Over the last decade, Iowa has cut the number of children in foster care by more than half. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because Iowa families, faith communities, and local leaders decided no kid should grow up without a place to call home.
What we did: Last week, I sat down with HHS Assistant Secretary for Family Support Alex Adams and Iowa faith leaders at the FAMiLY Leader’s Church Ambassador Network to hear what’s working and how Washington can help more kids find a safe, permanent home.
What we’re doing: We already secured a $5,000 fully refundable Adoption Tax Credit to help more families afford to open their homes. Now I’m leading bipartisan bills to cut the cost of adoption even further and to make sure young people aging out of foster care have a stable place to land instead of a path to homelessness.
Why it matters: When a kid ages out of foster care with no one in their corner, the odds stack against them fast — starting with a roof over their head. As a dad of six, including two daughters Kelly and I adopted, I know what one family in your corner can change. Every child deserves that, and every family willing to open their home deserves the support to do it.
Bottom Line: Iowa is showing the country what works. By getting Washington to see that success firsthand, we can build on what’s working here at home and turn it into help for kids and families nationwide.