WASHINGTON DC (March 13, 2019) — Prepared floor remarks by Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley of Iowa, Co-Chairman, Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth:
May is National Foster Care Month.
Due to the opioid crisis and other substance-abuse issues plaguing communities in Iowa and across the country, the number of kids in foster care is rapidly rising.
In 2017, there were 443,000 kids in care; 96,000 entered foster care because of parental substance abuse.
These families need help.
That’s why Congress passed the Family First Prevention Services Act, which will allow states to receive federal reimbursement for services to keep kids with their parents.
These services include substance abuse treatment programs.
