Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) has spearheaded a bipartisan bill to expand housing for children in America's foster care system.
Named the Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act, Rep. Steube's bill amends Part E of the Social Security Act, which covers federal assistance to state-level foster care and adoption systems, to authorize federal funding of cottage family homes to address 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 in his press release, adding, "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."
Cosponsoring the bill with Steube are Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL).
"The Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches program has been highly successful at providing safe, structured, and nurturing environments for vulnerable children," Rep. Dunn said. "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."
Similarly, Rep. Cammack said, "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."
"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," Rep. Cammack added.
Rep. Soto emphasized how "Every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home." Thus he is "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. Together, we can build a foster care system that puts children first and gives them the supportive environment they need to thrive."
Finally, Rep. Wasserman Schultz stated, "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. 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."
