SC Nebraska News

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) released a statement today following the Committee on Ways and Means' passage of bipartisan legislation that includes policy from his bill with Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) aimed at improving child welfare services.

“Our children are our future. Reviewing the experiences of Americans served by state and federal child welfare programs and taking every step we can to improve outcomes is one of the most impactful things we do on the Committee on Ways and Means," said Smith. "I am glad the long-overdue package we advanced out of the committee today included my bill to ensure these programs are more informed by and accountable to the people they serve. I will continue to support these reforms as the legislative process continues.”

In June, Smith and Moore introduced H.R. 8815, the Youth and Family Engagement in Child Welfare Act. The bill would require states to consult with youth and families with lived experience in child welfare services when developing their state child welfare plans under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. They would also be required to publicly report their suggestions and how the state has implemented them.