Reynolds Signs Foster Care Reform Bill, Expands Federal Partnership to Boost Foster Homes

DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds on Tuesday signed new legislation aimed at overhauling Iowa’s foster care training system while also committing the state to a federal initiative designed to increase the number of foster homes.

The new law, Senate File 2096, shifts Iowa’s foster parent training requirements from a time-based model to a competency-based approach. State leaders say the change will better prepare caregivers while removing barriers that have discouraged some qualified individuals from entering the foster system.

“By adopting this modernized training framework, we’re reducing obstacles for prospective foster parents, and creating more stable, supportive homes for children,” Reynolds said. “This effort reinforces our commitment to ensuring every child has an opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving environment.”

Alongside the legislation, Reynolds signed a joint proclamation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), formally joining the national initiative “A Home for Every Child.” The program seeks to improve the balance between available foster homes and children in need of placement, with a focus on stability and caregiver support.

Alex J. Adams, assistant secretary for ACF, welcomed Iowa as the ninth state to join the initiative.

“Iowa is removing barriers that might discourage loving families from fostering, supporting and expanding kinship care, and cutting red tape that too often distracts from caring for our most vulnerable children,” Adams said.

The initiative aligns with federal efforts to improve foster care outcomes, including President Donald Trump’s executive order “Fostering the Future” and broader national strategies focused on child welfare.

State officials say the newly signed law introduces several key changes. Training for foster parents will now emphasize demonstrated skills rather than required hours, allowing the Department of Health and Human Services to tailor instruction to individual caregivers and the specific needs of children in their care. The law also recognizes prior professional or lived experience, which could streamline the process for applicants such as teachers, nurses and other trained professionals.

At the same time, core training topics—including trauma, attachment, safety and behavior management—will remain mandatory.

Officials expect the changes to improve placement matching and reduce disruptions by ensuring foster parents are better prepared for the specific needs of each child. The more flexible system is also intended to boost recruitment and retention of foster families.

The legislation builds on recent efforts in Iowa to strengthen families and reduce reliance on foster care. Programs such as home visiting services, family preservation initiatives and subsidized guardianship have contributed to fewer children entering the system, more placements with relatives and fewer youths aging out of care without permanent support.

Iowa Health and Human Services Director Larry Johnson said the state is also investing in technology to improve child welfare services.

“Partnering with Google on our Vision project ensures that our workforce has the tools they need to focus their time on what’s most important—spending time with families,” Johnson said.

State leaders say the combined efforts—policy reform, federal partnership and system modernization—are aimed at creating a more stable, responsive foster care system that better serves Iowa’s most vulnerable children.