Latest News as of December 23, 2020

US - Senate and House of Representatives approved H.R. 133, Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, for a $900 billion pandemic spending bill, of which $54.3 billion will be allocated to assist states and their school districts in responding to COVID-19. This bill permits the funds to be used on activities to address the unique needs of low-income children or students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness and youth in foster care.

US - A study that assess the needs, concerns, and strengths of young adults (18-26), previously placed in foster care, in response to COVID-19. This survey was completed in May and June using mixed-methods, cross-sectional survey assessing the 127 participants perspectives of the unique impact on current and former foster youth.

US - Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2019, the foster youth bill to help prevent youth homelessness to be included in omnibus bill passed by the House of Representatives. This legislation would provide Family Unification Vouchers "on-demand" to foster youth at risk of homelessness as they transition to adulthood without support.

The latest from Voice for Adoption advocacy can be found here.

Update from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation can be found here.