WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-08) recently applauded the passage of his bipartisan legislation, the Recruiting Families Using Data Act, supported by Republicans and Democrats, to improve the recruitment and retention of foster families.
Across the country, there is a shortage of qualified foster parents. Most foster parents stop fostering after a year and many stop fostering after one or two placements. States are currently required to describe how they will recruit foster families that reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of kids in care, known as a diligent recruitment plan, to improve the retainment of foster parents. A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, however, showed many states fail to submit the required information and documentation needed to improve our foster care system.
To help states improve their recruitment efforts, the Recruiting Families Using Data Act makes the diligent recruitment plan requirements more robust and requires states to use a data-driven approach for identifying potential foster parents. Additionally, it would encourage states to provide more opportunities for input from foster parents when creating these plans through foster parent advisory boards.
“As a former social worker, I know how important it is to match at-risk children with a loving home,” said Kildee. “My bill leverages the expertise of the families and youth who know the system best to improve foster care for all. I am thrilled my legislation has passed in the House of Representatives with support from Republicans and Democrats, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to take this bill up as quickly as possible.”
Congressman Kildee has long worked to ensure at-risk youth and families have the resources they need to succeed. Last Congress, Kildee introduced legislation to help foster and homeless youth attend and complete higher education.
