House Resolution Demands Explicit Rights for Foster Youth: Education Stability, Health Access, and Sibling Contact

This House Resolution isn’t a new law, but it’s Congress putting its foot down on paper, expressing the "sense of the House" that foster youth deserve specific, non-negotiable rights. Essentially, it’s a detailed blueprint for how the system should treat kids in care, laying out everything from educational stability to the right to see their siblings.

The Data Behind the Demand

Before listing the rights, the resolution hits hard with some sobering facts that show the system is currently failing too many young people. We’re talking about adults who were in foster care being twice as likely to lack a high school diploma or GED compared to their peers. The resolution also points out that Black and Indigenous children are overrepresented in the system and less likely to find permanent homes. And here’s a real gut punch: studies show that up to a third of foster youth in some states report experiencing maltreatment while in care. This resolution is essentially saying, We see these problems, and we need to fix the foundation.

Non-Negotiable Rights for Kids in Care

For the 25-to-45-year-old reader who understands that stability is everything—whether in a job or a home—the rights listed here are critical. The resolution insists that foster youth have the right to educational stability, meaning they should be able to stay in their original school if they choose, even if their placement changes. This is huge; switching schools mid-year can derail a student's progress instantly.

On the health front, the resolution demands access to all necessary services: medical, dental, vision, and crucially, mental health needs. Furthermore, it asserts the right to be free from neglect, abuse, and corporal punishment, and the right to have legal representation (an attorney or guardian ad litem).

Keeping Families Together (When Possible)

One provision that directly addresses the human cost of the system is the right to maintain contact with siblings. The resolution notes that separating siblings slows adjustment to new homes and negatively affects academic performance. For any working parent or sibling who understands the importance of family support, this right to contact is a lifeline for kids navigating a difficult transition.

Finally, the resolution highlights the right to have regular and reasonable contact with their assigned caseworker. While this sounds great on paper—and social workers are recognized as essential support—the term "regular and reasonable" is subjective. For an agency already stretched thin, this vagueness could mean inconsistent contact, which is a practical challenge that needs clear metrics to truly benefit the youth relying on that support.