Requires states receiving foster care funds to certify that their case planning considers legal issues affecting current and former foster youth, and allows states to use Chafee program funds for legal counseling access.

Official title: Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act

Next stop House floor: awaiting a vote

Timeline each lane is a chamber; dates pull from congress.gov actions

House

Introduced 12-FEB-2026

Referred 12-FEB-2026

Approved by committee 29-APR-2026

Reported 11-MAY-2026

On the calendar 11-MAY-2026

Key points

Adds a state chief executive certification that case planning considers legal issues affecting housing, education, employment, and family connections of current and former foster youth.
Covers State court records, legal recognition of family relationships, and matters of custody and permanency.
Adds legal counseling access to the services states may fund under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood.
Takes effect one year after enactment, with a possible delay if a state must pass legislation to meet the new requirements.

AI-generated from the Reported in House text of 11-MAY-2026 · verify · report an error

Official CRS summary

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Committee referrals (1)

Policy area

Families

Sponsor Danny K. Davis (D-IL) Cosponsors · 3

■ 3 R

3 Republicans

congress.gov page Reported in House (11-MAY-2026) Introduced in House (12-FEB-2026)