At Kidsave, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving, and supportive family. That’s why our Founder and CEO, Randi Thompson, has joined 383 other national, state, tribal, and local organizations in signing a letter to Congress, advocating for the preservation and enhancement of essential health and human services programs that support children and families.

Addressed to Senate and House leadership, the letter underscores the importance of federal programs that strengthen families, prevent unnecessary foster care placements, and assist older youth transitioning out of care. With nearly 600,000 children experiencing foster care annually and over 100,000 waiting to be adopted, it is critical that we ensure the continuity of federal child welfare programs and family support services.

Millions of families, including those served by Kidsave, rely on vital services funded by the federal government, such as Medicaid, the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These programs play a crucial role in keeping families together, addressing health and mental health needs, and preventing unnecessary foster care placements.

  • Medicaid provides healthcare to nearly half of all children in the U.S., covering medical and mental health services essential for youth in foster care and children at risk of entering the system.
  • SSBG funds critical child welfare services, including kinship care support, abuse prevention, and family-centered substance use treatment.
  • TANF helps families in crisis avoid economic hardships that can lead to child welfare involvement, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary foster care placements.
  • SNAP ensures that children and families have access to adequate nutrition, a key factor in preventing neglect and promoting family stability.

As Congress evaluates potential changes to these programs, Kidsave and our partners urge lawmakers to engage with children, youth, and families who have experienced the foster care system firsthand. Their voices are essential in shaping policies that genuinely meet the needs of those they aim to serve.

We appreciate Congress’s ongoing bipartisan efforts to improve outcomes for children and families. By prioritizing investments in prevention and family-focused support, we can create a future where fewer children enter foster care and more grow up in permanent, loving families.

Kidsave remains committed to fighting for every child’s right to a permanent, loving family. We encourage our supporters to raise awareness and advocate for policies that give every young person a voice and a choice and strengthen families.

To learn more and get involved, visit www.kidsave.org.