''Federal Rules Separate Kids from Abusive Families''
The best interest of the child' is the philosophy that should drive child welfare decisions, but the rules that come with federal funding haven't always cooperated.
New Law is Designed to Improve Lives, Outcomes of Nation's Foster Children and Youth
On Tuesday, October 7, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the "Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act." This landmark, bipartisan legislation passed by unanimous consent in the House on September 17, thanks to the leadership of Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Jerry Weller (R-IL) and in the Senate on September 22, due to the efforts of Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Max Baucus (D-MT) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV). The new law represents the most significant reform of the nation's foster care system in more than a decade.
More info''Senate OKs Foster Care Reform; Bush to Get Bill''
Michigan's foster children may get three more years of help from the federal government -- to age 21 -- and aunts, uncles, grandparents and other relative caregivers may be in line, too, for some financial aid.
Landmark Foster Care and Adoption Bill Makes Critical Improvements to Nation’s Foster Care System
The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act passed by Congress today generates significant improvements to the nation’s child welfare system, making it possible for more children to leave foster care quickly and safely to join permanent families. This groundbreaking legislation marks the most sweeping Congressional reform of the U.S. foster care system in more than a decade.
America’s Leading Thinkers Propose Innovative New Ideas for Investing in America’s Children
A selection of America's leading thinkers, including a Nobel laureate, award winning economists, researchers, and other notable experts have come together to provide 22 innovative new proposals for dramatically improving the lives of America's children.
Sen. Grassley Wins Committee Passage of Bill to Help Foster Care Kids Get Permanent, Loving Homes
The Senate Finance Committee today approved legislation first proposed by Senator Chuck Grassley to help move kids in foster care to permanent homes. Grassley urged congressional leaders to find a way to achieve final passage of the legislation before the end of this year's session.
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''A Second Chance for Children''
Children can spend months or years in foster care waiting for a permanent home, particularly those who are older or have special needs. The federal Adoption Incentive Program helps by giving states money to promote adoptions of children in foster care. But the program will expire next month unless Congress acts.
More infoBaucus Announces Markup of Bills to Support Foster Care and Adoption, Fight Elder Abuse, Exploitation
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) announced today that the panel will hold a business meeting on Friday morning to consider three proposals that would support vulnerable children and protect senior citizens. Baucus said the proposals would strengthen and renew adoption incentives and foster care policies, provide resources to prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, and do more to protect patients receiving care in nursing homes.
Improved Adoption Incentives and Relative Guardianship Support Act of 2008 Would Help More Foster Children Find Permanent Homes through Adoption, Guardianship
On Tuesday May 20, 2008, Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa) introduced the Improved Adoption Incentives and Relative Guardianship Support Act of 2008. This new legislation champions permanency for children in foster care by reauthorizing the successful Adoption Incentive Program that encourages states to finalize more adoptions from foster care, ensures that all foster children with special needs can receive vital federal assistance, and provides federal guardianship support for grandparents and other relatives who want to provide a permanent home for the children they are raising.
''Foster Care Should Respect Heritage''
"According to a report by the National Indian Child Welfare Association and Kids Are Waiting, Washington has one of the nation's highest rates of American Indian foster children. While they make up only 2 percent of Washington's child population, American Indians represent 8.4 percent of children in foster care."
More info''Use of Foster Care Down Across State''
"When doctors found fractures in 23-day-old Giosyra Prendes' legs and ribs and evidence of shaken-baby syndrome, Lehigh County child welfare authorities placed her in foster care..."
Kids Are Waiting Urges Congress to Reform Foster Care Financing
On Capitol Hill today, the youth and parents most impacted by the nation's foster care system joined child welfare advocates and others at a Congressional hearing to emphasize that now is the time for federal foster care reform. Convened by the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support of the House Committee on Ways and Means, the hearing featured testimony by Hope Cooper of the national Kids Are Waiting campaign, a project of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
More info''Group Calls for New Look at Abuse Prevention''
Child abuse and neglect cost the U.S. economy more than $104 billion in 2007, according to a new report that calls for more emphasis on prevention programs.
''Studies: 'Money Better Spent Helping Family Than on Foster Care''
Shifting more money to help families -- whose children otherwise would be taken away by social agencies -- would help save on the billions of dollars child abuse costs the country each year, a study released Tuesday shows
More infoChild Abuse and Neglect Cost Nation over $100 Billion per Year
An economic impact analysis released today estimates the costs of child abuse and neglect to society were nearly $104 billion last year, and a companion report highlights the unavailability of federal child welfare funding for programs and services known to be effective at reducing incidences of child abuse and neglect.
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