As a dad to two adopted girls, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing it can be when a child finds the stability, love, and opportunity of a forever home. But the heartbreaking truth is that far too many kids never get that chance.
The problem: More than 3,000 kids are currently in Iowa’s foster care system. Each year, over 20,000 nationwide “age out” without a family to fall back on — and far too many end up homeless, unemployed, or disconnected.
Why it matters: When foster youth age out of the system without support, the outcomes are too often heartbreaking.
🏚️ 1 in 5 face homelessness
📉 Many struggle to access job training, housing, or education
🚪 Most lose access to basic opportunities the moment they age outWhat we’re doing: I introduced the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act to take what’s working in Iowa and scale it nationwide.
This bipartisan bill builds on President Trump’s recent executive order and puts real support behind foster youth outcomes:
✅ Expands career and education programs for youth aging out of care
✅ Establishes $50 million in grants for job training in high-demand fields
✅ Makes apprenticeships and short-term credentials eligible for federal financial aid
Bottom Line: Foster youth aging out of the system don’t need barriers — they need pathways to stability. I’m fighting to make sure every child, inside and outside the foster care system, has the support they deserve.