Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act

H.R. 6221 would codify directives from an executive order aimed at improving outcomes for youth in the foster care system. The bill would direct the Departments of Health and Human Services and Labor to conduct a comprehensive study of existing federal, state, and private sector programs that provide technical job training, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships for current and former foster youth. This study would evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps in services, and recommend improvements.

If enacted, the bill would establish the Fostering the Future Pipeline Program, which would provide up to $50 million annually in competitive grants to states, academic institutions, private-sector employers, and nonprofit or faith-based organizations. These grants would support the expansion of industry-aligned technical training and apprenticeships in high-demand fields such as skilled trades, manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and agriculture. The bill is currently under consideration by the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means.