Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge Introduce the Family Poverty Is Not Child Neglect Act
Washington,
May 7, 2019
Congresswoman Gwen Moore and Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge Introduce the Family Poverty Is Not Child Neglect Act WASHINGTON – Today, Reps. Gwen S. Moore (WI-04) and Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) introduced H.R. 2535, the Family Poverty is Not Child Neglect Act. The bill prohibits the use of federal funds to rip families apart solely based on poverty. “The condition of impoverishment should never be used as justification for tearing children from their parent's arms," said Congresswoman Moore. "The vast majority of children end up in the child welfare system not because of abuse but because of symptoms of poverty that officials categorize as neglect. Instead of separating children from their parents, we need to strengthen Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other essential programs that enable families to maintain basic living standards and stay together.” “Far too often, child welfare investigations are opened over accusations of neglect, when in fact, families are doing everything they can to survive,” said Congresswoman Fudge. “Parents do not deserve to have their children taken away because they lack the means or the resources to adequately care for their families. I am proud to co-introduce this legislation with Rep. Moore to ensure child protective service agencies will never again allow children to be separated from their parents on the basis of poverty.” “The trauma caused by separating a child from their parents is well-documented, yet removals based solely on poverty continue to rise,” said Andrew C. Brown, co-chair of United Family Advocates. “By preventing federal funds from being used to separate families for issues rooted in poverty, this bill promotes stronger families and protects the fundamental right children have in their relationships with their parents.” “Studies show, and child and family advocates agree, that foster care should be used only when less intrusive means fail,” said Diane Redleaf, co-chair of United Family Advocates. “When poverty is the cause for child protection intervention, concrete services to help families are a much better approach than family separation.” The Family Poverty is Not Child Neglect Act was originally introduced in the 115th Congress by Rep. Moore. The bill is endorsed by United Family Advocates, a bipartisan, interdisciplinary coalition with the goal of reforming child welfare policy. |
