Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) recently reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to provide children in pre-placement foster care with better access to essential supplies like clothing, food, and other necessities. The Foster Care Stabilization Act would authorize grants to foster care stabilization agencies to provide emergency relief and improve pre-placement services.
“Children in foster care often face so many hardships. One of the most important things we can do is make sure they receive the full support and care they deserve. Our legislation would authorize new grants to help cover the costs of basic supplies and other resources children transitioning into the foster care system desperately need,” said Senator Fischer.
“Children who are sent into the foster care system do not get to make their own choice and it’s unfortunate there are so many children who have gone to unstable homes. As a foster to adopt parent, I know the Foster Care Stabilization Act will help to reduce trauma that children experience in the foster care system because it would help them receive daily needs such as clothing, food, and safety—things that many of us take for granted but mean so much to a child,” said Representative Bacon.
“We are thankful for our delegations’ dedication and leadership to understanding the trends, needs and problems for today’s at-risk foster child. Our leaders also understand creative solutions are imperative to help stop the tremendous hurtful cycle that the foster care system can attack on a young life,” said Leigh Esau, Executive Director of Nebraska Foster Care Closet.
Background
At any given time, over 4,000 children are in foster care in Nebraska. The transition into foster care can be a difficult experience for children, who often lack basic supplies such as clothes or other personal necessities.
Foster care stabilization agencies address these challenges by providing children with the emergency supplies and assistance they need – restoring dignity to kids entering the foster care system and setting them up for success with their future foster care family. These agencies are non-profits, including community and faith-based organizations.
The Foster Care Stabilization Act would authorize $3 million in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) demonstration grants that could be used to:
- Hire personnel
- Secure clothing or personal necessities for foster youth
- Purchase food and food preparation equipment for foster youth
- Offer services to prevent and respond to child abuse
- Address any other emergency assistance needed to promote the safety and self-sufficiency of foster youth.
Click here to read the text of the bill.