    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [June 25, 2003]
    [Page 696]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on the Keeping Children and Families
    Safe Act of 2003
    June 25, 2003

        I commend Congress for passing the Keeping Children and Families
    Safe Act of 2003 and am pleased to sign it into law.
        The act will allow us to strengthen State and community-based
    programs that prevent child abuse and family violence and treat victims.
    In addition, the legislation will help us keep children safe by
    requiring criminal background checks for foster and adoptive parents. It
    also provides additional resources to increase the number of older
    children placed in adoptive families.

    Note: S. 342, approved June 25, was assigned Public Law No. 108-36.