2026 Key Child Welfare Policy Issues
These resources highlight policy opportunities in 2026 to help ensure children and youth with lived experience in foster care find safety, stability and success, and to learn more about California’s child welfare system.
The Policies
2026 Key Child Welfare Policy Issues
This overview summarizes issues critical to the well-being of children and youth in foster care.
Child Welfare Disaster Response
A statewide Child Welfare Disaster Response Fund should be established to support disaster-impacted children and youth in foster care and foster families.
Housing Stability for Transition Age Youth (TAY) in Foster Care
State housing programs should prioritize youth and expand dedicated, youth-centered housing and supportive services through sustained funding and partnerships with organizations that have youth expertise.
Education Supports and Services for Students in Foster Care
Students in foster care need targeted services and supports to meet their unique educational needs.
Tiered Foster Care Rate Structure
The rate provided to support young people in family homes is important to meeting their needs and creating stability.
Promoting the Health and Well-Being
of Current and Former Foster Youth
of Current and Former Foster Youth
To heal and thrive, youth require access to comprehensive health services to meet their needs.
Youth’s Perspectives on Improving Foster Care
Youth with foster care experience guide our policies—by listening and acting on their recommendations, we create real improvements to help them thrive.
Opportunities to Learn More
Child Welfare Policy Roundtable
This monthly meeting highlights the major child welfare and foster care issues facing California.
Children Now’s Child Welfare Policy Team
We aim to transform the child welfare system to ensure youth in foster care thrive.
Please contact Susanna Kniffen at [email protected] if you have any questions about the issues.
About Children Now
Children Now is a nonpartisan, multi-issue research, policy development and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting children’s health and education in California. The organization also leads The Children’s Movement of California, a network of direct service, parent, civil rights, faith-based and community groups dedicated to improving children’s well-being. Learn more about us here.