Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

More legal help for foster youth

If enacted, the bill would let State Chafee transition plans offer legal counseling access to current and former foster youth. The bill would also require each State chief executive to certify that case planning considers legal issues affecting housing, education, entry into employment, and family connections, including State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, custody, and permanency. These changes would take effect one year after enactment and would apply to Chafee plans approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on or after that date. If the Secretary finds a State needs new non‑funding laws to comply, the State would get extra time: plans would not be treated as failing the new requirements until the first day of the first calendar quarter after the State's next regular legislative session (each year of a two‑year session counts separately).