Fostering the Future Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7432) to amend section 477 of the Social Security Act to improve coordination with Federal housing assistance programs for youth who have experienced foster care, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 7432
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fostering the Future Act''. SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FOSTER CARE.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``aged out of foster care'' and inserting ``experienced foster care at age 14 or older'';
(2) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``age out of foster care'' and inserting ``experience foster care at age 14 or older'';
(3) in each of subsections (a)(6) and (i)(2), by striking ``16'' and inserting ``14'';
(4) in subsection (i)(3), by striking ``in no event may a youth participate in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive)'' and inserting ``may not allow a youth to participate in the program for more than 5 years (or, in the case of a youth who was involved in a remedial education activity referred to in paragraph (4)(B), for more than 6 years), whether or not consecutive'';
(5) in subsection (i)(4)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) may be available for the cost of attendance--
``(i) at an institution of higher education, as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, including a community college or postsecondary vocational institution; or
``(ii) at a short-term training program that is eligible for the Workforce Pell program under section 401(k), as described in section 481(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088(b)(3)), as added by section 83002(b) of Public Law 119-21;'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as so amended, the following:
``(B) may be available for costs--
``(i) associated with participation in an apprenticeship program;
``(ii) to obtain a general equivalency degree; or
``(iii) to receive remedial education; and''; and
(6) in subsection (i), by adding at the end the following:
``(7) In this section, the term `remedial education' means education or skill training needed to support obtaining a high school diploma or qualifying for postsecondary education, training, or an apprenticeship that is--
``(A) not already available through the school district of the student or another free local, State, or Federal program; and
``(B) is provided by an instructor with credentials relevant to the subject area of instruction, as determined by the State.''. SEC. 3. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER AMOUNT AND PROVISION OF GREATER SUPPORT FOR FOSTER YOUTH PURSUING POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``that program'' and inserting ``that education or training program, (except that the State may establish a grace period to allow a youth to continue participation in activities described in paragraph (4)(A), after an assessment and consultation with the youth, if the State determines that reasonable circumstances warrant the grace period)''; and
(B) by striking ``the program'' and inserting ``the voucher program''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(C) (as so redesignated by section 2(5)(C) of this Act), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting ``$12,000''.
(b) Guidance.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with youth who have experienced foster care, shall develop and issue model guidance to States and jurisdictions receiving allotments under section 477(c) of the Social Security Act for implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a)(1) of this section. SEC. 4. IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY AND YOUTH AWARENESS OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHERS.
(a) In General.--Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(i)), as amended by section 2(6) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(8) The State shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that eligible youth are aware of potential benefits provided under this subsection, including by coordinating with programs funded under subsection (h)(1).
``(9) The program shall include a simplified, user-tested, and standard form for youth to use to apply for vouchers under the program, using standard terminology, that is easily accessible and available electronically.''.
(b) Use of Funds.--Section 477(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(d)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of this section, including outreach related to subsection (i)(8). A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(3) may use the amount for any purpose related to the program described in subsection (i)(8).''. SEC. 5. IMPROVING ACCESS TO HOUSING FOR FOSTER YOUTH.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``and preventive'' and inserting ``preventive''; and
(B) by inserting ``, and access to housing for youth age 18 or older'' before the semicolon;
(2) in subsection (a)(4), by inserting ``current and'' before ``former'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2)(D), by inserting ``, including by collaborating with public housing agencies that administer Federal housing programs serving foster youth under section 8(x)(2)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and receive funding to partner with public child welfare agencies to serve youth who have experienced foster care'' before the period;
(4) in subsection (b)(3)(B), by striking ``not more than 30 percent of the amounts paid to the State from its allotment under subsection (c) for a fiscal year'' and inserting ``an average of not more than 30 percent of the amounts paid to the State from its allotment under subsection (c) for the 5 fiscal years covered by the application submitted by the State pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection'';
(5) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Housing supportive services.--
``(A) In general.--A State may use amounts from its allotment under subsection (c) to provide supportive services to assist eligible youth who experienced foster care to obtain or retain suitable housing.
``(B) Definitions.--
``(i) Eligible youth.--In this subsection, the term `eligible youth' means an individual who receives assistance provided under section 8(x) of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
``(ii) Supportive services.--The term `supportive services' may include--
``(I) basic life skills information and counseling on financial literacy, use of credit, and money management;
``(II) counseling on rental lease contracts and assistance with rental insurance; and
``(III) assistance with security deposits, utility connection fees, moving costs, and other fees associated with establishing tenancy.
``(C) Exception.--Expenditures in accordance with this paragraph shall not be considered expenditures for room and board for purposes of subsection (b)(3)(B).
