New Adoption Report

A new report on adoption and its interaction with race is out today. The report draws attention to the failing of this nation to find permanent homes for minority children in the foster care system. African American children represent an astounding 32% of all children in the child welfare system despite the fact they only represent 15% of children in the country.

This kind of wide-spread failure to place minority children in permanent homes means policy makers and advocates need to urgently seek out solutions that have proven results. The report identifies the success of Illinois in placing minority children in permanent homes with relatives through subsidized guardianship.

I applaud the report for recommending federal subsidized guardianship as an important avenue to permanency for these children.

Federal subsidized guardianship would allow children another option to exit foster care, while giving relatives the support they need to care for children.

Link to the Report:
http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/MEPApaper20080527.pdf

GU’S THIRD NATIONAL GRANDRALLY A SUCCESS!

On Wednesday, hundreds of grandfamilies gathered at the U.S. Capital to highlight their important role in raising children and their need for help from family, friends, state and national organizations, and elected officials. The event was a wonderful celebration of all the fantastic work grandparents and other relatives are doing raising children. Close to a 1,000 people attend the sun-filled rally. There were a number of wonderful and heartfelt speeches from the speakers.

Kellie Pickler, former “American Idol”, sang and along with other caregivers and young people shared her story of being raised by grandparents and how it “made her the woman she was.”

GU co-sponsored the event with AARP, Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, GrandFamilies of America, and the National Committee of Grandparents for Children’s Rights.

Following the rally, participants met with their legislators to urge supportive policies. Thanks to Jaia, Ken, and Terence for arranging such a heavily attended event!