Landrieu Priorities for Vulnerable Children Pass Congress
December 17, 2011
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., founding Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, today announced that the U.S. Congress has passed key provisions for vulnerable children, including the creation of the Families First Pilot Program. This program will provide up to $4.5 million for partner governments to improve their programs for children living outside of family care. These provisions were included in year-end federal funding legislation, which passed the Senate today. It has already passed the House and now must be signed into law by the President.
"Children living outside of a family may be found living on the streets or in institutions, toiling under exploitative labor conditions, or suffering from sexual and other forms of abuse. Today's youth will inherit the world we leave behind, so it is imperative that U.S. investments abroad successfully provide vulnerable children with opportunities to reach their full potential," Sen. Landrieu said. "The Families First Pilot Program will allow the U.S. to partner with foreign countries to improve their child welfare programs, helping children around the world live happier, safer and more productive lives."
The purpose of the Family First Pilot Project is to: