PRIA Logo™
S3802119th CongressWALLET

Foster Care Stabilization Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Fischer, Deb [R-NE]

Introduced

Summary

Emergency relief and improved pre-placement services for foster youth. This bill would create a demonstration grant program under Section 426(d) to award three foster care stabilization agencies grants of up to $1.0 million each to provide emergency support and strengthen services for youth awaiting placement.

Show full summary
  • Foster youth: Gives direct supports such as clothing up to $250 per youth per year, food and food-preparation equipment, and other emergency assistance to promote safety and self-sufficiency.
  • Local, tribal, and community agencies: Allows funds to hire staff and deliver services. Each grant recipient has 3 years to spend funds and must return unused amounts.
  • Rural, Tribal, and Native Hawaiian communities: The Administration must publicly post the solicitation and make special outreach to rural areas and to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The Secretary must reserve $45,000 for administration and report to Congress on how grants were used and on case outcomes.

*Would increase federal spending by up to about $3.0 million for the three awards plus a $45,000 administrative set-aside.*

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Emergency help for foster youth

This bill would create a small demonstration grant program to give emergency relief and improve pre-placement services for foster youth. The Administration for Children and Families would award up to three grants, each up to $1,000,000. Grantees would have three years to spend funds and must return any unused money. Grant funds could pay for staff, food and food-prep equipment, services to prevent or respond to abuse, and other emergency help. Clothing and personal items would be capped at $250 per foster youth per year. The Secretary would reserve $45,000 for administration and technical help, post the solicitation on the agency website, do outreach to rural areas and Tribes, and report to Congress on uses, case outcomes, and home transfers. Grants would only be available if annual funding for the program increases by more than $5,000,000 over the prior year. The bill would also define "foster youth" (under age 26) and which local nonprofit agencies may apply.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Fischer, Deb [R-NE]

NE • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 2/9/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation