Former Idaho health official Alex Adams, nominated by President Trump, aims to replicate his state-level success with foster care at the federal level. As the prospective assistant secretary of the Administration for Children and Families, he hopes to narrow the gap between the number of kids in foster care and the families ready to support them.
Former Idaho health official brings same foster home focus to federal post
Key Takeaways:
- Alex Adams served as a health official in Idaho before his federal nomination.
- He has been nominated by President Trump to be assistant secretary of the Administration for Children and Families.
- His primary goal is to improve the ratio of foster families to foster children nationwide.
- He plans to expand strategies he used in Idaho to the national level.
- The story originally appeared in Dnews on November 29, 2025.
Background on Alex Adams
Alex Adams built his reputation in Idaho’s health sector, where he focused considerable attention on fostering stronger support systems for children in need. His commitment to child welfare, particularly in matching foster kids with stable, caring families, laid the groundwork for what would become a defining theme of his career.
A New Federal Chapter
Adams’s nomination by President Trump to serve as assistant secretary of the Administration for Children and Families signals a move from state-level success to national leadership. His supporters point out that his previous experience in Idaho provides a solid springboard for broader reforms.
Foster Care Goals
At the heart of Adams’s mission is improving the ratio of foster families to foster children. Citing the need for more families willing to foster, he hopes to scale up efforts that were successful in Idaho, ensuring that states across the country have resources to meet the demand for foster care placements.
Quote on His Vision
“Trump nominee Alex Adams is hoping to improve the ratio of foster families to foster kids nationwide,” the original report notes, illustrating his determination to bring greater attention to this issue at the federal level.
Looking Ahead
If confirmed, Adams’s role in the Administration for Children and Families could have far-reaching impacts on policies designed to support children in need. By applying what worked in Idaho on a broader scale, he aims to address the critical gap between children requiring foster care and the families available to welcome them.