Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Trump Signs ‘Fostering the Future’ Order to Expand Support for Youth Leaving Foster Care

The directive launches a partnership program, tasking agencies with pilots and inviting outside commitments through a national pledge.

Overview

  • First Lady Melania Trump led the initiative and joined the signing as the White House opened a pledge for companies, universities, nonprofits and faith groups to offer scholarships, mentoring, technology and training.
  • HHS’s Administration for Children and Families will align programs with the order and pilot donations of decommissioned federal laptops to foster youth to help close the digital divide.
  • Treasury and HUD will host national roundtables on financial literacy and transition challenges for foster youth, with an initial statement of findings expected in spring 2026.
  • OPM will expand access to federal jobs for people with foster care experience through the Pathways Programs, building a dedicated applicant portal and coordinating internships and early-career roles.
  • The order calls for modernized child-welfare data and greater use of technology, including AI, as coverage cites about 400,000 children in foster care and roughly 15,000–20,000 aging out each year, with some outlets reporting a planned $25 million FY2026 housing allocation.