Sioux City Times

Jan 23 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at supporting foster families and children, originally introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull). The bill seeks to address the shortage of foster families and the challenges faced in retaining them in states like Iowa.

Rep. Feenstra, a father of four and a strong advocate for children's welfare, expressed his belief that every child deserves a safe and loving home. He highlighted the unfortunate reality that many vulnerable children in the foster care system lack a permanent family.

"As a father of four and a Christian, it is my firm belief that every child deserves a safe, loving home in our country. Unfortunately, many vulnerable children in our foster care system lack a family that they can call their own due to a shortage of foster families and a nationwide inability to retain generous families willing to foster. That must change," said Rep. Feenstra.

The passage of this bill in the U.S. House of Representatives demonstrates Rep. Feenstra's commitment to uplifting children and finding suitable homes for every child in the foster care system. He emphasized the need for the right tools and resources to end this crisis and ensure that every child can pursue their dreams with a loving support system.

The legislation focuses on helping states improve their processes for identifying, recruiting, and retaining qualified foster homes. It aims to uphold and strengthen diligent recruitment plans by providing concrete facts and information. Additionally, the bill establishes family advisory boards to disseminate best practices, address financial and emotional obstacles faced by foster families, and keep foster families at the center of systematic changes and improvements.

This legislation marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by foster families and children in the United States. By providing the necessary support and resources, it aims to create a better future for children in the foster care system.

The full legislative text can be found HERE.

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