MONTGOMERY, AL — Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed a proclamation formalizing a renewed partnership between the State of Alabama and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), reinforcing a shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and families statewide.
The signing took place alongside ACF Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams and Nancy Buckner, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
“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 Donald Trump for prioritizing the wellbeing of families and for working with states to remove barriers and empower solutions that put people first.”
The proclamation outlines Alabama’s intent to enter into a new Program Improvement Plan (PIP) and establishes the guiding principle of “A Home for Every Child.” The initiative aims to advance child safety, permanency and overall wellbeing, while also encouraging innovation, reducing administrative burdens and strengthening collaboration across systems.
As part of the announcement, Adams and Buckner also confirmed that Alabama will ensure survivor benefits received by foster children are preserved, allowing those funds to be available as youth transition into 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.”
State officials said the proclamation builds on ongoing improvements in Alabama’s child welfare system, including enhanced safety practices, expanded prevention services and improved permanency outcomes. The effort also aligns with broader federal initiatives aimed at streamlining processes so frontline workers can focus more directly on supporting 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 the “A Home for Every Child” initiative, Alabama officials reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, accountability and ensuring children across the state have opportunities to grow up in supportive and stable environments.
