[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 41 (Thursday, March 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 STATEMENT ON BILL TO APPROVE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS DESIGNED TO TEST 
         INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN STATE CHILD WELFARE PROGRAMS

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                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2011

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, today, I reintroduced legislation that 
would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to grant State 
waivers from certain Federal requirements under the foster care and 
adoption programs, so States can test innovative strategies to serve 
children better. Representative Geoff Davis (R-KY) is an original 
cosponsor of the bill. The legislation is identical to the bill I 
introduced in September 2010, which passed the House last fall by voice 
vote. Child welfare waivers will allow interested States to test 
interventions that help children and families, but they are only a 
first step toward the comprehensive child welfare financing reform that 
began with the Fostering Connections Act of 2008. Additional resources 
and improvements are needed to ensure we provide critical services to 
all children and families at risk.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to achieve this important goal.

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