Press Releases

Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-Chairs Commemorate May As National Foster Care Month
May 1, 2018
Press Release
WASHINGTON— Today, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, Reps. Karen Bass (D-CA), Tom Marino (R-PA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Diane Black (R-TN), and Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), issued the following statement recognizing May as National Foster Care Month.
 
“National Foster Care Month is a month to honor the successes and challenges of the more than 400,000 foster youth across the country and to acknowledge the tireless efforts of those who work to improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system.
Congressional Caucus On Foster Youth And The Bipartisan Heroin Task Force Host Dinner On Effects Of The Opioid Epidemic On The Child Welfare System
November 30, 2017
Press Release

WASHINGTON – This week, the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force teamed up to host a dinner highlighting the effects that the opioid epidemic has had on the country’s child welfare system. This epidemic has impacted countless lives throughout the country and has already had a specifically insidious impact on children.

Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth Co-Chairs Endorse Bipartisan Child Welfare Package
June 15, 2017
Press Release

WASHINGTON— Today, the Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth endorsed five bipartisan bills that were previously provisions of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the 114th Congress.

Teen Vogue: How Foster Youth Shadow Day Helped Me Find Peace
June 14, 2017
Press Release

In this op-ed, Ruth Contreras-Arnold explains what it's like to be in the foster care system, and how a day on Capitol Hill empowered her.

Tri County Sentry: Rep. Bass, Bipartisan Congressional Caucus On Foster Youth Host 100+ Foster Youth For 6th Annual Shadow Day
June 2, 2017
Press Release

WASHINGTON - Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth (CCFY) hosted more than 100 current and former foster youth from across the country as part of the 6th Annual Foster Youth Shadow Day in Washington, D.C. Every year, the event allows youth to share their experiences in foster care directly with Member of Congress to help inform and improve child welfare policy. This year’s group came from more than 36 states including Hawaii and Alaska.

Beverly Press: Congress Members Help Foster Youth On Annual 'Shadow' Day
June 1, 2017
Press Release

WASHINGTON - Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) and the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth hosted more than 100 current and former foster youth as part of the 6th annual Foster Youth Shadow Day in Washington, D.C.

Every year, the event allows youth to share their experiences in foster care directly with members of Congress to help inform and improve child welfare policy. This year’s group came from more than 36 states.

Daily Courier Observer: SUNY Potsdam Student Job Shadows Congressman
May 30, 2017
Press Release
[Description of Photo in Article] Sabrina Petrie of De Kalb spent time job shadowing Rep. Paul D.Tonko on Wednesday as part of Foster Youth Shadow Day. Ms. Petrie, 25, is a history major at SUNY Potsdam. Starting in August, she will be participating in a service year with the Episcopal Service Corps Program. She has previously been involved in Fosterclub’s All-Star Program, which she credits with helping her develop leadership skills and learn how to advocate for foster children. Read the full article here: http://www.mpcourier.com/dco/suny-potsdam-student-job-shadows-congressman-20170529
Roll Call: Foster Youth Rub Shoulders With Lawmakers, Bring Change
May 27, 2017
Press Release
Michael Rogalski spent five years living in foster care. Rep.
Washington Examiner: Karen Bass: When We Put Kids In Foster Care 'We Become The Parents'
May 26, 2017
Press Release
Rep. Karen Bass, D-Calif., on Wednesday said government essentially becomes "the parents" when it puts children in foster care, and then "washes our hands of them" once they turn 18. "Any time a foster youth falls through the cracks, then the government is really responsible because when we remove children from their parents, we — meaning the government — then we become the parents, we are responsible for them," Bass said on the House floor.
LA Times: Foster Kids Spend The Day Shadowing California Members Of Congress
May 25, 2017
Press Release

WASINGTON - Leonardo Jimenez, 21, of Los Angeles said after a lifetime in foster care, he never expected to have his congresswoman speak his name on the House floor, or to become a part of the historical record of the United States.

On Wednesday, Rep. Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) spoke about Jimenez and the more than 100 other young people participating in the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Program in a speech on the House floor.