[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 7432 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 7432
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 20, 2026
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To modernize section 477 of part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act to improve connections to housing, expand education and training
opportunities, and modernize services to improve outcomes for foster
youth transitioning into adulthood.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fostering the Future Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FOSTER CARE.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``aged out of foster
care'' and inserting ``experienced foster care at age 14 or
older'';
(2) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``age out of foster
care'' and inserting ``experience foster care at age 14 or
older'';
(3) in each of subsections (a)(6) and (i)(2), by striking
``16'' and inserting ``14'';
(4) in subsection (i)(3), by striking ``in no event may a
youth participate in the program for more than 5 years (whether
or not consecutive)'' and inserting ``may not allow a youth to
participate in the program for more than 5 years (or, in the
case of a youth who was involved in a remedial education
activity referred to in paragraph (4)(B), for more than 6
years), whether or not consecutive'';
(5) in subsection (i)(4)--
(A) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) may be available for the cost of attendance--
``(i) at an institution of higher
education, as defined in section 102 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965, including a
community college or postsecondary vocational
institution; or
``(ii) at a short-term training program
that is eligible for the Workforce Pell program
under section 401(k), as described in section
481(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1088(b)(3)), as added by section
83002(b) of Public Law 119-21;'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C); and
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A), as so
amended, the following:
``(B) may be available for costs--
``(i) associated with participation in an
apprenticeship program;
``(ii) to obtain a general equivalency
degree; or
``(iii) to receive remedial education;
and''; and
(6) in subsection (i), by adding at the end the following:
``(7) In this section, the term `remedial education' means
education or skill training needed to support obtaining a high
school diploma or qualifying for postsecondary education,
training, or an apprenticeship that is--
``(A) not already available through the school
district of the student or another free local, State,
or Federal program; and
``(B) is provided by an instructor with credentials
relevant to the subject area of instruction, as
determined by the State.''.
SEC. 3. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING VOUCHER AMOUNT AND
PROVISION OF GREATER SUPPORT FOR FOSTER YOUTH PURSUING
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION.
(a) In General.--Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 677(i)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``that program'' and inserting
``that education or training program, (except that the
State may establish a grace period to allow a youth to
continue participation in activities described in
paragraph (4)(A), after an assessment and consultation
with the youth, if the State determines that reasonable
circumstances warrant the grace period)''; and
(B) by striking ``the program'' and inserting ``the
voucher program''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(C) (as so redesignated by section
2(5)(C) of this Act), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting
``$12,000''.
(b) Guidance.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
consultation with youth who have experienced foster care, shall develop
and issue model guidance to States and jurisdictions receiving
allotments under section 477(c) of the Social Security Act for
implementation of the amendment made by subsection (a)(1) of this
section.
SEC. 4. IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY AND YOUTH AWARENESS OF EDUCATION AND
TRAINING VOUCHERS.
(a) In General.--Section 477(i) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 677(i)), as amended by section 2(6) of this Act, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(8) The State shall make reasonable efforts to ensure
that eligible youth are aware of potential benefits provided
under this subsection, including by coordinating with programs
funded under subsection (h)(1).
``(9) The program shall include a simplified, user-tested,
and standard form for youth to use to apply for vouchers under
the program, using standard terminology, that is easily
accessible and available electronically.''.
(b) Use of Funds.--Section 477(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
677(d)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid from
its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount in any
manner that is reasonably calculated to accomplish the purposes
of this section, including outreach related to subsection
(i)(8). A State to which an amount is paid from its allotment
under subsection (c)(3) may use the amount for any purpose
related to the program described in subsection (i)(8).''.
