Foster Youth Mental Health Support Act

Section 422(b)(15)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(15) is amended—

(1) in the matter preceding clause (i)—

(A) by inserting and, if applicable, the State agency responsible for mental health services, before and in consultation; and

(B) by inserting mental health providers, before other experts;

(2) in clause (ii), by inserting a list of services provided to support the physical and before emotional;

(3) in clause (iv), by inserting an mental health before services;

(4) in clause (v), by inserting, informed consent of youth, and compliance with professional practice guidelines before the semicolon; and

(5) in clause (vi), by inserting, mental health providers, before or other.

The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2026, and shall apply to payments under subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date.

If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in order for a State plan developed pursuant to subpart 1 of part B of title IV of the Social Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by this section, the plan shall not be regarded as failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the 1st day of the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. For purposes of the preceding sentence, if the State has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.