; Whereas some relative caregivers receive less financial assistance and support services than do foster caregivers; Whereas recent studies show foster children enrolled in Medicaid were prescribed antipsychotic medications at nearly 4 times the rate of other children receiving Medicaid; Whereas youth in foster care are much more likely to face educational instability, with 65 percent of former foster children experiencing at least 7 school changes while in care; Whereas an increased emphasis on prevention and reunification services is necessary to reduce the number of children that enter or reenter the foster care system; Whereas the effects of the COVID–19 pandemic have created additional challenges for youth and families in the child welfare system, including delays in permanency, economic hardships, and disruptions in education; Whereas more than 20,000 youth age out of foster care annually without a legal permanent connection to an adult or family, with 20 percent of them becoming instantly homeless; Whereas the number of youth who age out of foster care has steadily increased for the past decade; Whereas foster care is intended to be a temporary placement, but children remain in the foster care system for an average of 19.6 months; Whereas children in foster care experience an average of 3 different placements, which often leads to disruption of routines and the need to change schools and move away from siblings, extended families, and familiar surroundings; Whereas children entering foster care often confront the widespread misperception that children in foster care are disruptive, unruly, and dangerous, even though placement in foster care is based on the actions of a parent or guardian, not the child; Whereas children who age out of foster care lack the security or support of a biological or adoptive family and frequently struggle to secure affordable housing, obtain health insurance, pursue higher education, and acquire adequate employment