H.R. 7419 — Foster Care Stabilization Act of 2026

This section establishes a demonstration grant program under SSA §426(d) by awarding three grants of not more than $1 million each to foster care stabilization agencies (i.e., local public or private nonprofit entities with expertise serving foster youth under age 26) for providing emergency relief and improving pre-placement services to foster youth awaiting placement. Grants must be spent within three years, with applications describing proposed uses; allowable activities include hiring personnel, providing clothing and necessities (not to exceed $250 per youth per year), purchasing food and equipment, preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect, and other emergency assistance; the HHS Secretary must reserve $45,000 of relevant funds for administration, oversight, and technical assistance and submit a report to Congress evaluating grant uses, outcomes, and home transfers (i.e., initial and subsequent foster care placements). Funding is available to the extent that annual appropriations under §426(a) exceed the prior fiscal year's amount by more than $5 million.