Bill · H.R. 8566· House(119-HR-8566)
Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act
- Introduced
- 4/29/2026
- Last activity
- 4/29/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Don Bacon
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act," aims to encourage specialized foster care programs. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would establish a competitive grant pilot program over a five-year period. This program would provide up to five grants to eligible entities to develop programs specifically for certain sibling groups. These groups include those with three or more siblings, wide age ranges, or complex needs. The funds are intended to help identify and place these sibling groups together using evidence-based methods.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill provides resources to keep siblings together in the foster care system.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+3
The bill assists children in the foster care system, who are among the most economically vulnerable populations.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+3
The bill provides specialized support for youth with disabilities in the foster care system.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes a specific limited appropriation of up to $10,000,000 for a new grant program.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Sibling Groups: The bill encourages the development of specialized foster care programs designed for groups of 3 or more siblings, those with wide age ranges, and those with complex needs (Section 2(a)). This is intended to help place these specific sibling groups together.
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Focus on High-Need Youth: The program targets youth with complex needs, which includes those exhibiting challenging behaviors, severe mental health needs, disabilities, or life-threatening illnesses (Section 2(a)).
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Addressing Complex Family Dynamics: The bill recognizes that complex needs can arise from siblings in foster care having different parents, which could impact their ability to be placed together (Section 2(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limited Number of Grants: The Secretary is authorized to make not more than 5 grants (Section 2(a)). This limit means only a small number of entities will receive this specific type of support.
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Funding Caps: The total amount authorized to be appropriated for this program is not more than $10,000,000 (Section 2(g)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Low Income Households+3Good For People With Disabilities+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Mental Health Access+3
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-1
- 7/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/29/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gwen MooreDemocrat · Wisconsin
Zachary NunnRepublican · Iowa
Debbie Wasserman SchultzDemocrat · Florida