U.S. Rep. Yakym underscores community solutions to strengthen families

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

This news release provided by Congressman Yakym's office.

Tuesday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) participated in a Ways and Means Work & Welfare Subcommittee hearing on Innovation for Foster Youth’s Success. During the hearing, he highlighted CarePortal, an organization that connects families with the physical resources they need through local partners. These items, which range from car seats to cribs, are provided at no cost and can help keep families together instead of a child potentially entering the foster care system. CarePortal currently operates in 24 counties in Indiana and is working to expand.

“Government may not be able to love a child, but it can help ensure that organizations like CarePortal have the tools they need to support families,” Rep. Yakym said. “Time and again, we see neighbors and local partners stepping in to meet urgent needs. When a family gets the right help at the right moment, it can be the difference between keeping that family together and a child entering foster care.”

This hearing follows President Trump’s recent executive order to modernize America’s foster care system and equip young people transitioning out of foster care with stronger tools, resources, and opportunities that promote lifelong independence and success.

The executive order also launches the “Fostering the Future” initiative, led by First Lady Melania Trump, to improve the quality of federal resources and agency capabilities while strengthening public and private partnerships. This initiative expands educational, employment, and mentorship opportunities for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood.

Learn more about President Trump’s Executive Order here.

Watch Rep. Yakym’s line of questioning here.