But we will do better. We will reach our zero-tolerance goal of responding to every single report of harm. We've also reduced the unacceptable backlog of children stuck too long in foster care. We've found permanent placements for nearly 700 kids over the past two years. But too many children are still lingering behind, so we must keep the pressure on to speed the system up.
Every child deserves a loving, safe, permanent home.
When young Alaskans do get into trouble, we offer them a better chance at rehabilitation. Under my administration, juvenile offenders face tough consequences, but now they can serve their time closer to home. And when it comes to basic financial support for children, we're also doing better. And we' ll seek quick action next session to make sure important child support laws stay on the books. This is all good news, but we can't rest, thinking we've done all we can for the youngest Alaskans.