Legislation Passes U.S. House

Important legislation supporting foster youth beyond age 18 and relative guardianship has recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is looking for support in the Senate.

The issue of foster youth, especially those “aging out” of the system, has gained increased media attention of late and the bill’s passage is a giant step toward providing federal funding to states that opt to support youth in care beyond age 18.

The bill also provides federal support for relatives caring for foster children, extends IV-E support to Native American tribes and includes $50 million/year for a new Family Connection grant program. It also requires reasonable efforts be made for sibling placement and notification to relatives within 30 days of a child’s placement.

Primary funding for the Fostering Connections to Success Act would be tax dollars recovered from individuals who fraudulently collected unemployment benefits and improved cash management by the U.S. Treasury.

The provision for relative guardianship is expected to result in a cost savings by reducing caseworker oversight requirements. Please contact your legislators with “thanks” and “support.”