FOSTER Act Dedicates $2.5 Million Annually to Opioid Crisis Support for Kinship Care Families Starting in 2028

The Furthering Opioid Services, Training, and Education Resources Act, or the FOSTER Act, tackles a tough intersection of the opioid crisis and child welfare: supporting the families—often relatives—who step up when parents can’t. This bill doesn’t create a brand-new grant program but amends the existing 21st Century Cures Act to create a mandatory, dedicated funding stream for these services.

The Kinship Safety Net Gets Official Support

What this bill primarily does is recognize and resource "kinship care families." It adds official definitions to the law, clarifying that a kinship caregiver is a relative (by blood, marriage, or adoption) who lives with the child and is the primary caregiver because the parent is unable to be. This includes relatives raising a child formally through the courts or informally (SEC. 2).

For the first time, states can use existing federal grant money for specific opioid abuse prevention and treatment services aimed directly at these children, their caregivers, and kinship families. This means funds can now be spent on things like health care services, workforce recruitment and training for those providing treatment, and even training for foster and adoptive parents dealing with the fallout of the crisis (SEC. 2).

Where the Money Goes and When

This isn't just a suggestion; it comes with a dedicated budget. The FOSTER Act authorizes $255 million annually for the overall grant program under the 21st Century Cures Act for Fiscal Years 2028 through 2033 (SEC. 2). Crucially, it requires that 1 percent of that total—about $2.55 million each year—be specifically set aside to carry out these new opioid services for kinship families.

Think about what this means on the ground: If you’re a grandmother who suddenly became the primary caregiver for your two grandchildren because their parent is in treatment, this funding could translate into specialized counseling services for the kids, support groups for you, or training for local social workers to better understand your unique legal and emotional challenges. It’s about stabilizing the care environment when a family crisis hits.

The Catch: A Delayed Start

While the intent is solid and the funding is authorized, the money won't start flowing immediately. The $255 million annual authorization and the subsequent 1% set-aside don't kick in until Fiscal Year 2028 (SEC. 2). This means that while the groundwork for better support is being laid now, the practical benefits of this dedicated funding stream are several years away. For the families currently struggling to piece together resources, this bill offers future relief, but not immediate aid. Overall, the FOSTER Act provides much-needed formal recognition and dedicated resources to support the quiet heroes—the kinship caregivers—who are often the first line of defense for children impacted by the opioid epidemic.