What does Preamble of Fostering the Future Act do?

This bill aims to modernize section 477 of part E of title IV of the Social Security Act. The bill intends to improve connections to housing for foster youth. It seeks to expand education and training opportunities for foster youth. The bill's goal is to modernize services to improve outcomes for foster youth transitioning into adulthood.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Fostering the Future Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Fostering the Future Act.

What does EXPANSION OF EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section amends Section 477 of the Social Security Act to expand education and workforce training opportunities The amendments change the age and experience requirements for foster care The section expands eligible programs to include institutions of higher education and short-term training It also includes costs for apprenticeships, general equivalency degrees, and remedial education A new definition for 'remedial education' is added to the section

What does INCREASE IN MAXIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER AMOUNT AND of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section amends Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act. It modifies paragraph (3) to allow states to establish grace periods for foster youth participating in education or training programs, following an assessment and consultation. The amendment changes the reference from 'the program' to 'the voucher program' within paragraph (3). It increases the maximum education and training voucher amount from $5,000 to $12,000. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will develop and issue model guidance to states regarding the implementation of these amendments, consulting with youth who have experienced foster care.

What does IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY AND YOUTH AWARENESS OF EDUCATION AND of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to improve accessibility and youth awareness of education and training vouchers. States must make reasonable efforts to inform eligible youth of potential benefits. A simplified, user-tested, and standard form for voucher applications will be implemented.

What does IMPROVING ACCESS TO HOUSING FOR FOSTER YOUTH. of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section amends Section 477 of the Social Security Act to improve access to housing for youth who have experienced foster care. Amendments include clarifying language regarding preventive services and expanding the definition of eligible youth to include those age 18 or older. States are permitted to collaborate with public housing agencies to serve foster youth. States can use funds to provide supportive services to eligible youth to obtain or retain suitable housing. Supportive services may include financial literacy counseling, rental lease assistance, and help with security deposits and moving costs. Expenditures for these supportive services are excluded from room and board limitations. States can extend supportive services to eligible youth up to age 26.

What does JOINT AGENCY GUIDANCE. of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section requires joint guidance from the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development. The guidance aims to improve alignment and coordination of housing supportive services and housing assistance. It must be developed within 1 year after the enactment of this Act.

What does REPORT TO CONGRESS. of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section requires a report to Congress within three years of the Act's enactment. The report is to be submitted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The report must be submitted to the House Committees on Ways and Means and Financial Services, and the Senate Committees on Finance and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The report must include aggregate data on eligible youth who have experienced foster care and are receiving Federal housing assistance. The report must describe outcomes for these youth, including access to stable housing and rates of homelessness. The report must include findings from evaluations of State programs under section 477(g)(1) of the Social Security Act. The report must contain statutory recommendations for improving coordination between child welfare agencies and Federal housing programs.

What does LEGAL CONSULTING AND ACCESS UNDER THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section amends Section 477 of the Social Security Act It inserts 'legal counseling access' into subsection (a)(4) It adds a certification requirement to subsection (b)(3) regarding legal issues for foster youth

What does ENSURING EXPECTANT AND PARENTING YOUTH HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES of Fostering the Future Act do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to expand the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program. The amendments require connecting foster youth in eligible families with evidence-based home visiting and support services. States are required to certify that they have processes to ensure foster youth in eligible families receive information regarding available home visiting and support services.

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Fostering the Future Act

Last updated: 5/20/2026 · Introduced: 2/9/2026

Author: Darin LaHood (R-IL)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill increases the maximum voucher amount for education and training from $5,000 to $12,000 for foster youth, with states able to establish grace periods for program participation.
The Act expands education and workforce training opportunities for foster youth by including institutions of higher education, short-term training programs, and covering costs for apprenticeships and general equivalency degrees.
States are now required to inform eligible foster youth about potential education and training benefits and implement a simplified application form.
The bill improves access to housing for foster youth by allowing states to collaborate with public housing agencies and provide supportive services like financial literacy counseling and rental assistance, extending services up to age 26.
To improve coordination, the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development must develop joint guidance on housing supportive services and assistance for foster youth.

119th Congresspassed houseHR. 7463(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 11 more.

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