WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman Jim McDermott (D-WA) delivered the following statement today at an Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee hearing entitled, “The Implementation of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act."
“One year ago Congress passed the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. The basic premise of the law is that foster children need the same things to succeed that all children need - a safe home, a caring family, a good education, and access to health care.
“And yet the foster care system too often unnecessarily disrupts connections to the home, family and school.
“Whether it is expecting foster children to go it alone at the age of 18, or denying assistance to grandparents who become legal guardians, or unnecessarily displacing children from their schools, or separating them from their siblings.
“The result is to sever or reduce the links that foster children need to successfully navigate their way to adulthood.
“With Fostering Connections, Congress acted on a bi-partisan basis to address these issues in a positive, proactive way.
“Recently, our subcommittee has heard that the timing of the legislation presents challenges for the States given the recession and the havoc it has played on State budgets.
“While I understand the harsh budget realities faced by nearly every State, I also know that children in foster care cannot wait for a time when reform is convenient.
“All of us have a responsibility for foster children and we need to squarely meet that obligation. I therefore look forward to hearing from our witnesses about the implementation of the law’s new options and requirements.
“The committee is particularly interested in learning how States have extended support to grandparents and other relatives who wish to act as legal guardians for foster youth.
“We also are interested in hearing how States intend to extend foster care services up to the age of 21, as well extend other supports to older youth.
“Furthermore, we would like to know if States have fulfilled the new requirements related to providing greater oversight of the health care and educational needs of all foster children, placing siblings together whenever possible, and notifying relatives within 30 days of a child’s removal from their biological home.
“Additionally, we are interested in learning about the experiences of those tribal governments who are planning to operate their own tribal child welfare program, as well as those that are considering such a move.
“Finally, we look forward to learning about the impact of the law on promoting and increasing the number of children adopted out of the foster care system.
"The Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act was landmark legislation. It included a number of policy changes and reforms without adding one penny to the Federal deficit. The legislation represents the best of Congress.
“It shows what can be achieved when both sides come together to work in good faith to address a problem. There are certainly other challenges in the foster care system that demand more of this vision, energy and commitment.
“I look forward to hearing from all of our witnesses today and now yield to Mr. Linder for any opening comments that he may wish to give."