SEC. 5. IMPROVING ACCESS TO HOUSING FOR FOSTER YOUTH.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) by striking ``and preventive'' and inserting
``preventive''; and
(B) by inserting ``, and access to housing for
youth age 18 or older'' before the semicolon;
(2) in subsection (a)(4), by inserting ``current and''
before ``former'';
(3) in subsection (b)(2)(D), by inserting ``, including by
collaborating with public housing agencies that administer
Federal housing programs serving foster youth under section
8(x)(2)(B) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and receive
funding to partner with public child welfare agencies to serve
youth who have experienced foster care'' before the period;
(4) in subsection (b)(3)(B), by striking ``not more than 30
percent of the amounts paid to the State from its allotment
under subsection (c) for a fiscal year'' and inserting ``an
average of not more than 30 percent of the amounts paid to the
State from its allotment under subsection (c) for the 5 fiscal
years covered by the application submitted by the State
pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection'';
(5) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Housing supportive services.--
``(A) In general.--A State may use amounts from its
allotment under subsection (c) to provide supportive
services to assist eligible youth who experienced
foster care to obtain or retain suitable housing.
``(B) Definitions.--
``(i) Eligible youth.--In this subsection,
the term `eligible youth' means an individual
who receives assistance provided under section
8(x) of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
``(ii) Supportive services.--The term
`supportive services' may include--
``(I) basic life skills information
and counseling on financial literacy,
use of credit, and money management;
``(II) counseling on rental lease
contracts and assistance with rental
insurance; and
``(III) assistance with security
deposits, utility connection fees,
moving costs, and other fees associated
with establishing tenancy.
``(C) Exception.--Expenditures in accordance with
this paragraph shall not be considered expenditures for
room and board for purposes of subsection (b)(3)(B).
``(D) Aligning age eligibility.--Notwithstanding
subsection (b)(3)(A)(ii), a State may use funds from
its allotment under subsection (c) to provide
supportive services to eligible youth who have not
attained 26 years of age for the purpose of supporting
continued access to housing.''; and
(6) in subsection (g)(1), by inserting ``access to
housing,'' before ``and personal''.
SEC. 6. JOINT AGENCY GUIDANCE.
(a) In General.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary
of Housing and Urban Development, shall develop and issue joint
guidance to State public child welfare agencies and public housing
authorities to improve alignment and coordination of housing supportive
services provided under section 477 of the Social Security Act and
housing assistance provided under section 8(x) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937.
(b) Contents.--The joint guidance shall include the following:
(1) Clarification and alignment of Federal policies to
improve access to housing for youth who have experienced foster
care, including youth who are in independent living
arrangements while in extended foster care.
(2) Guidance on State use of funds provided under section
477 of the Social Security Act for supportive services (as
defined in subsection (d)(6) of such section) to improve access
to housing programs administered by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development.
(3) Best practices for building partnerships between public
child welfare agencies and public housing authorities,
including ways to improve access to supportive services.
(4) Additional information the Secretaries deem necessary
to effectively coordinate Federal programs serving current and
former foster youth.
(c) Production.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
designate an official of the Department of Health and Human Services to
lead development of the joint guidance in collaboration with the
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
SEC. 7. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Within 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall submit to the
Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Financial Services of
the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report
that sets forth--
(1) aggregate data on the number of eligible youth who have
experienced foster care who are receiving Federal housing
assistance;
(2) a description of the outcomes for the youth, including
the extent to which youth are able to access stable housing and
rates of homelessness;
(3) the findings from any evaluations of State programs
conducted pursuant to section 477(g)(1) of the Social Security
Act; and
(4) statutory recommendations for improving coordination
between public child welfare agencies and Federal housing
programs.
SEC. 8. LEGAL CONSULTING AND ACCESS UNDER THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER
CARE PROGRAM FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4), by inserting ``legal counseling
access,'' after ``education,''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(3), by adding at the end the
following:
``(L) A certification by the chief executive
officer of the State that the relevant case planning
and other processes employed by the State take into
consideration certain legal issues affecting housing,
education, entry into employment, and family
connections of current and former foster youth and the
efforts required to address the issues, including with
respect to State court records, legal recognition of
family relationships, and matters relating to custody
and permanency.''.
