Congressional cooperation gratifying
Cincinnati Enquirer – In this age of rancor between the parties over budget issues, it was gratifying that leadership in both houses put aside politics last week to support the best interests of children and passed the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act. On behalf of Public Children Services Association of Ohio, representing the 88 public child welfare agencies serving 106,000 children and families in Ohio s child protection system, we congratulate both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate in the passage of this critical legislation.
The Act reauthorizes, at current levels, both the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services program, providing federal funds targeted at prevention and early intervention. It also authorizes additional Title IV-E Waivers similar to those Ohio has used to lead the nation in the safe reduction of the number of children in out-of-home care.
It should be noted that Ohio’s entire delegation with the exception of two members supported this important bill. Congressman Pat Tiberi was a cosponsor, and Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman were very supportive in the Senate process. This cost-neutral legislation will continue to help our children remain safe and support our families as they struggle in these times of uncertainty. PCSAO is proud to have a Congressional delegation of members who put children first.
