hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Updates foster care program to emphasize lifelong relationships for youth.
Ms. Moore (D-WI), Mr. Carey (R-OH)
Reported by House committee, awaiting full House vote
This bill, sponsored by Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) with bipartisan support, revises the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program. It explicitly adds new goals, focusing on helping foster youth aged 14 and older develop and maintain long-term supportive relationships and participate more in their permanency planning. It has been reported out of the House Committee on Ways and Means and is now ready for consideration by the full House of Representatives.
Introduced Mar 19, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 19, 2026. It was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means, which later reported it out with an amendment on May 11, 2026. It is now committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, meaning it is prepared for a vote by the full House. For it to become law, it must pass the House, then pass the Senate, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill passes, states would be required to focus the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program more on helping youth aged 14 and older build and maintain crucial relationships with adults, mentors, and peers. This also means youth would be more involved in creating their permanency plans and receiving information about available services. The Department of Health and Human Services would then issue guidance to states on how to best implement these new requirements, including examples of services and best practices.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this bill will improve outcomes for foster youth by prioritizing crucial relationships and their involvement in planning.
Critics Say
The bill text does not indicate any specific criticisms regarding its purpose or proposed changes.
The bill's stated purpose, reflecting research and youth input, suggests a consensus on the importance of relationships for foster youth's successful transition to adulthood. No specific criticisms or opposing viewpoints are detailed within the bill's text itself.