Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Walorski Applaud the Inclusion of Foster Youth Grants in Omnibus Relief Bill

Statement

Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (R-IN) of the House Committee on Ways & Means' Subcommittee on Worker & Family Support applaud the inclusion of Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

While the COVID-19 pandemic presents difficulties for all Americans, foster youth are particularly subject to instability given that they are typically without reliable adults and other supports in their lives. We know that nearly 20,000 youth "age out" of foster care each year, and youth who aged out of care during this national emergency have reported high rates of homelessness, food and economic insecurity, and are at risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus.

As a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis, Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Walorski introduced the bipartisan H.R. 7947 to provide emergency temporary supports and flexibilities for older foster youth, grandparents raising grandchildren & other kinship families, home visiting for at-risk pregnant & parenting families, foster care prevention services, and other child welfare services through the end of FY 2021.

Upon confirmation of inclusion in the legislative package, Chairman Davis said, "I am especially proud of this bipartisan legislation, which will provide the necessary emergency resources and supports that foster youth and families need to weather this storm. This bill was crafted in direct response to what foster youth in our communities have been telling us they need, right now, in order to be okay during the pandemic."

"This is a major victory for some of America's most vulnerable children and families, who will have additional support to get through the coronavirus crisis and build a stronger, more stable future," Ranking Member Walorski said. "Foster youth and families, at-risk pregnant women and mothers, and kinship caregivers such as grandparents raising grandchildren already face unique challenges in normal times. The pandemic has only added to the obstacles they must overcome to achieve the American Dream -- but help will soon be on the way. I'm grateful to Chairman Davis for his partnership in building on past reforms with this targeted relief to help families thrive."

Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) has been endorsed by hundreds of national, state, and local organizations, including organizations representing current and former foster youth.

The provisions are located in Division X of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 the section-by-section summary of which can be found HERE.
A fact sheet on H.R. 7947 is available HERE.
A list of groups that have endorsed H.R. 7947 can be found HERE.

Source