Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) participated in a Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee hearing, where he spotlighted the success of fellow Hoosier Dr. Maggie Stevens and Foster Success, a nonprofit that equips teens and young adults as they transition from foster care to adulthood.
“Dr. Stevens and the Foster Success model have achieved outcomes nearly 10% higher than the national average for older foster youth completing credential programs,” Rep. Yakym said. “To better support foster youth and improve federal accountability, we must reform funding formulas to ensure resources are directed where they’re needed most.”
Background:
In 2022, Indiana served over 3,200 older foster youth through Chafee-funded programs, with 29% of ETV recipients completing their credentials within six years—10% higher than the national average.
Despite this success, federal Chafee funding is allocated based on the total number of youth in foster care, not the number of older youth eligible for services. From 2018 to 2023, Indiana’s overall foster care population dropped by over 50%, largely among younger children, while the number of older eligible youth increased. As a result, Indiana experienced a 15% funding cut in 2023, even as demand for services rose.
Dr. Stevens advocated for updating the federal formula to reflect actual program eligibility and demand. She also outlined Foster Success’s financial empowerment initiatives, including:
- Opportunity Passport: a matched savings program that helps youth purchase essential assets like cars or housing.
- A credit-building program to help youth establish or repair credit and gain financial independence.
Some of the key barriers include lack of awareness and reluctance among 18-year-olds to remain in a system they associate with negative experiences. Allowing youth to opt back in to services later has proven effective.
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