WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today introduced the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act, which would support youth aging out of the foster care system by improving their access to legal services:
“The Chafee program has a proven track record of equipping youth with the tools they need to be successful in adulthood, including by providing a path to education, jobs, and housing,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By adding access to legal services to the list of already authorized uses of Chafee funds, this legislation would further improve outcomes and give Texas kids aging out of foster care the best possible chance for a bright future.”
“Modernizing America’s foster care system means providing support at every step of their journey to adulthood,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “This bill continues the legacy of the late Rhode Island Senator John Chafee’s significant reforms to foster care by giving young people the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and find their footing.”
This legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Danny K. Davis (IL-07).
Background:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood provides resources to support youth ages 14 to 21 as they transition from the foster care system to independent adulthood. The Chaffee program has a proven track record of improving outcomes for kids and young adults aging out of foster care by increasing their access to education, workforce training, housing opportunities, and preventive health awareness.
Sen. Cornyn’s Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act would update the Chafee program by adding access to legal services to the list of authorized purposes for which states may use federal funds within this program. It would also require states to certify that their case planning process for youth aging out of the foster care system considers legal issues that may impact a youth’s transition to adulthood, as well as efforts to resolve those issues. This may include legal issues affecting housing, education, custody or emancipation, employment, and other matters.
This legislation aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order, Fostering the Future for American Children and Families, First Lady Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative, and the administration’s commitment to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families involved in the foster care system.
The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act is endorsed by more than 150 organizations, including the Texas Alliance for Youth Success and Texans Care for Children.
