H.R. 6221: Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act

The bill titled the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act focuses on supporting current and former foster youth by enhancing their access to job training and apprenticeship opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of the main provisions included in the bill:

Study of Support Programs

The bill mandates a comprehensive study to be conducted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Secretary of Labor. This study will:

• Examine Federal, State, and private sector programs that provide technical job training and apprenticeships for foster youth.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, identify gaps in services, and recognize barriers that prevent youth from accessing these programs.
• Explore opportunities for enhancing career pathways for youth transitioning out of the child welfare system.

After one year from the enactment of the bill, the findings will be reported to Congress along with recommendations for improvements, funding needs, and potential modernization of the relevant programs.

Fostering the Future Pipeline Program

After completing the study, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish the Fostering the Future Pipeline Program. Key features of this program include:

• Providing grants to States, academic institutions, private-sector employers, and nonprofit or faith-based organizations on a competitive basis.
• Focusing on creating access to industry-aligned job training and apprenticeships specifically for current and former foster youth in high-demand sectors such as:
• Skilled trades
• Manufacturing
• Health care
• Information technology
• Agriculture
• The authorized funding for this program is capped at $50,000,000 per fiscal year.

Increased Flexibility in Using Education and Training Vouchers

The bill also seeks to amend existing provisions in the Social Security Act related to the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. This amendment will allow:

• Education and training vouchers to be utilized not just for traditional educational purposes but also for short-term, career-oriented programs.
• These programs include registered apprenticeships, certificate programs, and other rapid-employment pathways.

Effective Date

The provisions of this bill and any amendments made by it will be effective six months after the date of enactment.

Relevant Companies

• None found