Bill adds mentoring goals to federal foster care program
Placed on the calendarH.R. 7995Latest action
Sponsor: Gwen Moore · Representative · WI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: CONNECT Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 7995 updates a federal foster care program to help youth 14+ build lasting relationships and have a say in their own care plans.
60-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill adds two new goals to an existing federal program for foster youth: helping young people aged 14 and older build and keep lasting relationships with supportive adults, mentors, and peers, and helping those same youth stay involved in decisions about their own care. Within one year of passage, the Department of Health and Human Services must release guidance to states and tribal agencies covering what services qualify for federal funding, best practices for mentoring and peer support, how to notify eligible youth about available services, and how to document these activities in case plans. That guidance must be developed with input from people who have personally been in foster care.
Who does it affect?
This bill primarily affects youth aged 14 and older who are in or have aged out of the foster care system. It also affects the state and tribal child welfare agencies that serve them.
Why does it matter?
Without this bill, relationship-building and peer support services for older foster youth have no formal place in this program's stated goals. Adding these goals means agencies have clearer federal direction on supporting these youth and documenting that support.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 19, 2026
- House committee
- House voteYou are here · May 11, 2026
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 559.