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Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

USA119th CongressS-4797| Senate 
| Updated: 6/16/2026
John Cornyn

John Cornyn

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (1)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act" aims to enhance support for current and former foster youth by integrating legal considerations into state case planning. It amends the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to allow states to use program funds for legal counseling access , alongside existing services like education and housing assistance. A key provision requires states to provide a certification from their chief executive officer. This certification must affirm that state case planning processes actively consider and address various legal issues affecting youth , such as those pertaining to housing, education, entry into employment, and family connections. Specifically, these legal issues encompass matters like State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and aspects related to custody and permanency. The bill's amendments will take effect one year after enactment, with provisions for a delayed implementation if state legislation is necessary for compliance.
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Timeline
May 11, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7529
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.
Jun 16, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • May 11, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7529
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.


  • June 16, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 16, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Families

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7529: Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

USA119th CongressS-4797| Senate 
| Updated: 6/16/2026
The "Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act" aims to enhance support for current and former foster youth by integrating legal considerations into state case planning. It amends the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood to allow states to use program funds for legal counseling access , alongside existing services like education and housing assistance. A key provision requires states to provide a certification from their chief executive officer. This certification must affirm that state case planning processes actively consider and address various legal issues affecting youth , such as those pertaining to housing, education, entry into employment, and family connections. Specifically, these legal issues encompass matters like State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and aspects related to custody and permanency. The bill's amendments will take effect one year after enactment, with provisions for a delayed implementation if state legislation is necessary for compliance.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline
May 11, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7529
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.
Jun 16, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Jun 16, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • May 11, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7529
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.


  • June 16, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • June 16, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
John Cornyn

John Cornyn

Republican Senator

Texas

Cosponsors (1)
Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)

Finance Committee

Families

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7529: Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted