Celebration of the FFTA 2026 Public Policy Institute
Driving Policy in Action for the Good of Families| FFTA 2026 Public Policy Institute
A few weeks ago, more than 100 attendees from 27 states, 1 district, and 60+ organizations gathered in Washington, DC for the FFTA 2026 Public Policy Institute (PPI). Throughout the 2-day event, we witnessed providers, lived experts, federal partners, state leaders, housing partners, and community organizations come together around one shared goal: strengthening children, families, and communities.
The incredible response to this year's sold-out event speaks to the importance of the critical issues and important conversations surrounding prevention, kinship and family support, older youth, and the future of child and family serving systems. We heard directly from federal agencies, congressional offices, national partners, and community leaders about both the challenges ahead and the opportunities in front of us. We spent time highlighting innovative partnerships, housing initiatives, workforce development efforts, and community driven solutions happening across the country right now. We were honored to welcome Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, Narek Mkrtchyan, whose country is working toward many of the same goals.
FFTA was also proud to partner with the Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Collaborative, helping further conversations around housing stability, older youth supports, and community driven solutions that create stronger pathways into adulthood for young people. TAY sent 20 attendees and participated throughout the week, including the lived experts panel and networking reception.
One of the most memorable moments came during the last day attendees were on Capitol Hill. Many received passes to sit in the House gallery and watch debate take place in real time as the Fostering the Future Act passed the House floor. Seeing six Chafee reform bills come together into one piece of legislation while our attendees were in Washington was a powerful reminder that relationships, persistence, and lived experience continue to shape meaningful progress.
Progress happens when people are willing to come together, listen, share openly, and continue building toward what is possible. Thank you to everyone who traveled, presented, shared your expertise, and represented your communities throughout the event.
While this year's Public Policy Institute has concluded, the work of advancing FFTA’s 2026 Public Policy Priorities, continues at FFTA’s Annual Conference and throughout the rest of the year.
