Peoria Standard

Yesterday, Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Jason Smith (MO-08) attended a White House ceremony with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for the signing of the "Fostering the Future for American Children and Families" Executive Order. The order aims to improve support for youth transitioning out of foster care by expanding access to education, housing, and other resources.

"It was a privilege to join President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order," said Representative LaHood. "This Executive Order delivers real results for youth transitioning out of foster care by expanding opportunities to further their education, obtain housing, and access resources that will help them lead successful lives.

"As Chairman of the Ways and Means Work & Welfare Subcommittee, I’ve been proud to partner with the Administration to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children in foster care. Today's signing was a historic investment in the success of future generations. I look forward to continuing to work with the President, First Lady, and my colleagues to advance meaningful reforms to our foster care system and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive."

Chairman Smith also spoke about his experience with family law before Congress: “Through this executive order, President Trump and the First Lady are helping foster youth have better futures. Before I came to Congress, I practiced family law and saw firsthand the impacts of the child welfare system on children and families," said Chairman Smith. "At the Committee on Ways and Means, one of our top priorities has been to elevate the voices of regular Americans, including children in foster care, and finding ways to work together to improve the child welfare system. This latest action by the Trump Administration will help inform our work on the Committee to advance solutions to improve our foster youth programs.

“Last Congress, our Committee passed a historic reauthorization of child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, enacting the most significant reforms to the program since 2008.

“We have spent this year looking at another program in our jurisdiction, the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, with the same goal of enacting needed bipartisan reforms. This program exclusively serves some of our nation’s most vulnerable youth, those aging out of foster care without connections to family or supportive adults. We are holding a second hearing on the program next week to learn from industry leaders about how technology can be used to improve outcomes.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Trump Administration to do everything we can to maximize support for youth in foster care.”

The executive order is part of an initiative led by First Lady Melania Trump that seeks better coordination among federal programs supporting foster youth as they transition into adulthood. It includes provisions aimed at improving access not only to housing but also education and job training opportunities.

This effort aligns with Representative LaHood's previous legislative work; he sponsored H.R. 9076—the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act—which became law in January 2025 as a reform measure for Title IV-B programs.

In Congress’ ongoing efforts regarding foster care policy reform, nearly 16,000 young people age out of foster care each year without permanent family connections. Many face challenges such as low high school graduation rates—only half finish—and just three percent earn college degrees. Twenty percent become homeless after leaving care while only half secure stable employment by age 24.

The Work & Welfare Subcommittee continues its focus on these issues through hearings examining ways technology can assist former foster youth in achieving better outcomes.

Darin LaHood currently represents Illinois’ 16th district in Congress after succeeding Aaron Schock in 2015. In 2022 he won reelection against Elizabeth Haderlein with approximately two-thirds of votes cast.