What does Preamble of Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act do?

This bill would require states to consider legal issues affecting youth as part of case planning. The bill provides states with the option to use funds from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to support access to legal services and counseling.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act.

What does LEGAL CONSULTING AND ACCESS UNDER THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER of Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act do?

This section amends Section 477 of the Social Security Act. The amendment inserts 'legal counseling access' after 'education' in subsection (a)(4). Subsection (b)(3) is amended to require a certification from the State's chief executive officer. The certification must confirm that state processes consider legal issues affecting foster youth's housing, education, employment, and family connections. The certification must also address efforts to address these issues, including state court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and custody/permanency matters.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act do?

This section establishes the effective date for amendments made by the Act. The amendments will take effect one year after the Act's enactment. The amendments apply to payments under section 477 of the Social Security Act, related to plans approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on or after the effective date. If State legislation is required to meet new requirements imposed by the Act, plans will not be considered deficient before the first calendar quarter following the first regular session of the State legislature after enactment. For states with two-year legislative sessions, each year is considered a separate regular session.

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Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

Last updated: 6/16/2026 · Introduced: 6/16/2026

Author: John Cornyn (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires states to consider legal issues, such as housing, education, employment, and family connections, when developing case plans for foster youth.
States can use funds from the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program to support legal services and counseling for foster youth transitioning to adulthood.
The bill amends the Social Security Act to formally include 'legal counseling access' as a required element in transition plans for foster youth.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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