NFPA's ConnectU: Historic Win for Foster Youth + Conference Registration Now Open

National Foster Parent Association Newsletter - Mid Month Update, May 2026

The NFPA is a respected national voice for Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parents through Networking, Education and Advocacy.

Historic Bipartisan Legislation Championing Foster Youth

APPROVED by the

House of Representatives

This week, on Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 7432, the Fostering the Future Act. The passage of this historic bipartisan legislation championing foster youth would not have been possible without years of dedicated work by Ways and Means Committee Members, engaged stakeholders, and First Lady Melania Trump.

NFPA Executive Director Arnie Eby was honored to be present in the House Gallery for this historic and unanimous vote! Arnie attended alongside Dr. Amanda Cruce, NFPA CoSA Chair, and Gaile Osborne, Executive Director of the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina.

Legislation Quick Look

Bill: H.R. 7432, ‘The Fostering Future Act’
The bill modernizes the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood. (First major update since 1999).
It supports current & former foster youth as they transition from foster care to adulthood.
The bill now moves on to the Senate!

Key Links - Fostering the Future Act

HR 7432 Has Passed the House! Fostering the Future Act

New Bill to Watch

Grassley, Luján Introduce Bill to Better Prepare Foster Youth for Transition into Adulthood, Including Vital Documents and Available Services

Learn more >>

Registration Is Open for our

55th Education Conference & Impact Week!

Early registrants receive a $25 discount on the full 3-day session.

Dates: September 27th - 30th

Location: Crystal City, Virginia

Cost: $275 for early registrants; $300 for all 3 days, $125 for Individual Days. Contact us at info@nfpaonline.org for large group rates.

Focus: Creating Real Impact for Caregivers

We are most effective when we come together with one voice. The passing of H.R. 7432 is proof positive that when we let our legislators know what our needs are, great things happen.

Join fellow foster, adoptive, and kinship families, along with policymakers and experts, for powerful learning and connection, and to make your voice heard.

Highlights

Advocacy Day (Sept 28): Join us for our Hill Visitation Day – everyone is welcome! Advocate with the NFPA on behalf of foster families and children in care on the Hill in Washington, D.C., where your legislators can hear your voice.
Workshops & Sessions: Core supports, education, and adoption-competent care. All sessions are being designed with the needs of Foster, Adoptive and Kinship families in mind.

👉 Session schedule and updates: nfpaeducation.com

Sessions are being finalized and will be posted on our conference site by June 1st.

We are proud to be partnering with C.A.S.E, and express our gratitude to our event sponsor, Centene.

NEW Training on NFPATI!

Learn ways to keep the kids in your care safe from sexual exploitation when they are online.

Know2Protect® Digital Safety Series

In the DHS Know2Protect Digital Safety Series, Homeland Security Investigations special agents provide an overview of Project iGuardian®’s parent presentation to educate the public on how to stay safe online.

As we close out National Foster Care Month, the National Foster Parent Association and the Know2Protect Campaign encourage foster parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to view a new one-hour online safety session focused on protecting children from online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Foster children can face unique vulnerabilities online, making informed, trusted adults more important than ever. This free training is part of Know2Protect’s Project iGuardian program, which helps equip communities with tools and information to help keep teens and kids safe online.