U.S. Rep. Doggett Awarded a Voices for Adoption 2011 Legislator of the Year for Work on Behalf of Some of Our Most Vulnerable Children

This new law, co-authored by Rep. Doggett, provides assistance to at-risk families, youth and foster children by improving and extending key child welfare programs.  It extends the Promoting Safe and Stable Families and Child Welfare Services programs, and reauthorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to allow states to use federal foster care funds to test innovative, new child welfare programs.   VFA was particularly pleased with two provisions in this new law that ensure foster children have access to stable school environment each time they are in foster care and that States clearly document how they are reinvesting funds into child welfare services, including post-adoption services.   The National Coalition for Child Protection Reform called this Legislation “the biggest change for the better in federal child welfare law in 31 years.”

“Sadly, today in America, 40% of children found to be victims of abuse and neglect do not receive any follow-up or intervention.  Less than half of the children in foster care receive federal assistance to help with their room and board.  Unless more is done over coming years, this gap will only widen,” said Rep. Doggett.  “While I believe this legislation took several worthy steps toward better protecting some of our most vulnerable children, it is going to take a much bigger and better response in the future.  I welcome families and advocacy groups, who are willing to work together to keep kids safe and families together.”

Just a few weeks ago, Rep. Doggett was also named Public Elected Official of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers Texas for his work to advance the cause of social justice for working Texas families through his commitment to health care, public and higher education, civil and human rights, and social practice, in addition to his work as Ranking Member of the Human Resources Subcommittee.  You can view the remarks he made to the audience by clicking here.

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