Informed Foster Youth Act of 2026

This bill changes federal rules for the case plans that states must keep for children in foster care. Foster youth age 14 and older would have to be told about available independent-living services at every caseworker meeting and at court hearings they must attend. They would receive, at no cost, a yearly copy of their credit report with help fixing errors, plus their birth certificate, Social Security card, a state ID or driver's license (or help getting one), and proof of foster care status. Youth leaving care at adulthood would receive these documents along with health and education records and information on Medicaid eligibility, and their transition plans could include the option to name someone to make health care decisions for them. Each year, youth 14 and older would sign an acknowledgment that their rights were explained to them.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Chuck Grassley Republican sponsor
• 1 cosponsors