Recommended as a Trusted Platform by National Lived Experience Experts
A coalition of leading foster care organizations recommended Foster Greatness to federal leadership as a trusted source of information and resource navigation for youth in and leaving foster care.
The Context
Understanding the federal initiative that prompted this recommendation
The Executive Order
In November 2025, the White House issued "Fostering the Future for American Children and Families", charging federal agencies to develop technology solutions to better support youth in and leaving foster care.
Read the Executive OrderThe Coalition
Leading organizations with expertise in federal and state policy, direct service, program implementation, and lived experience convened to provide implementation recommendations to the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the National Design Studio.
What They Said About Foster Greatness
"This digital platform provides former and current foster youth and their supporters discovery technology for more than 500,000+ resources across the U.S. and provides access to free 1 on 1 peer-coaching resource navigation to former foster youth using the community. The national resource hub also includes a HIPAA compliant Benefits Screener that allows members to discover every federal and state specific public benefit they qualify for within minutes and includes direct links to benefit applications. The community includes private job boards, a nationwide community co-created scholarship board, advocacy opportunity hub, and more resources. The digital platform is developed, designed, and managed by current and former foster youth."
— From the coalition memo to the Administration for Children and Families, February 2026
8 Recommendations to Federal Leadership
The coalition offered these recommendations to support and maximize the success of tech-leveraged solutions for foster youth.
Support and Develop Trusted Sources of Information and Resource Navigators
Build on existing trusted platforms developed in close collaboration with young people and community members, rather than starting from scratch.
Ensure Users Can Connect with Live Support
Integrate the platform with existing live supports and networks — the connection to a real person has been key to building trust with users.
Remove Barriers to Technological Access
Address internet access, device ownership, and digital skills barriers that disproportionately affect foster youth.
Protect User Data, Including HIPAA Compliance
Allow platform use without storing personal information without informed consent. Protect against identity theft and data sharing.
Cover Transportation, Financial Security, and Life Skills
Expand beyond housing, education, and healthcare to include transportation, financial security, and life skills building.
Play to the Strengths of the Federal Government
Include critical federal program information like Independent Living coordinators, housing voucher contacts, and Foster Youth Bill of Rights.
Prioritize Access for Youth with Diverse Experiences and Abilities
Build a platform accessible for young people with disabilities, rural/urban differences, limited broadband, and developmental differences.
Test with Intended Users and Develop Feedback Loops
Test the platform with an array of potential users and develop ongoing feedback mechanisms including external evaluations.
Trusted Sources Named in the Memo
These organizations were highlighted as examples of trusted platforms and resource navigators currently serving foster youth.
Foster Greatness Digital Community
Digital platform providing 500,000+ resources, free 1-on-1 peer-coaching navigation, HIPAA-compliant benefits screener, job boards, scholarship board, and advocacy hub — developed, designed, and managed by current and former foster youth.
iFoster
Largest community network in child welfare with 100,000+ active members, HIPAA-compliant AI agents, and Medicaid-certified Peer Support Specialists.
FosterClub
National network for young people in foster care with HelpHub resource database, Peer Navigators, and comprehensive transition planning tools.
Think of Us
Virtual Support Services connecting youth and families to resources through tech-enabled strategies, currently operating in California, Georgia, and Greater Boston.
MIT Media Lab
Research projects developed with foster youth including digital wallets for vital documents, safe transportation platforms, social connection through gaming, goal-planning apps, and youth-caregiver matching.
Join Our Mission
Whether you're a foster youth seeking support, an organization looking to partner, or someone who wants to make a difference — there's a place for you.