H.R. 7529 · On the floor · Families

Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

What it does

Amends Section 477 of the Social Security Act to allow states to use John H. Chafee Foster Care Program funds to support legal counseling access for foster youth.
Requires states to certify that case planning processes consider legal issues affecting housing, education, employment, and family connections of current and former foster youth.
Specifies that legal issue consideration must address state court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and matters relating to custody and permanency.
Provides states with a delay in compliance if state legislation is required, extending the deadline to the first calendar quarter following the state legislature's first regular session after enactment.

May 11, 2026: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 557.

Committee: House Ways and Means