About the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth

The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth provides a forum for Members of Congress to discuss and develop policy recommendations to strengthen the child welfare system and improve the overall well-being of youth and families.

There are more than 424,000 youth in the foster care system and thousands more who have experienced abuse and neglect. We need to develop approaches to ensure that our nation's vulnerable, yet resilient, youth are provided with  the opportunities and support necessary to succeed.

- Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-chairs

Sadly, the number of children who exit the foster care system without finding a permanent family has increased over the years by nearly 29,500. The experiences of youth transitioning out of the foster care system place them at a higher risk for unemployment, poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness.

Co-chaired by Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) and Rep. Diane Black (R-TN), Rep. Jim Langevin (RI-02), and Rep. Trent Franks (AZ-08), the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth joins over 100 Members of Congress discuss the challenges facing all foster youth and develop bipartisan policy initiatives.

In addition to introducing bipartisan legislation that aims to improve the lives of foster youth, the Caucus hosts briefings, hearings, Listening Tours across the country, and Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. 

Learn more about the current state of foster care in America.