Extension to age 21
Higher education
Housing
Independent living
Transition (aging out)
Well-being

SPEAK UP: Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic Act

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Young people have been advocating through the #UpChafee campaign for COVID relief for older youth from foster care… we are so excited that much of what was asked for (and more!) has been incorporated into the Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act, new legislation introduced by Chairman Danny Davis (D-IL) and Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (R-IN) of the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee!

This bipartisan legislation, with support from Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) of the House Ways and Means Committee, provides critical relief to older youth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and moves forward emergency support to children, youth, and families facing unprecedented stress and disruptions by equipping the child welfare system with the tools it needs to handle the crisis. 

Learn more about the bill provisions and how you can take action from this recorded session

But we’re not done yet! We need your help ASAP to get Congress to include the Act in the next COVID emergency aid package!

This is our last chance to urge Members of Congress to include this bill in the COVID package currently being considered. Our window of opportunity for direct emergency aid is closing fast, and we want to make sure Congress doesn’t forget to help foster youth. We need organizations and young people to join us in raising our voices in favor of this important bill. We only have a few days to make our voices heard.

 

3 easy things YOU can do that WILL help (priority deadline: take action by Mon., 8/10)

1. Thank & Tag Representative Walorski & Representative Danny Davis 

 

THANKS @RepWalorski for hearing #FosterYouth by introducing the bipartisan Supporting #FosterYouth and Families through the Pandemic Act! This bill will help youth weather #COVID19. #ChildWelfareCOVID #UPChafee #DontForgetUs #FosterSafety

THANKS @RepDannyDavis for your leadership in introducing the bipartisan Supporting #FosterYouth and Families through the Pandemic Act which will help youth weather #COVID19. #ChildWelfareCOVID #UPChafee #DontForgetUs #FosterSafety

2. SIGN ON! Show Your Support 

  • Individuals can sign the petition at: Change.org/fosteryouth (Don't forget to share it once you've signed!)
  • Organizations can sign on here by priority deadline of 12p ET Monday, Aug 10th. 

3. WRITE your Members of Congress (especially your Senators): 

Don't know who they are? Find out using these links:

Not sure where to start? Here's some sample text: 

I appreciate all you are doing to help foster youth and all Americans during the COVID-19 crisis. [You can add your own personal experience here; make sure to mention you are a constituent!].

Please don’t forget foster youth; include the Walorski/Davis Supporting Foster Youth and Families through the Pandemic Act bill in the final COVID relief agreement and help get foster youth direct emergency assistance.

As you know, youth aging out of foster care have been hit hard by COVID-19 and need emergency help from Congress. Please know how URGENTLY this support is needed. Foster youth have no family they can turn to weather and recover from this crisis. [This support will help me _____________________(make sure my housing is secure, get back to school this fall even if it’s virtual, stay connected to family/friends who support me)]

In the next COVID-19 package, please ensure foster youth have the level of support they need and deserve from Congress by including the Walorski/Davis bill in the final agreement. We are asking you to fight on behalf of foster youth to ensure that it is!

Thank you,