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HR7529119th CongressWALLET

Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

Sponsored By: Representative Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]

In Committee

Summary

This bill would add legal counseling access to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program and require states to certify that case planning addresses legal barriers young people face when leaving foster care.

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  • Current and former foster youth would gain covered legal counseling focused on housing, education, entry into employment, and restoring family connections. The bill specifically calls out State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, custody, and permanency.
  • State chief executive officers would have to certify that case planning and related processes consider these legal issues and that the State has taken steps to address them.
  • The new requirements would apply to plans approved by the Department of Health and Human Services one year after enactment. A State may request an extension if meeting the requirements requires new state legislation, and two-year legislative sessions count each year separately.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More legal help for foster youth

If enacted, this bill would add legal counseling access to the Chafee program for current and former foster youth. It would also require a State chief executive to certify that case plans consider legal issues affecting housing, education, getting work, and family connections. The certification must cover matters like State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and custody and permanency. These changes would take effect one year after enactment for plans approved on or after that date. If a State needs new laws (not funding) to comply, the State could get extra time until after its next regular legislative session begins; for two-year sessions, each year counts separately.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]

IL • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. LaHood, Darin [R-IL-16]

    IL • R

    Sponsored 2/12/2026

  • Rep. Schweikert, David [R-AZ-1]

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 4/29/2026

  • Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 5/11/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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