SEC. 9. ENSURING EXPECTANT AND PARENTING YOUTH HAVE ACCESS TO SERVICES
PROVIDED THROUGH THE MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY
CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING PROGRAM.
(a) Purpose.--Section 477(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
677(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) to connect foster youth in eligible families (as such
term is defined in section 511) who receive services under this
part with evidence-based home visiting and support services
provided under section 511.''.
(b) Applications.--Section 477(b)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
677(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(M) A certification by the chief executive
officer of the State that the State has processes in
place to ensure that a youth participating in the
program under this section who is in an eligible family
(as such term is defined in section 511) is provided
with information regarding evidence-based home visiting
and support services provided in the State under
section 511.''.
SEC. 10. TAILORED CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE COORDINATION SERVICES
FOR PARENTING AND EXPECTANT YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED
FOSTER CARE.
Section 477(d)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677(d)(1))
is amended to read as follows:
``(1) In general.--A State to which an amount is paid from
its allotment under subsection (c)(1) may use the amount--
``(A) to provide tailored case management and
resource coordination services to youth otherwise
eligible for services under the State program under
this section who are expectant or parenting; or
``(B) in any manner that is reasonably calculated
to accomplish the purposes of this section.''.
SEC. 11. UPDATING THE PURPOSES OF THE JOHN H. CHAFEE FOSTER CARE
PROGRAM FOR SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD.
(a) Updating of Purposes.--Section 477(a) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 677(a)), as amended by section 9(a)(3) of this Act, is
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2);
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (3) through (8) as
paragraphs (3) through (9), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after ``conducted--'' the following:
``(1) to help children who have experienced foster care at
age 14 or older to develop and maintain sustained, supportive
relationships with adults (including kin or fictive kin who are
not serving as placement), mentors, and peers (including peers
who have experienced foster care), with a goal of providing
multiple and varied paths to reduce isolation and ensuring that
the youth develop lifelong connections and support networks;
``(2) to support youth still in foster care who have
experienced foster care at age 14 or older in exercising the
rights referred to in section 475A to participate in developing
their permanency plan and receive written information about
available services and steps the agency is taking to support
the plan, as well as to facilitate pre- and post-permanency
peer support, mentoring, connections with kin, and referrals to
additional appropriate programs and services to help youth
achieve their permanency goals;''.
(b) Guidance.--Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act and after consulting with youth with lived experience in
foster care, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue
guidance to States and Tribal child welfare agencies regarding the
purposes set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 477(a) of the
Social Security Act, that includes, at a minimum--
(1) examples of services and support eligible for Federal
funding under part B of title IV of such Act, under part E of
such title as part of completing and following the case plan
requirements provided for in section 475A of such Act, or under
section 477 of such Act, including individual youth support,
family support, and peer support to engage youth during
reunification, guardianship, or adoption proceedings;
(2) best practices for facilitating peer support,
mentoring, and the development and maintenance of lifelong
connections, including practices that support sibling, tribal,
and community connections, including minimum qualifications and
training for persons providing mentoring and peer support;
(3) standards of outreach to and notification of eligible
youth, including youth with a planned permanent living
arrangement, to ensure referrals to appropriate programs and
services; and
(4) protocols for documentation of support and
relationship-building activities under section 477 of such Act
that are required by section 475A of such Act to be included in
a child's case plan, sufficient to permit review under the case
review system described in section 475(5) of such Act.
SEC. 12. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act, this Act
and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that
is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Delayed Permitted if State Legislation Required.--If the
Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State
legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in
order for a State plan under section 477 of the Social Security Act to
meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by
sections 5(3), 5(4), 8(2), and 9(b) of this Act, the plan shall not be
regarded as failing to meet any of the additional requirements before
the 1st day of the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the first
regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of
the enactment of this Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if
the State has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session is
deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.
Passed the House of Representatives May 19, 2026.
Attest:
KEVIN F. MCCUMBER,
Clerk.