Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I am also pleased to join with my partner on the Senate Finance Committee in producing bipartisan legislation that gives States increased flexibility to improve the lives of children and youth. The legislation we will introduce today is the product of many months of work and is the result of an open and transparent process bringing together relevant stakeholders. The Committee has heard from the state groups, the advocacy community and most importantly, youth both in and out of the foster care system. Young people in ``Foster Club,'' have a saying: ``Nothing about us, without us.'' We have taken their motto to heart and the legislation we are introducing today reflects years of input for youth in and out of foster care. I agree with the Chairman of the Finance Committee when he characterized the State Child Welfare Innovation Act as another step on the pathway to comprehensive child welfare reform. Comprehensive child welfare reform is desperately needed. The current financing system is antiquated, relying on an income eligibility proxy dating back to pre-welfare reform standards. The majority of Federal support goes to the least desirable outcome: the placement of a child or youth into foster care. Federal priorities should be aligned so that States are able to keep families together, safely. But financing reform is not enough. The underlying foster care system needs to be improved. Often times when children enter foster care, siblings are separated.…”