H.R.8498

Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act

Introduced·4/27/26

Extends foster care support and services for youth up to age 21 and allows re-entry after age 18.

The Increasing Access to Foster Care Through Age 21 Act amends the Social Security Act to extend child welfare support and services for youth in foster care up to age 21. It allows youth who have attained 18 years of age to voluntarily re-enter foster care, regardless of their parents' or legal guardians' eligibility for Aid to Families with Dependent Children. The bill also provides guidance and technical assistance to states on best practices for outreach to eligible youth. The changes take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning after the enactment date.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Ways And Means Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

1
1
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Apr 27

House

Introduced in House

Apr 27

House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.