Bill Overview
Title: Foster Youth and Driving Act
Description: This bill expands state foster care and adoption assistance programs to provide driving preparation assistance to foster youth and related training for foster parents. The bill further directs assistance to states and tribal organizations for age-appropriate foster youth to, among other things, obtain automobile insurance, complete driver's education, obtain a driver's license, and purchase a vehicle.
Sponsors: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Target Audience
Population: Foster youth impacted by driving preparation assistance
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill targets foster youth, who may lack parental support to learn driving skills and obtain a driver's license.
- It includes provisions for foster parents, who may need to facilitate their foster children's driving education.
- Driving is an essential skill for independence and employment opportunities, making it crucial for the wellbeing of foster youth.
- There are approximately 400,000 foster youth in the United States at any time, and a significant portion are of driving age.
- Globally, the number of children in foster care is higher, with many living in countries with support systems similar to the U.S.
Reasoning
- The policy is designed to aid foster youth in obtaining driving skills and licenses, which is crucial for independence, employment opportunities, and future well-being.
- The limited budget and large target population suggest that not all foster youth can be immediately served or fully funded by this program, even though it's a well-intentioned policy.
- Foster parents also play an essential role in this program, and their inclusion requires additional training and time resources.
Simulated Interviews
high school student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 17 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about this policy because driving is a key skill I need for college and work.
- Without this support, it would be hard to afford driving lessons and insurance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
part-time worker (Dallas, TX)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is crucial for me as it's tough to get around without a license.
- Having a car would mean I could accept jobs further away and increase my earnings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
foster parent (Seattle, WA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program is a relief; I was concerned about how to support my teen’s driving education.
- The training for parents is a great addition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
social worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy will benefit many of the teens I work with.
- It offers a structured path to a skill that's often assumed but not accessible to many foster youth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
retired (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any assistance is welcome; rural areas desperately need support for transportation-related costs.
- I worry whether this will reach our part of the country effectively.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
college student (New York, NY)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having support to get a driving license would make life easier and cheaper for me.
- I'm scared I'll have to depend on friends for rides indefinitely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
high school student (Miami, FL)
Age: 16 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Finally, an opportunity to learn a skill that can help me break the cycle of moving.
- I hope I get chosen to receive the benefits of this program soon.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
middle school student (Denver, CO)
Age: 14 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing this program will be available when I'm older makes me feel more secure.
- It's good to know that foster families also get support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
teacher (Boston, MA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy complements what I teach by offering tangible support.
- However, I worry about the adequacy of funds given the large number of foster youth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
program manager (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I'm no longer directly impacted, seeing such support makes me hopeful for future generations.
- This could break barriers for current foster teens.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $480000000 (Low: $380000000, High: $580000000)
Year 3: $460000000 (Low: $360000000, High: $560000000)
Year 5: $420000000 (Low: $320000000, High: $520000000)
Year 10: $380000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $460000000)
Year 100: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Key Considerations
- Cost and complexity of implementing driver preparation programs vary by state and tribal organization.
- Insurance premiums will likely require subsidies due to foster youth's lack of credit and driving history.
- Long-term economic benefits depend on the successful transition of foster youth to employment post-training.