To better support expectant and parenting foster youth, U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) on Feb. 24 proposed a bipartisan bill to improve coordination between two federal programs designed to help connect them to evidence-based home visiting services.
The Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act, H.R. 7655, which Rep. Yakym sponsored alongside bill cosponsor U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), would strengthen coordination between the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program and the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood program.
“I believe we have an obligation to leave this world better than we found it and that starts with supporting and investing in the next generation especially the most vulnerable youth in our communities,” Rep. Yakym said. “The Support for Expectant and Parenting Foster Youth Act strengthens coordination between the Chafee and MIECHV programs to better support foster youth with children of their own.”
The Chafee program provides states, territories, and tribes with funds to support youth who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Funds can be used to support housing, education, employment, and other vital services.
The MIECHV Program provides funding for evidenced based home visiting programs that support at-risk families to achieve better health outcomes and economic self-sufficiency.
If enacted, H.R. 7655 would require states to have a process to provide expectant or parenting foster youth with information about visiting services under the MIECHV Program as a condition of receiving Chafee funds, and would permit a state to use its Chafee funds to provide tailored case management services and resource coordination for expectant or parenting foster youth, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Illinois and Indiana are national leaders in helping expectant and parenting foster youth address the unique challenges they face as they transition to adulthood,” said Rep. Davis. “I proudly join with Rep. Yakym to ensure that these young parents have access to intensive case management, high-quality home visiting, and resource coordination so they and their children can thrive.”
The bill has garnered support from several stakeholders, including Foster Success, Goodwill Industries of Michiana Inc., Changent, and Healthy Families America. It is under consideration by the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.