West OC Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Amid rising concerns of mental health challenges facing vulnerable youth, Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) has introduced the Foster Youth Mental Health Support Act to ensure increased mental health support for children in foster care.

Steel aims to have her legislation included in the upcoming Title IV-B reauthorization providing child welfare guidelines and funding to states. The bill would require state child welfare plans to include mental health services for foster youth, care which the American Academy of Pediatrics has cited as the largest unmet need for this population.

“Foster youth are among the most vulnerable members of society, as a lack of family stability often negatively impacts emotional and mental health,” said Steel. “My bill would create more consistent access to crucial mental health services for children and teenagers in foster systems, placing a large portion of the next generation on a pathway to success and good health.”

Steel is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, which has jurisdiction over provisions of the Social Security Act including child and family services and foster care.