Trump Signs Executive Order Supporting Foster Youth

On November 13, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed executive order “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families.” The order is intended to improve the foster care system in the United States and provide additional support for current and former foster kids through initiatives aimed at education, employment, and resource access for youth in foster care.

First Lady Melania Trump has spearheaded the program, which is a part of her Best Best campaign first launched in 2018. She shared her hope in its potential to create a better future for American children:

“‘Fostering the Future for American Children and Families’ gives me tremendous pride. It is both empathetic and strategic. It will certainly be impactful.”

Purpose of the Executive Order

The order directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modernize child-welfare systems by:

• Improving state child-welfare data collection and reporting.
• Tracking placement outcomes, reducing placement disruptions, and generally supporting foster families.
• Expanding use of technology, by using predictive analytics (AI), to match children with caregivers.
• Developing programs that help current and former foster youth find housing, education, healthcare, employment, and financial aid.

The order also encourages nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and private-sector partners to work collaboratively to better the lives of kids in care.

When will it go into effect?

The order will take effect within 180 days of its signing (around May 12, 2026), with federal agencies coordinating to create and update related policies that will help implement the plan outlines above

Benefits for Children and Families

The Fostering the Future order includes provisions aimed at expanding caregiver recruitment and retention. This will emphasize partnerships with faith-based organizations and other community groups to ensure qualified individuals or organizations are not excluded from federally funded programs due to religious or moral beliefs.

• The online platform: Youth in or transitioning out of foster care will have access to guidance on housing, healthcare, education, and career opportunities.
• Education and Training Vouchers: Expanded access to short-term, career-focused programs and credential-awarding courses.
• Scholarships and partnerships: The Trump administration encourages collaboration with nonprofits and faith-based organizations to offer resources for education and mentorship.
• Enhanced accountability: States will track key outcomes through annual scorecards to ensure the well-being of children in foster care.

READ THE WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET ON THE ORDER HERE

First Lady Melania Trump’s Work with Children and Families

As First Lady, Melania Trump’s platform focuses on issues affecting American children and families, including youth in foster care, military families, and children navigating health and education challenges. Her works include initiatives like Be Best and Fostering the Future, which highlight programs and resources that support children in foster care and their caregivers.

In her role, she meets regularly with communities, visiting schools, hospitals, and military bases to meet with young people in order to understand their experiences and the challenges they face. She also collaborates with nonprofit partners, faith-based organizations, and the private sector to support foster care, education, and child well-being.

Lady Melania Trump has drawn attention to foster youth by leveraging her role as goodwill ambassador, supporting organizations like the American Heart Association and American Red Cross, and participating in high-profile ad campaigns and public engagements. Her work demonstrates a deep appreciation for the role of parents and caregivers in creating a better future for American children.

The Fostering the Future order is also part of Trump’s awareness campaign focused on improving outcomes for American children and families. The White House, along with First Lady Melania Trump, is working to raise public awareness about foster care and the resources available for children and families.

Potential Impact

The Fostering the Future initiative under the executive order is designed to provide children in foster care with increased access to resources and services, improve coordination between federal and state agencies, and support youth transitioning to independence. By expanding access to educational opportunities, career guidance, and mentorship, the initiative seeks to improve outcomes for American children and families, foster youth, and caregivers nationwide.

Looking Ahead

The executive order signed by President Trump has the potential to transform foster care in the United States. By combining policy changes, technology, and partnerships with the private sector, the Trump administration and First Lady Melania Trump aim to give foster youth the tools to succeed in education, employment, and life.

For parents, families, and communities, this order is a call to action: support foster youth, provide guidance, and help create a brighter future for the next generation. Through Fostering the Future, the Trump administration hopes to ensure that all children have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and feel secure in safe, loving homes.

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