H.R. 7432

[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.