127,000 foster children still waiting to be adopted
In May, approximately 4,245 foster children across the nation will be adopted. Unfortunately, 127,000 remain in the system, still waiting to be adopted into safe, permanent families. The popular, bipartisan Adoption Incentives Act is up for reauthorization in 2008. Created by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (PL 105-89), the program was designed to promote and increase the number of adoptions from foster care when reunification is not possibly by rewarding states that increased adoptions each year. Prior to the program, there were 31,000 adoptions from foster care in 1997. Most recent numbers showed 51,000 adoptions from foster care in 2006, though that number has leveled in recent years. The current award mechanism has limited the number of states eligible to claim the bonuses in recent years, with only 18 states receiving $7 million in incentives in 2006. Approximately $36 million of authorized funds were not awarded in 2006. The program is set to expire September 30, 2008.
May Events and Activities: National Foster Care Month
On May 7, grandparents and relative caregivers from across the country will gather at the U.S. Capitol to participate in the Third National GrandRally. The event is designed to highlight the vital role played by relative caregivers, and to underscore the importance of financial assistance, supports and services in performing this critical duty. Additionally, a Call Congress toll-free number will be between May 6 - 8 to encourage individuals to call their members of Congress and urge support of children and relative caregivers through sponsorship of the Kinship Caregiver Support Bill (H.R. 2188/S. 661). Call 1-800-736-9594.
National CASA Forgotten Children of Foster Care Demonstration
From May 19 - 23 on the National Mall in front of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, National CASA will host a display of 4,250 cardboard cutouts of children, one visually representing each of the children who enter foster care every single day in a week. As part of these events on May 21, FosterClub will convene an event that features former foster youth sharing their experiences and making the case for system reform.
"I Just Wanted to Be Able to Say I Have a Dad"
 Schylar Canfield entered foster care in Montana at age six. He moved 14 times over the next 11 years, until he "aged out" of foster care at 18. Living on his own and working to support himself, Schylar graduated from high school and will graduate this spring from college.Now, at 24, Schylar is finally joining the permanent family he longed for while growing up. Schylar is being adopted by his former music teacher and mentor. He says simply, "I just want to be able to say I have a dad."
Upcoming hearing
On Thursday, May 8, the House Ways and Means Committee's Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support will convene a hearing on the utilization of psychotropic medication for children in foster care. More information on the upcoming hearing can be found here.
Mounting Support in Congress to Help Children Leave Foster Care (H.R. 2188/S.661)
 More than 120 children's advocates from 43 states traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 10 to meet with Congressional representatives about the importance of helping children in foster care have permanent families and to urge them to co-sponsor the Kinship Caregiver Support Act (H.R. 2188/S.661). Rep. Jim McDermott (WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means subcommittee with jurisdiction over foster care, and Representative Danny Davis (IL) kicked off the day by making inspirational remarks to the participants of the National Fly In Day. In all, more than 235 meetings with Congressional members and staff were held. That same day, the Alliance for Children and Families and Generations United presented Congressional leaders with a letter in support of the Kinship Caregiver Support Act which has been signed and endorsed by more than 418 national, state and local organizations.
Want to learn more about current foster care policy discussions?
The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) has a policy blog that focuses on the need for federal foster care reforms. The blog blends current legislative activities with examples of innovative practice underway throughout the nation. NACAC is a Kids Are Waiting campaign partner.
"My Grandmother Has Always Been There for Me"
 "My grandmother is an amazing woman who made a lot of sacrifices for me and my sister. We have a strong connection," says twenty-three year old Janay Swain. A graduate student pursuing a master's degree in social work and an intern with the California Kinship Support Services Program, Janay "has a passion for working with grandparents and other relatives struggling to raise children." This dedication is a direct result of her experience with her grandmother, who raised Janay and her sister when their mother was no longer able to do so.Read more
Welcome American Academy of Pediatrics and Children's Action Network
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Children's Action Network (CAN) have joined the Kids Are Waiting campaign. AAP is a non-profit professional organization of more than 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. And CAN is currently dedicated to finding homes for the more than 114,000 children in the United States who are waiting for an adoptive family, and improving outcomes for the more than 500,000 children in foster care.Click here to unsubscribe |
