S. 3802: Foster Care Stabilization Act of 2026

The Foster Care Stabilization Act of 2026 aims to enhance support for foster youth by establishing a program to provide emergency relief and improve services before foster youth are placed in homes. Below are the key components of the bill:

Grants for Foster Care Agencies

The bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award three demonstration grants, each up to $1,000,000, to foster care stabilization agencies. These grants are intended for:

• Providing emergency relief to foster youth.
• Improving pre-placement services for foster youth who are waiting to be placed in a suitable environment.

Duration and Application Process

Agencies that receive a grant must utilize the funds within three years and return any unused amounts. To apply, agencies must provide a detailed plan outlining:

• How they will use the grant funds for emergency relief.
• How they will enhance pre-placement services.

Public Outreach

The Secretary will ensure the grant application process is publicly available and will make efforts to inform rural areas and Indigenous organizations about the opportunity.

Use of Funds

The funds from the grants can be used for various activities, including:

• Hiring personnel to assist with emergency relief.
• Providing clothing and personal necessities, capped at $250 per youth each year.
• Purchasing food and necessary equipment to prepare meals.
• Offering services to prevent and address child abuse and neglect.
• Any other essential support to ensure the safety and self-sufficiency of foster youth.

Administrative Oversight and Reporting

A portion of the funds will be reserved for administrative tasks and technical assistance. The Secretary is required to report to Congress on:

• How the grants have been used for emergency relief.
• Effectiveness of pre-placement services.
• Details on clothing and necessities provided to foster youth.
• Case outcomes for youth benefiting from the funds.
• The number of home transfers for these youth.

Definitions

• Foster Care Stabilization Agency: A local public or private nonprofit entity that provides direct services to foster youth.
• Foster Youth: Individuals in foster care under 26 years old.
• Home Transfer: Initial and subsequent placements of a foster youth while in care.

Funding Provisions

The bill also stipulates that if there are excess funds available in a fiscal year exceeding $5,000,000 from the previous year, those amounts will be used to support this program.

Relevant Companies

• None found