Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Darin LaHood, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, chaired a hearing on ways to harness innovation and implement new technology to help America's foster youth succeed.
Click Here to Watch Rep. LaHood's Opening Remarks
"Youth aging out of foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country," said Rep. LaHood. "80% of former foster youth experienced trauma before adulthood and nearly half have been diagnosed mental health conditions. Foster youth have higher rates of educational dropout, early pregnancy, and unemployment. One of the most significant barriers that I’m concerned about is access to stable housing. One estimate finds that nearly 35 percent of former foster youth experienced homelessness by age 21. Programs like Chafee play a critical role in assisting our youth by helping them develop life skills, access housing, and enroll in education and training – and we know caseworkers are at the forefront of a youth’s experience. Caseworkers help youth navigate programs, plan for their future, and work toward successful independence."
Click here to Watch Rep. LaHood's Full Questioning
Background:
- Today, the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare held a hearing on technology and innovation in federal child welfare programs and how they can be utilized to empower caseworkers and support transition-age foster youth (ages 14 to 21).
- This hearing follows Chairman LaHood joining President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump last week at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order, which included a call to modernize state child welfare programs and expand the use of technology.
- The hearing is part of the Committee’s work to modernize and reform the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee”).
- During the last Subcommittee hearing, held on June 12th, “Aging Out is
Not a Plan: Reimagining Futures for Foster Youth,” witnesses highlighted that many foster youth are not aware of resources offered through Chafee and some states face challenges drawing down federal dollars. - At this hearing, witnesses discussed technology and innovative tools that are actively being used by caseworkers to more effectively support foster youth.
###
