Rudy Yakym: “I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Supporting America's Children and…”

“I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Supporting America's Children and Families Act, which updates key child welfare programs for the first time since 2008. That includes reducing the paperwork burden for States and caseworkers, improving training and technology available to caseworkers, strengthening support systems for grandparents and other relatives who become primary caregivers, and providing better services for those aging out of foster care. When I was board chair for the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, I saw firsthand the difference programs of all types make in putting at-risk youth on a path to success and keeping them on it. That involves treating each child as an individual, not just another number, and assessing their unique circumstances and needs. This takes more work, but it ensures the best result for the child, their family, and their communities. I thank Mr. LaHood, Mr. Davis, Chairman Smith, and Ranking Member Neal for their bipartisan work on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''”