For Immediate Release
Los Angeles
Washington, D.C. – July 1, 2024 – Kidsave, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding permanent families for older kids in foster care, calls on lawmakers and the community to support Title IV-B, a critical piece of legislation under consideration that aims to improve the foster care system and enhance the well-being of children in need. A comprehensive reauthorization of Title IV-B that includes support for mentoring is necessary to ensure that children in the foster care system receive the resources they need to thrive.
On Wednesday, June 26, the House Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on strengthening child welfare and protecting America’s children. Witnesses testifying at the hearing included Paris Hilton and Tori Hope Petersen who both shared with Congress the importance of mentoring to support young people in foster care.
During the hearing, Rep. Loretta Sanchez highlighted racial disparities that exist for Black and Brown children in the foster care system, who are less likely to be adopted. Her comments echo findings revealed by Kidsave’s 2023 EMBRACE Gallup study which explores Black Americans’ attitudes toward foster care and adoption in the U.S. Notably, this study also found that individuals who mentor are seven times more likely to adopt.
“Title IV-B reauthorization represents a pivotal moment in the efforts to reform our foster care system and advance our nation’s commitment to protecting and nurturing vulnerable children. This legislation will not only expedite the adoption process but also provide much-needed support to foster families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a loving and stable home. Mentoring, which was highlighted by the witnesses, is not only a pathway to permanency but an additional support for young people in foster care who need caring, consistent connections. We urge Congress to include support for mentoring in the reauthorization,” said Randi Thompson, CEO of Kidsave.
“Kidsave extends its gratitude to Chairman Jason Smith and Ranking Member Richard Neal for their leadership and commitment to reauthorizing Title IV-B. This week’s hearing was an important step forward and the brave witnesses amplified the need for more community based support, such as mentoring, to help young people heal and thrive. By championing these reforms, Representatives Smith and Neal are helping to ensure that every child in foster care has the opportunity to grow up in a loving, supportive family environment. Thank you for your tireless efforts to protect and nurture the most vulnerable children in our society,” added Thompson.
For more information about Kidsave and our mission to find permanent families for older kids in foster care, please visit kidsave.org.
About Kidsave
Kidsave is a nonprofit organization committed to finding permanent families and lifelong connections for older kids in foster care. Since its inception, Kidsave has helped thousands of children find loving homes through innovative programs and advocacy efforts. Kidsave’s mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing, supportive family environment.
