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

Spearheaded by First Lady Melania Trump, the plan mobilizes agencies and partners through vouchers, jobs pathways, data upgrades, plus a new resource hub.

Overview

  • The order creates a Fostering the Future program to secure commitments from government, business, nonprofits, faith groups, and universities for new education and employment pathways.
  • HHS’s Administration for Children and Families will pilot donations of decommissioned federal laptops for foster youth and pursue initiatives to reduce unnecessary entries into care.
  • Treasury and HUD will hold nationwide roundtables on financial literacy for youth exiting care, with an initial statement of findings targeted for spring 2026.
  • OPM will open Pathways hiring opportunities to people with foster-care experience, supported by a dedicated applicant portal and professional development offerings.
  • The directive authorizes an online planning hub, expands access to Education and Training Vouchers and tax-credited scholarship mechanisms, orders child-welfare data modernization, and points to $25 million in FY26 transitional housing support.