For Immediate Release Monday, July 19, 2004
Contact: Gina Russo, The Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care, 202.687.0697

On behalf of the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care, I commend Chairman Herger for introducing legislation today intended to address many long-standing problems in federal financing of the child welfare system. His legislation advances a very important discussion in Congress about how the federal government and states can work together to keep children safe and move them quickly from foster care to safe, permanent families.

I am pleased that several provisions in this bill are consistent with the recommendations of the Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care. As Congress proceeds, the Commission welcomes the opportunity to continue to discuss its set of proposals for reforming federal financing of child welfare and strengthening court oversight of children in foster care.

Again, I commend Chairman Herger for advancing this discussion and look forward to providing any assistance his Subcommittee may request.