The Support, Opportunity, Unity, Legal Relationships (SOUL) Amendment Act of 2025 seeks to create a new permanency pathway for youth aged 16 and older transitioning from foster care to adulthood by establishing "support families." This legislation amends Chapter 23 of Title 16 of the District of Columbia Official Code to introduce a framework for these support families, which consist of caring adults who provide both support and legal relationships for the youth. Key provisions include the ability for youth to request a change to their permanency plan to SOUL, the establishment of support families through court motions, and the allocation of rights and responsibilities among family members. The bill emphasizes a youth-driven process for developing support family agreements, which must be signed by all parties involved, including the youth, caregivers, and the Agency.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the procedures for support family agreements within the Family Court system, including the requirement that a proposed arrangement must be in place for at least six months before the Family Court can issue an order to establish the support family and close the neglect case. It also ensures that the parent-child relationship remains intact and allows for modifications to the support family order under certain conditions. Additionally, the legislation introduces provisions for subsidy payments to support family members, mandates the Mayor to issue implementation rules within 120 days, and emphasizes the confidentiality of records while establishing penalties for unlawful disclosure of information regarding the youth involved in these proceedings.