Share this
Twitter
Myspace
Digg
Del.icio.us
Reddit
Slashdot
Furl
Yahoo
Technorati
Newsvine
Facebook
Export PDF
Print
E-mail
Tags
State risks losing $123 million in funding by not complying with new federal
BY ERIC KILLELEA
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Primarily sponsored by Senators Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex, and Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex, and co-sponsored by Jennifer Beck, R-Mercer and Monmouth, a proposed measure, (S-1333), would comply with a new federal law, known as the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act. If New Jersey fails to comply with the federal law, the state risks losing up to $123 million in federal funding.
"The measure would create a presumption that children in foster care will remain in their home school, unless it is against their best interest to do so," said director of policy and communications Nancy Parello with the Office of The Child Advocate. "The goal is to improve these children's education, not have them struggle academically, or fall behind their peers."
The foster parent's district is currently responsible for the child's education. The proposed measure would change New Jersey's school residency laws to make a parent's school district responsible for a child's education when he enters foster care."We urge the Legislature to act swiftly to pass this legislation promoting school stability and improving the chances of academic success for children in foster care," said First Assistant Child Advocate Joe Suozzo.
Survey
On March 4, the Office of the Child Advocate presented a Senate panel with a supporting survey: conducted from May to October 2009, the survey collected nearly 650 responses from people who work closely with children in foster care; this includes resource patients, and social service providers. 61 percent of survey respondents were in support of the measure. 19 percent opposed. The rest had no opinion.
The need to improve child services
When asked her opinion of measure, (S-1333), Children's Rights Associate Director Susan Lambiase said, "We are supportive of child stability."
Children's Rights, a child advocacy group, filed a class action against New Jersey in 1999 seeking improvements on the state's child welfare system. Lambiase is the lead on New Jersey's case.
A 2003 agreement failed to produce positive results. As a result, in 2006, "Children's Rights and co-counsel Drinker Biddle & Reath reached a new agreement with state officials, mandating sweeping reforms and resulting in DCF's creation. The case is known as Charlie and Nadine H. v. Corzine," according to the group's web site.
"The DCF (Department of Children and Families) is not there yet, but they are getting there," said Lambiase.
In January 2010, Federal monitor Judith Metzer issued a 162-page report highlighting areas in which the DCF has maintained good results: according to Children's Rights, "Children are safer [the state has reduced the rate of abuse and neglect], Children in foster care are being kept together with their siblings and place in family-like settings, fewer children in foster care are being placed out of state, and child welfare workers are better-trained and carrying lighter caseloads."
The group also described areas in which the DCF must improve their efforts: "DCF must improve health care for children in foster care, DCF must improve visitation for children in foster care [including face-to-face visits from the caseworkers responsible for monitoring kid's safety], [and] that DCF must better engage vulnerable children and families in critical decision-making about their future."
"Our reform is on track," said DCF worker Lauren Kidd. "Every child in resource was assigned to a nurse, who is in charge of managing their healthcare case. 99 percent of children entering the foster care system received pre-placement assessment."
There is urgency with this measure; for its impact on foster care, and the state's need to comply with Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act.
The monitor is due to release her new report every six months.
"We are always in need of progress," said Kidd. "We are concerned with what's best for the children — permanency and stability for every child."
