Assisting States' Implementation of Plans of Safe Care Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5890. The most recent omnibus legislation increased funding for the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, or CAPTA, by $60 million, and this bill would help States improve their support for infants, children, and families suffering from the opioid epidemic by requiring Health and Human Services to provide guidance to States on how to implement effective plans of safe care.
Pregnant women and young mothers can face seemingly insurmountable challenges when struggling with addiction. I think about Tiffany, whom I met in Oregon. She is from Happy Valley, Oregon, and her struggle with addiction began after she was prescribed medication following a C- section for her third child's birth.
After having to send her kids to live with her mom, she was finally able to access treatment and other support services. She is now clean, in recovery, able to care for her kids again, and, importantly, help others.
We must do everything we can to support moms like Tiffany and provide the necessary resources and care to parents and their children so they can have the opportunity to be reunited.
Although I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, it is important to note that CAPTA, even with the $60 million increase, is not fully funded. Only when CAPTA receives the full amount authorized under law will States be able to meet all requirements and adequately address the needs of children exposed to substance abuse.
Once again, Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage my colleagues to support this important legislation. I want to thank Congressman Garrett and Congresswoman Murphy for their work on the legislation. I also want to thank Chairwoman Foxx for reminding us that we are not just talking about abstract policy. We are talking about real people: men, women, and especially children who are affected by this crisis.
So, again, thank you to the cosponsors of the legislation. I urge its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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