    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 47 (Monday, November 29, 1999)]
    [Pages 2422-2423]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Congressional Action on the ``Foster Care Independence Act
    of 1999''

    November 20, 1999

        Hillary and I are very pleased that the Congress today approved H.R.
    3443, ``Foster Care Independence Act of 1999.'' This legislation helps
    ensure that young people in foster care get the tools they need to make
    the most of their lives. It builds on proposals in my budget to empower
    those leaving foster care by providing them access to health care,
    better educational opportunities, training, housing assistance,
    counseling, and other support and services. We cannot let these young
    people walk their tough road alone.

    [[Page 2423]]

        Each year approximately 20,000 18-year-olds leave our Nation's
    foster care system without an adoptive family or other permanent family
    relationship. Without the emotional, social, and financial support that
    families provide, many of these young people are not adequately prepared
    for life after foster care. Unfortunately, Federal financial support
    ends just as they are making the critical transition to independence.
    This bill addresses that problem and will help these youth in their
    effort to become successful, independent adults.
        I am also pleased that the Act provides additional funds for the
    adoption incentive payments, which are bonuses to the States for
    increasing the number of children adopted from public foster care. This
    additional funding will enable States to receive the full amount of the
    bonuses they have earned through outstanding performance.
        Today's legislation is a fitting tribute to the late Senator John
    Chafee, who was a chief sponsor of the Act. A fierce champion of
    children, Senator Chafee paid particular attention to our Nation's most
    vulnerable young people. I am pleased that the bill renames the
    Independent Living Program in his honor.
        I would also like to thank the House and Senate leadership, as well
    as Representatives Nancy Johnson and Ben Cardin, Chairman William Roth,
    Jr., and Senators Jay Rockefeller, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Charles
    Grassley, John Breaux, James Jeffords, Jack Reed, and Susan Collins for
    their hard work and dedication to this issue. I look forward to signing
    this bill into law.