News Release
Congressional Briefing: Keeping Children Safe and Families Strong in a Tough Economy
May 4, 2009
Contact:
Kathi M. Crowe, MSW, LICSW
Executive Director
National Foster Care Coalition
kcrowe@nationalfostercare.org
202.280.2039
Washington D.C. — Join the National Foster Care Coalition and its partners – the Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services, Casey Family Programs, and the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative – for a Congressional Briefing to discuss the cost of the economic crisis on vulnerable children and the promising efforts underway to safely reduce the need for foster care in America.
Participants will learn about cost-effective strategies and programs that are improving lives and paying big benefits down the road.
Currently, there are nearly half a million children in foster care in the United States. Children at risk of entering foster care are particularly vulnerable to the current economic crisis, yet many states and local governments are struggling to provide the support services necessary to help vulnerable children remain safely in their own homes and communities. At this briefing, you will learn what investments are working to safely reduce the need for foster care while improving the lives of children and families in America.
Briefing and Reception
Panelists include young adults who will share stories about their time in foster care.
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. with reception immediately following
Place: Longworth House Office Building, Room 1100
Special Invited Guests:
The Honorable Max Baucus, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
The Honorable Charles Grassley, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance
The Honorable Jim McDermott, U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee
The Honorable John Linder, U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee
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The National Foster Care Month Partnership is comprised of the following organizations: the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA); the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators, an affiliate of APHSA; the Annie E. Casey Foundation/Casey Family Services; Black Administrators in Child Welfare; Casey Family Programs; Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Child Welfare League of America; Foster Alumni of America; FosterClub; Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative; National Association of Social Workers; National Association of State Foster Care Managers; National CASA; National Foster Care Coalition; National Foster Parent Association; National Indian Child Welfare Association; National Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice and Permanency Planning at the Hunter College School of Social Work; Orphan Foundation of America; and Voices for America's Children.
