As a dad of six — including two adopted through foster care — I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing it can be when a child finds the stability, love, and opportunity of a forever home.
The problem: Too many kiddos never get that chance. Every year, more than 20,000 children “age out” of foster care without the support they need to succeed. In Iowa alone, nearly 4,000 young people are navigating the transition from foster care — often without a mentor, educational support, or a stable place to live.Â
Why it matters: When the system fails, too many young people fall through the cracks and face higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, or worse.Â
As a Co-Chair of the Foster Youth Caucus, I’m proud to lead efforts that support both kiddos in care and those aging out of the system — including securing a $5,000 adoption tax credit through the Working Families Tax Cuts passed this summer.
And earlier today, I joined President Trump at the White House as he signed a new executive order to strengthen the foster care system nationwide.
The new order expands access to:Â
âś… Education and scholarship opportunitiesÂ
âś… Workforce and career development programsÂ
✅ Housing support through HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence Program
Bottom Line: Every child deserves a fair shot at a bright future. Strengthening foster care isn’t just policy — it’s a promise I’ll keep fighting to deliver for every Iowa family and every child still waiting for their forever home.