“We have worked together actively on this bill. We have taken into account some differences and sought common ground. We have done so because of our strong common belief that one of the best things we can do for our children is to make sure we are raising them in safe, loving, and stable homes. We have seen how foster care has been a critical tool to keep abused and neglected children safe - but it is important that we only use foster care when it is absolutely necessary.
“If we can work with families to address the challenges they face so kids can stay with their parents or other family members, research has shown it is better for both parents and children. It is also better for our nation’s foster care system, which struggles to find and support enough foster homes throughout the country.
“Despite all we know about what we need to do to improve our foster care system, federal funding has been stacked against prevention. Less than 10 percent of federal funding that goes to support abused and neglected children is dedicated to helping families and preventing abuse and neglect. The vast majority of the funding is only available after a child is placed into foster care.
“That is why this bill is so important - it would help families before a child would go into foster care. It provides substance abuse treatment for parents, supports efforts to improve parenting skills, and expands access to mental health care.
“This bill is a much-needed step forward to strengthen our child welfare system for the long term. It would have been preferable to have started it earlier. Also, the current child welfare crises we see in many states today indicates that it will be important to provide additional monies as all states adequately address needs.
“The importance of this step forward is reflected in the comments of support from child advocacy groups:
“Marian Wright Edelman from the Children’s Defense Fund: ‘Today I offer CDF’s full support of the proposed Family First Prevention Services Act. It take historic and long overdue steps to direct federal child welfare dollars to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.’
“American Academy of Pediatrics: ‘This bill represents a pivotal opportunity for a major policy shift that moves away from placing children in out-of-home care and toward keeping families together.’
“Voice for Adoption: ‘Today I offer Voice for Adoption’s full support of the proposed Family First Prevention Services Act.’
“North American Council on Adoptable Children: ‘The North American Council on Adoptable Children is pleased to support the Family First Prevention Services Act.’
“And many more organizations have expressed similar support for the bill.
“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to continue to do what’s right for kids."
