[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 19 (Monday, May 17, 1999)]
[Page 886]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Proposed Legislation To Assist Young People Leaving the 
Foster Care System

May 13, 1999

    Hillary and I are pleased that Representatives Nancy Johnson and Ben 
Cardin today introduced important legislation to assist the 
approximately 20,000 young people who leave our Nation's foster care 
system each year at age 18 without an adoptive family or other permanent 
family relationship. Today, Federal financial support for these young 
people ends just as they are making the critical transition to 
independence. Without the emotional, social, and financial support that 
families provide, many of these youth are not adequately prepared for 
life on their own.
    I believe that we have a responsibility to ensure that these young 
people have the tools they need to make the most of their lives. That is 
why my budget request includes significant new investments to provide 
them with access to health care and help them to earn a high school 
diploma, further their education or vocational training, and learn daily 
living skills such as budgeting, career planning, and securing housing 
and employment. Today, Representatives Johnson and Cardin have moved 
this issue forward. I am committed to working with them and other 
Members of Congress in the months ahead to enact meaningful and fiscally 
responsible legislation to enable these young people to live up to their 
God-given potential.