White House issues Executive Order that outlines priorities for current and former foster youth

Key Takeaways

On November 13, the White House issued an Executive Order (EO) titled “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families”, which aims to modernize data and information systems, strengthen faith-based partnerships and expand educational and workforce opportunities for youth in foster care, as well as those transitioning out of foster care. 

View Executive Order

About the Executive Order

Within 180 days, the Executive Order directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to:

• Modernize Child Welfare Data and Technology by taking action to update applicable regulations, policies and practices to improve the collection, publication, utility and transparency of State-level child-welfare data
• Establish a “Fostering the Future” initiative to develop partnerships between agencies and private sector organizations, academic institutions and non-profit entities to create new educational and employment opportunities for individuals who are in or are transitioning out of the foster care system
• Create an online platform for foster youth where they can assess their needs and be connected to housing, education, employment, healthcare and mentoring
• Increase flexibility in Education and Training Vouchers for short-term education programs
• Work with the White House Faith Office to review state and local policies that exclude faith-based organizations, and increase partnerships between agencies and faith-based organizations

Impacts on Counties

In nine states, county governments are responsible for administering the child welfare system and share administration in an additional two states. As implementation of the EO moves forward, NACo will continue working with HHS to elevate the county perspective, identify local challenges and improve outcomes for families and foster youth.