Representatives Zach Nunn, Don Bacon, and Gwen Moore introduced the Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act on April 29. The bipartisan bill aims to help keep brothers and sisters together while they are in foster care. Nunn also introduced a resolution recognizing April as National Foster Sibling Connection Month.
The legislation addresses the frequent separation of siblings in foster care, which research shows can negatively affect children’s emotional stability and long-term outcomes. According to Nunn, “When brothers and sisters enter foster care, staying together can be the difference between stability and a traumatic disruption in a young life. Kelly and I experienced this personally, adopting two daughters, two siblings, who had each other as they made a very difficult transition.” He added that capacity is often the biggest barrier to keeping siblings together: “This bill funds the foster care models that can actually keep siblings together, and our resolution makes clear that Congress sees this as a priority.”
The act would authorize $10 million over five years for a pilot program within the Department of Health and Human Services to develop new approaches prioritizing sibling placement. It would establish competitive grants for state, tribal, local, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations to expand these models. Grantees would be required to collect data on placement outcomes.
Bacon said: “Keeping siblings together in the foster care system significantly increases their chance of having positive life outcomes.” He noted his own experience as an adoptive parent of siblings: “This bipartisan foster care package helps address the unique challenges faced by families caring for sibling groups with large numbers, wide age ranges, and complex needs.” Moore said: “The sibling bond is so important…when siblings become separated in the foster care system it can create more distress and pain for children and families.” She added that she was proud to join her colleagues introducing this legislation.
Nunn’s office was based in Des Moines serving residents across 21 counties according to the official website. He prioritized pragmatic policies supporting families and children according to his official website. Nunn served on both House Financial Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee according to his official website. He represented Iowa’s Third Congressional District covering central and southern Iowa according to his official website, where his office also offered constituent assistance with federal agencies according to his official website.
The companion resolution calls on agencies at all levels of government to prioritize joint placement of siblings. It seeks improved data collection about separations with an aim toward reducing trauma for youth during their time in or after leaving foster care.
