Rep. Steube Leads Bipartisan Effort to Expand Housing for Foster Children
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced today the Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act. This bill permits federal funds to be used on cottage family homes for the purpose of addressing shortfalls in housing for foster children.
“Every son and daughter of America deserves a roof over their head with patient and supportive parents to guide them,” said Rep. Steube. “I am honored to introduce the Create Accountable Respectful Environments for Children Act to expand options for foster youth and improve overall access to care in child welfare.”
This legislation amends Part E of Title IV in the Social Security Act to grant eligibility for federal funds to cottage family homes.
Rep. Steube is co-leading this legislation alongside Representatives Dr. Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and Darren Soto (D-Fla.).
“The Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches program has been highly successful at providing safe, structured, and nurturing environments for vulnerable children,” said Rep. Dr. Dunn. “The Sunshine State is a national leader in providing top-notch programs for children in need, and I’m eager to expand them nationwide. I am proud to join my fellow Floridian, Rep. Steube, in introducing the CARE Act and giving children the support they deserve.”
“The CARE for Children Act aims to create safe, healthy environments for children by promoting capacity-building, keeping sibling groups together, and providing a normalized home and community environment for our youth in Florida,” said Rep. Cammack. “At a time when foster homes are in short supply, this bill ensures that cottage family homes keep children safe, nurtured, and cared for to help them grow into happy, healthy adults. I’m glad to join Rep. Dunn and my Florida colleagues in supporting the CARE Act.”
“It is essential we protect children and give them every opportunity to thrive. The Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act addresses the health, safety, and well-being of youngsters who face difficult challenges,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my colleagues so we can provide children with a normalized home and community environment when times are most difficult.”
“Every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. I’m proud to cosponsor the CARE for Children Act to help address the shortage of foster homes, keep siblings together, and strengthen protections to ensure every child’s safety and well-being,” said Rep. Soto. “Together, we can build a foster care system that puts children first and gives them the supportive environment they need to thrive.”
The CARE for Children Act has the support of The Baptist Children’s Village, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, and the Coalition of Residential Excellence.
“We believe the CARE Act not only expands the number of residential placement resources for children, but at the same time ensures safeguards and accountability to keep children safe. An additional strength of cottage family care is ability to keep sibling groups together. We are grateful that Rep. Steube is sensitive to the unmet needs of children in harm’s way and for the safeguards he has included in this legislation to ensure safety and well-being of children.” —Don Forrester, Executive Director, Coalition of Residential Excellence
“We are grateful for Congressman Steube, Congressman Dr. Dunn, Congresswoman Cammack, Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz and Congressman Soto for seeing the need for safe, stable homes for the children from difficult places. We appreciate their commitment to quality homes that will provide strong foundations and a hope for the future.” —Maria Knapp, President, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc.
“Congress understands that the living conditions of some children require that they be removed and Congress refuses to ignore their plight. The CARE Act reflects Congress’ commitment to these children buy engaging with and providing assistance to the state agencies that are working to provide home environments that are best suited and equipped to serve their unique needs.” —Sean Milner, Executive Director, The Baptist Children’s Village
Read the full bill text here.
