Legis Daily

Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act

USA119th CongressHR-8498| House 
| Updated: 4/27/2026
Judy Chu

Judy Chu

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (1)
Erin Houchin (Republican)

Ways and Means Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill seeks to improve outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care by providing an incentive for states to extend support and services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow states to provide foster care payments and services to eligible youth up to 22 years of age, at the state's election, including those who had adoption or kinship guardianship assistance agreements after age 16. A significant provision is the removal of the requirement for parents' or guardians' AFDC eligibility for these extended services, making more youth eligible for continued support. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that states opting into extended foster care must permit and facilitate the voluntary re-entry of youth aged 18 to 21 into the system. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with providing guidance and technical assistance to states on best practices for outreach to both newly eligible and re-entering youth. Additionally, the bill requires HHS, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to develop guidance connecting these youth to workforce development programs .
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7010
Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act
Apr 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7010
    Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act


  • April 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Families

Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act

USA119th CongressHR-8498| House 
| Updated: 4/27/2026
This bill seeks to improve outcomes for youth transitioning out of foster care by providing an incentive for states to extend support and services. It amends the Social Security Act to allow states to provide foster care payments and services to eligible youth up to 22 years of age, at the state's election, including those who had adoption or kinship guardianship assistance agreements after age 16. A significant provision is the removal of the requirement for parents' or guardians' AFDC eligibility for these extended services, making more youth eligible for continued support. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that states opting into extended foster care must permit and facilitate the voluntary re-entry of youth aged 18 to 21 into the system. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with providing guidance and technical assistance to states on best practices for outreach to both newly eligible and re-entering youth. Additionally, the bill requires HHS, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to develop guidance connecting these youth to workforce development programs .
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7010
Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act
Apr 27, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 27, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7010
    Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act


  • April 27, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 27, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Judy Chu

Judy Chu

Democratic Representative

California

Cosponsors (1)
Erin Houchin (Republican)

Ways and Means Committee

Families

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted