May 2026 Public Policy Recap
Federal Developments Impacting Children, Families, and Communities
Each week, FFTA members receive timely policy updates, resources, and analysis designed to help organizations navigate a rapidly changing child and family serving landscape. Below are a few of the key developments highlighted during May.
Fostering the Future Act Advances
During the same week FFTA members gathered in Washington, DC for the 2026 Public Policy Institute and met with congressional offices on Capitol Hill, the House advanced the bipartisan Fostering the Future Act. The legislation includes provisions focused on housing, workforce development, education, lifelong connections, and supports for expectant and parenting youth transitioning from foster care.
Fostering the Future Executive Order Reaches 180 Day Milestone
May marked six months since the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order. Federal leaders highlighted progress on implementation efforts, including investments in housing supports, expanded data transparency, technology modernization, and new resources for youth transitioning from foster care.
New Federal Guidance Strengthens Support for Kinship Care
The Children's Bureau released updated kin specific licensing standards and recommendations designed to reduce barriers for relatives caring for children and youth. The guidance provides additional flexibility and support for jurisdictions seeking to strengthen kinship care and family connections.
ACF Launches $7 Million Foster Home Innovation Challenge
The Administration for Children and Families announced the A Home for Every Child Innovation Challenge, a $7 million prize competition designed to help states strengthen family-based care and improve the ratio of foster homes to children in care. The initiative reflects continued national efforts to expand foster family capacity and increase access to family-based placements.
$6 Million Investment in Child Welfare Predictive Analytics
ACF also announced $6 million in competitive funding to help states, territories, and Tribal nations pilot predictive analytics and technology solutions aimed at improving child welfare decision making, supporting caseworkers, and strengthening child safety outcomes.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Strengthen Tribal Child Welfare Programs
Bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate to strengthen Tribal child welfare programs and expand support for Native children and families. The proposal would increase federal support for Tribal services, reduce administrative barriers, expand prevention opportunities, and strengthen culturally responsive approaches to serving children and families.
AFCARS Dashboard Updated with FY 2025 Data and New Features
ACF released preliminary FY 2025 foster care and adoption data along with updates to the AFCARS Dashboard. New features provide additional insight into permanency outcomes and family relationships, helping improve access to national child welfare data and trends impacting children, youth, and families.
Stay Informed
These highlights represent only a portion of the policy developments covered in FFTA's weekly member policy alerts. Members receive regular updates on federal and state policy, funding opportunities, emerging initiatives, legislative developments, and resources impacting children, families, and communities nationwide.
Writer: Treva Johnson, FFTA