``(D) Aligning age eligibility.--Notwithstanding subsection (b)(3)(A)(ii), a State may use funds from its allotment under subsection (c) to provide supportive services to eligible youth who have not attained 26 years of age for the purpose of supporting continued access to housing.''; and
(6) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ``access to housing,'' before ``and personal''. SEC. 6. JOINT AGENCY GUIDANCE.
(a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall develop and issue joint guidance to State public child welfare agencies and public housing authorities to improve alignment and coordination of housing supportive services provided under section 477 of the Social Security Act and housing assistance provided under section 8(x) of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
(b) Contents.--The joint guidance shall include the following:
(1) Clarification and alignment of Federal policies to improve access to housing for youth who have experienced foster care, including youth who are in independent living arrangements while in extended foster care.
(2) Guidance on State use of funds provided under section 477 of the Social Security Act for supportive services (as defined in subsection (d)(6) of such section) to improve access to housing programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(3) Best practices for building partnerships between public child welfare agencies and public housing authorities, including ways to improve access to supportive services.
(4) Additional information the Secretaries deem necessary to effectively coordinate Federal programs serving current and former foster youth.
(c) Production.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall designate an official of the Department of Health and Human Services to lead development of the joint guidance in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. SEC. 7. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Within 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report that sets forth--
(1) aggregate data on the number of eligible youth who have experienced foster care who are receiving Federal housing assistance;
(2) a description of the outcomes for the youth, including the extent to which youth are able to access stable housing and rates of homelessness;
(3) the findings from any evaluations of State programs conducted pursuant to section 477(g)(1) of the Social Security Act; and
(4) statutory recommendations for improving coordination between public child welfare agencies and Federal housing programs. SEC. 8. LEGAL CONSULTING AND ACCESS UNDER THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), by inserting ``legal counseling access,'' after ``education,''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by adding at the end the following:
``(L) A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the relevant case planning and other processes employed by the State take into consideration certain legal issues affecting housing, education, entry into employment, and family connections of current and former foster youth and the efforts required to address the issues, including with respect to State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and matters relating to custody and permanency.''. SEC. 9. ENSURING EXPECTANT AND PARENTING YOUTH HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH THE MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING PROGRAM.
(a) Purpose.--Section 477(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) to connect foster youth in eligible families (as such term is defined in section 511) who receive services under this part with evidence-based home visiting and support services provided under section 511.''.
(b) Applications.--Section 477(b)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(M) A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has processes in place to ensure that a youth participating in the program under this section who is in an eligible family (as such term is defined in section 511) is provided with information regarding evidence-based home visiting and support services provided in the State under section 511.''. SEC. 10. TAILORED CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE COORDINATION SERVICES FOR PARENTING AND EXPECTANT YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FOSTER CARE.
Section 477(d)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(d)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount--
``(A) to provide tailored case management and resource coordination services to youth otherwise eligible for services under the State program under this section who are expectant or parenting; or
``(B) in any manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes of this section.''. SEC. 11. UPDATING THE PURPOSES OF THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER CARE PROGRAM FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD.
(a) Updating of Purposes.--Section 477(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(a)), as amended by section 9(a)(3) of this Act, is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (3) through (8) as paragraphs (3) through (9), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after ``conducted--'' the following:
``(1) to help children who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older to develop and maintain sustained, supportive relationships with adults (including kin or fictive kin who are not serving as placement), mentors, and peers (including peers who have experienced foster care), with a goal of providing multiple and varied paths to reduce isolation and ensuring that the youth develop lifelong connections and support networks;
``(2) to support youth still in foster care who have experienced foster care at age 14 or older in exercising the rights referred to in section 475A to participate in developing their permanency plan and receive written information about available services and steps the agency is taking to support the plan, as well as to facilitate pre- and post-permanency peer support, mentoring, connections with kin, and referrals to additional appropriate programs and services to help youth achieve their permanency goals;''.
(b) Guidance.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act and after consulting with youth with lived experience in foster care, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue guidance to States and Tribal child welfare agencies regarding the purposes set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 477(a) of the Social Security Act, that includes, at a minimum--
(1) examples of services and support eligible for Federal funding under part B of title IV of such Act, under part E of such title as part of completing and following the case plan requirements provided for in section 475A of such Act, or under section 477 of such Act, including individual youth support, family support, and peer support to engage youth during reunification, guardianship, or adoption proceedings;
(2) best practices for facilitating peer support, mentoring, and the development and maintenance of lifelong connections, including practices that support sibling, tribal, and community connections, including minimum qualifications and training for persons providing mentoring and peer support;
(3) standards of outreach to and notification of eligible youth, including youth with a planned permanent living arrangement, to ensure referrals to appropriate programs and services; and
(4) protocols for documentation of support and relationship-building activities under section 477 of such Act that are required by section 475A of such Act to be included in a child's case plan, sufficient to permit review under the case review system described in section 475(5) of such Act. SEC. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act, this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Delayed Permitted if State Legislation Required.--If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in order for a State plan under section 477 of the Social Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by sections 5(3), 5(4), 8(2), and 9(b) of this Act, the plan shall not be regarded as failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the 1st day of the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if the State has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7432, the Fostering the Future Act, bipartisan legislation led by my Ways and Means Committee colleagues, Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood, and Congresswoman Gwen Moore.
