Informed Foster Youth Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill requires states to provide foster youth aged 14 and older with essential identity documents at no cost, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, and state-issued IDs or driver's licenses. These documents are critical for getting jobs, enrolling in school, and finding housing after aging out of the system.
• Foster youth would receive a free copy of their credit report every year and get help interpreting and fixing any errors. Identity theft is a well-known problem among foster children, and this provision gives them a tool to catch and correct fraud before it damages their financial future.
• Caseworkers and courts must inform youth aged 14 and older about available support services at every meeting and hearing. This ensures teenagers know what help exists for housing, education, jobs, and mentoring before they age out of care.
• The bill creates a formal List of Rights for foster youth aged 14 and older, covering education, health care, visitation, court participation, and the right to seek help if those rights are violated. Youth must sign an annual acknowledgment that these rights were explained to them.
• Transition plans for youth leaving foster care must include personalized options for health insurance, housing, mentors, and employment services. Youth also get the option to set up a health care power of attorney or similar document so someone can make medical decisions for them if needed.
• States may get extra time to comply if they need to pass new legislation. The effective date is the first day of the first fiscal year after the bill is enacted, but states requiring legislative changes can delay until after their next regular legislative session.