Obviously, that leaves tens of thousands of kids in limbo every year. For the first time in 17 years, Congress is studying the nation's public foster care system. Set up to serve as a temporary, emergency situation for children, the foster care system has turned into a lifestyle for many kids. Meanwhile, the federal government pumps billions of dollars into a system that lacks genuine accountability. And instead of encouraging states to increase adoptions, the current system serves to reward long-term foster care arrangements.
Reform is needed to help place more children in a safe, permanent home.
We need to remove barriers that keep kids in temporary situations. Most children want the permanency provided through adoption. That's why it's important that reform efforts address the circumstances of special needs children. Bipartisan legislation moving through the Senate takes good steps towards real reform. I can proudly say that Iowa serves as a role model for adoption promotion.