in section 1605. 
SEC. 1607. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. 
Nothing in this title shall be interpreted to discourage 
States from adopting additional provisions to increase safe 
outcomes for children; additional protective provisions are 
encouraged. 
SEC. 1608. GRANT TERM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The term of a covered grant shall 
be for one year. 
(b) RENEWAL.—A State that receives a covered grant 
may submit an application for a renewal of such grant 
at such time, in such manner, and containing such infor-
mation as the Attorney General may reasonably require. 
(c) LIMIT.—A State shall not receive a covered grant 
for more than 4 years. 
SEC. 1609. USES OF FUNDS. 
A State that receives an increase under the covered 
formula grants under this title shall use the amount of 
the 
increase 
for 
subgrants 
pursuant 
to 
section 
2007(c)(4)(C) or (D) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Con-
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trol and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 
10446(c)(4)). 
SEC. 1610. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out 
this title $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 
2026. 
Æ 
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