Summary of H.Res. 390 — Recognizing National Foster Care Month

Overview

• Bill Type: House Resolution (non-binding)
• Bill Number: H.Res. 390
• Title: Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system and encouraging Congress to implement policy to improve the lives of children in, or at risk of entering, the foster care system
• Introduced: May 6, 2025
• Status: Submitted in the House; referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means
• Sponsor/Co-sponsors:
  • Primary Sponsor: Sydney Kamlager-Dove
  • Cosponsors: Gwen Moore, Zachary Nunn, Mary Gay Scanlon, Erin Houchin, Don Bacon

Purpose and Intent

The bill designates May as National Foster Care Month and uses that designation to:
- Raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in the foster care system.
- Encourage Congress to adopt policies aimed at improving the lives of children in foster care or at risk of entering the system.
- Acknowledge and address the special needs of foster children.
- Honor foster youth for their resilience, and recognize alumni who advocate for current youth in care.
- Acknowledge the dedication of professionals who provide services to children in foster care.
- Reaffirm the ongoing need to improve outcomes for all children involved with or at risk of entering the foster care system, through existing programs and targeted policy actions.

Key Provisions

The introduced text outlines the following core points:
1. Support for designating National Foster Care Month.
2. Recognition of the challenges faced by foster children and the importance of raising awareness.
3. Encouragement for Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of foster children.
4. Acknowledgment of the special needs of foster children.
5. Recognition of foster youth nationwide for tenacity, courage, and resilience.
6. Recognition of foster care alumni who advocate for youth currently in care.
7. Honor given to individuals who work to provide services and support to foster children.
8. Reaffirmation of the need to improve outcomes for foster children through:
- Programs in parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and 670 et seq.)
- Other programs designed to support vulnerable families, invest in prevention and early intervention, support reunification, promote adoption where appropriate, adequately serve foster children, and assist in transitioning aged-out youth to adulthood.

Note: As a resolution, the bill expresses support and guidance rather than creating new law or funding.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

• Introduced: May 6, 2025
• Referral: House Committee on Ways and Means (May 6, 2025)
• Status: Awaiting committee action or further legislative steps; no floor passage or funding provisions indicated in the text provided.

Affected Parties and Scope

• Directly Affected: Individuals and organizations involved in the foster care system (foster youth, alumni, foster families, and child welfare workers) through the policy emphasis and awareness-raising objectives.
• Broader Impact: Signals congressional priorities related to child welfare, prevention, family support, reunification, adoption, and transition services for youth aging out of care. It references existing federal programs under Title IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act as channels for improving outcomes.

Context and Implications

• This is a non-binding expression of support and a call for policy consideration rather than a statute or funding authorization.
• By designating National Foster Care Month and urging policy action, the resolution may influence future legislative debates and potential policy proposals in the area of child welfare, though it does not itself enact changes or allocate funds.
• The emphasis on Title IV-B and IV-E programs highlights a focus on prevention, family preservation, reunification, adoption, services for foster children, and supports for aging-out youth.

For Readers

If you’re researching foster care policy, H.Res. 390 indicates congressional intent to raise awareness and to pursue policy options to strengthen the foster care system, using existing federal program structures as the framework for potential improvements. It is a ceremonial and guiding measure rather than an act that would directly change law or provide new funding.