On Tuesday, August 2, 2022, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced S. 4725, which would amend Titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social Security Act. This bill makes important improvements to federal policy and aligns with three of CHAMPS’ policy goals:
1) implementation of data-driven foster and adoptive parent recruitment and retention practices,
2) prioritizing placements with family members and other family connections, and
3) engaging foster parents in decision-making.
See the campaign’s summary of the bill here
For advocates seeking to promote this bill or other steps to strengthen family-based foster care, see this new series of state fact sheets about placements types of children and youth in foster care. The fact sheets will help inform discussions about how to ensure every child in foster care has the most family-like setting possible.
See here for a letter of support for the bill from family-based organizations around the country. If your organization is interested in signing on, please see this Google form with all the details.