Alabama joins A Home for Every Child initiative

Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday joined Administration for Children and Families Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams and Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner to sign a proclamation formalizing a renewed partnership between Alabama and ACF within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The release said the agreement reinforces a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families across the state.

“As a proudly pro-life state, Alabama believes our responsibility does not end at birth — it continues by ensuring every child is supported, protected and given the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving home,” Ivey said. “By formalizing this partnership and building on our strong progress, we are taking another step forward in delivering real results for our children. I appreciate President Trump for prioritizing the well-being of families and for working with states to remove barriers and empower solutions that put people first.”

The proclamation memorializes Alabama’s intent to enter a new Program Improvement Plan and establishes the guiding principle of A Home for Every Child. Through the effort, the governor’s office said Alabama and its federal partners will continue advancing child safety, permanency and well-being while promoting innovation, reducing administrative burdens and strengthening collaboration across systems.

Adams and Buckner also announced that Alabama will ensure survivor benefits received by foster children are preserved so they can have a better transition to adulthood.

“I am grateful Governor Ivey has joined a rapidly expanding list of governors taking bold steps to prioritize the needs of children in foster care,” Adams said. “Alabama is now the 10th state to join A Home for Every Child, and through this initiative, the state will be able to refocus efforts to ensure no child is waiting for a foster home, but instead, loving and safe homes are waiting on children. And by taking concurrent action to preserve federal benefits for foster youth, Alabama is ensuring children in foster care also have the resources they need to succeed. Thank you, Governor Ivey, for your leadership.”

The proclamation builds on Alabama’s continued improvements in child welfare, including stronger safety practices, expanded prevention services and improved permanency outcomes, the governor’s office said. It also aligns with a broader federal effort to streamline processes and allow frontline professionals to focus more directly on serving children and families.

“We are extremely proud to strengthen our partnership with ACF to further achieve meaningful outcomes for Alabama children and families and to announce our commitment to expand resources for foster children by preserving survivor benefits for those eligible,” Buckner said. “We are thankful for the progressive thinking of President Trump and his administration and the commonsense approach to child welfare changes. Alongside Governor Ivey’s leadership, Alabama DHR will continue to advance child safety and permanency while providing safety, stability and a loving home for every foster child.”

Through A Home for Every Child, Alabama “reaffirms its commitment to innovation, accountability and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed in a supportive and caring environment,” the release said.