U.S. Rep. Lawrence Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Provide Emergency Relief to Older Foster Youth

Statement

Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, applauded House passage of H.R. 5661, the bipartisan Continued State Flexibility to Assist Older Foster Youth Act. This bill restores and extends John H. Chafee Foster Care Independence Program flexibilities, including housing assistance and an educational and training vouchers program, that expired on September 30th, 2021 for older foster youth. Rep. Lawrence is a co-sponsor of the bill.

"Our foster youth have been disproportionately hit by this pandemic. As they are more likely to be without a reliable support system, they're facing hunger, unemployment, and homelessness," said Rep. Lawrence. "As Co-Chair of the Caucus on Foster Youth, I understand the urgency of which we need to pass this bill and provide relief for some of our most vulnerable constituents. No one should be left behind, and that includes our foster youth."

Nearly 20,000 foster youth age out of care every year. The Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act expired on September 30th, 2021, and the Continued State Flexibility to Assist Older Foster Youth Act, if enacted, will continue key programmatic flexibilities for Chafee-eligible youth.

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