Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore and her fellow co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth released the following statement ahead of this year’s Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day:
“Foster Youth Shadow Day is a wonderful, enriching opportunity for both members of Congress and foster youth delegates, who receive an inside look at the U.S. House of Representatives while advocates serving in Congress gain valuable firsthand insight into the child welfare system. Having participated in past year’s Shadow Days, I know these experiences and conversations have helped shape me as a person and inform me as a lawmaker. The Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth was created to help spearhead policies to support and lift up foster youth across the country. As the Caucus Chairwoman, I am especially thrilled to lead this unique tradition, and I am grateful for the full support of my fellow co-chairs in securing this year’s opportunity for all Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth’s members to learn from our youth,” said Chairwoman Gwen Moore (D-WI).
“Foster Youth Shadow day is an opportunity for us to hear firsthand from foster youth,” said Co-Chairman Don Bacon (R-NE). “It is a joy to host this day with the Foster Caucus co-Chair Rep. Moore and bring these kids to Congress so that they know they are heard. Our family adopted our two foster kids, so it is my hope that these children know that they have advocates in Congress.”
“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, it’s so important to me that input from current and former foster youth is incorporated in our work to ensure that our policies and programs are responsive to their unique needs and challenges.” Said Co-Chairwoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA). “That’s why I’m excited to join my fellow Co-Chairs in facilitating Foster Youth Shadow Day on Capitol Hill to connect former foster youth from across the country directly with Members of Congress so their voices are heard.”
“Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day is a great chance to highlight the love and compassion kids in the foster system deserve. We look forward to hosting a remarkable former foster care child for the day on Capitol Hill. This initiative embodies the power of empathy and understanding as we work to uplift and support foster youth. By opening the doors of Congress to them, we are giving them a firsthand experience of our democratic process and empowering their voices. Together, we can create a brighter future for all foster youth by ensuring their perspectives are heard and their needs are met,” said Co-Chairwoman Nancy Mace (R-SC).
“Our nation’s foster youth depend on us to act in their best interest. It is important that Congress work to pass legislation to reform our foster care system and provide our children with the critical resources and support they deserve,” said Co-Chairwoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA). “As a Co-Chair of the Foster Youth Caucus, I am glad to take part in the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day. I look forward to spending time with our foster youth, hearing their stories, and discussing the issues that are important to them. I will always be an advocate for our kids and will continue working with my colleagues to introduce bipartisan legislation that supports our youth and ensures safe and loving homes for them.”
“As the father of two children who my wife and I recently adopted through the foster care system, I know how critical opportunities like this are for kids who are in foster care,” said Co-Chairman Zach Nunn (R-IA). “The Foster Youth Shadow Day will also raise awareness and help more members of Congress understand the importance of the foster care system and the improvements that need to be made. I recently introduced legislation to help more families be able to afford the adoption process. Together, we can help improve the lives of more than 400,000 children in foster care.”
There are more than 407,000 children and youth in foster care. The Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth is committed to addressing the needs of foster youth and making improvements to the child welfare system through federal policy.
Foster Youth Shadow Day is the annual event which pairs foster youth with Members of Congress for a day. Participants have the opportunity to shadow lawmakers and gain a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative processes and decision-making while also having the opportunity to discuss and share their viewpoints and experiences. This immersive event allows the former foster youth to connect with Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, and their peers.
