Congress is considering six bipartisan bills that would update the John H. Chafee Successful Transition from Foster Care Program (the main federal program that helps older youth in and from foster care). Each one responds to what young people have been talking about for years. Here's what each of these bills would do: 

A place to live. The Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act makes housing an official part of what Chafee is supposed to do. It also requires the federal government to give states clearer guidance on housing support — so fewer young people age out into instability.

Real career paths. The Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act expands who can get Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) and what they can be used for — including trade programs, community college, and even getting a GED. Because college isn't the right path for everyone, and every goal deserves support.

More money for college, fewer barriers. The Foster Youth Postsecondary Education Access and Success Act raises the ETV cap from $5,000 to $12,000 per year. It also simplifies the application and requires states to reach out to youth who qualify — so support doesn't stay out of reach the way it has for many youth. 

A clean slate. The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act allows Chafee funds to be used to help young people resolve legal issues — things that can block housing, jobs, and family connections — so the past doesn't keep getting in the way of the future.

Support for young parents. The Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act connects pregnant and parenting youth to home visiting programs — because young people deserve care and resources, not to be left on their own.

Staying connected. The CONNECT Act makes building relationships — with family, peers, and supportive adults — an official goal of the Chafee program. It specifically calls out the need to prevent isolation and help youth build lifelong connections, because who you have in your corner matters just as much as what resources you can access.

Each of these six bills represent important steps forward toward a system that shows up for young people the way young people have said they need it to; there’s still more work to be done. Congress must continue listening to and partnering with young people to make sure resources and people are there to make a difference. 

Each of these bills still needs to pass through Congress and be signed into law before they go into effect. FosterClub will provide updates to our network on how you can support.

Read a more detailed summary of the bills here.