Greetings Advocates,
Congress is in recess until after the November elections. When they return, one bill that has the possibility of getting over the finish line is S. 1313 – the Recruiting Families Using Data Act sponsored by Senators Grassley (R-IA) and Hassan (D-NH). It is an identical companion bill to H.R. 3058 which has already passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support – thanks to Reps Kildee (D-MI) and Feenstra (R-IA).
Passage in the Senate would enact this important bill, but the Senate needs to hear from all of you.
The legislation is thoughtfully drafted to updated federal policy on ‘diligent recruitment’ and help agencies across the country meet the significant challenges they’re experiencing in recruiting, supporting, training and retaining families to care for children in foster care.
Please see the form at https://tinyurl.com/4e9av7vy for more detailed information about the bill and where you can sign onto a Letter to Congress expressing support.
The letter highlights reasons why this bill is urgently needed:
Children coming into foster care should not be staying in hotels, agency offices, or AirBnbs.
Federal policy on foster parent recruitment and retention is out-of-date and out-of-step with best practices.
S. 1313 reinforces the best practice of kinship care.
S. 1313 builds on state examples of data-driven approaches of what works
Children in foster care have been exposed to trauma and understandably have complex social and emotional challenges. Family-based care is vital to their healing, health and well-being.
Solutions are achievable.
Learn more at: https://tinyurl.com/4e9av7vy
Action Needed! S 1313 – the Recruiting Families Using Data Act, Submit Your Support