This is a historic moment for this committee and this House. What we have before us is the first comprehensive modernization of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood since its creation in 1999, nearly three decades ago.
Foster youth are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country. Before I came to Congress, I served as an attorney for neglected and abused children and have seen firsthand the challenges so many of these youth face.
Every year, nearly 16,000 foster youth age out of the system. Nearly 35 percent experience homelessness by age 21, and 70 percent are expectant or parenting by age 21, double the national average. Only 56 percent obtain full- or part-time employment, and possibly as few as 69 percent earn a high school diploma or GED. This is a system in desperate need of attention and reform.
Today, we are giving our Nation's foster youth a fighting chance at independence in adulthood. Following committee hearings and direct consultation with youth who spoke about their personal and real-world experiences, the Ways and Means Committee thoughtfully wrote these reforms designed to improve outcomes for our Nation's transitioning foster youth.
I want to give special thanks to our Nation's First Lady, Melania Trump, who has been an outstanding champion for foster youth through her Fostering the Future initiative. Truly, she is a voice for the voiceless.
Last month, our committee sat down for a roundtable with the First Lady and foster youth leaders who have actually lived through this system. I am proud that this bill codifies key priorities from the Fostering the Future of American Children and Families executive order championed by the First Lady, ensuring that these reforms are here to stay.
In direct response to the feedback raised by foster youth, including Seth, a 21-year-old from my district in Missouri, this bill improves connections to housing programs so foster youth aren't left to age out onto the streets.
Chairman LaHood, a longtime leader on expanding access to housing, and Representative Gwen Moore championed this provision to ensure housing stability remains in reach for young adults during a very vulnerable time as they transition to independence.
We also incorporated the feedback of Jaydan, a former foster youth from Texas, who spoke at our roundtable about the importance of increasing the value of the education and training voucher. Thanks to the leadership of another Texan, Representative Moran, and Representative Chu, foster youth will now have greater academic support when pursuing a postsecondary education.
The Fostering the Future Act expands flexibility in Chafee's education and training voucher program, with feedback from youth like Kimberley in Missouri and Raven in Ohio, so young people can pursue short-term workforce programs and apprenticeship opportunities to earn a high-paying job or receive remedial education to earn their high school diploma, reforms prioritized by Representatives Max Miller from Ohio and Dwight Evans from Pennsylvania.
Youth who age out of the child welfare system often lack permanent connections to family and face unique barriers that can make transitioning into independence difficult. We heard directly from a foster youth from Chairman LaHood and Ranking Member Davis' home State of Illinois, Jocelyn Fettering, who shared with us at our roundtable the importance of improving access to legal services.
To break down further barriers, we have included a thoughtful initiative from Representatives Yakym and Davis to connect expectant and parenting foster youth with evidence-based maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting services.
Representative Yakym is building directly upon the great work of his predecessor, the late Jackie Walorski, leveraging existing resources to help these young adults build healthy, stable families.
Finally, a provision led by Representatives Mike Carey and Gwen Moore updates the core mission of the Chafee program to prioritize lifelong connections, mentors, and permanent support networks. Representative Carey has been incredibly outspoken about the importance of mentorship, and this step ensures these young people have real-world relationships to help them achieve lasting independence.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. LaHood, as the chairman of our Work and Welfare Subcommittee, has been a tireless champion for America's foster youth and a leader in advancing these long overdue reforms.
Mr. Speaker, aging out is not a plan. Every young person who has experienced foster care deserves a real shot at the American Dream, and they should not be left without any support at a very vulnerable time.
I am very proud of the years of work that went into this legislation: from all the Members of the Ways and Means Committee; from Mr. Davis, who has shown his passion and love for the foster youth; to Darin LaHood, the chair of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee; and all the different Members who had different pieces of legislation within this one bill.
The Fostering the Future Act is built on the direct feedback of foster youth, caregivers, and community organizations on the ground.
The stories we heard at our roundtable with our First Lady and at committee hearings from courageous leaders like Seth, Kimberley, Jaydan, and Jocelyn were the key drivers behind these successful reforms.
I also applaud the First Lady for her relentless focus on advocating for the most vulnerable and propelling these reforms forward.
This entire effort earned the endorsement of over 150 national, State, and local organizations, alongside hundreds of foster youth and caregivers. It passed the Ways and Means Committee with a unanimous, bipartisan vote. Supporting our foster youth is not a partisan issue. It is an American responsibility.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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