Lawmakers OK Measure to Revamp Foster Care System

WASHINGTON — Congress gave final passage Thursday to a measure aimed at reducing bureaucratic roadblocks that contribute to neglected and abused children languishing in foster care rather than being adopted.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. John H. Chafee (R-R.I.), was touted by its supporters as the first major policy change in federal regulations for the nation’s foster care system in almost two decades.

The bill directs states to move more quickly in transferring children from foster care into permanent families. And in a break from current practices that stress returning children to their biological parents--even in cases in which the youths could be imperiled--the measure would place primary emphasis on a child’s safety and well-being in placement decisions.

“This historic bill seeks to shorten the time a child must wait to be adopted, all the while ensuring that wherever a child is placed, his or her safety and health will be the first concern,” Chafee said Thursday.

He predicts that the measure could affect an estimated 500,000 youngsters who are living away from their biological parents.

Sen. John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV (D-W. Va.) said: “This legislation will fundamentally and positively shift the focus of the current foster care system by insisting, for the first time in federal law, that a child’s health and safety and the opportunity to find a loving, permanent home should be the paramount considerations when a state child welfare agency makes any decision regarding the well-being of an abused and neglected child.”

The bill, which enjoyed widespread bipartisan support, was approved by the House, 406 to 7, while the Senate passed it in a voice vote. President Clinton has expressed support for the bill and is expected to sign it quickly.

The measure would provide cash incentives for states to reduce the number of children in foster care--a $4,000 bonus for each adoption above current levels. The payment would rise to $6,000 for each adoption of a child with special needs.

Further, it would promote the adoption of special-needs children by ensuring health insurance coverage for such youths.

The legislation would “alleviate a monumental crisis in our nation--the tragedy of neglected, abused and forgotten children . . . [and] go a long way toward improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of abused and neglected children,” Chafee said.

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The measure specifically would add “safety of the child” to every step of the case plan and review process used by state officials in dealing with children in foster care.

Under a law enacted in 1980, states must make “reasonable efforts” to reunite children in foster care with their biological parents before proceeding with possible adoptions. Chaffee’s bill gives states more flexibility in determining what constitutes such “reasonable efforts.”

The measure also would direct states to cut by one-third--to 12 months from the current 18 months--the time children must wait in foster care before a permanent plan is developed for their placement.

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Times staff writer Edwin Chen contributed to this story.