H.R. 3380, Guardianshipt Assistance Promotion and Kinship Support Act: to Promote Safe and Stable Homes for All Children in Foster Care
H.R. 3380, GUARDIANSHIP ASSISTANCE PROMOTION AND KINSHIP SUPPORT ACT: TO PROMOTE SAFE AND STABLE HOMES FOR ALL CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 08, 2006)
SPEECH OF
HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2006
* Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, across the country, there are more than 6 million children living with their grandparents, aunts, uncles or other relatives. In my State of Illinois, 9 percent of the children live with nonparent relatives. Children enter relative care for many reasons: death of a parent, neglect, abuse, military deployment, or poverty. But regardless of the reason, every child deserves a safe home and an opportunity for a good life. I commend grandparents and other relatives who step forward to care for children, keeping them out of foster care while providing safe, stable homes, often at great personal sacrifice. Supportive programs like subsidized guardianship help children exit foster care into the permanent care of nurturing relatives.
* Recently, the Pew Commission on Children and Foster Care noted that permanent guardians offer the best hope and future for many of these children. After extensive study, the Pew Commission recommended permanent guardians receive financial assistance in the form of subsidized guardianship. A 2004 study by the University of Illinois showed that States with federally funded subsidized guardianship through IV-E waivers are much more effective in both reducing their foster care rolls and achieving permanence. Subsidized guardianship provides the financial support to make it possible for relative caregivers to provide a permanent and loving home for children, while giving guardianship to the relative instead of the State.
* The Guardianship Assistance Promotion, GAP, Act, H.R. 3380, introduced by my colleague Representative DANNY K. DAVIS, is designed to support children living with legal guardians by allowing subsidized guardianship and expanding eligibility to children who are eligible for foster care payments. I urge my colleagues to join this important effort to encourage safe and permanent homes for children in foster care.
* Grandparents and other relative caregivers are often the best chance for a loving and stable childhood for the children in their care, but their hard work and dedication often go unnoticed. Today, I offer my deep appreciation for the ongoing service of these caregivers to our children.
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