Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday that more than 3,400 children in the state’s foster care system will be enrolled in a federal savings program known as “Trump Accounts,” aimed at helping minors build long-term financial assets before adulthood.
The program was created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and provides tax-advantaged investment accounts for people under 18. Children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028, will receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Those outside that window may still have accounts opened but will not receive the initial federal contribution.
State officials said foster youth will be automatically enrolled through coordination with the Division of Children and Family Services and their assigned caregivers within the foster system. The accounts are intended to provide financial resources for young people who may age out of foster care without family-based financial support.
Funds in the accounts are held in tax-advantaged investments similar to individual retirement accounts and cannot be accessed until withdrawal eligibility begins on Jan. 1 of the year the account holder turns 18.
Division of Children and Family Services Director Tiffany Wright said the program is designed to help close financial gaps for youth in foster care and provide support as they transition into adulthood. She said the accounts are intended to help ensure foster youth have resources available when they leave state care.
Officials said contributions to the accounts may come from eligible outside sources, though no state contribution has been announced.
Sanders said the program is intended to give foster youth a financial foundation and expand opportunities for long-term stability as they transition out of care.
State officials also noted broader foster care trends in Arkansas, including a reported decline in the number of children awaiting adoption.
The federal program is scheduled to become active on July 4, 2026, according to program information.
