Whitehouse and Cornyn Introduce Bill to Support Foster Youth Transitioning to Adulthood

Bipartisan legislation builds on the late RI Senator John Chafee's foster care program

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and John Cornyn (R-TX) have introduced the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act, legislation that would allow states to access federal funding from the John H. Chafee Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood for foster youth legal services and require case plans to consider legal barriers that can affect foster youths' transition to adulthood.

"Modernizing America's foster care system means providing support at every step of their journey to adulthood," said 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."

"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 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."

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 Chafee program has a proven track record of improving outcomes for kids and young adults aging out of foster care by expanding their access to education, workforce training, housing opportunities, and preventive health awareness.

The 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.

The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act is endorsed by more than 150 organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Child Welfare League of America, and Children's Advocacy Institute.

This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Danny K. Davis (IL-07).