Political Quotes

“Mr. President, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan first recognized May as National Foster Care Month. Each year since then, the month of May has been recognized as a time to bring awareness to youth in foster care. I thank my colleagues for once again unanimously passing a resolution to recognize the experiences of youth and families in the foster care system and celebrate those who work to improve their lives. Organizations in Iowa and around the country tirelessly serve kids and families in foster care and the foster parents who open their homes to kids in need. I salute these organizations and individuals for their year-round efforts to support the kids most in need. In 2020, there were over 400,000 kids in foster care, including over 4,000 kids in Iowa. During the pandemic, there was a drop in reports of child abuse, as well as entries into foster care and exits from foster care. There were the fewest adoptions from foster care since 2016 with 8,000 fewer children being adopted compared to the previous year. However, Iowa deserves recognition for being one of only nine States to increase adoptions from foster care during 2020. Permanency for youth in foster care is so important, and I am glad that Iowa continued to make this a priority during the pandemic. Older youth in foster care and adults who experienced foster care as a child can speak to what worked for them and what didn't work. These young adults should always have a seat at the table.…”