Bill Overview
Title: Foster Care Stabilization Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Administration for Children and Families to award demonstration grants to foster care stabilization agencies to improve services for foster youth awaiting placement and for other emergency assistance.
Sponsors: Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
Target Audience
Population: Foster youth
Estimated Size: 400000
- Foster youth are the primary population affected by this bill as it aims to improve services for these individuals.
- The bill specifically targets those foster youth who are awaiting placement, a subset of the foster care system.
- Foster care systems in many countries, including the US, have children and youth under their supervision.
- The additional support through demonstration grants may also indirectly affect foster care agencies, social workers, and potentially foster families, but the primary focus remains on the youth.
- Global foster care populations vary, but substantial numbers exist in most regions due to various socio-economic factors.
Reasoning
- Considering there are approximately 400,000 foster youth in the United States, the policy is primarily expected to impact this group. However, its effectiveness will depend on how the funds are allocated and the capacity of local agencies to implement the improvements needed.
- A significant portion of the budget will likely focus on immediate necessities such as improved emergency placements and support services that can directly influence wellbeing.
- The distribution of funds might lead to variations in impact across different areas, reflecting disparities in local resources and pre-existing infrastructure for foster care.
- Given the limited budget on a per capita basis, not every individual in foster care will see an improvement, hence the need to identify the intensity and duration of the impact among those affected.
Simulated Interviews
Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 17 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been waiting for a stable foster placement for a long time.
- I hope this policy can help speed things up and provide more support while I wait.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Student (Chicago, IL)
Age: 15 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that helps us avoid staying in temporary shelters for too long would be great.
- Having more support services is really important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Student (Houston, TX)
Age: 11 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s hard moving so often, it'd be good if I could stay in one place longer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Social Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone who works in the system, I see how improvements can really make or break a kid's experience in care.
- We need funding for more services and diversity in placement options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Foster Parent (Miami, FL)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy can help create a more stable environment for kids before they come to our home.
- I'm hopeful it will help with the resources we need too.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While this bill is a step in the right direction, practical execution will determine its success.
- The key is in efficiently directing funds where they are most needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Community College Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wish these systems were in place when I was waiting for placement.
- I support policies that can improve the foster system for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (Denver, CO)
Age: 12 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hoping for a more permanent place.
- I like my new school and want to stay there.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Hospitality Intern (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 16 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More support while waiting for a stable placement is great.
- Programs that help beyond placement are also important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Student (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 13 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope policy changes keep me closer to my family when I'm placed elsewhere.
- Consistency in where I live is important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $450000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $500000000)
Year 2: $450000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $500000000)
Year 3: $450000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $500000000)
Year 5: $450000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $500000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Service and administrative costs will be incurred to implement the program effectively.
- Focus on long-term stability and positive outcomes for foster youth can potentially reduce future system burdens.
- Initial government investment is necessary to drive program success.
- Uncertain economic conditions could impact funding allocation and program reach.