Angie Craig: “I rise today to mark the 100th anniversary of the Children's Home Society of Idaho. For the past century this…”

“I rise today to mark the 100th anniversary of the Children's Home Society of Idaho. For the past century this organization has served Idaho's abandoned, abused and neglected children, first as an orphanage, and now as a counseling and foster care support system. Through the efforts of this remarkable organization, tens of thousands of lives have been touched and changed for the better. Over the past 4 years, I have become acquainted with the society's newest program, ``The Bridge.'' This program is a partnership with the Junior League of Boise, Inc., and the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. It was created to address the crisis Idaho and the rest of the nation are facing with an abundance of children entering foster care, and a lack of homes providing the care those children so desperately need and deserve. ``The Bridge'' is now helping Idaho to meet its obligation to these children by bringing the State into compliance with federal mandates and by leading the way for significant foster care reform. As an adoptive father who is familiar with the trials and challenges of the foster care system, I commend the Children's Home Society of Idaho for its contribution to America's children and families and am honored today to mark this important milestone.”