The Family Reinforcement Act 
 
 
Summary:  
 
The bill (1) protects parents' rights to supervise their children's 
participation in any federally funded program and shield them from 
federally sponsored surveys that involve intrusive questioning, (2) 
requires states to give "full faith and credit" to child support orders 
issued by the courts or the administrative procedures of other states, 
(3) provides a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for families 
adopting a child, (4) strengthens penalties for child pornography and 
criminal sexual conduct involving minors, and (5) provides a $500 tax 
credit for families caring for a dependent elderly parent or 
grandparent. 
 
Family Privacy Protection 
 
The bill requires parental consent for the participation of a minor in 
any federally funded survey or analysis regarding (1) parental political 
affiliations; (2) any mental or psychological problems in the family; 
(3) family or individual sexual behavior and attitudes; (4) any illegal 
or self-incriminating behavior; (5) privileged relationships with 
lawyers, physicians or clergymen; (6) any household income information 
other than that required by law for federal program participation; (7) 
religious beliefs; and (8) appraisals of other individuals with whom the 
minor has had a familial relationship. 
 
Child Support Enforcement 
 
The bill requires states to give "full faith and credit" to child 
support orders from other states.  It provides federal assistance in 
developing a uniform child support/visitation order in order to 
streamline interstate enforcement.  Finally, the bill requires 
noncustodial parents who receive state aid to participate in a state 
job-search program if they have child support arrearages. 
 
Adoption Assistance 
 
The bill establishes a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for 
adoption expenses such as adoption fees, court costs and attorney fees.  
The tax credit is phased out for incomes beginning at $60,000.  
 
Eldercare Assistance 
 
The bill provides a $500 refundable tax credit for individuals who care 
for a parent or grandparent at home. 
 
Child Protection 
 
The bill increases sentences for sexual offenses against children and 
closes certain loopholes in federal laws protecting children.  Today, 
computers with their enhanced graphics and rapid communication are 
increasingly used by pornographers.  To address this, the bill increases 
federal sentencing guidelines by two levels for the use of a computer in 
the shipment of pornography. 
 
Current law provides a maximum sentence of 10 years for the prostitution 
of  children.  The bill establishes a three year minimum sentence for 
anyone who forces children into prostitution.  It also assures that an 
increase in the age of the victimized child will not result in lighter 
punishment. 
 
Finally, the bill creates mandatory three year minimum sentences for 
sexual abuse of a minor or a minor who is a ward in federal custody.  
Currently, federal laws are much weaker than most state laws in these 
areas, and are therefore seldom used.  Creating mandatory minimum 
sentences will reactiviate prosecutions under these federal laws.