Brianna, a political science student from Pella, is fighting for foster youth aging out of the system. Melvin serves on Iowa’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Council after being appointed by the governor. This week, they brought their experiences to Washington and reminded Congress that the people closest to the challenges should help shape the solutions.
Zoom in: This week marked the 16th annual Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill, when young people who have experienced the foster care system come to Congress to share what’s working — and what isn’t. Brianna, Melvin, and I broke it down together. ⬇️
Their stories aren’t new to me. As a dad who fostered and adopted my daughters, Jayna and Aliyah, I’ve seen both sides of this system: the joy of a child finding their forever home, and the heartbreak when a kid ages out with nowhere to turn.
That’s why, as Co-Chair of the Foster Youth Caucus, we’re pushing legislation to make sure the system doesn’t leave kids behind — whether they are still in care or beginning life on their own:
🏠 Our HOME for Foster Youth Act cuts through red tape to connect young adults aging out of foster care with housing assistance before they become homeless.
🎓 Our Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act helps make sure foster youth pursuing higher education have access to stable, affordable housing while they earn a degree.
👨👩👧👦 Our Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act supports specialized placements that keep brothers and sisters together, preserving the bonds that matter most.
Why it matters: More than 3,000 Iowa kids are currently in foster care. Nationwide, more than 20,000 young people age out every year — and 1 in 5 will face homelessness. These bipartisan bills are designed to intervene before young people reach that cliff, and advocates like Brianna and Melvin have helped shape them every step of the way.
Bottom Line: Brianna and Melvin didn’t come to Washington just to tell their stories — they came to help write a better future for the next generation of foster youth. I’m committed to getting these three bills signed into law, and making sure the voices of those who have lived through the system remain at the table.