We know many families are hearing news about possible federal changes. Formed Families Forward is still here — fully operating and committed to supporting foster, adoptive, and kinship families raising children and youth with disabilities and special needs.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is federal law that directs provision of special education and related services to eligible child and youth with disabilities. IDEA protections remain in full effect. The law has not changed.
Our mission remains the same: Supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families of children and youth with disabilities and other specialized needs.
To learn more, read the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fact sheet:
You can also read The Arc’s statement on why moving special education and civil rights oversight out of the Department of Education raises concerns for students with disabilities HERE.
The Council for Exceptional Children has additional information on the proposed move HERE.
We’re here through every transition — and we’re not going anywhere.
Additional updates as of 6/21:
June 25th 2026 National Call-In Day: Protect IDEA, Keep It at the Department of Education
On June 25th 2026, advocates nationwide will call Congress to oppose moving oversight of IDEA and the Office for Civil Rights out of the U.S. Department of Education. Call your Senators and Representative through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and urge them to keep OSERS and the Office for Civil Rights at ED.
You can find the script here:
https://bit.ly/IDEA-CALL-IN-SCRIPT